| Geissorhiza aspera | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Geissorhiza |
| Species: | G. aspera |
| Binomial name | |
| Geissorhiza aspera | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Geissorhiza aspera, also known as the blue satin flower or blou sysie, is a geophyte from South Africa.
This velvety-stemmed geophyte grows 10–35 cm (3.9–13.8 in) tall. [2] Plants may, however, be larger or smaller than the typical range. Both the soil conditions and moisture play a role in height. [3] Each plant may branch up to three times, although branching is not always present. [3] The corm is covered in woody tunics. [2] The sword-shaped leaves have thickened margins and midribs. Normally plants will have three leaves, each of which is about the same length as the stem or slightly longer. [3]
Star-shaped flowers are present in August and September. [2] [4] It flowers best after a wet winter. Each inflorescence has between three and seven flowers. They are usually dark blue or violet in colour, sometimes with a darker center. [4] The northern populations (Olifants River Valley, Gifberg and near Bitterfontein) are often white. [5] [6] These flowers may still be blue on the outsides of the tepals. [6] The filaments are usually not all the same length, particularly in northern populations. [3] The green floral bracts dry and turn a rusty brown at the tips as the flowers open. [3] Plants typically seed in October. [4]
This species is endemic to South Africa. This species was believed to be limited to the Western Cape until 2012, when a population in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape. [6] It is found growing between Gifberg and Agulhas, where it is most common on moist sandy soils at altitudes of 70–100 m (230–330 ft). [2] [4]
The flowers are most commonly pollinated by money beetles, which are attracted the darker area at the center of the flower. [4] It is also known to be pollinated by the Cape honey bee, a Braunsapsis species, Anisonyx ursus , a bombyllidae species and Anthophora diversipes . [5]
This species is classified as being of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as it is common and widespread. [7] It is also able to tolerate disturbance and is common in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and parks. [7]
Media related to Geissorhiza aspera at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Geissorhiza aspera at Wikispecies  | This Iridaceae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |