Moraea robusta
Category photo (no photo of its own for this entry)
Moraea robusta is a South African species described by Peter Goldblatt and published in 1982 in the Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Precise information on this species remains scarce, so the description below relies on general characteristics of the genus. Moraea is a large genus of cormous Iridaceae from sub-Saharan Africa, with a few species in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Most South African species are winter-growing, forming a tuft of narrow leaves and a stem bearing short-lived flowers that each last only a day. Like other Cape Moraea, it requires well-drained soil and a sunny position, with a dry summer rest.
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 SE Transvaal,Natal N)
- Native climate :sub tropical (dry winter)
- Colour :Yellow
- Growth :summer grower
- Flowering height :150+ cm
Growing cycle
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