Babiana Ker Gawl. ex Sims
Summer-green perennial. Corm small; tunic very tough. Stems usually hairy. Leaves usually strongly plicate. Spike simple or branched, pubescent. Flowers rich blue, mauve, crimson, cream or white, subzygomorphic, each within 2 lanceolate, hairy spathe-valves; tube straight, cylindric at base, widening to funnel-shaped above. Stamens asymmetrical. Style-branches short, undivided, usually flattened towards tip. Capsule many-seeded. Spp. c. 60 from tropical and S. Africa, and 1 from Socotra. Adventive sp. 1.
