Romulea bulbocodium
Romulea bulbocodium
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Pl. 442F — Romulea bulbocodium
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IOverview
Overview
Romulea bulbocodium, known as Romulea bulbocodium in Latin, is a small perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Corsica, East Aegean Islands, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. This plant thrives in dry to moist, light (sandy) soil with a pH of 5–5.5, growing to a height of about 0.2 meters. It is notable for its edible root parts, making it a valuable culinary ingredient within its native range. Its adaptability to various habitats and the light energy requirements make it a versatile plant in botanical contexts.
Quick answers
What is Romulea bulbocodium?
Romulea bulbocodium, known as Romulea bulbocodium in Latin, is a small perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Corsica, East Aegean Islands, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Portugal, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Romulea bulbocodium thrives in light to partial shade and prefers a well-draining, sandy soil with a pH of 5-5.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 6 to 9 and grows to about 0.2 meters tall. The plant prefers dry to moist conditions and should be watered accordingly. For propagation, division or seed sowing can be used. Edible parts include the root, which can be harvested for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Romulea bulbocodium for the first time
8steps
Start with Romulea bulbocodium as a simple, low-maintenance plant for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Romulea bulbocodium bulb and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy soil with a pH of 5-5.5. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart in the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the bulb, but ensure soil is not bone dry.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth. Avoid overwatering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soils, neglecting to remove dead foliage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Romulea bulbocodium is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by digging up the plant and either eating the roots fresh or boiling them to make a nutritious addition to meals.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaBulgariaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 442f7464-b09f-408e-bfcf-1f5da3343ff1
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