Acis autumnalis (Autumn Snowflake)
Acis autumnalis, also known as the Autumn Snowflake, is a bulbous perennial that’s native to both sides of the Western Mediterranean, including Portugal, Spain, Sardinia, Sicily, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. It’s a Monocot in the Amaryllidaceae, the Amaryllis family– some genuses you might recognize in this family include Narcissus (Daffodils), Agapanthus, Clivia and Galanthus (snowdrops).
This tiny plant (approx. 15cm tall) is one that I always look forward to in the Autumn when there’s not much else flowering, it’s abundant here but is mostly restricted to the Willis’ area, Bruces Farm and Lower Slopes– I took these photos by Princess Caroline’s battery.
A close-up photo of the underside of the flower– note the tinge of red where the corolla connects with the pedicel.
Perianth segmented into six– note the toothed ends.