Flora of New Zealand Series

Large clumps to 1.5 m high. Corm ± 6 cm diam.; tunic of coarse fibres. Leaves much < stems, 3-5 cm wide, broad-ensiform, bluish-green with very thick yellowish margins. Inflorescence long and slender, many-flowered, dense, with several short, appressed branches; spathe-valves fibrous. Flowers slightly > 3 cm long, 2-2.5 cm diam., clear lilac marked with magenta at base, cup-shaped; tube c. 1.5 cm long, curved; lobes spreading. Stamens c. ½ length of perianth, symmetrically arranged, 3 very short pink staminodia alternating with filaments. Capsule ± ½ length of spathe-valve, very hard.

N. Wellington - "Taonui, near Feilding, grassy waste land, railway reserve, A. J. Healy 59/583, 14.12.1959, thoroughly established garden escape, large colonies in grass" (CHR 122497); only collection. Still persisting 1976.

(S. Africa)

First record:‡

FL. 11-12.