Lapeirousia oreogena, cushion cabong, 25-100 seeds July 2024

Lapeirousia oreogena, commonly known as cushion cabong or perskussing in Afrikaans, is a fascinating tuberous geophyte in the Iris family, Iridaceae. This unique plant is native to a small area straddling the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. First described in 1897 by Rudolf Schlechter and later published in the Bolus Herbarium by Peter Goldblatt in 1972, L. oreogena has captured the interest of botanists and plant lovers alike.

One of the standout features of cushion cabong is its striking appearance. It reaches up to 10 centimeters in height and boasts linear to sword-shaped outer leaves alongside undulated inner leaves. The plant has a corm from which it grows and lacks a stem, giving it a distinctive, compact look.

In late winter to early spring, L. oreogena produces beautiful star-shaped flowers that can be violet in color, adorned with dark purple markings at their base and six cream-colored triangular markings that act as functional nectar guides. These flowers are particularly notable for their relationship with a specific fly species, Prosoeca marinusi, from the Nemestrinidae family. This mutualistic relationship is considered one of the most specialized pollination systems, illustrating a fascinating example of coevolution in nature.

The flowers are protandrous, meaning the male parts develop before the female, aiding in the efficient pollination process. Notably, they are scentless to humans and are borne on spiraling spikes of slender green bracts at ground level. This unique flowering structure allows for up to five spikes per plant, with each spike holding up to 20 flowers, depending on the plant's vigor.

While capable of setting seed in isolated conditions, L. oreogena primarily relies on its pollinator visitors for reproductive success, further emphasizing the delicate balance of this ecological relationship. Its flowers typically remain open for three to five days, with the stigmas becoming receptive two to three days after blooming.

Despite its limited distribution, Lapeirousia oreogena is classified as "least concern" by the Red List of South African Plants, indicating a stable population. The combination of its striking floral characteristics, specialized pollination, and limited habitat makes L. oreogena a fascinating subject for continued study and appreciation within the botanical community.

Germination method:

Begin by placing the small seeds on the surface of a well-draining substrate and lightly cover them with sand. Position the pots in an area with full sunlight, maintaining a temperature of around 20°C throughout the year. Ensure that the soil remains slightly moist from below. Additionally, a nighttime temperature drop to approximately 10°C to 15°C can significantly improve germination rates for several species.