Name
Watsonia
Latin Name
Watsonia transvaalensis
Description
The Watsonia has a depressed globose corm, growing on several generations of old corms, which have a rather sparse fibrous covering. The four leaves are rigid in texture and sword-shaped, the lowest one being the longest and up to 90 cm in length.
Flowers
The peduncle may be 1m or more in length and with around 16 flowers. The flowers vary in shape and colour. The petals are sometimes pointed and are near-white, pale pink, old rose, salmon and terracotta in colour, each with a centred dark pink line. The flowering time of this plant is from October to November.
Habitat
Found in abundance in favourable localities. Grows widely in grassveld areas in the Northern Province, in well-watered areas.
Field Notes
Watsonia are fast growing, hardy plants. When whole fields come into bloom in the summer, the flowers create a spectacular image. The plant gets its name from Sir William Watson, an 18th-century British botanist.
