Moraea simulans Baker

Iridaceae, P. Goldblatt. Flora Zambesiaca 12:4. 1993

Morphology General Habit

Plants (10)14–40(45) cm high.

Vegetative Multiplication Corms

Corms 1.5–2 cm in diameter; tunics dark-brown, coarsely fibrous; cormlets often present in leaf axils.

Morphology Leaves

Foliage leaves 1–2, exceeding the stem, 2–4 mm wide, linear, channelled.

Morphology Stem

Stem either contracted and sometimes with several basal branches, or extended with abbreviated axillary branches and sometimes with longer basal branches.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Bracts Spathe

Spathes usually dry at flowering time, occasionally green below, the inner (25)30–55 mm long, the outer slightly shorter.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers pale blue-lilac with darker speckles on the tepal limbs, and with yellow nectar guides at the base of the outer tepal limbs; outer tepals (17)20–28 mm long, limb nearly equal to or slightly longer than the claw, and up to 8 mm wide, spreading to reflexed; inner tepals 15–19 × 3–4 mm, spreading to reflexed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Filaments 5–6 mm long, united basally for 1–1.5 mm; anthers (4)5–8 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style branches 8–12 mm long, crests 3–6 mm long.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Capsule 13–20 mm long, oblong.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds large, blackish, angular.