Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn
Diagnostic description:
A bulbous perennial with scapes from 1 to 1.5 m long. Bulbs large, 10 to 15 cm across, their tops often visible above the ground. Leaves all basal, oblong-elliptical, broad, dark green, shiny, from 30 to 80 cm long, not present when flowering. Inflorescence a long, dense raceme of many flowers, about 30 cm long. Flowers about 2 cm across; perianth segments white with a green or purple mid-vein.
Distribution:
Local: Very common and widespread throughout Gibraltar, excluding built-up areas.
Global: Found throughout the Mediterranean region, Portugal, north Africa and the Canary Islands.
Ecology:
Flowers from (August) September to October (November).
Habitat:
Grows in clearings and open ground.
Uses:
The bulbs are poisonous and have been used for medicinal purposes in the past.