Status:
valid
Authors:
(Sweet) Goldblatt
Source:
iplants
Year:
1969
Citation Micro:
J. S. African Bot. 35: 233 (1969)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000786099
Common Names
- Sparaxis elegans
- Harlequin Flower
- Elegant Harlequin
Description
Sparaxis elegans (also called Elegant Harlequin Flower, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the iris family. It is native to South Africa and is found in grassland, open woodland, and rocky slopes. It has narrow, grass-like leaves and showy, star-shaped flowers with yellow, orange, or white petals.
Uses & Benefits
Sparaxis elegans is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used to make a yellow dye for wool.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Sparaxis elegans has small, yellow flowers with six petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sparaxis elegans is a perennial bulbous plant that can be propagated by division or seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.
Where to Find Sparaxis elegans
Sparaxis elegans is native to South Africa and can be found in grasslands and open woodlands.
Sparaxis elegans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Sparaxis elegans?
Sparaxis elegans
What is the common name of Sparaxis elegans?
Harlequin flower
What is the natural habitat of Sparaxis elegans?
Grassy slopes and open woodlands in South Africa
Species in the Sparaxis genus
Sparaxis pillansii,
Sparaxis tricolor,
Sparaxis bulbifera,
Sparaxis elegans,
Sparaxis fragrans,
Sparaxis galeata,
Sparaxis grandiflora,
Sparaxis caryophyllacea,
Sparaxis variegata,
Sparaxis villosa,
Sparaxis parviflora,
Sparaxis maculosa,
Sparaxis roxburghii,
Sparaxis auriculata,
Sparaxis metelerkampiae,
Sparaxis calcicola,
Species in the Iridaceae family
Alophia drummondii,
Alophia intermedia,
Alophia medusa,
Alophia silvestris,
Alophia veracruzana,
Aristea abyssinica,
Aristea africana,
Aristea alata,
Aristea anceps,
Aristea angolensis,
Aristea angustifolia,
Aristea bakeri,
Aristea bequaertii,
Aristea biflora,
Aristea cantharophila,
Aristea capitata,
Aristea cladocarpa,
Aristea compressa,
Aristea cuspidata,
Aristea dichotoma,
Aristea djalonis,
Aristea ecklonii,
Aristea fimbriata,
Aristea flexicaulis,
Aristea galpinii,
Aristea glauca,
Aristea goetzei,
Aristea grandis,
Aristea humbertii,
Aristea inaequalis,
Aristea juncifolia,
Aristea kitchingii,
Aristea latifolia,
Aristea lugens,
Aristea madagascariensis,
Aristea montana,
Aristea monticola,
Aristea nyikensis,
Aristea oligocephala,
Aristea palustris,
Aristea parviflora,
Aristea pauciflora,
Aristea platycaulis,
Aristea polycephala,
Aristea pusilla,
Aristea racemosa,
Aristea ranomafana,
Aristea recisa,
Aristea rigidifolia,
Aristea rupicola,