Gethyum Phil. is a South American genus in the Alliaceae family that some now believe should be in its own family, Gilliesiaceae. Some authorities believe that the correct name for this genus is Solaria.
Gethyum atropurpureum Phil. syn. Solaria atropurpurea (Phil.) Ravenna 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. First two photos submitted by Diana Chapman; last two photos taken by Alessandro Marinello.
