Dietes iridioides
Introduction
Dietes iridioides is not common in residential gardens and landscapes, yet it is considered a good garden subject.
Description
Description
Dietes iridioides is a rhizomatous, evergreen herb, up to 600 mm high, with sword-shaped, dark green leaves in a loose fan. This prolific flowerer carries its flowers on a wiry, arching stem. The flowers are dainty and each bloom lasts a single morning. New flowers open continually during the flowering spell. Its flowers are subtended by white sheathing bracts; the inner petals are often marked with brown streaks near the base; the style branches are lightly flushed with violet, 30-40 mm wide. The flowers are closed by midday except on overcast days. Flowers are produced from spring through to summe. Fruit is a capsule, oval shaped and it disintegrates to release black seeds.
Conservation Status
Status
Not threatened, due to its widespread geographical distribution and its self-sowing capability
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
This plant is widely distributed, from the Eastern Cape through to KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in evergreen forests or clearings in bush.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
Dietes is derived from the Greek dis, meaning twice, and etes, meaning an associate, thus two relatives, drawing attention to the position of this genus between Moraea and Iris. About five species make up this genus of indigenous, rhizomatous plants. Often seen in gardens are D.grandiflora and D. bicolor.
Ecology
Ecology
The plant can self-pollinate when the flower closes, bringing the male flower and female flower parts together. Bees and other insects also pollinate the flowers.
Uses
Use
Infusions made from the inner part of the rhizome are taken orally in enemas to treat dysentery. Rhizomes are used during childbirth and also for hypertension (Pujol 1990). Ground rhizomes are ingredients in tonics for goats (Hulme 1954). Roots are used for first menstruation.
Some people call this the rain iris as they believe that flowering of this plant presages rain.
Some African cultures believe that, if you have been to a funeral or entered a house with a corpse, you must chew the rhizome and spit on the ground to take the bad luck away. And if you do not chew the rhizome, an immediate member of your family is going to die.
Growing Dietes iridioides
Grow
These tough, drought-resistant plants will thrive in semi-shade as well as full sun, often where little else will grow. Dietes iridioides will tolerate both wind and frost, and seeds itself freely.
Plantlets often develop on the flower stems and root easily when they touch the ground. Dietes is effective in mass plantings under trees and around water features. Sow seeds in spring or divide large clumps which spread by means of rhizomes.
References
- Hulme, M.M. 1954. Wild Flowers of Natal. Shuter & Shooter, Pietermaritzburg.
- Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. & Cunningham, A.B. 1996. Zulu medicinal plants: an inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
- Jackson, W.P.U. 1990. Origins and meanings of names of South African plant genera. University of Cape Town Printing Department.
- Manning, J. 2003. Photographic guide to the wild flowers of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
- Pienaar, K. 1992, 2000. What flower is that? PUBLISHER? CITY ?
- Pooley, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
- Pujol, J. 1990. Nature Africa: The herbalist handbook. Jean Pujol Natural Healers Foundation, Durban.
Credits
Cosmos Radebe
Pretoria NBG
December 2007
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Bulb
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape
Soil type: Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Autumn
PH: Acid, Neutral
Flower colour: White
Aspect: Full Sun, Shade, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade)
Gardening skill: Easy
Special Features:
Drought resistant
Medical plant
Horticultural zones
Rate this article
Article well written and informative
Rate this plant
Is this an interesting plant?
Login to add your Comment
Back to topNot registered yet? Click here to register.