View of the geophyte collection. In the background, the Merola Greenhouse.

22. Collection of Geophytes

The word "geophyte" is an inclusiveterm that includes bulbous, tuberous, and rhizomatous species, which have modified underground stems. These species are commonly found in the wild in the Mediterranean region; our collection also include cultivated varieties selected for ornamental or food purposes. The collection of geophytes in the Botanical Garden is located on the masonry steps in front of the Merola Greenhouse.

The most represented families are Liliaceae, Iridaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Orchidaceae. In particular, Orchidaceae are represented by the majority of species found in the wild in southern Italy.

Inflorescence of Neotinea tridentata (Scop.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, an orchid species that grows in a large part of Europe and in the neighboring Middle East.
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Inflorescence of Neotinea tridentata (Scop.) R.M.Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W.Chase, an orchid species that grows in a large part of Europe and in the neighboring Middle East.
Flowers of Romulea bulbocodium (L.) Sebast. & Mauri, a bulbous plant that grows in the Mediterranean region.
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Flowers of Romulea bulbocodium (L.) Sebast. & Mauri, a bulbous plant that grows in the Mediterranean region.
The narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) is a bulbous species that grows in the Mediterranean region, extending eastward to Afghanistan.
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The narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) is a bulbous species that grows in the Mediterranean region, extending eastward to Afghanistan.
Inflorescence of Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten., a species growing in almost all of Europe, northern Africa, and the neighboring Middle East.
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Inflorescence of Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten., a species growing in almost all of Europe, northern Africa, and the neighboring Middle East.
Close-up of the flowers of Fritillaria persica L., distributed from Turkey southward and eastward to Iran.
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Close-up of the flowers of Fritillaria persica L., distributed from Turkey southward and eastward to Iran.
A flower of Haemanthus albiflos Jacq., a perennial subtropical species native to southern Africa.
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A flower of Haemanthus albiflos Jacq., a perennial subtropical species native to southern Africa.
Flowers of Amaryllis belladonna L., a bulbous plant from the Cape region in Africa.
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Flowers of Amaryllis belladonna L., a bulbous plant from the Cape region in Africa.
Flowers of Ophrys bombyliflora Spreng., an orchid pollinated by deception, as it attracts males of specific species of hymenopterans that mistake the flowers for females of their own species. By repeatedly attempting to mate with various flowers, they ensure cross-pollination.
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Flowers of Ophrys bombyliflora Spreng., an orchid pollinated by deception, as it attracts males of specific species of hymenopterans that mistake the flowers for females of their own species. By repeatedly attempting to mate with various flowers, they ensure cross-pollination.