Three-leaved Snowflake

Acis trichophylla is a bulbous perennial, growing up to 30 cm (12 in) tall, although usually shorter. There are generally three very narrow leaves per bulb, appearing before the flowers, each leaf being up to 18 cm (7.1 in) long but only at most 1 mm wide. Flowering is in late winter or early spring. The flowers are white, sometimes with pink tinges or occasionally all pink, and are arranged in groups of two to four on a stem (scape) that is about as long as or longer than the leaves. Each flower is borne on a long stalk (pedicel), up to 45 or 60 mm long, and has six tepals, 12–20 mm long, with sharp tips, that open widely to form a bell shape. The two spathes are shorter than the pedicels. The style is slightly longer than the stamens.

Acis trichophylla is found in central and southern Portugal, south central and south-western Spain and across the Mediterranean in Morocco. It is found in dry sandy ground.

Acis trichophylla is cultivated as an ornamental bulb. It requires protection from frost, and warm dry conditions for a long time in summer, hence growing in an alpine house or bulb frame is recommended. Unless planted deeply, around 15 cm (6 in), it tends to divide into small non-flowering bulbs.

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