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Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring flowering perennial plants of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae . Various common names, including daffodil , narcissus and jonquil , are used to describe all or some members of the genus.
The exact origin of the name Narcissus is unknown but it is often linked to a Greek word (ancient Greek ναρκῶ narkō, "to make numb") and the myth of the youth of that name who fell in love with his own reflection. The English word "daffodil" appears to be derived from " asphodel " with which it was commonly compared.
The species are native to meadows and woods in southern Europe and North Africa with a center of diversity in the Western Mediterranean, particularly the Iberian peninsula. Both wild and cultivated plants have naturalized widely and were introduced into the Far East prior to the 10th century. Narcissi tend to be long-lived bulbs, which propagate by division, but are also insect-pollinated. Known pests, diseases and disorders include viruses, fungi, the larvae of flies, mites and nematodes . Some Narcissus species have become extinct, while others are threatened by increasing urbanization and tourism.
Historical accounts suggest narcissi have been cultivated from the earliest times but became increasingly popular in Europe after the 16th century and by the late 19th century were an important commercial crop centered primarily in the Netherlands . Today narcissi are popular as cut flowers and as ornamental plants in private and public gardens. The long history of breeding has resulted in thousands of different cultivars. Like other members of their family, narcissi produce a number of different alkaloids which provide some protection for the plant but may be poisonous if accidentally ingested. This property has been exploited for medicinal use in traditional healing and has resulted in the production of galantamine for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia . Long celebrated in art and literature, narcissi are associated with a number of themes in different cultures, ranging from death to good fortune, and as symbols of spring.
The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and the symbol of cancer charities in many countries. The appearance of wild flowers in spring is associated with festivals in many places.
IMAGE: Narcissus poeticus
#FlowerChallenge
The exact origin of the name Narcissus is unknown but it is often linked to a Greek word (ancient Greek ναρκῶ narkō, "to make numb") and the myth of the youth of that name who fell in love with his own reflection. The English word "daffodil" appears to be derived from " asphodel " with which it was commonly compared.
The species are native to meadows and woods in southern Europe and North Africa with a center of diversity in the Western Mediterranean, particularly the Iberian peninsula. Both wild and cultivated plants have naturalized widely and were introduced into the Far East prior to the 10th century. Narcissi tend to be long-lived bulbs, which propagate by division, but are also insect-pollinated. Known pests, diseases and disorders include viruses, fungi, the larvae of flies, mites and nematodes . Some Narcissus species have become extinct, while others are threatened by increasing urbanization and tourism.
Historical accounts suggest narcissi have been cultivated from the earliest times but became increasingly popular in Europe after the 16th century and by the late 19th century were an important commercial crop centered primarily in the Netherlands . Today narcissi are popular as cut flowers and as ornamental plants in private and public gardens. The long history of breeding has resulted in thousands of different cultivars. Like other members of their family, narcissi produce a number of different alkaloids which provide some protection for the plant but may be poisonous if accidentally ingested. This property has been exploited for medicinal use in traditional healing and has resulted in the production of galantamine for the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia . Long celebrated in art and literature, narcissi are associated with a number of themes in different cultures, ranging from death to good fortune, and as symbols of spring.
The daffodil is the national flower of Wales and the symbol of cancer charities in many countries. The appearance of wild flowers in spring is associated with festivals in many places.
IMAGE: Narcissus poeticus
#FlowerChallenge
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