Moraea reticulata
Category photo (no photo of its own for this entry)
Described by Peter Goldblatt and published in Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 2020, Moraea reticulata is a South African cormous Iridaceae with a solitary rather than clump-forming habit, belonging to the group of summer-flowering yellow Moraea. It is distinguished by a tight, net-like web of fibres enclosing the base of the stem and bracts — the source of its epithet. Like most South African species of the genus, its yellow flowers open in summer, in the afternoon. It requires well-drained soil, a sunny position and a dry rest in winter.
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(Cap E, Queenstown)
- Native climate :sub tropical (dry winter)
- Colour :Yellow
- Growth :summer grower
- Flowering height :0-15 cm
Growing cycle
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