Moraea marlothii Seeds - Indigenous South African Endemic Perennial Bulb - 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 marlothii is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape Province where it can be found growing on sandstone rocks or heavy clay soils on the Bokkeveld Mountains and the western Karoo. Moraea marlothii grows to 75cm tall with one broad long leaf. During spring it bears yellow/salmon pink flowers. It is best sown during autumn.