Romulea schlechteri

Romulea schlechteri

Family: Iridaceae

Common names: Knikkertjie

Cormous geophyte 8-30cm high; corm with an oblique basal ridge; stem usually branching above ground. Basal leaves 2, narrowly 4-grooved, sometimes minutely hairy, 0.5-1.5mm in diameter. Flowers lilac to mauve to white with deep yellow cup, tepals elliptical; inner bract with wide white membranous margins. Coconut and honey scented.

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: Seville. Harvest: November 2024