Rush Iris
Bobartia indica

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

Bobartia indica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Sandy mountain slopes and flats below 500 metres in the south-western Cape.

S. Africa

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The tough, rush-like leaves are used in basket making.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

How it is grown

Requires a very sunny position and a gritty soil. Plants prefer a moist winter followed by a dry summer. Succeeds in poor acidic soils. Plants require protection from severe frosts (below about -5°c) and excessive rain, but they are otherwise hardy in Britain. Individual flowers are about 5cm in diameter and only live for one day. The rhizomes establish themselves very deeply in the soil.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest that the seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow on the plants in the greenhouse for at least the first winter planting them out in late spring. Division in autumn.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. spathacea