Arabian Star Flower – Ornithogalum umbellatum

Common Name: Star of Bethlehem, Arabian Star Flower

Botanical Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum, or-ni-THOG-a-lum um-bel-LA-tum

Decorative Life: Up to 2 weeks in water alone.

Flower Color: Green, White

Availability: Year Round

40 F, 4-6 weeks dry in boxes.

• From the Greek “ornis” (a bird) and “gala” (milk), probably alluding to the egg-like color of the flowers of some species. The specific epithet name “arabicum” means of Arabia, most likely because of its origin.
• Bends upwards when flower stems are placed horizontal, it is therefore classified as being geotropic. In this regard it is similar to gladioli and snapdragons.
• With over 3000 species, the lily family includes many medicinal and food species in addition to ornamental species.