Freesia viridis

Winter-growing bulbous species. Small, rounded and clumping bulbs. Several ensiform leaves arranged like a fan develop from the bulbs. Arched inflorescences bearing 10 or more flowers. The flowers are green and consist of a long tube with 6 reflexed tepals at the apex that vaguely resemble a spider. Flowering occurs between late winter and early spring. The plant begins to grow in autumn and goes dormant at the end of spring, losing all its aerial parts. Native species of South Africa (Northern and South-Western Cape Province) and southern Namibia. In nature it grows in stony shale, clay, granite or sandstone, often wedged among rocks. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny or semi-shaded position. Do not water during the summer. Hardy.