Ixiolirion is a small genus of perennial cormous herbs in the Ixioliriaceae family, with about 3 species widely distributed in central and southwesterm Asia, and extending into China. According to the Flora of China this genus also occurs in Egypt. While cultivated for well over a century, and available where better selections of Dutch bulbs are sold in the fall, this highly ornamental genus is rarely seen in cultivation.
Ixiolirion tataricum Flowering the end of May and early June, slender plants growing to about 12" tall put on a fine display of royal blue trumpets, reminscent of Triteleia. Many species names of Ixiolirion can be found, but most are reduced to synonym with I. tataricum, with two varieties described: var. ixiolirioides and var. tataricum. There is also a Chinese endemic species, Ixiolirion songaricum. Photos by Mark McDonough.
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