Try under Tritonia crocata. Definitely South African. Look for the corms in autumn - and plant them then. In your zone you'd need to put them in pots and give good light over the winter, moderate water and warmth, plus frost protection. The leaves shrug off -5C frosts that are gone by lunchtime.

They flower later than freesias and sparaxis - and have a similar wiry stem and flower system to theirs.

Good drainage is important - and they do well (too well:-( ) in silty/sandy soils in full sun.

They go dormant for summer and often leave dead brown leaves above ground similar to Babiana. You could probably lift them in high summer but know that they will be starting to leaf-n-root again in August-September, regardless of drought and heat.

If you can't find the corms you may be able to create a population through buying seed. Or ask on the California forum.

I haven't seen them for sale in a long time (central coast CA). I prefer them over Sparaxis.

Maybe this link is vertivert's? Both in NZ?

I think you'll have to get them thru a trade or an auction. Our nurseries have cut back severely in this economy. Or the growers cut back?

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Outdoor-garden-conservatory/Plants-pots/Perennials/auction-280417501.htm

Not me! Balclutha is deep south and probably a zone 8. (Has hot summers, though).

Agree, iris gal; what's on offer under the recession is pretty much 'ordinary'.

idafrancis: see if anyone is offering seed over on the South African forum. Worth a go. If your state/country rules allow - you may be able to import if no one 'local' has them available.