Sparaxis bulbifera
(L.) Ker Gawl Harlequin-flowerCorm 1–1.5 cm diam. Leaves linear to ensiform, 10–30 cm long, 4–10 mm wide. Inflorescence with scape few-branched. Primary bracts up to 2.5 cm long, deeply torn with 2–4 gradually narrowing points. Flowers funnel-shaped. Perianth tube c. 15 mm long, narrow in the lower 5–7 mm, widened above, pale yellow; lobes 2.5–2.8 cm long, 1–1.2 cm wide, cream-coloured to white, the outer perianth dark red to purple or purple-streaked on outer surface. Stamens asymmetrically arranged to one side of the flower; anthers white. Style arched behind stamens, exceeding anthers; branches thread-like, c. 10 mm long, white. Bulbils numerous, in all leaf axils. Flowers Sep.–Nov.
Wim, GleP, VVP, VRiv, GipP, OtP, Gold, CVU, GGr, DunT, HSF, OtR. Also naturalised in WA, SA, NSW, Tas. Native to South Africa. Commonly grown as a garden ornamental, occasionally becoming established in grassy-woodland communities and on roadside verges.
Conn, B.J. (1994). Iridaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 686–716. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
