Ornithogalum Flowers
Name : Ornithogalum Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Ornithogalum, (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Ornithogalum Description
Ornithogalum is a genus comprising of around 200 species of perennial plants from the family Hyacinthaceae, native to southern Europe, southern Africa and Caucasus.
Common names include Star-of-Bethlehem, Grass Lily, Nap-at-Noon, Eleven-o'clock Lady and Wonder-Flower.
Ornithogalum is a bulbous perennial with grass-like basal leaves and slender stalks, about 30 cm in length, upon which clusters of eye catching, star-shaped flowers are borne. Flowers appear in spring on summer, depending on the variety. Ornithogalum blossoms are mildly fragrant, with six petals arranged in two whorls. The foliage of some varieties has a prominent midrib. An interesting characteristic of the plant is that Ornithogalum blossoms close up in the afternoon or earlier if the sky is overcast. O. umbellatum is possibly the best-known variety.
The enchanting Ornithogalum flowers are usually cream to white and striped with green, while cultivars in shades of yellow, orange and red are also available.
Ornithogalum thrives in an open, sunny location with light well-drained soil. Water requirements vary with season: when flowering Ornithogalums should be well watered, whereas during the period of dormancy they should be allowed to dry off. Most Ornithogalum varieties propagate rapidly and easily by simple division or from seed and may also self-sow.
Ornithogalum are excellent garden plants and the shorter varieties look great in rock gardens while the taller ones are better suited to borders. These enchanting blossoms also prove to be attractive subjects for woodland settings and rockeries as well as container gardens.
Ornithogalum are outstanding cut flowers as well, with an extraordinary vase life of 1-3 weeks. They are ideal for fresh flower arrangements, bouquets and table centerpieces. Along with the charming blossoms, the plant’s foliage is also well worth adding to a bouquet or arrangement. With its dazzling beauty and elegant grace, the Ornithogalum truly enlivens its surroundings and fascinates the beholder.
Ornithogalum Meaning
The lovely Ornithogalum flowers are associated with the month of October and signify the meanings Joy, Modesty, Guidance, and Purity.
Ornithogalum Mythology
The botanical name for the genus comes from the Greek word ornis, meaning bird, and gala, meaning milk, referring to the white flowers.
Some also believe that the name is derived from the fact that these flowers resemble a white bird when they are spread out. In ancient Rome, 'Bird's Milk' was used to indicate Something Wonderful and Extraordinary.
The genus earns its common name Star of Bethlehem due to its star-shaped blossoms, referring to the Star of Bethlehem that appeared in the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus. This connection may be due to the fact that this flower grows freely in Palestine as well.
The bulbs of Ornithogalum are edible in cooked form but one must treat all parts of the plant as poisonous. Some Ornithogalum varieties are known to be poisonous, and may be harmful to children as well as livestock. Others varieties are edible and bulbs are cooked and used as vegetables.
The Ornithogalum bulb was valued in times of famine and was dried, roasted and eaten. To date, the bulbs are eaten like chestnuts after roasting or cooking in Italian cuisine. For centuries, the Ornithogalum bulb has been used by Syrians as food.
