Flora of New Zealand Series

Fig 25B

Corm 1 × 1.5 cm; tunic fibrous, red-brown. Stem to 40 cm high, sturdy, curved, pubescent, purple above. Leaves c. ½ length of stem, to 1 cm wide, strongly plicate, pubescent. Spike 2-9-flowered; spathe-valves striate, ± 1.5 cm long, green with brown tips, softly hairy. Flowers ± 3 cm long, ± 3 cm diam., deep bluish-purple, or reddish-purple, or lilac; tube c. 7-10 mm long; lobes equal, inner with white spot in centre. Ovary pubescent.

N. Auckland City. Garden escape in waste land.

(S. Africa)

First record: ‡

First collection: "Auckland, Waikumete Cemetery, in rather bare ground under trees near gully," E. Edgar and S. J. Astridge, 9.10.1972. (CHR 224753).

FL. 10.