Re: African irises?
- Subject: Re: African irises?
- From: i*@easynet.co.uk (Ian Black)
- Date: Mon, 4 Mar 96 14:45:31 MST
Clarence Mahan wrote:
>The so-called African "irises" are Iridaceae but not genus Iris. We could
>say they are "irids" but not "irises". Still, some persist in calling them
>irises. All are tender and must be treated has greenhouse or house plants in
>winter in most areas of US I believe. Perhaps the most popular are the
>Moraea. There are certain species of Moraea that are sometimes called
>"Walking irises."
For those brave enough to try them outdoors, there are some Moraeas from the
Drakensberg mountains which are hardy outdoors here (-8C min). These
include M alticola and M. huttonii (yellow flowers) and the tiny M. alpina
(purple flowers), which is about half the size of I reticulata. All these
seem to like moist soils, although the latter adopts a mediterranean growth
cycle with me.
I grow about five species, including the gorgeous M. aristata, which is in
bud at present. This has white flowers with pale and deep blue nectar
guides, although other colours occur. This is one of the bigger group of
winter-growing Moraeas, which include the stunningly coloured "Peacock
Moraeas". The great thing about these is that they grow and flower (more or
less) during the winter and spring. They are not so hardy, but I grow them
in full light in a greenhouse kept just frost-free. It doesn't cost much to
give this bit of heat (well, here anyway) to enjoy these exotic Iris
relatives. They certainly _look_ like Iris, which is more than can be said
for some of the other S. African Iridaceae.
Tom, is it off-topic for me to talk about Moraeas? Just thought I had
better ask.
Ian
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Ian Black, Alton, Hampshire, UK ianblack@easynet.co.uk
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