Baker's daffodil

Description

“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: bulbs Narcissus bakeri, commonly known as Baker's daffodil, is a perennial plant species in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, specifically the island of Crete and neighboring areas of Greece and Turkey. This beautiful plant is named after the British botanist John Gilbert Baker, who described it for the first time in 1875. Description Narcissus bakeri is a small, bulbous plant that typically grows to a height of 10-20 cm. The plant has a single basal leaf, which is narrow and linear, and grows to a length of 10-15 cm. The flower stalk emerges from the center of the leaf and produces a single, small, white or creamy-white flower. The flowers are typically 2-3 cm in diameter, with six petals arranged in a trumpet-like shape around a central corona. The corona is small, cup-shaped, and often tinged with yellow or green. The flowers are fragrant, with a sweet scent that is similar to that of other daffodil species. Cultivation Narcissus bakeri is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for cultivating Narcissus bakeri: Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soils and can grow in a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. Sunlight: Narcissus bakeri grows best in full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Planting: The bulbs should be planted in the autumn, at a depth of 8-10 cm, with a spacing of 5-7 cm between bulbs. The planting location should be well-drained and receive adequate sunlight. Watering: The plant does not require regular watering once established. Overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilization: Narcissus bakeri does not require regular fertilization. However, a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Propagation: The plant can be propagated from seed or by division of bulbs. Bulbs should be divided every three to five years to maintain healthy growth. With proper care and cultivation, Narcissus bakeri can thrive and produce beautiful flowers year after year. Propagation Narcissus bakeri can be propagated from seed or by division of bulbs. Here are some tips for propagating Narcissus bakeri: Propagation by Seed: Collect seeds: Collect seeds from the plant after the flowers have faded and the seedpods have dried out. Stratification: Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until the following autumn. In the autumn, place the seeds in a plastic bag with some moist vermiculite or peat moss and store in the refrigerator for 8-12 weeks. This process, called stratification, helps to break down the seed coat and encourage germination. Sowing: After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination: The seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly into the garden. Propagation by Division of Bulbs: Dig up the bulbs: The best time to divide Narcissus bakeri bulbs is in the autumn, after the leaves have died back. Separate the bulbs: Gently remove the bulbs from the soil and separate them by gently pulling them apart. Each division should have a healthy bulb and some roots attached. Replant the bulbs: Replant the bulbs at the same depth they were previously planted, making sure to space them apart by 5-7 cm. Watering: Water the bulbs after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant becomes established. Propagation by division of bulbs is a quick and easy way to propagate Narcissus bakeri and is often the preferred method for gardeners. With proper care, both methods of propagation can yield healthy plants with beautiful flowers. Uses Narcissus bakeri is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers. Here are some common uses of Narcissus bakeri: Garden Plant: Narcissus bakeri is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and other small-scale plantings. The plant's small size and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for creating colorful accents in the garden. Container Plant: Narcissus bakeri is suitable for container gardening and can be grown indoors in a sunny window. The plant's small size makes it ideal for small containers, such as pots and hanging baskets. Cut Flower: The flowers of Narcissus bakeri are fragrant and long-lasting, making them suitable for cut flower arrangements. The flowers can be used alone or combined with other flowers to create colorful bouquets. Medicinal: Some species of Narcissus have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as depression, anxiety, and inflammation. While there is limited research on the medicinal properties of Narcissus bakeri specifically, it is possible that the plant may have similar properties. Culinary: While Narcissus bakeri is not typically used in culinary applications, some species of Narcissus have been used to flavor food and drink, such as vermouth and bitters. Narcissus bakeri is not typically grown for commercial purposes, although it may be sold by specialty nurseries or collectors. The plant's main value is as an ornamental plant for home gardens and landscaping. Related Species Narcissus bakeri is part of a large genus of flowering plants that includes over 50 species. Some of the most closely related species include Narcissus tazetta, Narcissus papyraceus, and Narcissus jonquilla. These species are similar in appearance and are often grown alongside Narcissus bakeri in ornamental plantings. Conservation Status Narcissus bakeri is considered a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This means that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. The main threats to the species include habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and grazing, as well as over-collection for ornamental purposes. The species is protected under national and international conservation laws, and its collection from the wild is strictly regulated. Efforts are underway to conserve the species through habitat restoration, ex-situ conservation, and public education and awareness campaigns. Conclusion Narcissus bakeri is a small but beautiful plant that is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers, which are fragrant and long-lasting. Although the species is not widely cultivated for commercial purposes, it is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and other small-scale plantings. As a vulnerable species, Narcissus bakeri is protected under conservation laws and its collection from the wild is strictly regulated. With proper care and cultivation, this plant can be enjoyed by gardeners around the world for many years to come.