Moraea flaccida (one-leaf Cape tulip)

Japanese name: モラエア フラッキダ
Scientific name: Moraea flaccida

[Overview]
A perennial 25–60 cm tall.
It has a corm about 2 cm in diameter underground, enclosed in a netted outer coat.
There are basal leaves and leaves alternate on the stem; only one basal leaf emerges, and it is linear, 0.9–1.3 cm wide.
The leaves die back in summer and the plant goes dormant.
Several flowers are borne at the stem tip, and each flower withers within a day.
The flowers are salmon-orange to yellow, with 6 tepals opening in a star shape.
The base of the flower is yellow.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by dividing the corms.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
In regions with frost, protect it from frost, for example by moving it into a frame, so that the emerged leaves are not damaged.
Take care not to overwater; from autumn to spring, water thoroughly when the soil dries, and once the leaves start to turn yellow, gradually keep it on the dry side.
During dormancy, move potted plants to a cool place in shade and stop watering; for plants in the ground, dig up the corms after all the leaves have died back, dry them in the shade, and store them dry in a cool, shaded place.
It is best to fertilize sparingly, and if a base fertilizer is applied, nothing more is needed.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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