Romulea

Romulea is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family Iridaceae. The plants are generally small, corm-bearing perennials native to the southern continents, with the greatest diversity in southern Africa and a few species extending into Europe and the Mediterranean region.

They are compact plants with narrow, grasslike leaves and short stems bearing one to several flowers. Flowers have six tepals with a typical iris-like appearance; colors range from pink, purple, white to yellow, often with darker throats or markings. Blooming occurs in spring, and many species enter a drought-tolerant summer dormancy.

The genus name Romulea is derived from Romulus, a figure in Roman mythology, though the exact naming history is unclear.

Native primarily to southern Africa, particularly the Cape Floristic Region, Romulea species also occur in parts of Europe and the Middle East as wild-collected or naturalized plants.

In cultivation, Romulea species are grown from corms and require well-drained soil, bright sun, and minimal watering during dormancy. They are appreciated for their delicate flowers in rock gardens and containers.