Ferraria Crispa

 

 

The bizarre Ferraria crispa - the "Starfish Iris" - looks like it crawled out of the sea. This rare Iris relative from South Africa has beautifully intricate blooms with frilly edges. Ferraria crispa is a winter-growing bulb that flowers in spring, then goes dormant for the summer. Its attractive leaves emerge from small corms in autumn.  The leaves grow about a foot tall and have a thick, fleshy texture.  In late winter or early spring, the 1½ inch flowers appear. 

  

Fist looking at these flowers, they appear to be some kind of flower-coral hybrid. I have seen the ruffled edges described as being barnacle like, which I can really see. To me, they almost look "ornate" with their elaborate and highly decorative patterns and colours.