The flower of Tigridia chiapensis
Today’s photograph features Tigridia chiapensis (Iridaceae), and was taken in the E.H. Lohbrunner Alpine Garden here at the Univeristy of British Columbia Botanical Garden. Tigridia chiapensis is native to Chiapas, Mexico, where it typically grows in moist grassy meadows with well-drained soil (at elevations of 1800 to 2700m).
Tigridia (tiger-flowers or shell-flowers) is a genus of herbaceous perennials. Species are distributed mainly in Mexico and Guatemala, with a few present in Chile and Peru. Tiger-flowers have tunicate bulbs and pleated leaves with a fan-like habit. Plants are dormant through dry season and bloom during the wet, with an often short-lived inflorescence–in some species a single flower will only last a day!
The genus is known not only for its striking flowers, but also for its ability to provide sustenance. There is evidence dating back roughly a millenium ago that suggests Aztecs cultivated various species of Tigridia. Aztecs refer to the plant as cacomitl and the flower as ociloxochitl. Various indigenous cultures throughout its native range have been known to roast and eat the bulbs of Tigridia species, which have been noted to taste similar to roasted chestnuts.
For gardeners, tigridias can be obtained and grown relatively easily. In temperate areas, plants are usually grown as annuals (planted after the last frost) or as tender perennials, with the bulbs removed before the first frost and stored in a frost-free location in sandy soil until the next spring.
Wow- what a stunning Iris! It would fit in perfectly with my yellow and white iris collection!!!
Wonderful photo – such clarity!
Gorgeous! I think I see a drop of water in the lower petal. The variety of color and design in flowers and birds is incredible.
This reminds me of my Cypella coelestis. It grows very well for me and now that I have too many for my window space in winter I may try storing the bulbs in sand for the next growing season. My Cypella has pleated leaves, a similar but blue flower, and each flower lasts only one day but lots of buds open in succession to make a long bloom time. Irises are amazing! Nice to see this one.
i think dali would have enjoyed painting this flower
t’is almost as if the center has been impaled with a cross
the markings well nature is a wonderment when seen upclose
thank you for the comments and a fine write up
debbie is out in the gulf hopefully just rain in the tampa bay area
take care
For years I grew the commercially available Tigridia bulbs here in Toronto, storing them in the basement over the winter. An interesting project for gardeners is to save the seeds and grow them on – if started indoors in late winter and given good soil, they can bloom the same summer. A riot of colors and patterns are found in the seedlings – I suspect the commercial bulbs are hybrids from several Tigridia species.