Romulea bulbocodium (Sand crocus) — Backlit, Conil de la Frontera, Spain, 2022

HA-0101 · Backlit, Conil de la Frontera, Spain, 03/2022, Julian Auch

HA-0102 · Backlit, Conil de la Frontera, Spain, 03/2022, Julian Auch

HA-0103 · Backlit, Conil de la Frontera, Spain, 03/2022, Julian Auch

Romulea bulbocodium (Sand crocus) — Plant Illustration, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Les Liliacées, Vol. 5/ Pl. 263

Plant Illustration, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Les Liliacées, Vol. 5/ Pl. 263, Julian Auch

Sand crocusRomulea bulbocodium

Romulea bulbocodium, commonly known as sand crocus, is a small bulbous wildflower native to southern and central Europe. It is recognized by its goblet-shaped flowers in shades of violet to lilac, often with a bright yellow throat, which open in early spring. Despite its crocus-like appearance, it belongs to the iris family rather than the true crocuses. The genus name Romulea refers to Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, reflecting its Mediterranean origins. Adapted to dry grasslands and sandy soils, Romulea bulbocodium is a fleeting spring presence, flowering briefly before disappearing back into its underground bulb.

Scientific Name

Romulea bulbocodium

Family

Iridaceae

Order

Asparagales

Lifespan

Perennial

Blossom Color

Pink, purple

Blossom Symmetry

Radial