Biology:Geissorhiza aspera
| Geissorhiza aspera | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Geissorhiza |
| Species: | G. aspera
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| Binomial name | |
| Geissorhiza aspera Goldblatt
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Geissorhiza aspera, also known as the blue satin flower or blou sysie, is a geophyte from South Africa .
Description
This velvety-stemmed geophyte grows 10–35 cm (3.9–13.8 in) tall.[2] Plants may, however, be larger or smaller than the typical range. Both the soil conditions and moisture play a role in height.[3] Each plant may branch up to three times, although branching is not always present.[3] The corm is covered in woody tunics.[2] The sword-shaped leaves have thickened margins and midribs. Normally plants will have three leaves, each of which is about the same length as the stem or slightly longer.[3]
Star-shaped flowers are present in August and September.[2][4] It flowers best after a wet winter. Each inflorescence has between three and seven flowers. They are usually dark blue or violet in colour, sometimes with a darker center.[4] The northern populations (Olifants River Valley, Gifberg and near Bitterfontein) are often white.[5][6] These flowers may still be blue on the outsides of the tepals.[6] The filaments are usually not all the same length, particularly in northern populations.[3] The green floral bracts dry and turn a rusty brown at the tips as the flowers open.[3] Plants typically seed in October.[4]
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to South Africa . This species was believed to be limited to the Western Cape until 2012, when a population in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape.[6] It is found growing between Gifberg and Agulhas, where it is most common on moist sandy soils at altitudes of 70–100 m (230–330 ft).[2][4]
Ecology
The flowers are most commonly pollinated by money beetles, which are attracted the darker area at the center of the flower.[4] It is also known to be pollinated by the Cape honey bee, a Braunsapsis species, Anisonyx ursus, a bombyllidae species and Anthophora diversipes.[5]
Conservation
This species is classified as being of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as it is common and widespread.[7] It is also able to tolerate disturbance and is common in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and parks.[7]
References
- ↑ "Geissorhiza aspera". Species. GBIF. http://www.gbif.org/species/2743406.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2012). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI. ISBN 978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC 852384288. https://www.sanbi.org/sites/default/files/documents/documents/strelitzia-29-2012.pdf.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 e-Flora of South Africa. v1.42. 2023. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://ipt.sanbi.org.za/iptsanbi/resource?r=flora_descriptions&v=1.42
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Cowell, Carly (October 2006). "Geissorhiza aspera". http://pza.sanbi.org/geissorhiza-aspera.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Bothalia, African Biodiversity & Conservation. South African National Biodiversity Institute. http://dx.doi.org/10.38201/btha.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Goldblatt, P.; Manning, J. C. (2016-09-01). "Review of species limits in Geissorhiza leipoldtii (Iridaceae: Crocoideae) and G. heterostyla with the recognition of new taxa plus important new records in the genus". South African Journal of Botany 106: 29–34. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.05.006. ISSN 0254-6299. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629915326454.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Raimondo, D. (2013). "Geissorhiza aspera Goldblatt National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.". http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=1535-3.
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q15562778 entry
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