Babiana stricta, the baboon flower[1] or blue freesia,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Cape Province, South Africa and naturalized in Australia.[3] Growing 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall by 5 cm (2 in) broad, it is a cormous perennial with hairy leaves 4–12 cm (2–5 in) long.[4] The leaves show linear venation.
There are many hybrids and cultivars with different colored flowers, usually blue or pink with white additions. In mid- to late spring, each flowering stem produces six or more blooms, each to 5 cm (2 in) across. They are grouped in an inflorescence and often have a pleasant lemon scent. The seeds are black with a hard coat, collected in round seed capsules.[5]
The specific epithet stricta means "erect, upright".[6]
Babiana stricta is tender (USDA Zones 8–10)[7] and in temperate zones is planted in containers and stored in winter at 5 °C (41 °F).[8]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
Babiana stricta, the baboon flower or blue freesia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Cape Province, South Africa and naturalized in Australia. Growing 10–30 cm (4–12 in) tall by 5 cm (2 in) broad, it is a cormous perennial with hairy leaves 4–12 cm (2–5 in) long. The leaves show linear venation.
There are many hybrids and cultivars with different colored flowers, usually blue or pink with white additions. In mid- to late spring, each flowering stem produces six or more blooms, each to 5 cm (2 in) across. They are grouped in an inflorescence and often have a pleasant lemon scent. The seeds are black with a hard coat, collected in round seed capsules.
The specific epithet stricta means "erect, upright".
