Gethyum is a South American genus once in the Alliaceae family that some now believe should be in its own family, Gilliesiaceae, but others feel should be returned to Alliaceae. It is related to Solaria.
Gethyum atropurpureum is a species native to the area near Santiago, Chile. It is from an area with mild wet winters and is dormant in summer. This spring blooming plant is more interesting than beautiful with black flowers that look like stars. The stamens have filaments that are united at the base in a ring. It is easily grown from seed and also increases from offsets. It needs plenty of moisture during growth and a dry dormancy. Photos submitted by Diana Chapman.
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