Flora of New Zealand Series

Fig. 25E

Tufted, ± grassy, 30-70 cm high. Corm ± 2 cm diam.; tunic of fine reticulate fibres. Leaves < stems, linear to narrow-ensiform, midvein and 2 outermost lateral veins prominent, 1-2 cauline, upper bract-like. Inflorescence simple or branched, usually 1/5-⅓ plant-height; spathe-valves 1-1.5 cm long, red-brown, entire, erose or dentate. Flowers many, 3-4 cm long, ± 5 cm diam., dull yellow-cream; tube narrow-cylindrical below, funnel-shaped above; lobes pencilled with numerous fine purple veins, ± =, to much > tube. Capsule < ½ length of spathe-valves, oblong. Seeds many.

N. North Auckland - near Kumeu; Auckland City; Wellington City. S. Nelson City; Marlborough - Havelock. Garden escape in grass on roadside and on waste land.

(S. Africa)

First record: ‡

First collection: Wellington, Bolton St Cemetery, established in grass, A. J. Healy, 31.10.1945 (CHR 33923).

FL. 10-11.