About Narcissus tazetta L.
Narcissus tazetta L. is one of the tallest narcissus species, capable of growing up to 80 centimetres (31 in) tall. It produces thin, flat leaves that reach up to 40 centimetres (16 in) long and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide. Its umbels hold up to 8 flowers each, which are white with a yellow corona. This is a widespread species, native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal to Turkey. It has also become naturalized across the Middle East, Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Canary Islands, China (Fujian, Zhejiang), Japan, Australia, Korea, Norfolk Island, New Zealand, Bermuda, Mexico, the United States (Oregon, California, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia) and South America. Narcissus tazetta contains orcinol dimethyl ether, a fragrant compound that also occurs in only a few other plants including roses and Acnistus arborescens. This compound is almost undetectable by the human nose, but experiments with honeybees confirm that honeybees can easily detect it. Narcissus tazetta is grown commercially for its essential oil, primarily in southern France. An interspecific hybrid between Narcissus tazetta and Narcissus poeticus is also grown to produce essential oil.
