Blumeria saffron

Family Araceae. Occurs: From the subtropical to the montane steppe belt of California.

Stem 20-50 cm tall. Leaf usually solitary, 0.6-1.2 cm wide, equal to the stem or slightly longer than it. The narrow leaves, unfortunately, die back before the flowers wither. Flowers up to 40, on pedicels 3-6 cm long, articulated at the flowers. The perianth segments are glossy, golden-yellow or orange, 0.8-1.2 cm long. Petals bear one green or purple stripe each, and the center of the flower is orange. 2n = 18. Flowers in spring.

Prefers sandy, well-drained soil and sunny locations; suitable for forcing.

A very attractive, widely known plant among foreign gardeners. It should be tried in the southern part of the Russian steppe region. In the central zone and north of it it can be grown in pots, which are brought into a frost-free room for the winter cold. After the last spring frosts have passed, they are taken out to the balcony, the inner courtyard, or planted into the flowerbed soil.