Sparaxis tricolor
Ann. Bot. (König & Sims) 1: 225. 1804.
Common names: Harlequin flower
Basionym: Ixia tricolor Schneevoogt Icon. Pl. Rar., plate 39. 1794
Revision as of 19:33, 24 September 2019 by FNA>Volume Importer
Plants 10–40 cm. Corms tunicate; tunic with fine, whitish fibers. Leaves several, ± reaching base of spike. Spikes: spathes pale brown with darker brown streaks, subequal, dry, crinkled, outer with entire or lightly lacerate margins, inner forked apically. Tepals bright orange, yellow in center, with heart-shaped yellow mark in proximal 1/3, outlined distally with dark reddish brown band, lanceolate, subequal, 25–33 mm; perianth tube funnel-shaped, ca. 8 mm; stamens symmetrical; filaments contiguous, 6–7 mm; anthers yellow, linear, 8–9 mm; style slender, branching opposite anthers; branches 1–2 mm, expanded apically.
Phenology: Flowering Mar–Apr.
Habitat: Near gardens, dump sites, abandoned dwellings
Elevation: 0–100 m
Distribution
Calif., s Africa (winter-rainfall region).
Discussion
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.