UBC Botanical Garden

Scientific name: Crocosmia masoniorum (L.Bolus) N.E.Br.

Common name: giant montbretia

Family: Iridaceae (iris family)

Order: Asparagales

Distribution: South Africa

Life form: Bulb, Corm, or Tuber

Leaf Persistence: Deciduous

Description: A deciduous, bulbous plant, growing up to 0.8 m high. The stiff leaves are lance-shaped and longitudinally pleated, 25-50 mm wide. The stem is inclined with the flowering spike held horizontally so that the dense inflorescence is presented in a showy arc. The bright orange flowers are widely funnel-shaped with spreading tepals; the floral tube is 18-25 mm long and the spreading tepals measure 18-30 × 5-12 mm; the stamens are suberect in the centre of the flowers and gently arched, 30-35 mm long. Plants flower in summer, from December to January.(PlantZAfrica)