Aphyllanthes
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis Fr: Aphyllanthe de Montpellier
Gallery of 2 photos for Aphyllanthes
This flower is easy to recognize because of the dark vein down the center of each petal. When not in flower, the clump of thin stems resembles a small clump of rushes. The stems are narrow, stiff, hairless and ridged. The fruit capsule contains 3 black seeds.
At present, the Aphyllanthes is considered as the unique species of the Aphyllanthaceae family. (From reader Jean-François, Aug 2000.)
Flowers. Apr-July
Tall. Short - Med
Flower. The flower has 6 round-ended bluish-purple petals, each with a dark vein. The flowers are 25-30mm diameter, and grow singly or sometimes 2 or 3, at the tips of the stems. The bracts are brownish and papery.
Leaves. The plant appears leafless at first glance; the leaves are thin sheaths clasped tightly to the base of the stems.
Habitat. Garrigue, dry grassy and rocky places.