Neomarica caerulea


Botanical Name: Neomarica caerulea (added by D. Kramb, 08-NOV-03)
Botanical Synonyms:
N/A
Classification:
Irid (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Common Names:
Walking iris, Apostle plant (D. Kramb, 08-NOV-03)
Chromosome Count:
N/A
General Description:
Forms large clumps with 3-5 ft long stiff pale green sword-like leaves. Has beautiful 3-4 inch wide blue flowers that appear above the foliage in late spring. The flowers open only for a day and then take a short rest to open again several days later. This rest and bloom cycle goes on for 4-6 weeks. (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Distinguishing Features:
Large blue flowers (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Preferred Habitat:
Does best in part shade, but will tolerate full sun. Requires plenty of moisture. (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Hardiness:
Estimated Zones 7-11. (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Native Range:
Brazil (D. Kramb, 08-NOV-03 )
Guinea, and Brazil (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Status in the Wild:
N/A
Commercial Availability:
Specialty nursery or SIGNA seed exchange (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)
Sources Cited:
N/A
Additional Comments:
There are approximately 15 species of Neomarica found throughout the tropical Americas. The genus name "neomarica" means new 'marica', which was the name originally applied to this genus until it was discovered the name "Marica" had already been used to define another genus. (D. Kramb, 16-JAN-04)