Growing bulbs in hot climates

[Rogan]

Now these are twisty leaves!

Photographed in the Hantam mountains of the Northern Cape province in September 2006 - a Moraea species I think?

[Carlo]

Well by the looks of the flowers, it doesn't look long until seed is ready!

[Lesley Cox]

Fabulous leaves!

[Paul T]

Rogan,

You're right, those flower remains do look a bit iridaceae, but never heard of leaves like that on a Moraea.  Those leaves are absolutely to die for....... the great thing with those would be that you can grow it for those alone, with the flowers being a bonus.  I lvoe twisty and spiral leaves, but have never seen anything quite like that before.  I hope you manage to find out what it is, and eventually grow it.  Thanks for posting the picture of it for us to lust after!! 

[Michael]

Paul you took out the words of my mouth!

Rogan, is that plant abundant on it's natural range?

[Rogan]

Paul you took out the words of my mouth!

Rogan, is that plant abundant on it's natural range?

I was in a hurry and only saw the one plant.

Graham Duncan, a horticulturist at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town has identified it as Moraea (used to be Gynandriris) pritzeliana. It has been mentioned (PBS I think) that the leaves often don't curl in cultivation.

[Paul T]

Gee, pritzeliana doesn't even attempt to curl for me...... just look like normal Moraea leaves.

[SueG]

They are amazing leaves - look a bit like the ribbon spirals that posh shops use to decorate gift boxes
Sue

[Ezeiza]

Hi:

     Grown in gritty mix in full sun even tiny seedlings of Moraea (Gynandriris) curl up in the upper half but that effect of the whole leaf like a spring must be under extreme desert conditions.

Regards