Watsonia borbonica

Watsonia borbonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Iridaceae
Subfamily:	Ixioideae
Tribe:	Watsonieae
Genus:	Watsonia
Species:	W. borbonica
Binomial name
Watsonia borbonica

Watsonia borbonica, the Cape bugle-lily,^[1] is a species of plant in the family Iridaceae that is native to South Africa.

Taxonomy

Watsonia borbonica has two subspecies: W. borbonica subsp. ardernei, and subsp. borbonica.

Characteristics

The species grows from corms. It is dormant in summer and grows in winter, which is the rainy season in its native habitat. It has tall strap-like leaves growing in a fan arrangement. It may grow up to two metres tall. It flowers for up to 4-5 weeks in spring.

Distribution and habitat

Watsonia borbonica grows in the winter-rainfall areas of the Western Cape of South Africa. It usually grows on slopes consisting of rocky sandstone or clay and granite. It may be found occasionally in sandy soils.^[2]

Cultivation

Watsonia borbonica is a good garden plant as it bears showy flowers. It needs well-drained soil and full sun. During the dormant phase it should be kept dry.^[3]

References

1. "Watsonia borbonica". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
2. Nonkenge, S., Notten, A. "Watsonia borbonica". SANBI. Retrieved 11 April 2013.
3. "Watsonia". Retrieved 11 April 2013.