Moraea britteneae

The genus

Almost all of the155 Moraea species occur south of the Sahara and about 2/3 south of the Zambesi /Cunene rivers. The majorty are wintergrowers and dormant in the summer, while about 40 species are summer rainfallgrowers originating from subtropical regions. Several Moraea have only a very small distribution area and are in danger of extinction. Fortunately those endangered species are now cultivated and are safeguarded from disappearing forever. Many species make good garden plants. Wintergrowers prefer mediterranean regions or pots elsewhere. The summer growers are also suitable for gardens in colder regions. The flower all have the typical "iris" form but with a most interesting variation of colours. A typical feature are the colourful nectar guides at the base of the outer petals especially designed to attract and guide the pollinators. Very few offshoots are formed and multiplication is largely by seed. Homeria has now been moved to the genus Moraea. Bulbs and growth habit are identical, but the flowers of the former Homeria genus are regular and symmetrical in several radial planes (actinomorphic). They have long, narrow basal leaf often only one per corm, and simple to branched stems bearing fairly large yellow, pink or orange flowers which have six more or less equal segments forming a bowlshaped to flattish flower. The development of Moraea (section Homeria) is fairly late; foliage is quite hardy and abundant when left in place for several years. Flowering in open ground is abundant and long lasting.