Prospero idaeum

The subterranean bulb is roughly spherical to broadly egg-shaped and about 2–3 cm across, wrapped in a rust-coloured tunic. In late summer it sends up a tuft of seven to fourteen narrow, grass-like leaves (2–7 mm wide, 11–15 cm long) that emerge before the flowers—a habit termed proteranthous. Shortly afterwards two or three slender, leafless flower stalks (scapes) rise 10–18 cm high, each carrying a loose raceme of seven to fifteen star-shaped, pale pink flowers. Individual blossoms measure about 3 mm long; the six petal-like segments (tepals) have a slightly deeper midrib, while the lilac-tinged ovary sits above slender, white-based stamens. Following pollination the pedicels extend and spherical seed capsules about 3 mm in diameter mature, releasing glossy black seeds.