Approximately 110 species of cormous perennials from tropical and southern Africa. They are related and similar to Iris but lack the laterally flattened, sword-shaped leaves and perianth tube (joining tepals to ovary) of that genus.
Although many of the species are small enough and highly decorative, none is fully hardy. Generally they are best in the alpine house from which severe frost is excluded. However, some species from the eastern Cape and east African mountains, which are dormant in our winters, can be grown out of doors in sheltered nooks. Well drained sandy soil and full sun are required. Propagation by offsets when dormant, or seed in spring.
a, M. ciliata; b, M. gawleri; c, M. neopavonia; d, M. papilionaceae; e, M. thompsonii; f, M. tricuspidata;
a, M. fugax; b, M. iridioides; c, M. tripetala;