Paradisea is a genus that some consider to be in the Asphodelaceae family, but others place in the Agavaceae family or in the broader. It is closely related to Anthericum and sometimes confused with it in seed exchanges. There are two species from Europe that have spikes of funnel-shaped white flowers.


Paradisea liliastrum is from the alpine meadows of southern Europe. Photo taken in the French Alps by Hans Joschko who writes: I have seen this species in the French and Italian alps but nowhere were they as beautiful as in Ecrin National Park. We camped with them all around us. I have been unable to succeed with them in my garden in Germany however.
Paradisea liliastrum, Hans Joschko


Paradisea lusitanica is a native to the mountains of Portugal and is taller with smaller flowers than Paradisea liliastrum. These pictures were taken in Wisley Gardens in the UK in May 2004 by Bob Rutemoeller.
Paradisea lusitanica, Bob Rutemoeller Paradisea lusitanica, Bob Rutemoeller


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