Lapeirousia oreogena Iridaceae Kathy Echols, Martinez The iris family in South Africa includes more than 27 genera and 708 species. One of the most delicate and beautiful genera, Lapeirousia, includes this 4inch tall species that is bright violet with cream markings. The nearly 1inch wide flowers have very long, 2 to 3inch, floral tubes. They are pollinated by longproboscid flies. This species comes from dry arid regions and needs a summer dormant period and welldrained soil.. Photo by Bruce Peters