Chasmanthe BB, sp3

This plant, not identified to species level, belongs to the genus Chasmanthe (Iridaceae), which comprises only three species, all endemic to the winter-rainfall region of South Africa, from the Western Cape to the Transkei. The flattened-globose corm, wrapped in dark brown scaly tunics, produces fan-arranged, sheathing leaves in two ranks each autumn after the first rains. From winter into early spring it bears a tall spike of dense, curved, tubular flowers in orange to red, bird-pollinated. The foliage dies back in summer, a period of obligatory dry dormancy. Labelled 'sp3', this accession requires well-drained soil and a sunny position.