(syn: Gelasine azurea) Gelasine elongata is a plant whose appearance is sure to fool even the most experienced taxonomist. With foliage resembling a small sabal palm, this South American irid is fascinating even when not in flower. The pleated grey-green leaves of Gelasine elongata are topped with 20″ tall stalks, ending in tight clusters of 1″, cupped, dark violet-blue flowers in May and June. Although each flower lasts only one day, the procession of flowers is truly amazing. We have this easy-to-grow irid planted in our sunny rock garden where it is exceedingly happy.
