ANTHOLYZA (Antholy'za)

DESCRIPTION: These are South African corms that belong to the Iris family. Their beautifully colored flowers are produced during the summer. The name Antholyza refers to the supposed resemblance of an angry animal; it is derived from anthos, flower, and lyssa, rage.

POTTING: These plants can be planted outside after danger of frost is passed, they should be planted 4 inches deep in fertile soil in a sunny location. They may be lifted when the leaves have died down in the fall and stored in sand, safe from frost in the winter. They can also be grown in pots, for early spring bloom, by planting several corms (bulbs), 2 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in containers of fertile, well-drained soil in September. Place them in a sunny greenhouse that has a night temperature of 45-50 degrees and a day temperature that has a 5- to 10-degree rise.

PROPAGATION: The offsets or small bulbs may be detached and potted when Antholyza are repotted in the spring.

VARIETIES: A. aethiopica (red and greenish-yellow, 2½ ft.); A. caffra (scarlet, 2 ft.).

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