Crown Tulp

Moraea lugubris

The common name ´Kersblakertjie´, refers to the projecting style crests resembling small candlesticks. Plants of this species are quite small and are easily overlooked and only 6-16cm high. Two leaves are linear, channelled and glossy green. The flowers are deep blue with yellow nectar guides, enclosed in glossy, acute spathes. The tepals are unequal, the outer larger up to 18mm long, both inner and outer tepal limbs spreading; filaments united in the lower two-thirds, anthers appressed to narrow style branches, style crests feathery with red pollen.