Nemastylis geminiflora

Nemastylis geminiflora, commonly known as prairie celestial, celestial,[1] prairie pleatleaf,[2] or celestial lily[3] is a perennial herb in the Iridaceae (iris) family. It is native to the south-central area of the United States.

Nemastylis geminiflora

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Nemastylis
Species:
N. geminiflora
Binomial name
Nemastylis geminiflora

Description

N. geminiflora grows to a height of 30 centimetres (12 in), sometimes taller, with stems growing from a bulb deep in the ground. Each stem is clasped by 1 to 4 narrow, linear leaves. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 11 centimetres (4 in) wide, folded lengthwise near the base and pleated along the veins or flat near the top.[4] Flowers are 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) long, in the shape of a star with 6 blue-violet or blue pointed petals and sepals. 1 or 2 flowers emerge from a common spathe, or sheath.[3] Each flower lasts only one day, opening up in the late morning and closing mid-afternoon.[5]

Distribution and habitat

The plant is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.[2] The plant occurs in limestone glades, prairies, and rocky slopes.[3]

Ecology

N. geminiflora is pollinated by bees, flies, and other insects, which gather nectar from the flowers. Flowers appear in April and May.[6]

  • Nemastylis geminiflora fruit
    Nemastylis geminiflora fruit
  • Nemastylis geminiflora dehiscent fruit
    Nemastylis geminiflora dehiscent fruit
  • Nemastylis geminiflora seeds
    Nemastylis geminiflora seeds

References
  1. "Celestial beauties". Native Plant Society of Texas. 28 June 2018.
  2. "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org.
  3. Denison, Edgar (2017). Missouri Wildflowers (Sixth ed.). Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-887247-59-7.
  4. "Nemastylis geminiflora page". www.missouriplants.com.
  5. "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org.
  6. "Celestial Lily (Prairie Iris)". Missouri Department of Conservation.
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