Ornithogalum narbonense Star Of Bethlehem PFAF Plant Database

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Ornithogalum narbonense - L.

Common Name

Star Of Bethlehem

Family

Liliaceae

Synonyms

O. arcuatum. O. pyramidale narbonense.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of this plant as being toxic has been seen, it belongs to a family where there are some species that are said to be toxic. Caution should be observed. Any toxins are likely to be concentrated in the bulb[200].

Habitats

Grassy places and waste ground[50, 90].

Range

Europe - Mediterranean.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ornithogalum narbonense is a BULB growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Apr to June, and the seeds ripen from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lucarelli

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ornithogalum_narbonense_from_Kedumim.JPG

Habitats
Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root. Edible Uses: Bulb[46, 61, 177]. No further details are given, though it is probably cooked before being eaten. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. None known

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details
An easily grown plant[90], it succeeds in any position[42] in ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a sunny position[200]. Succeeds in short grass[90], though this should not be mown from the time the bulbs start to grow until they have set seed and the leaves are dying down. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[200].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Sow the seed thinly and leave the seedlings undisturbed in the pots for their first dormancy, but apply liquid feed at intervals, especially in their second year of growth. Divide the bulbs at the end of their second year of growth, putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for one more year and them plant them out into their permanent positions whilst they are dormant. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring. Division of offsets in September/October[200]. The larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in late summer.

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Expert comment

Author
L.

Botanical References
50200

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[42]Grey. C. H. Hardy Bulbs.

Rather dated now, but an immense work on bulbs for temperate zones and how to grow them. Three large volumes.

[46]Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants.

An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.

[50]? Flora Europaea

An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.

[61]Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man.

Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[90]Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs

Superbly illustrated, it gives brief details on cultivation and native habitat.

[177]Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption.

An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

Readers comment

Elizabeth H.
nobody	Sun Jan 16 08:15:36 2005

Link: biodiversity plants only a bit of it is on the flower itself,though

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Subject : Ornithogalum narbonense

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