Family: Iridaceae Form: Herb Origin: Native to South Africa Weed Type(s): Naturalised, Environmental Weed, Garden Escape

W. bulbillifera photo. C. Wilson

Notes: Watsonia has been cultivated in Australia for more than 150 years being included in nursery catalogues in Victoria in the 1850s. Six species of Watsonia have been recorded as naturalised in conservation reserves and state forests in Western Australia including Kings Park. They are all believed to be garden escapes. Because they are of garden origin it is often difficult to determine the exact species.

Watsonia aletroides was first recorded as naturalised in Western Australia in 1981 and in Victoria in 1989. Watsonia bulbillifera is a serious weed in the wetter south coast and south-west of Western Australia where it colonises roadsides. Watsonia marginata, which has open pale lilac flowers, occurs around old settlements from the Darling Range to Albany.

Watsonia is a sun-loving herbaceous perennial which holds its flowers above the foliage. It was introduced as an ornamental and propagated for its hardiness and bright flowers. Up to three corms are produced alongside the main corm each year and cormlets are produced in the axils of the leaves. The corms can remain dormant for many years when dry and can be shipped easily by post. Watsonia may also be raised from seed.

References:

Randall, R. P. (2002). A Global Compendium of Weeds. R. G. & F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
Brookes, M. and Barley, R. (1992). Plants Listed in Nursery Catalogues in Victoria 1855 - 1889. Ornamental Plants Collections Association, Melbourne