Moraea regalis style branches above tepals

Moraea regalis is an exciting plant citizen of the De Rust area in the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. Being so severely range restricted near an area inhabited by town people, there is serious concern for the future of this plant in its habitat.

The branching of the style into three above the tepals is notable in the photo. Each branch-tip forks as well in a lighter blue than the big tepals. The difference in size between inner and outer tepals is remarkable.

Deep blue spring flowers announce the presence of the species that should be treasured by locals as their unique floral neighbour, inhabiting one of the most beautiful parts of the country (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iNaturalist; https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org).