Nectaroscordum meliophilum
Antennaria@aol.com (Mon, 26 May 2003 09:17:34 PDT)

As follow up to an earlier discussiojn on Nectaroscordum, in bloom now is
Nectaroscordum meliophilum from the Saint Petersburg Botanic Garden, said to have
originally been from Crimea, this "species" is generally considered a synonym
of N. siculm ssp. bulgaricum. However, I have kept the name under which it
was received from a very knowledgeable taxonomist and plant explorer. I will
write to him and try to ascertain why he kept the name "meliophilum", perhaps
he feels it is distinct enough to warrant separation from N. siculum ssp.
bulgaricum.

The outside of the tepals are dark brownish-olive-rose color with white
flared tips, eventually opening into lovely white bells softly tinged olive and
dull rose on the outside. Some flowers have 7-8 tepals instead of the normal 6.
It is 24" (60 cm) tall in bloom. Photos taken May 25, 2003. The three
photos are in order of flower development.

http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/…
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/…
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/…

... or go to the PBS wiki Nectaroscordum page at:
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/…

Mark McDonough Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States
antennaria@aol.com "New England" USDA Zone 5
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alliums, bulbs, penstemons, hardy hibiscus, western
american alpines, iris, plants of all types!