Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Babiana

Species:

Babiana sambucina subsp. longibracteata

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

30 cm

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

blue, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Like most fynbos species, benefits from periodic fire which stimulates flowering and reduces competition. Resprouts from corms after fire.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best after exposure to smoke or smoke-water treatment, typical of fynbos species.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch