Trimezia steyermarkii aka Trimezia

Trimezia steyermarkii belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. It is a tropical plant. Its native range starts in southern Mexico. It runs from there to northwestern Venezuela. Kew places it in a tropical climate with a dry season. It grows from a tuber beneath the ground. This makes it a tuberous geophyte, a plant with an underground growth organ. Chicago Botanic Garden gives its common name as hand of God. The RHS confirms it is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant lives for more than two years. It grows upright, with tall, narrow green leaves. The leaves give it height even when it has no flowers. The sources give no size for its full-grown height or spread. Chicago groups it with bulbs for use in gardens. Kew calls its underground growth a tuber, a more exact term. Neither source says more about the tuber's shape or size.

The bright yellow flowers have dark stripes and spots. These marks range from brown to deep purple. Each flower lasts for just one day. Yet one flower spike can hold dozens of buds. As new flowers open, the show can last many days. Chicago gives June through August as the main bloom season. Its bloom table lists May as well. The garden says the plant draws butterflies. The sources do not describe its fruit or seeds.

Chicago says to grow it in full sun and moist soil. The soil must drain very well, too. The air should stay moist, and the site must stay frost-free. These needs matter more for care than its broad native climate label. A dry season in its home range does not prove it withstands drought in gardens. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. It says the plant is frost-tender, so frost can harm it. The garden suggests a large pot in a place free from frost.

Chicago also lists the plant for bedding and borders. Its upright leaves and marked yellow blooms give two distinct features. Each bloom's short life does not mean a short bloom season. Buds open in turn to keep the show going through summer. The sources give no facts on pests or diseases. They give no evidence on parts to eat, uses as medicine, or toxicity. These gaps do not prove the plant is safe.