Sternbergia lutea

 

DSCN2724 [Sternbergia lutea]

Sternbergia lutea is a crocus-like, perennial, bulbous flower

endemic to the Mediterranean countries.

In Greece,

it is widespread in stony and dry locations, in scrub-lands,

and in forest clearings, usually at low altitudes.

Due to its beautiful golden-yellow flowers,

it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and even in pots.

 

It blooms from September to November

and may reach a height of 25cm.

 

Picture: from Mt. Hymittos

 

 

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 In the wild they grow solitary …

 

Picture: from Mandra (Attica)

 

 

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more than one together…

 

Picture: from Grammatiko (Attica)

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or they spread over large areas.

 

Picture: from Mt. Penteli

 

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After fertilization,

the flowers turn into fleshy capsules

that contain a large number of spores.

 

Picture: from Mt Hymittos