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Neomarica longifolia, Trimezia martinicensis
Yellow Walking Iris, Apostle Plant, Martinique trimeziaFamily: Iridaceae
Origin: South Mexico to South America
Rhizomatous perennial with showy flowers. This plant can be used indoors as a lucky bamboo or lucky mangrove. It is a unique plant since it tolerates both drought and flooding, so it can be grown in a container with water, terrarium, aquarium or just a small dish. It tolerates full shade as well, thus can be kept in low light conditions as a house plant. It can grow in neglect in a glass of water for years! If planted oudoors, the plant blooms all year, but is at it's best in Spring thru Autumn. It stays green all year and grows up to 2-3 feet. Should be planted in grassy clumps in zone 9 or above. Flowers are yellow with mottled brown spots. Each flower lasts only one day, but another flower will takes it's place the following day. Plant in part shade, especially in hot Summer days. After flowering this plant makes many off-set plant "pups" with air roots to be replanted, or allow them to replant themselves. Can be easily propagated from a small off-set. Neomarica literally signifies the change of seasons. Typically a late- winter bloomer, some Neomaricas flower successively well into springtime. Once the flowering has finished, young plants grow up next to the spent bloom. The weight of the new growth carries the flowering stem to the ground. In a natural environment, the plants will root into the ground and start a new plant. In time, large clumps will spread in every direction, and the plant has literally "walked" its way into a new existence. However, as a potted specimen they will not form new plants, but will remain as beautiful contained specimens.
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