South African Bulbs 2016

[David Nicholson]

It won't be on my labels

[Robert]

One blossom in a pot full of Romulea subfistulosa blooming yesterday.

[Michael J Campbell]

Ferraria crispa

[Maggi Young]

Ferraria crispa

 A bulb that grows well on several continents, eh, Michael!   
 An extraordinary flower, in colour and form.

[Rogan]

This is the closest thing we have to a Crocus in South Africa: Syringodea longituba and,equally as beautiful. Unfortunately my camera accentuates the colour blue - they are a deep rich purple in reality.

[Maggi Young]

I don't care if the colour shown is "wrong"- Rogan - it's gorgeous!

[fermi de Sousa]

This is the closest thing we have to a Crocus in South Africa: Syringodea longituba and,equally as beautiful.

Wow, Rogan,
Are you growing it in your garden?
It's one of those plants that I wanted to grow after I first saw a pic in the Cape Bulbs book.
I've had seed from a couple of sources but have yet to get it to flowering size
Is there much variation in colour?
cheers
fermi

[Rogan]

The plants pictured above are in pots and, the picture here (taken in the wild) should answer your question about variability, Fermi! The plant itself is a diminutive tuft of green "hairs" whereas, the flowers are relatively huge and crocus-like.

[fermi de Sousa]

 
You know what the word "covet" means don't you?
 
cheers
fermi

[ArnoldT]

Merwilla plumbea
Moraea polyanthos

[Maggi Young]

love these shots, Arnold.

[David Nicholson]

Merwilla plumbea

Both very nice Arnold, Merwilla is something I haven't seen before.

[Maggi Young]

Used to be a Scilla ...
From  http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/merwilplum.htm ........

"Merwilla plumbea is the name given to a combination of several species, namely S. kraussii, S. natalensis and S. plumbea. The description below pertains primarily to the form previously known as Scilla natalensis. This is a graceful perennial bulb, and with its tall plumes of blue flowers, the showiest of the South African genera formerly known as scillas. It is a variable species, with individuals and populations of differing bulb size, flower colour, leaf coloration etc. In general it produces a large bulb, 10 to 15 cm in diameter, covered with firm, hardened, papery brown or purplish tunics (bulb scales). It is deciduous, growing during summer and dormant in the winter. "

[ArnoldT]

Thank you both. I finally sent the Nikon in for a recall on the shutter system.

[Graeme]

Bought this bulb 2 years ago at the Bakewell AGS show - it has been in the south facing kitchen ever since and has now finally flowered - worth the wait

Scadoxus Multiflorus