Tigridia lutea

Quick Characteristics:

Tigridia lutea Link, Klotzsch & Otto is native to the "lomas" of Lima and Ancash, an ecosystem that is characterized by being dry for 6 months (summer), and wet & covered by vegetation the other 6 (winter). The leaves start growing in June, the flowers appear from August to October, and seeds can be collected from October to November. Floral visitors include flies, bees and Pesis wasps (also called Tarantula Hawks). This species can be propagated by bulblets and seeds. They can be expected to produce flowers a year and a half after the seeds are sown.

All South American species are proposed to be transferred to Mastigostyla, as phylogenetic studies indicated them to be closer to that genus. Photos from Norton Cuba Melly.