Leaves 2-4, hairless. Stem 15-30 cm tall, several-branched, downy. Flowers dull brownish salmon pink; spring. Outer segments 20-25 mm long, lance-shaped with yellow signals edged in maroon. Inner segments shorter, reflexed, unmarked. Style branches 7-8 mm long, erect with lance-shaped crests.

Cape Province, S Africa.

A small form of M. vegeta is sometimes sold as M. papilionacea; the true M. papilionacea (L. f.) Ker Gawl. is a smaller plant with finely hairy leaves and fragrant salmon pink to yellow flowers.

Source: Cooke, D. (2005). Iridaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.