Lacaita’s gagea (Gagea lacaitae, Boll. Soc. Orto Palermo, ser. 2, 3: 6 (1904))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: Terracc.

Bibliography: Boll. Soc. Orto Palermo, ser. 2, 3: 6 (1904)

Year: 1904

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gagea

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

Lacaita’s gagea, scientifically known as Gagea lacaitae, is an intriguing and beautiful member of the Liliaceae family. This perennial plant was first described in the early 20th century, with its classification and characteristics documented in “Bollettino della Società Orto Palermo,” series 2, 3:6, in 1904 by the botanist Terracciano.

This species is native to the Western Mediterranean region, where it thrives in the mild, temperate climate. As a part of the Liliaceae family, Gagea lacaitae shares many common traits with its relatives, such as the characteristic bulbous growth pattern typical of lilies. The plant develops from a small, subterranean bulb and produces slender, grass-like leaves that help it blend seamlessly into its natural habitat.

One of the most striking features of Lacaita’s gagea is its delicate, star-shaped flowers. These blooms, often a radiant yellow, are a notable contrast to the plant’s verdant foliage. Flowering usually occurs in early spring, brightening the landscape with its vibrant presence. The flowers have six petals, a hallmark of many species within the Liliaceae family, and can be a beautiful sight for any onlooker.

Gagea lacaitae is not only valued for its ornamental charm but also for its resilience. Adapted to the Mediterranean environment, it can endure periods of dryness and thrives in well-drained soils, often occupying rocky hillsides and open meadows. Its ability to flourish in such conditions makes it an interesting subject of study for botanists and horticulturists alike.

Despite its beauty and adaptability, Lacaita’s gagea is rather understated and not widely recognized outside botanical circles. Its discreet nature means it is often overlooked in the wild, yet for those who take the time to observe it, the plant offers a glimpse into the rich diversity of the Mediterranean flora.

References
– Terracciano, Bollettino della Società Orto Palermo, series 2, 3:6 (1904)

Common Names

Eng: lacaita’s gagea, gagée de lacaita
En: Lacaita’s Gagea, Gagée de Lacaita
Fr: Gagée de Lacaita
: Lacaita’s gagea

Synonyms

• Gagea granatellii var. boveana (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea foliosa var. media (Rouy)
• Gagea mauritanica var. hispanica (Lange)
• Gagea iberica var. lacaitae ((A.Terracc.) Rivas Goday)
• Gagea granatellii var. bulbillifera (A.Terracc.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Hristijan HZ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2019 by Cristóbal Garrido (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Michel Moreau (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 19, 2021 by Alvaro Cazalla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2018 by Tela Botanica − René Roux (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5300017)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:535565-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gagea lacaitae A.Terracc.)

Specifications

Growth