Narcissus

Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. Various common names including daffodil, narcissus, and jonquil are used to describe all or some members of the genus. Narcissus has conspicuous flowers with six petal-like tepals surmounted by a cup- or trumpet-shaped corona. The flowers are generally white or yellow, with either uniform or contrasting coloured tepals and corona.

Etymology

The name Narcissus is linked to the Greek word narkao (to numb) and the myth of the youth of that name who fell in love with his own reflection. In the Greek myth of Narcissus, he was a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia who was known for his beauty.

Description

Narcissus plants are easily recognizable by their trumpet-like, central corona surrounded by a ring of six floral leaves. They are native to meadows and woods in southern Europe and North Africa with a center of diversity in the Western Mediterranean, particularly the Iberian peninsula.

Cultivation and uses

Narcissus are popular as cut flowers and as ornamental plants in private and public gardens. The long history of breeding has resulted in thousands of different cultivars. For horticultural purposes, narcissus are divided into divisions, covering a wide range of shapes and colors.

Toxicity

All Narcissus species contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves. Therefore, care should be taken when planting narcissus bulbs near pets and children.

Cultural significance

In culture, narcissus is a symbol of vanity in the West, and of wealth and good fortune in the East. It is often associated with the Narcissus myth from Greek mythology.

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