Common Name
One-leaf cape tulip, Two-leaf cape tulip
Scientific Name
Moraea flaccida (formerly Homeria flaccida), Moraea miniata (formerly Homeria miniata)
Family
Iridaceae
Lifecycle
Perennial
Seasons of Growth
Cape Tulips germinate after autumn rains and grow through the winter. They typically flower from late winter to early spring. New corms develop before the flowers appear, and the plants die back in late spring, remaining dormant over the summer.
Key Distinguishing Feature
Leaves: One-leaf Cape Tulip has a single flat, strappy leaf, while two-leaf Cape Tulip usually has two leaves per plant. Flowers: Six-petaled, salmon pink to orange with yellow centers, appearing in small clusters at the ends of the branches. Corms: Bulb-like structures that store food for the plant, aiding its survival and spread.
Cape Tulip refers to two species, Moraea flaccida (one-leaf Cape Tulip) and Moraea miniata (two-leaf Cape Tulip), both native to South Africa. These perennial herbs were introduced to Australia as ornamental plants but have since become significant environmental and agricultural weeds. Cape Tulip grows from bulb-like corms and produces striking flowers that range from salmon pink to orange, with a yellow center. These plants are particularly problematic in pastures and native vegetation, where they can form dense stands that displace native species and degrade pasture quality.
Methods of Control
Physical Removal:
- Hand-pulling: Effective for small infestations, ensuring all corms are removed to prevent regrowth.
- Mechanical Removal: Use machinery to remove large infestations, but care must be taken to avoid spreading corm fragments.
Chemical Control:
- Herbicides: Herbicides like glyphosate and clopyralid are effective. The optimal time for application is when plants are actively growing and just at flowering (July–September).
- Foliar Spray: Apply herbicides to the leaves.
- Cut Stump Method: Cut stems and apply herbicide immediately to the stump.
Prevention:
- Avoid spreading corms and seeds via contaminated machinery, produce, or soil.
- Ensure hay and silage are sourced from clean areas to prevent contamination.
Additional Images
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