Citation: L., Sp. Pl. edn 2:51 (1762).

Synonymy: I. flexuosa sensu J. Black, Fl. S. Aust. 205 (1943), non L.

Common name: Variable ixia.

Description:
Perennial 30-100 cm high; corm to 2.5 cm diam.; leaves 5-8, linear, acute, 20-60 cm long, 2-7 cm wide, with the mid-vein or several veins prominent.

Scape unbranched or with 1-4 patent branches; spikes more or less distichous, loose or compact with few to many flowers; spathes ovate to oblong, 3-7 mm long, whitish, translucent, often with faint veins, very shortly dentate; flowers white to pale-blue, pink or mauve, often with centres of a contrasting colour; perianth tube 6-14 mm long; lobes oblong, obtuse, 1-2.5 cm long, 5-9 mm wide; filaments 3-4 mm long, free; anthers 4-7 mm long; style branches 3-4 mm long, spreading below the anthers.

Distribution:  Occasional on roadsides and former gardens. S.Aust.: SL, KI.   W.Aust.; N.S.W.; Vic.; Tas.   Native to South Africa. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: Nov., Dec.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: I. flexuosa L., with pinkish spathes, a perianth tube 4-6 mm long and anthers 3-4.5 mm long, is naturalised in the eastern States, but all material from S.Aust. previously referred to this species is actually I. polystachya.

Author: Not yet available