Botany Photo of the Day will have brief written entries on weekends, holidays and my vacations from April through September. – Daniel
All fifty or so species of Watsonia are endemic to South Africa, though some have naturalized elsewhere after introduction by humans. This particular species is not well-known in cultivation. It is named in honour of Henry George Fourcade, surveyor and botanist.
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A close relative of Freesia, I presume?
Yes, Watsonia and Freesia are both in the subfamily Crocoideae.
Can you confirm it is the same flower? http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielle_viens_-_picture_my_world/2336471900/
I would appreciate. My picture was taken in Cape Town South Africa, Sep 2007.
I don't think so, Danielle - from what I recall of the plant here in the garden, that was the extent of which the flowers opened. Your photograph has a much more open flower.