Crocosmia paniculata (Klatt) Goldblatt

Robust and leafy, to c. 1.5 m high. Corm ± 5 × 4 cm, subglobose, tunic papery, smooth, light brown. Leaves broadly ensiform, < stem to 5 cm wide, plicate, tightly sheathing at base, spreading into a fan about half-way up stem. Stem c. 5 mm diam., terete, sturdy. Inflorescence with several stout branches above, some again branched, main axis and each branch terminating in a strongly zigzag portion with alternate sessile flowers; spathe-valves light brown, red-tinged, ± 6 mm long. Flowers orange, crimson-tinged, 3.5–4 cm long ± 1.5 cm diam.; tube ± 1 cm long, narrow, slightly widening above; lobes spreading, uppermost lobe longer and hooded, others ± equal, outer more acute. Capsule ± 3 mm long, brownish, oblong-trigonous. Seeds reddish, compressed-triangular.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

Flowering: Jan.–Feb.