Babiana nervosa, commonly known as Baboon Flower or Babiana, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous perennial bulb. It is native to the fynbos and renosterveld habitats of South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, where it thrives in well-drained sandy soils on open grasslands, rocky slopes, and sometimes in the shelter of scrub vegetation. Babiana nervosa typically grows to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.5 meters) and a width of 0.25-0.5 feet (0.1-0.2 meters). The plant features sword-shaped leaves and produces spikes of blue or purple flowers that are quite showy and bloom in the spring. The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees.

The Baboon Flower is valued for its striking, vibrant flowers and ease of maintenance. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as container plants. Babiana nervosa is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It requires well-drained soils, preferably sandy or loamy, and can tolerate both full sun and part shade. While it can survive with low water once established, moderate watering during the growing season will promote better blooms. After flowering, the foliage dies back, and the bulbs can rest until the next growing season. It is important to protect the bulbs from excessive moisture during their dormant period to prevent rot.CC BY-SA 4.0