Ornithogalum arabicum

Perennial bulbous plant of the Asparagaceae family (formerly Hyacinthaceae), native to the Mediterranean basin, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Near East, where it grows on rocky slopes, open garrigues, and dry wastelands, in full sun.

It produces erect stems 40 to 60 cm tall, bearing linear, broad basal leaves of medium green, which appear with the flower stalks. The flowers, gathered in a terminal cluster of about 6 to 12 flowers, are large for the genus, star-shaped, pure white to slightly creamy, with six well-opened tepals. What immediately distinguishes this species from its congeners is the central ovary of a shiny, deep black, surrounded by stamens with flattened filaments bearing bright yellow anthers — a striking contrast at the heart of the white flower, perfectly visible on well-opened specimens.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June depending on latitude and altitude. In cultivation under temperate climates, it generally blooms in May-June.

The species is not very hardy and does not tolerate prolonged frosts. In mild climates, the bulbs can remain in place in the open ground, in well-drained and warm soil; elsewhere, they are lifted in autumn and stored frost-free. It is suitable for Mediterranean gardens and pots in sunny situations.