Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Asparagales Link
Family
Iridaceae Juss.
Genus
Watsonia Mill.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Watsonia marginata Ker Gawl., Bot. Mag. 17: Pl. 608– next p (1802)
 Description

Large clumps to 1.5 m high. Corm ± 6 cm diam.; tunic of coarse fibres. Leaves much < stems, 3–5 cm wide, broad-ensiform, bluish-green with very thick yellowish margins. Inflorescence long and slender, many-flowered, dense, with several short, appressed branches; spathe-valves fibrous. Flowers slightly > 3 cm long, 2–2.5 cm diam., clear lilac marked with magenta at base, cup-shaped; tube c. 1.5 cm long, curved; lobes spreading. Stamens c. ½ length of perianth, symmetrically arranged, 3 very short pink staminodia alternating with filaments. Capsule ± ½ length of spathe-valve, very hard.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Dec.

 Bibliography
Hobbs, J.; Hatch, T. 1994: Bulbs for New Zealand Gardens. Godwit Press, Auckland.
Ker Gawler, J.B. 1802: Watsonia marginata. Long-spiked Watsonia. Curtis's Botanical Magazine 17: Pl. 608–next 2 pp.