Tigridia pavonia

Description

Tigridia pavonia is the best-known species from the genus Tigridia, in the Iridaceae family. Common names include jockey's cap lily, Mexican shellflower, peacock flower, tiger iris, and tiger flower. The species is widespread across much of Mexico as well as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The species is also considered naturalized in Ecuador and Peru. It is very popular as an ornamental plant among lovers of interesting flowers. The blooms come in a variety of colours. They open early in the morning and are already closed around 5 P.M. when dusk begins to fall. Every day a different bloom is opened. The plants that are grown from seeds bloom in the first year after they are sowed. The bulbs are edible and have been used by the American Indians. It has a chestnut-like flavour. Aphis newtoni Theobald can be found on Iris bloudowii, Iris latifolia, Iris spuria and Tigridia pavonia.