Moraea graminicola Seeds - Indigenous Endemic Perennial Bulb - Combined Shipping - 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 graminicola is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape where it is found from East London to the KwaZulu-Natal border. Moraea graminicola has a single leaf that arises from the ground. During summer Moraea graminicola bears striking variable yellow to gray flowers. The flowers are short lived, like most Moraea species but blooming is over a period of 3-4 weeks. The seeds of Moraea graminicola are best sown during spring.