Diplarrena moraea
Butterfly Flag
Densely tufted perennial herb spreading through short underground stems.
Additional information
- FamilyIridaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.1-0.7 m x 0.5-1 m
- Plant groupingLilies & Irises
- LeavesDark to grey-green strap-like leaves 10-70 cm x 5-10 mm. 2-4 green bracts on flowering stem with a pair of bracts below the flowers.
- Flower colourWhite, inner petals white & yellow often with purple markings
- Flowering timeOctober to December
- FlowersCluster of 3-6 large scented flowers on a stout flowering stem to 1 m high, held above the foliage. Outer 3 petals white, inner 3 petals multi-coloured, smaller. Capsule triangular.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil in lowland heathlands and open forest. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useMasses of flowers provide a great effect in rockeries and garden beds. A large tussock for background planting in cottage gardens. Containers. Near water features.
- Commercially availableGenerally
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common to the south of the Shire and in East Gippsland.
- Related speciesOften confused commercially with the South African iris Moraea iridioides.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Peter Kinchington ©
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