Our plant of the month are the Pancratiums (Sea Daffodils). They are widespread from the Canary Islands to West Africa, Namibia, the shores of the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries.

The Pancratiums are members of the amaryllidaceae family. There are 16 types, all long-lived plants growing from bulbs.

They are found near to the sea growing in sand or amongst rocks. They are widespread from the Canary Islands to West Africa, Namibia, the shores of the Mediterranean and tropical Asian countries. Leaves are produced in two layers and are long, thin, ribbon-like; the flowers have 6 petals.

The sea daffodil Pancratium maritimum’s homeland is the shores of the Mediterranean, the western Black Sea and south-western Europe; unfortunately having survived for generations along the shores of the Black Sea in general, it is now dying out.

The bulbs lie 20-30cm beneath the surface of the soil, which means they get water even in the summer. The leaves are long and thin and green with a hint of blue. Sometimes in the heat of the Mediterranean summer these leaves can disappear altogether. The flowers open between August and October on stems which are 30-40cm long. Flowers are creamy white with 6 petals and a pleasant scent which is most noticeable in the evenings.

This plant can withstand salt and light frost. It grows best in damp soil. It is propagated from seed or division of bulbs. In the wild, even in places where it hasn’t died out naturally, it is endangered by coastal development and is becoming an increasingly rare plant.

For this reason the Palm Centre has made a commitment to protect this plant by propagating more specimens, and has designated a small area of land exclusively for this purpose.

The Palm Centre, Koycegeiz

For a wide range of special plants visit the areas best nursery, The Palm Centre at Köyceğiz.

It is open daily between 1st June – 31st October but you can visit at any other time by appointment.

Access to plant sales is free but a fee is payable to look around the extensive nursery.

Just ring or email (English is spoken):

E-mail:  : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tel      :  +90 252 262 28 92
Fax      :  +90 252 262 51 61

URL      : http://www.palmiyemerkezi.com