Freesia falcata

The name Freesia falcata is of uncertain identification and does not clearly correspond to any well-documented species; the plant can nonetheless be placed with confidence in Freesia (Iridaceae), a genus endemic to southern Africa comprising some fifteen species. These cormous plants produce narrow, fan-like foliage and a slender flowering stem bearing a one-sided spike of tubular, often fragrant flowers, ranging from white to yellow or orange. They typically grow in sandy or stony soils at forest edges or in damp habitats. In cultivation freesias flower in spring, prefer well-drained soil and sun to part shade, and become dormant in summer.