Moraea miniata, the two-leaved Cape tulp
Author: Ivan Lätti
Photographer: Thabo Maphisa
The Moraea miniata plant in picture has the usual two narrow, channelled leaves and a branched inflorescence with narrow, unequally paired bracts subtending all flowers.
The bud twists gently before opening, while the old flowers wither in exaggerated contortions as the tepals end while the fruits begin.
This common plant is seen from Namaqualand to Riversdale (Manning, 2007; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; iNaturalist).