Babiana stricta, the baboon flower[1] or blue freesia,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Cape Province, South Africa and naturalized in Australia.[3] Growing 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall by 5 cm (2 in) broad, it is a cormous perennial with hairy leaves 4–12 cm (2–5 in) long.[4] The leaves show linear venation.
There are many hybrids and cultivars with different colored flowers, usually blue or pink with white additions. In mid- to late spring, each flowering stem produces six or more blooms, each to 5 cm (2 in) across. They are grouped in an inflorescence and often have a pleasant lemon scent. The seeds are black with a hard coat, collected in round seed capsules.[5]
The specific epithet stricta means "erect, upright".[6]
Babiana stricta is tender (USDA Zones 8–10)[7] and in temperate zones is planted in containers and stored in winter at 5 °C (41 °F).[8]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
Babiana stricta, the baboon flower or blue freesia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Cape Province, South Africa and naturalized in Australia. Growing 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall by 5 cm (2 in) broad, it is a cormous perennial with hairy leaves 4–12 cm (2–5 in) long. The leaves show linear venation.
There are many hybrids and cultivars with different colored flowers, usually blue or pink with white additions. In mid- to late spring, each flowering stem produces six or more blooms, each to 5 cm (2 in) across. They are grouped in an inflorescence and often have a pleasant lemon scent. The seeds are black with a hard coat, collected in round seed capsules.
The specific epithet stricta means "erect, upright".
Babiana stricta es la especie de planta más conocida de las babianas de la familia de las iridáceas. Es originaria de Sudáfrica en la Provincia del Cabo.
Su floración es primaveral y tiene un abanico de hojas erguidas y basales, y espigas con hasta 10 flores en forma de embudo de color púrpura, crema o amarillo. La altura de la planta ronda entre los 10 y 20 centímetros.[1]
Babiana stricta fue descrita por (Aiton) Ker Gawl. y publicado en Botanical Magazine 17: , t. 621. 1803.[2]
Ver: Babiana
stricta: epíteto latíno que significa "vertical"[3]
Babiana stricta es la especie de planta más conocida de las babianas de la familia de las iridáceas. Es originaria de Sudáfrica en la Provincia del Cabo.