Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Klein wittulp, Wood iris, Indawo-yehlathi, Isiqiki-sikatokoloshe, Isishuphe somfula

Family: Iridaceae (Iris)

Distribution: South Africa to Ethiopia

Habitat: Evergreen forest and forest margins

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)

Comments: A very widespread, indigenous bulb which occurs in the almost all South African provinces except for the Northern Cape and the Free State. It is not endemic to South Africa and occurs as far north as Ethiopia. It has white flowers in tight clusters with violet style arms. Each flower only lasts for one day. Since it is such a widespread bulb, it is not surprising that it is known to have a few uses. It is believed by some that the flowering of this plant means rain is on its way. Some African cultures hold the belief that chewing the rhizome of this plant after attending a funeral will keep bad luck from the family. It also has some recorded medicinal uses, such as being used to treat hypertension and dysentry.