Leopoldia Muscari spreitzenhoferi

Endemic to Crete, including the islet of Gavdopoula, Greece, Muscari (Leopoldia) spreitzenhoferi produces an unusual spike, divided into fertile lower flowers - small yellowish to tan urns about 5 mm long on long pedicels - and sterile upper flowers reduced to a few thin threads. After fertilisation the pedicels elongate considerably, so the whole inflorescence can break off and tumble in the wind like a piece of tumbleweed, a rare habit among Mediterranean plants. The bulb remains solitary, without offsets. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny position, with a dry summer rest.