| Nemastylis geminiflora | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Nemastylis |
| Species: | N. geminiflora |
| Binomial name | |
| Nemastylis geminiflora | |
Nemastylis geminiflora, commonly known as prairie celestial, celestial, [1] prairie pleatleaf, [2] or celestial lily [3] is a perennial herb in the Iridaceae (iris) family. It is native to the south-central area of the United States.
N. geminiflora grows to a height of 30 centimetres (12 in), sometimes taller, with stems growing from a bulb deep in the ground. Each stem is clasped by 1 to 4 narrow, linear leaves. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 11 centimetres (4 in) wide, folded lengthwise near the base and pleated along the veins or flat near the top. [4] Flowers are 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) long, in the shape of a star with 6 blue-violet or blue pointed petals and sepals. 1 or 2 flowers emerge from a common spathe, or sheath. [3] Each flower lasts only one day, opening up in the late morning and closing mid-afternoon. [5]
The plant is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. [2] The plant occurs in limestone glades, prairies, and rocky slopes. [3]
N. geminiflora is pollinated by bees, flies, and other insects, which gather nectar from the flowers. Flowers appear in April and May. [6]
