Floral Friday ~ Ornithogalum
When someone asks for “ornithogalum”, what first comes to mind? Is it the black-eyed star flowers, the ever so popular white star-of-Bethlehem or yellow/orange star-shaped dubium? Those are all species of Ornithogalum, more commonly known as star-of-Bethlehem, wonder flower or Chincherinchee.
The name is derived from Greek, “ornis” (a bird) and “gala” (milk) ~ meaning something amazing. It is a little known group with great merit. A vase full of these wondrous flowers will last 14-21 days in floral preservative. Similar to tulips, once cut, star-of-Bethlehem will continue to grow toward a source of light.
Most varieties are available year-round.
- Ornithogalum thyrsoides aka Star of Bethlehem
- Ornithogalum arabicum
- Ornithogalum dubium Orange