Description
(syn. angustifolium)
This is a species, endemic to the small volcanic island of Linosa in the Sicilian Channel. It is clearly closely related to P. maritimum and is considered by some to be a synonym, at the same time it is clearly something different though there is still a debate on whether this is means that is it a valid species or simply an ecotype of P. maritimum. In effect it appears to be a species in the process of evolution and it is then simply a matter of where you draw the line which defines it as a subspecies or species. Some say it is distinct, some say it cannot be distinguished. For what it is worth we can instantly recognise the two plants apart with no trouble.
It has features that sets it apart. First of all, it is not a coastal, sand dune species. Sandy habitats are available to it but it just doesn’t grow on sandy beaches on the seashore in the way that P. maritium does (from Portugal to Turkey), but instead it grows inland on the island on black volcanic cinder and soils derived from this. The bulbs are round, lacking the characteristic long neck of maritimum and overall the plant is smaller in all of its parts, including the seeds. In addition the spikes in the wild have just 3-4 flowers, (we have exceptionally had 8 in cultivation) while P. maritimum can have up to 12 (or more in cultivation). You can see this plant and P. maritimum compared side by side in our pictures.
It is in leaf through the winter and spring, becoming briefly but only partially dormant in summer and it then flowers in September when autumn rains reawaken it. The blooms are pure white and very sweetly scented, especially in the evening. Lovely glaucous, blue-green foliage is present WITH the flowers in cultivation, something which does not, with us anyway, happen with P. maritimum.
For cultivation, it likes a very well drained compost with not much organic matter, free drainage however is the single most important factor as this is a dry-land species, adapted to rocky habitats in dry terrain. It likes good air circulation in winter and low humidity, with not too much water when the temperatures and light levels are low and the plant is just ticking over. Having said all of this, it is not a difficult or temperamental species. It needs really to be frost-free, but it will apparently take a very light (and transient) frosting without damage.
First offered July 2020.
