5 Dietes bicolor Seeds - Indigenous South African Perennial Bulb - Combined Global Shipping
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Product information
Dietes bicolor Seeds
Yellow Wild Iris, Peacock Flower; Uintjie, Poublom
Dietes is a small perennial rhizomatous genus in the Iridaceae family with about 6 accepted species. Common names include Wood Iris, Fortnight Lily, African Iris, Japanese Iris and Butterfly Iris, each of which may be used differently in different regions for one or more of the species within the genus. Most of the species are from tropical and South Africa, but there is one, Dietes robinsoniana, that originates on Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia. These evergreen plants have long, sword-shaped leaves and white or yellow flowers with three large outer segments. The flowers are similar to Moraea and Iris. South African indigenous species are drought tolerant but will produce luxuriant plants with good watering. Because of this property they are often used in city landscaping. The genus name comes from the Greek words di, meaning two, and etes, which means an associate. It literally means having two relatives and refers to the relationship between this genus and Moraea and Iris. Dietes bicolor forms clumps of erect sword-shaped leaves. The adult plant is approximately 1m wide and 1m tall. The leaves are 1 to 2cm wide, light green in colour and have a double central vein. They are arranged in flat fans similar to other members of the iris family. The plant spreads by means of its modified stems (rhizomes), which are located below the soil surface. The flowers are about 60 mm in diameter, flat, light yellow with brown markings and are produced on the ends of much branched flower stalks. The flowers only last for one day, but because so many buds are produced the plant is almost always in flower from October until January (spring and summer). Joffe reports that the roots of Dietes bicolor were traditionally used as a magical charm to protect and strengthen the wearer. With its unusual flowers, attractive shape and ease of cultivation, the yellow wild iris is a versatile garden plant. The species name bicolor means two-coloured.
