Moraea falcifolia Seeds - Indigenous South African Perennial Bulb - Winter Blooming - New

The genus Moraea belongs to the Iridaceae family and is a close relative of the genus Iris. It is accepted that it evolved independently from Iris itself, which is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, it is strictly an African genus extending from Nigeria and southern Ethiopia, into the African highlands down to the southern tip of Africa where winter rainfall is predominant. Many are indigenous to South Africa.

It is in the winter rainfall area where one finds the highest concentration of Moraea species. They have long narrow basal leaves, sometimes only one per corm and large yellow, pink, orange, or bicolor flowers with six fairly equal tepals.

The genus name is a tribute to the English botanist Robert Moore. Moraeas have iris-like flowers. They make good potted plants and are suitable rockery plants too. Most enjoy well-drained soil and full sun to flower best.

Moraea falcifolia is another indigenous species found from the Karoo to southwestern Cape and north towards southern Namibia. It is a miniature species with several leaves that form a dense rosette. From autumn to spring it bears beautiful white flowers blue and purple markings. The seeds are best sown during autumn.