Botanical name
Moraea lugubrisFamily
IridaceaeCommon Name
KersblakertjieDescription
Cormous geophyte up to 16cm. Leaves 2, linear, channelled, glossy green. Flowers deep blue with the tepals all similar and spreading, enclosed by glossy acute spathes; conspicuous feathery style branches, pollen red. Flowers lasting only one day.
The common name Kersblakertjie (Afrik: small candlestick) refers to the projecting style crests which resemble small candlesticks.
Plants of this species are quite small and are easily overlooked.
Habitat
Mostly damp sandstone soils
Flower Date
August to November mostly after fire