Description
Bulbs a little over 2cm in diameter with dark brown to near black, leathery tunics make three to four, broad but short, beautifully undulated, glaucous grey-green leaves. This very attractive foliage sits below a short stem bearing a good-sized, solitary flower of vivid, lemon peel yellow, though forms which verge towards cream are also known. Rarely there is a thin violet line along the crest of the midrib on the outer three petals.
Named by Regel in 1882 and endemic to the Dzungaria Alatau in Kazakhstan. Messed about taxonomically ever since by those who have seemingly never seen this distinct little plant in the live state. Perfect for alpine house cultivation where its large flowered, short stature is totally in keeping.
It likes a well-drained, loam-based soil with good drainage. A cold winter rest will aid late emergence when higher light levels will keep it dwarf and in character.
From Vojtech Holubec seed (09-566) ex Kazakhstan.
