Babiana fragrans (Jacq.) Steud.

Plants 70-200 mm high. Stem erect, often branched, velvety. Leaves lanceolate to oblong, ascending, up to 20 mm wide, lightly pleated, shortly hairy. Spike ± erect, 4-to 10-flowered; bracts green with dry rust-coloured tips, usually densely hairy, 12-18 mm long, inner usually slightly shorter than outer, divided to base. Flowers zygomorphic, pale deep violet, occasionally creamy yellow, lower lateral tepals usually with narrow median streak or blotch, and with dark blue or purple markings near base, lightly to intensely fragrant; perianth tube narrowly funnel-shaped, 18-20 mm long; tepals subequal, dorsal ascending, 18-22 mm long, lower tepals joined to upper laterals for 2-3 mm, lower ± 18 mm long. Stamens unilateral; filaments suberect, 12-16 mm long; anthers 6-7 mm long, mid-to dark blue. Ovary densely hairy; style dividing between base and middle of anthers.

It is a temperate to subtropical plant. It grows in light to medium well drained soils. It does best in an open sunny position. It is frost tender and sensitive to drought.

The roots are eaten after boiling.

Plants are grown by division.