About Moraea viscaria (L.f.) Ker Gawl.
Taxonomic Classification
Moraea viscaria (L.f.) Ker Gawl. is the type species of the genus Moraea, which belongs to the family Iridaceae. Its scientific epithet refers to the sticky secretion found on its stem and branches.
Growth Form and Size
It is a cormous geophyte that grows 20 to 45 cm tall, and produces sweetly scented white flowers with bright red pollen.
Tepal Measurements
Its outer tepals measure 15 to 23 mm long, while its inner tepals measure 14 to 20 mm long.
Stem Characteristics
The stem of this species is branched, sticky, and dry when the plant is in flower.
Flowering Period
It flowers between October and December, and grows in sandy or stony flats in the Western Cape of South Africa, ranging from Saldanha in the west to Cape Agulhas in the east.
