STERNBERGIA LUTEA subsp. LUTEA
Common Names:- Common sternbergia
Homotypic Synonyms:- Sternbergia lutea
Meaning:- Sternbergia (L) For Count Kasper Moritz von Sternbergia of Prague.
(1761-1838).
Lutea.(L) Yellow, vile, of clay, muddy.
General description:- Herbaceous plant.
Scape:-
1) Erect, non-leafy, glabrous, well developed, at least 4 cm at anthesis, later
elongating and usually curved.
Bulb:-
1) 10-16mm diam.
Leaves:-
1) 3-10(-15) mm wide, developing at or just after anthesis, linear, slightly
canaliculate on the upper surface, bright glossy green without a central stripe.
Flowers:-
1) Perianth segments, bright yellow, usually oblong-elliptical, goblet-shaped and
crocus-like.
2) Tepals, 3.5-6 x 1-2.3 cm, rounded at the apex.
Fruit:-
1) Capsule, 8-10 mm diam, 3 chambered, fleshy.
Habitat:- Dry stony and grassy places, open scrub.
Distribution:- Endemic Crete & Karpathos. Occurring very sporadically in the
central and western parts of the island.
Flowering time:- Oct-Dec.
Photos by:- Fotis Samaritakis