Chasmanthe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae, first described in 1932. It is endemic to Cape Province in South Africa. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant and is naturalized in various locations.Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
In their native habitat the flowers are pollinated by sunbirds. The genus name is derived from the Greek words chasme, meaning "gaping", and anthos, meaning "flower".
Species Image Name Distribution Chasmanthe aethiopica (L.) N.E.Br. (Chasmanthe, Cobra Lily) Cape Province; naturalized in the Canary Islands, Madeira, continental Portugal, continental Spain, Balearics and the Greek islands. Chasmanthe bicolor (Gasp. ex Ten.) N.E.Br. Cape Province; naturalized in California, Italy and Great BritainChasmanthe floribunda (Salisb.) N.E.Br. (South African Cornflag, Pennants) Cape Province; naturalized in California, Algeria, Australia, Argentina, St. Helena
References
PlantZAfrica.com - Chasmanthe aethiopica Iziko Museums of Cape Town - Chasmanthe