Moraea graminicola

Category photo (no photo of its own for this entry)

Native to KwaZulu-Natal and the southeastern Cape, South Africa, Moraea graminicola grows in subtropical-biome grassland. This tuberous geophyte reaches 12 to 80 cm tall and bears one or two linear, channelled, trailing leaves. It produces a much-branched inflorescence of small pale blue to white flowers. The species includes two subspecies, the typical form and M. graminicola subsp. notata. Like most South African Moraea, it favours well-drained soil and a sunny position, with a dormant period outside the growing season.

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.

Family :Iridaceae
Section :Grandiflora
Native to :Afrique du Sud (Natal, Transkei)
Native climate :méditéranéen (humid winters)
Growth :winter grower
Flowering height :0-15 cm

Growing cycle

	Jan				Feb				Mar				Apr				May				Jun				Jul				Aug				Sep				Oct				Nov				Dec
Planting
Growth
Flowering

Planting :January (sem. 2-4), February (sem. 1-1)

Growth :March (sem. 1-4), April (sem. 1-4), May (sem. 1-4), June (sem. 1-4), July (sem. 1-4), August (sem. 1-4), September (sem. 1-4), October (sem. 1-4), November (sem. 1-4), December (sem. 1-1)

Flowering :May (sem. 1-4), June (sem. 1-1)