Dietes grandiflora

Dietes grandiflora
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Iridaceae
Genus:	Dietes
Species:	D. grandiflora
Binomial name
	Dietes grandiflora; N.E.Br.

Dietes grandiflora, commonly named fortnight lily, large wild iris, African iris^[1] or fairy iris, is a rhizomatous perennial plant of the family Iridaceae with long, rigid, sword-like green leaves. This species is common in horticulture in its native South Africa, where it is often used in public gardens, beautification of commercial premises and along roadsides.^[2]

The blooms are white marked with yellow and violet. Dark markings are found at the base of the outer tepals. These are borne in abundance during summer, especially after rain.^[2] These flowers will last a couple of days and are then followed by 5 cm long green capsules that contain very dark brown seeds, dispersed when the capsule splits open.

Cultivation

Plants prefer dappled shade to full sun where they will flower in profusion, though they will grow in shaded areas (with an accompanying loss of flower production). Under favourable conditions, the clumps multiply rapidly. Dietes grandiflora are drought and frost hardy, making them popular for en masse plantings.^[3]

Environmental weed

Dietes grandiflora is considered an "environmental weed" in parts of Australia, particularly Western Australia, Queensland, and Lord Howe Island.^[4]

References

^ "African Iris - The Dietes Grandiflora". Retrieved 16 February 2022.
^ ^a ^b Turner, Sharon (December 2001). "Dietes grandiflora DC". Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden: South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
^ "Dietes grandiflora". Chicago Botanic Garden. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
^ "Dietes grandiflora". Retrieved 16 February 2022.

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[1] "African Iris - The Dietes Grandiflora". Retrieved 16 February 2022.

[PZA-2] Turner, Sharon (December 2001). "Dietes grandiflora DC". Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden: South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa. Retrieved 16 February 2022.

[3] "Dietes grandiflora". Chicago Botanic Garden. Retrieved 16 February 2022.

[4] "Dietes grandiflora". Retrieved 16 February 2022.

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