Family: Iridaceae
Author: (L.) Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 1 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Watsonia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & SW. Cape Prov.
Description
Wild Watsonia, scientifically recognized as Watsonia meriana, is a striking perennial belonging to the family Iridaceae. It was first described and classified in the Gardener’s Dictionary’s 8th edition, published in 1768, by the eminent botanist (L.) Mill.
Native to the Western and Southwestern Cape provinces, Wild Watsonia is an epitome of floral elegance in these regions. This plant thrives in the unique climatic conditions of its native habitat, presenting a robust and visually appealing display that starts from its base and culminates in tall, slender flower spikes.
A key characteristic of Watsonia meriana is its vividly colored flowers, which range from deep orange to bright red, creating a stunning contrast with the lush greenery of its foliage. The trumpet-shaped blossoms are arranged in a spike, giving the plant its distinctive, elegant stature. Each flower spike can bear numerous blooms, making it a standout feature in the landscapes where it flourishes.
The foliage of Wild Watsonia comprises long, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from corms underground. These corms are a vital adaptation, allowing the plant to store nutrients and water, ensuring its survival during dry spells typical of its native regions.
Ecologically, Watsonia meriana plays a significant role in its habitat. The flowers are known to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the region. Additionally, its resilience and adaptive capabilities make it a valuable species for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in its native landscapes.
In horticulture, Wild Watsonia is cherished for its ornamental appeal. Gardeners prize it for its low maintenance and ability to add vibrant color to garden beds and borders from late spring to early summer. It’s also used in Mediterranean-style gardens where it thrives in similar climate conditions to its native habitat.
To cultivate Wild Watsonia successfully, it is essential to mimic its natural growing conditions. This includes providing well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and protection from excessive moisture during its dormant period. When properly cared for, Watsonia meriana can naturalize and spread, forming impressive clumps that enhance garden aesthetics year after year.
In summary, Wild Watsonia is more than just a beautiful plant; it is a testament to the unique flora of the Cape provinces. Its vivid blooms, ecological importance, and adaptability make it a cherished species in both natural habitats and cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Eng: bulbil bugle-lily, bugle-lily, bulbil watsonia, wild watsonia
Swe: röd watsonia
En: Wild watsonia, Bugle-lily, Bulbil watsonia, Bulbil bugle-lily
Ml: വാട്സോണിയ മെറിയാന
Pt-br: Palminha, Palminha-rosa
Sv: Röd watsonia
Synonyms
- Ixia iridifolia ((Jacq.) Link)
- Watsonia leipoldtii (L.Bolus)
- Watsonia meriana var. iridifolia ((Jacq.) Baker)
- Gladiolus merianus ((L.) Thunb.)
- Ixia meriana ((L.) Link)
- Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera ((J.W.Mathews & L.Bolus) D.A.Cooke)
- Neuberia pyramidalis (Eckl.)
- Antholyza meriana var. minor (L.)
- Watsonia fulgens ((Andrews) Pers.)
- Watsonia iridifolia ((Jacq.) Ker Gawl.)
- Watsonia fulgida (Salisb.)
- Watsonia iridifolia var. fulgens ((Andrews) Ker Gawl.)
- Watsonia bulbillifera (J.W.Mathews & L.Bolus)
- Gladiolus infundibuliformis (Schrank)
- Antholyza fulgens (Andrews)
- Watsonia meriana var. platypetala (Baker)
- Watsonia vivipara (J.W.Mathews & L.Bolus)
- Gladiolus iridifolius (Jacq.)
- Watsonia wordsworthiana (J.W.Mathews & L.Bolus)
- Gladiolus amoenus (Salisb.)
- Antholyza meriana (L.)
Distribution
- Cape Provinces (native)
- California (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Karluchi Crisostomo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Noel Mulcair (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Noel Mulcair (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2020 by Braden Hofeling (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Elie Le Goc (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2015 by EOL − tangatawhenua (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Joachim Fenske (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2019 by Caroline vdBV (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by SergioPlantNet (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Emma Franklin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Saramago Emanuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2022 by di Parodi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Joachim louiche (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by SergioPlantNet (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Dec 18, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 30, 2015 by EOL − tangatawhenua (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 27, 2015 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 27, 2015 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5297768)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:441955-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Watsonia meriana (L.) Mill.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb