Thirsty Fairy

Queensland is heading towards drought conditions again - such extremes here, remembering the devastating floods of December 2011/January 2012.

ALthough my blip makes this bloom look something of a giant, the delicate flowers are only 8cm across yet are borne on strong spear-like stems which are drought resistant and to an extent frost-resistant. Frost is rarely an issue here though maybe they can grow in England too?

Their common name 'Fairy Iris' (Dietes grandiflora for the plantspersons here) refers both to the delcate look of the flowers and to their transient nature, appearing in a sudden show a few days after rain, then gone almost as soon as you've spotted them. There was a possibility of rain today and this one seemed to be yearning to the skies for a drink - but there was no rain - tomorrow's forecast is more promising for thirsty plants.