Origin and Common Names:
Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster is a species of perennial, herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. The plant is native to South Africa and can be found in the Western Cape province. It is commonly known as the Purple African Iris or the Broad Crested African Iris.
General Appearance:
The plant has narrow, sword-shaped leaves that grow from a corm. The leaves can reach a height of up to 30 cm. The flower stem of the plant is erect and can reach up to 40 cm in height. The stem bears one to two flowers that bloom from August to October. The flowers are a stunning shade of purple, have six petals, and can reach a diameter of up to 5 cm. The plant produces small, round, seed capsules.
Uses:
The Purple African Iris is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its beautiful flowers. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain. Additionally, the corms of the plant are edible and have been used as a food source in some parts of South Africa.
Light Requirements
Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster generally prefers moderate shade to full sun exposure. It can thrive in partial shade, but it may not flower as profusely as it would in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires a mild to warm climate for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 5°C during the dormancy period, but it prefers temperatures between 10-32°C during the active growing season.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster is planted should be well-draining, loamy, and sandy. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with an optimal range between 5.5-6.5. A soil with good organic matter content promotes healthy growth and flowering of this plant.
During the growing season, this plant requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. However, during the dormant period, watering should be reduced significantly to prevent rotting of the storage organ.
Cultivation methods
Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a spot in full sun or partial shade. When planting, space the corms around 7 to 10 cm apart and about 5 to 7 cm deep. The planting time should be in autumn, so the plant can take advantage of the rainy season.
Watering needs
Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster requires regular watering during the growing season, which is from autumn to late spring. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, the plant will go dormant, and watering should be reduced. However, do not let the soil completely dry out.
Fertilization
Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting will provide Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster with the nutrients it needs to grow and bloom. Additional fertilization is generally not necessary, but if desired, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster. After flowering, the foliage will begin to yellow and die back. This is normal, and the plant should be left alone until the following autumn when new growth will begin again.
Propagation of Geissorhiza mathewsii var. eurystigma
Geissorhiza mathewsii var. eurystigma is a rare plant species that is highly valued for its beautiful flowers. The plant is propagated by seeds and corms for its conservation and cultivation. The propagation methods are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Geissorhiza mathewsii is by seeds. The seeds are sown during the autumn months (March to May) in well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown in shallow seed trays filled with a mixture of loam and sand. The seeds need to be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seed trays should be kept in a shaded place with temperatures between 18 – 22°C. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Corm Propagation
Geissorhiza mathewsii can also be propagated through its corms. The corms can be harvested in early summer after flowering or in autumn before the new shoots emerge. The harvested corms are washed and dried in a shaded and well-ventilated area. The corms can then be stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season.
The corms can be planted during autumn in the same type of soil used for seed sowing. The corms should be planted at a depth of 2 – 3 cm and at a distance of 5 – 7 cm apart. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing period.
Disease Management for Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster
Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster is not typically prone to disease, but it can occasionally fall victim to fungal infections. One common fungus that affects Geissorhiza plants is Botrytis cinerea, which causes grey mold on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice good plant hygiene by sterilizing tools and surfaces, providing adequate air circulation, and removing any infected plant parts immediately. Fungicides may be necessary in severe cases.
Pest Management for Geissorhiza mathewsii L.Bolus var. eurystigma (L.Bolus) R.C.Foster
The African corm-raiding weevil, Aechmea sp., is a common pest that can damage the roots of Geissorhiza plants. These pests can be managed by using insecticides or by increasing soil drainage to discourage their presence. Another potential pest is the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus spp., which feeds on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and discoloration. These mites can be controlled by using nematodes or other organic insecticides.
