Bright as a lolly wrapper it was impossible to miss. But how did it get there at the base of the Brush box (Lophostemon confertus) across the road on the nature strip between the road and the railway line where the council workers mow and whipper snip diligently. Small and nestled against the trunk of the tree what it lacked in size it made up for in colour, bright red. It was impossible to look at it and not feel that life was some how better.

I have never seen this plant before—not in gardens, not in plant nurseries. Except then again perhaps I have, but not in flower. It has the characteristics of an iris. And it is—Freesia laxa from southern Africa with the common names of “flowering grass” (Wikipedia) and “false freesia” (PlantNet). Both names are dull and disappointing for such a bright spark plant.
