Sternbergia colchiciflora

Quick Characteristics:

Sternbergia colchiciflora Waldst. & Kit. is a diminutive species occurring in Italy, as well as the Balkans and part of Continental Europe, but very difficult to locate for its small stature and fugacious flowering. The plant in leaf and fruit resembles a miniature Sternbergia clusiana with its spirally leaves and the fruit at ground level. Leaves are finely ciliate indeed. The first photo was taken in habitat on the Gargano woodlands in Apulia by Angelo Porcelli. A shy bloomer in warm areas, it needs a cool summer rest. The next two photos were taken by Alessandro Marinello.