Fritillaria Obliqua

Fritillaria obliqua is an endangered Greek bulb confined to the region around Athens, where urban development has destroyed much of its habitat. Short stems carry slightly tilted bells of deep satiny purple, the oblique posture reflected in the species name. Viewed from below, the sombre tepals contrast brilliantly with golden pollen and pale internal markings. Compact, rare and beautifully proportioned, it is an outstanding alpine-house plant. Cultivated seed helps maintain the species outside its shrinking wild range, but careful labelling and responsible provenance are essential.