Description
Intro: 1594. Dutch name: ‘knikkende vogelmelk’ (Drooping star of Bethlehem). Originally occurring in southern Europe and southwestern Asia, but now growing wild in many European countries. Prefers a shady and somewhat afforested area. The flower stem bears a spike-shaped inflorescence with ten to twenty nodding (nutans), bell-shaped white flowers, two to three cm long and green on the outside. The long and narrow leaves are soft green with a prominent white midrib. Good for naturalising.
BELONGS TO THE HYACINTHACEAE FAMILY
From the Greek: ornis (bird) and gala (milk). The genus Ornithogalum consists of a group of bulbous plants suitable for naturalization. The many species, as well as the cultivars, are certainly suitable as cut flowers.
They originate predominantly from the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The bulbs are said to be quite nutritious and tasty, naturally after being cooked.
