Aristea ecklonii Baker
Leaves to 40 cm long, ± 1 cm wide, < scape, equitant, in a reddish-purple based fan. Scapes to 45 cm high, compressed, slightly winged. Lower spathe-valves and all bracteoles membranous, reddish-brown. Flowers in numerous 5-7-flowered clusters in a loose elongate panicle, very fragile, opening for a few hours in bright sunlight only; perianth ± 12 mm long, ± 2 cm diam., lobes deep blue, tube very short, green. Capsule 2 cm long, oblong or cylindrical, valves with a deep median groove. Seeds c. 1.5 × 1.5 mm, dark red-brown, angular-compressed, surface reticulate.
N. North Auckland; Auckland City. Roadsides.
(W. Tropical and S. Africa)
First record: Allan 1940: 305, as "A. alata Baker".
First collection: "Helensville, P. R. Bonner, c. 1933, among tea trees along road to High School" (CHR 9064).
FL. 10.
