Greek erythros – blood red, referring to the colour of the flowers of some species.

Perennial herbs from a tunicate bulb. Leaves 2, basal, ovate, sheathing, often mottled. Flowers radially symmetrical, cup-shaped to reflexed, stalked, nodding. Inflorescence a 1- to many-flowered raceme; spring.Tepals 3+3, free, inner 3 often with a basal appendage. Stamens 6, free; anthers not versatile. Ovary superior, ovoid. Fruit a capsule. Seeds brown, ellipse-shaped or angular, with an appendage.

Grow in full sun on very well-drained rich soil for the delicate, attractive flowers.

24 species from temperate Europe, Asia and N America.

Paired basal (generally mottled) leaves with nodding reflexed flowers and appendiculate seeds.

Mathew (1992, 1998).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Liliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.