About Acis autumnalis (L.) Sweet
Acis autumnalis (L.) Sweet grows to a height of about 10–15 cm (4–6 in). Its leaves are narrow, often appear to form tufts, and typically only emerge after the plant has flowered. This species flowers from late summer to autumn, producing one to four flowers per stalk, with each flower held on a long, thin pedicel. Its white tepals measure 9–14 mm long, and are pinkish at the base; less commonly, the entire tepal is pink. The three outer tepals have teeth. There is usually just one spathe at the base of the flowers. This species is found on both sides of the western Mediterranean. In Europe, it is native to Portugal, Spain including the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, and Sicily. In North Africa, it is native to Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It grows in rocky areas and stony hillsides. Acis autumnalis is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is recommended for growing in light soils in sheltered locations with full sun. Some cultivated forms spread quickly from seed, while others spread via bulb division. This species has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
