Moraea luteoalba - 5 Seed Pack - Indigenous Endemic Perennial Bulb - Insured Flat Ship Rate - New

The genus Moraea belongs to the Iridaceae family and is a close relative of the genus Iris. It is accepted that it evolved independently from Iris itself, which is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, it is strictly an African genus extending from Nigeria and southern Ethiopia, into the African highlands down to the southern tip of Africa where winter rainfall is predominant. Many are indigenous to South Africa. It is in the winter rainfall area where one finds the highest concentration of Moraea species. They have long narrow basal leaves, sometimes only one per corm and large yellow, pink, orange, or bicolor flowers with six fairly equal tepals.

The genus name is a tribute to the English botanist Robert Moore. Moraeas have iris-like flowers. They make good potted plants and are suitable rockery plants too. Most enjoy well-drained soil and full sun to flower best.

Moraea luteoalba is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province where it can be found growing on sandstone outcrops from Matsikamma to the Cederberg Mountains. It was previously known as Galaxia luteoalba and grows to 3cm tall. From winter to spring it bears deep yellow flowers fading to cream at the tips of petals.