Narcissus serotinus
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Asparagales - Family: Amaryllidaceae
This lovely wildlfower, a member of the daffodil family, is a most welcome sight in Autumn when its appearance is triggered by cooler temperatures and the first rainfalls of the season in the Mediterranean region.
Narcissus serotinus is tiny and only grows to around 20 - 30 mm. It is also a solitary wildflower, appearing to be 'dotted' around in the areas where they grow. The leaves appear in the spring well after the flowers have died back having appeared the previous year. October to December are the best months to look for this little gem.
This narcissus grows in stony and rocky places as well as on dryish grassy slopes.
These specimens were photographed in the Algarve, southern Portugal in the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real do San Antonio in November. This nature reserve is also home to other birds, plants and animals and is well worth a visit at any time of the year.
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