Nemastylis geminiflora, commonly known as prairie celestial, celestial,[1] prairie pleatleaf,[2] or celestial lily[3] is a perennial herb in the Iridaceae (iris) family. It is native to the south-central area of the United States.
| Nemastylis geminiflora | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Nemastylis |
| Species: | N. geminiflora
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| Binomial name | |
| Nemastylis geminiflora | |
Description
editN. geminiflora grows to a height of 30 centimetres (12 in), sometimes taller, with stems growing from a bulb deep in the ground. Each stem is clasped by 1 to 4 narrow, linear leaves. The leaves are long and narrow, up to 11 centimetres (4 in) wide, folded lengthwise near the base and pleated along the veins or flat near the top.[4] Flowers are 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) long, in the shape of a star with 6 blue-violet or blue pointed petals and sepals. 1 or 2 flowers emerge from a common spathe, or sheath.[3] Each flower lasts only one day, opening up in the late morning and closing mid-afternoon.[5]
Distribution and habitat
editThe plant is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.[2] The plant occurs in limestone glades, prairies, and rocky slopes.[3]
Ecology
editN. geminiflora is pollinated by bees, flies, and other insects, which gather nectar from the flowers. Flowers appear in April and May.[6]
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Nemastylis geminiflora fruit -
Nemastylis geminiflora dehiscent fruit -
Nemastylis geminiflora seeds
References
edit- ^ "Celestial beauties". Native Plant Society of Texas. 28 June 2018.
- ^ a b "NatureServe Explorer 2.0". explorer.natureserve.org.
- ^ a b c Denison, Edgar (2017). Missouri Wildflowers (Sixth ed.). Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-887247-59-7.
- ^ "Nemastylis geminiflora page". www.missouriplants.com.
- ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". www.wildflower.org.
- ^ "Celestial Lily (Prairie Iris)". Missouri Department of Conservation.