Ixia polystachya L.
Grass-like, tufted. Corm flattened-globose, ± 1.5 cm diam., tunic fibrous, light brown. Stems 30-120 cm high, slender or stout. Leaves 5-8, ± = stems, 2-8 mm wide. Inflorescence simple or laxly branched with 2-4 erect or ± spreading branches, main axis with 15-30 close-set flowers, branches with up to 10 flowers; spathe-valves c. 7 mm long, membranous, white occasionally violet-tinged and violet-veined. Flowers 2-3 cm diam., pale violet-blue or blue tinged with pink, white at centre with yellow patch; tube 0.5-1 cm long; lobes 1-1.5 cm long, outer with darker central purple stripe at back. Capsule 2.5-3 mm long, oblong to globose, brownish.
N. North Auckland - Kaitaia, Kaihu, Kumeu; Auckland City; Wellington - Paraparaumu, Upper Hutt. In grass on roadside and in waste ground; garden escape.
(S. Africa)
First record: ‡
First collection: Paraparaumu, waste land, W. R. Boyce, 6.12.1947 (CHR 196795).
Fl. 10-12.
