Babiana for identification

[Diane Clement]

I've already posted this in the SH thread, but not got any further on the identification so thought I'd have another try in this thread.
The picture shows a Babiana sp that I'm very pleased to have flowered for the first time, - seed from Silverhill sown October 2008.  But I got it as Babiana framesii and it doesn't look much like the pictures on PBS
http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/BabianaTwo
Can anyone confirm or identify otherwise?

[Maggi Young]

I don't know how variable a species B. framesii might be.

What you plant does have in common with the ones in the PBS pages is the hairy/furry foliage. It isn't easy to see in those pictures if the flowering stems are as furry as yours.

[Ezeiza]

Diane, it is not B. framesii. Despite having a relatively recent monograph out, there is a number of species that are very difficult to refer to known ones. It is probable that yours is one of them. When identifiying babianas it is useful to have a photo of the plant's habit. In a number of them, not only the flowers but the plant can be distinguished from others.

[Diane Clement]

Diane, it is not B. framesii. Despite having a relatively recent monograph out, there is a number of species that are very difficult to refer to known ones. It is probable that yours is one of them. When identifiying babianas it is useful to have a photo of the plant's habit. In a number of them, not only the flowers but the plant can be distinguished from others. 

Thanks for the comments, Alberto. Unfortunately I do not know about the habitat, as the seed came from Silverhill.  I notice that their catalogue now states Babiana ?framesii with this picture.  The catalogue description sounds like mine, but the picture doesn't.
http://www.silverhillseeds.co.za/popupimage.asp?imageurl=Babiana_framesii_big

Maggi, thanks for your observations - I have several Babianas and the hairy foliage seems quite common in the genus, and I suspect, not particularly diagnostic.

[Ezeiza]

Well, the flowers do not open so "daisy like" but that in the image is framesii.

I mentioned the habit, not the habitat. Many species look quite different than others.

Concerning the habitat Rachel will gladly let you know about the location.

I will compare your plant with the current monograph and let you know what comes up.

All species have hairy pleated leaves. Leaf blade is variable as is the degree of hairiness.

[Maggi Young]

All species have hairy pleated leaves. Leaf blade is variable as is the degree of hairiness.

 Do all species also have hairy flowering stems, Alberto?

[Ezeiza]

It variable, but yes, Maggi. In some hairs are sparse, in others dense and felt like.

It is a great genus and they bloom for long periods for a bulb but they demand big containers for cultvation as the corms try to go deeper.

[Maggi Young]

Thank you, Alberto.