How to identify Harlequin flowers (Sparaxis)

How to identify Harlequin flowers (Sparaxis)

Harlequin flowers, also known as Wandflower

Harlequin flowers is a perennial bulbous plant, rising to a height of about 2 feet (60 cm) with a width of around 8 inches (20 cm). This genus consists of plants that grow from corms and are recognized for their seasonal blooms. Delicate and vibrant flowers emerge in the spring, flourishing during the wet winter season. These plants possess a frost tender nature, sustaining damage if exposed to temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius). The foliage remains dormant underground during the hot summer months, conserving energy for the next flowering cycle.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Harlequin flowers

Spring-blooming star-shaped flowers with vibrant colors and striking markings.

Capsules containing 8-15 seeds per locule with distinct, hard, shiny seed coats.

Sword-shaped leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, with prominent parallel veins.

Upright stem, 0.25-0.5 inches (0.6-1.3 cm) thick, lacking spines or thorns.

Perennial bulbous plant with delicate, frost-tender flowers, dormant foliage in summer.

Detailed Traits of Harlequin flowers

Leaf Features

The leaves of harlequin flowers are sword-shaped, often growing in clusters. They are typically plane and can range from ensiform (sword-like) to oblong in shape. The leaves may also be prostrate, lying flat on the ground. Each leaf can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. They are characterized by a smooth texture with prominent parallel veins running from base to tip, giving them a rigid structure and a vibrant green color.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Harlequin flowers flowers bloom primarily in April and May, featuring star-shaped structures of 2 to 5 many-flowered bracts. These odorless, funnel-shaped flowers, sometimes obliquely oriented, present six equal-sized tepals, with vibrant and diverse colorations often exhibiting striking contrasting markings. Flower size varies, but they can typically reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Their visually distinct, symmetrical arrangement on each bloom makes them easily identifiable and highly decorative.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of harlequin flowers is either simple or branched, typically upright and straight. It varies in thickness, generally measuring around 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.3 cm) in diameter. The texture is smooth and slightly glossy, presenting a light green to a pale green hue. Branching occurs primarily near the base, and nodes are spaced regularly along the stem, facilitating stability and support for the plant. Notably, the stem lacks any spines or thorns.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of harlequin flowers is a capsule, varying from globose to oblong in shape, which exhibits a cartilaginous texture. Measuring across, these capsules house 8-15 seeds per locule. Each seed presents a globose form and is ensconced within a hard, shiny coat. The coloration of the seeds ranges from a light to dark brown. This distinctive, robust seed coat aids in protection and dispersal, making it a noteworthy characteristic for identification purposes.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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