Babiana rubro-cyanea

Babiana rubro-cyanea

Family: Iridaceae

Common names: Blue-and-red babiana, wine-cup baboon-root, winecup babiana, kelkiewynbobbejaantjie, rooibloubobbejaantjie.

The stem flexes outward and inclines, often branching, and has a fibrous collar at the base. The lanceolate leaves are characterized by pleats and a hairy texture. Stems and leaves emerge in winter and spring, and the plant flowers from late winter to spring. The striking dark blue flowers have a carmine-colored center.

Sowing instructions: Seed is sown in autumn, thinly, in deep (min. 10 cm) seed trays, to allow for root development. The soil medium should be well drained, a recommended mix being 2 parts sand: 2 parts compost: 1 part loam or equal parts sand and compost, and the seeds should be planted 3-4 mm deep, covered with clean sand and kept moist and lightly shaded.

Locality: Mamre. Harvest: April 2024