DESCRIPTION: The Dietes (Genus) bicolor (Species) (variably known as African iris or Fortnight lily) is a clump-forming perennial plant with long sword-like pale-green leaves, growing from multiple fans at the base of the clump. As the name suggests, the African or Cape iris are native to Africa and consists of only 6 species – the Dietes bicolor being one of the most common. Other common names for this species include Yellow Wild Iris, Peacock Flower and Butterfly Iris. This species belongs to the Iridacea (Iris) family. It can reach a height of 18-36 inches and has beautifully delicate, yellowish, cream-white flowers that generally last 1-3 days each. The bottom three outer petals (technically the sepals) have three dark purple blotches surrounded by bright orange outline markings at their base. It blooms from mid-spring to early summer and is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.