Harlequin flower
Sparaxis bulbifera

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-40 cm high. It forms a bulb or corm. This has small corms off the side. The stems are erect, wiry and branching. The leaves are green, narrow and 30 cm long. The flowers are an expanding tube shape. They are in clusters at the ends of branches. The flower petals are cream and purple.

There are 6-15 Sparaxis species. They grow in South Africa. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wetlands. They do well in a Mediterranean climate. They will grow in most well-drained soils. They are resistant to frost and drought. In Argentina it grows below 200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Root, tubers

How it is grown

Plants are best left for several years undisturbed before dividing the clumps. They can be planted from corms. Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ixia bulbifera;