Dierama is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. Common names include hairbells, angel's fishing rod, fairybells, and wandflowers in English language and grasklokkies (= grass-bells) in Afrikaans.[Glen, H. Dierama reynoldsii. South African National Biodiversity Institute. 2005.] They are native to Africa, with most occurring in the southern regions of the continent.[ Dierama K.Koch. Flora Zambesiaca. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.] The center of diversity is the province of KwaZulu-Natal in eastern South Africa.[
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Description
Plants of this genus are evergreen perennial plant growing from large with fibrous tunics. The lowest two or three leaves are that sheath the lower stem and become dry. The thin, wiry, branching stem may bend and droop when in flower. It is lined with leaves that have linear blades with thick longitudinal veins and often no midrib. The inflorescence is a panicle of several spikes of flowers. The spikes may hang like bells or grow erect. The around the flowers are usually dry, thin, membranous, translucent, and streaked or veined with brown. The bell-shaped flowers of most wild species are pink; red, purple, yellow, and white taxa also exist.[ There are many in a range of colors, sometimes with spots of yellow or blue.][
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Etymology
The genus name is derived from the Greek language word dierama, meaning "funnel," and alludes to the flower shape.
Diversity
There are about 44 species.[
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Species include:[Arnold, T. H. and B. C. de Wet, Eds. Plants of Southern Africa: Names & Distribution. In: Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa No. 62. National Botanical Institute, South Africa. 1993. ][ Dierama. Red List of South African Plants. South African National Biodiversity Institute.]
Uses
Some species of dierama are cultivated as , such as the purple-pink-flowered D. pendulum.[ The South African endemism D. erectum is grown for the large, pink flowers it bears on tall, erect stems. It is prone to attack by the bean weevil Urodon lilii.][Koetle, M. J., et al. (2010). In vitro regeneration in Dierama erectum Hilliard. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 103(1) 23-31.]
Certain species have been used in traditional African medicine and spiritual practices. D. erectum is used as an enema by the Sotho people and as a treatment for stomach problems. The corm of the plant is a fertility charm for bringing a good harvest.[
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Conservation
Some species, especially the narrow endemics, are decreasing in abundance due to loss of habitat. The South African natives D. ambiguum, D. erectum, and D. nixonianum are considered endangered species.[
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