Ipheion uniflorum (Lindl.) Raf.
Spring Star-flower
Summer-green perennial. Bulb c. 2 × 1 cm, white. Leaves all basal, c. 25 cm × 5 mm, ± flat, ± glaucous. Scape erect, 15-20 cm high. Flowers 1-(2), light blue-violet or whitish, to 3 cm diam., tubular portion c. 1 cm long, lobes acute with a single dark purple vein; pedicel c. 3 cm long, invested for more than ½ its length by 2 connate purple-veined spathe-valves. Capsule globose, c. 7-8 mm long.
S. Nelson City; Marlborough - Omaka (Blenheim); Canterbury - Timaru. Garden outcast in grassy places.
(S. America)
First record: ‡
First collection: "Railway yards, Timaru, wild in grass, R. Mason, 22.7.1944, only one plant seen" ().
FL. 8-10.