Moraea, the Cape tulips,[2] is a genus of plants in the family Iridaceae, first described as a genus in 1758. The group is widespread across Africa, the Mediterranean, and central and southwestern Asia.[3] The genus name is a tribute to the English botanist Robert More.[4]
Moraea | |
---|---|
Moraea viscaria | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Iridaceae |
Subfamily: | Iridoideae |
Tribe: | Irideae |
Genus: | Moraea Mill. |
Type species | |
Moraea viscaria | |
Synonyms[1] | |
List
|
Moraeas have iris-like flowers.[5] The corms of some species have been used as food, however they are usually small and some species have an unpleasant taste, and some are poisonous.[6][7]
The following species are recognised in the genus Moraea:[8]