Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Sparaxis tricolor (Schneev.) Ker Gawl.

Note: the distinction between Sparaxis pillansii and Sparaxis tricolor in Australia is not clear. Either one or both of these species, as well as hybrid cultivars, may be present in naturalised populations. For the purpose of this publication, these plants will all be treated as Sparaxis tricolor.

Synonyms

Ixia tricolor Schneev.
Sparaxis pillansii L. Bolus

Family

Iridaceae

Common Names

harlequin flower, Jack Spratts, sparaxis, tricolor harlequin flower, tricolor harlequin-flower, velvet flower, wand flower, wandflower

Origin

Native to south-western Africa (i.e. Cape Province in South Africa).

Naturalised Distribution

Widely naturalised in southern Australia (i.e. in the coastal districts of central New South Wales, in many parts of Victoria, in south-eastern South Australia and in south-western Western Australia).

Also naturalised overseas in south-western USA (i.e. California).

Notes

Tricolor harlequin flower (Sparaxis tricolor) is regarded as an environmental weed in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.