Botanical name

Romulea rosea var. australis

Family

Iridaceae

Common Name

Knikkertjie
Romulea rosea var. australis
Romulea rosea var. australis
Romulea rosea var. australis
Romulea rosea var. australis
Romulea rosea var. australis
Romulea rosea var. australis

Description

Dainty cormous geophyte often found in lawns. Leaves thread-like. Flowers pink,15-25mm long, styles and anthers about the same height.

The flowers of the very similar Romulea rosea var. rosea are longer, 22-38mm, and the styles overtop the anthers by a few millimeters.

Flowers in this genus only open on warm sunny days and usually at midday.

Romulea rosea var. australis is a weedy variety that occurs throughout the Cape and has become an invader in other parts of the world.

Habitat

Sandy flats, often found growing in lawns

Flower Date

July to September