Saturday, May 3, 2008

When Iris Eyes Are Smiling

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I think this is a stunning flower! The plant has been growing in our yard for several years now and is blooming for the first time. It must have gotten enough rain this year. It is called an African Iris or a Butterfly Iris but is not really an iris at all but one of its close relatives. It is one of several species of the genus, Dietes. This one is Dietes bicolor. They are African natives: so "they" got that part right. This bloom is about 4 inches across and will last for only one day, but there are other buds to open.  I think it looks rather like a little dog face.

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