Milla is a genus of about six species once considered to be in the Alliaceae or the Liliaceae families and now in the Milla clade of Themidaceae. (This clade includes Behria, Bessera, Dandya, Jaimehintonia, and Petronymphe). It is found from Central America to southern Arizona. This genus is cormous.
Milla biflora (Mexican stars) is locally abundant in the southwestern United States and Mexico at middle elevations (4,000-7,000 ft.) in hilly areas associated with desert grassland and chaparral. Depending on rainfall and probably other factors, it can bloom from June-September. It has bright white flowers and thin terete leaves. The flower stalk can be up to 60 cm. tall with each flower 6 cm. across. This first photo was taken by Bob Rutemoeller of one blooming, purchased from Telos Rare Bulbs and flowering in June 2003. The following year each corm produced one or two flowers extending the bloom time to almost a month since no flower bloomed at the same time. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner from June and July 2004 show the flowers in bud, in bloom, and the attractive back.
Milla biflora can produce up to 6 flowers per corm in exceptional specimens, but they are usually limited to 2 flowers that open in sequence. The corms are shallow and grow in rocky areas with good drainage in full sun. The following pictures were taken in situ in Mexico State in June 2006 by Dennis Szeszko.
Milla magnifica is native to southern Mexico (state of Guerrero, in limestone hills around Taxco and Iguala). Thad Howard says that "at last we have a Milla for Everyman." Scott Ogden says the flower's fragrance is rich and cloying. It is a summer grower, dormant in winter, and flowers in late summer and fall. I didn't find it cloying at all. It is supposed to be a night blooming flower, but in cooler weather will stay open into the morning. Here in California it stays open all through the day. I also grow Milla biflora and this species is a much larger flower and carries more buds in the scape. Both Howard and Ogden feel it is easy to grow and propagate. Other than the time I was able to purchase this bulb, I'd never heard of or seen it before. Photos taken October 2006 by Lee Poulsen.
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