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Description
Moraea Pyrophila is a rare plant species that belongs to the family Iridaceae, native to South Africa. This plant is known for its unique and attractive appearance, which makes it a prized possession among gardeners and plant collectors. The Moraea Pyrophila is also referred to as the Fire Sprite, due to its stunning orange and yellow flowers that resemble flames.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Moraea |
Appearance
The Moraea Pyrophila plant grows up to 20cm tall and produces slender, sword-like leaves that are green in color. The flowers, which appear in the summer, are the main attraction of this plant. The blooms have three petals that are bright orange in color, with a yellow center. The flowers are held on slender stalks, giving them a delicate appearance.
Care Guide
If you’re planning to grow Moraea Pyrophila, it’s important to provide the right growing conditions. Here’s a basic care guide:
Water
The plant needs regular watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Feed Moraea Pyrophila with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones
Moraea Pyrophila is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Moraea Pyrophila is relatively pest-resistant but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Spider mites and mealybugs can also be a problem in dry conditions.
Habitat
The Moraea Pyrophila is native to rocky slopes in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It grows in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions and can tolerate moderate frost.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Moraea Pyrophila plant?
A: The plant needs regular watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Q: What kind of soil does Moraea Pyrophila prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal.
Q: How tall does Moraea Pyrophila grow?
A: The plant grows up to 20cm tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Moraea Pyrophila?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Moraea Bellendenii
- Moraea Collina
- Moraea Polystachya
- Moraea Sisyrinchium
References
- Kew Science. (n.d.). Moraea Pyrophila. Retrieved August 22, 2021, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:439178-1
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Moraea Pyrophila (Fire Sprite). Retrieved August 22, 2021, from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/moraea-pyrophila-fire-sprite
- PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Moraea Pyrophila. Retrieved August 22, 2021, from http://pza.sanbi.org/moraea-pyrophila
