Moraea pyrophila - 5 Seed Pack - Indigenous Endemic Perennial Bulb - Insured Flat Ship Rate - 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 pyrophila is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province where it can be found growing on rocky sandstone slopes from Piketberg to Bredasdorp. It was previously known as Homeria galpinii. This winter growing species grows to 30cm tall and has only a single leaf. During autumn and mostly after fire it bears yellow flowers en masse. Watering with fire ash infused water or smoke primer will also push the plants into producing flowers.