Biarum davisii

A little jewel!

An autumnal flowering species from Crete, usually starts flowering after the first rain. (so dry in summer)  It doesn’t like to be disturbed therefore better left alone in a pot or a rock garden. Small pink-spickled, white, urn-like spathes appear in autumn. These sit at ground level. The small, spear-shaped leaves follow. A neat and tidy dwarf species. Super cool for enthusiasts.

Crete is a special island in Greece with many endemics, like this Biarum, which are probably of an ancient rather than recently evolved lineage. The landscape is limestone which is probe to drought, especially from their April (late spring,) onwards. These naturally occur at slightly lower altitudes and therefore are less tolerant of frosts. I haven't tested mine yet. They are too special!