Moraea setifolia Seeds - 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 setifolia is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces where it can be found growing on sandy and gravelly flats and slopes from Namaqualand to Grahamstown. It was previously known as Gynandriris rogersii and Gynandriris setifolia. It grows to 20cm tall and is another Moraea that is well suited to pot culture. During spring it bears small pale mauve iris-like flowers.