Greek chiono – snow, doxa – glory, referring to the alpine origin of these plants.

Perennial, bulbous herb, bulb tunicate. Leaves 2, basal, linear. Flowers radially symmetrical, stalked, individual flower stalks not articulated. Inflorescence a terminal raceme.Tepals 3+3, 1-nerved, free. Stamens 6, attached to tepal bases. Ovary superior. Fruit a globose capsule. Seeds globose.

Sometimes included in the genus Scilla.

6 species in Europe and Asia Minor.

Bulb with lower flower stalks exceeding flowers, and tepals short-fused basally.

Wurzell (1995).

Source: Forster, P. (2005). Bowiea. 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.