Although presumably established for many centuries, gagea bohemica was only discovered in 1978, in short grassland around the edges of an old quarry. It escaped notice before since its leaves are short and inconspicuous, growing then withering in the first few months of the year, and flowers appear only on a small number of plants, maybe a dozen of the thousands at the site, and are short-lasting. This species spreads mostly via roots, rather than seeds
Common names:
Early star-of-bethlehem, Radnor lily
Family:
Scientific name:
Gagea bohemica
Main flower color:
Range:
Only found at Stanner Rocks, near Radnor in Powys, Wales
Height:
Up to 10 cm
Habitat:
Igneous rocks, on ledges and benches, amongst short grass
Flowers:
Around 1 cm across; six yellow tepals, six stamens with pale yellow filaments and orange-yellow anthers, and a three-lobed pistil. Flowers are subtended by between four and six greenish-yellow bracts. Attached by hairy stems
Leaves:
Thread-like, hairless, curved or wavy, growing at the base, usually two per stem
Season:
January to March
Rarity:
★★★★★
