Herb with spherical bulbs. Leaves 4-6, broadly linear, basal, flat, hairy below. Inflorescence 60-150 cm, ribbed, stem solid, spathes 2, umbel hemispherical. Flowers numerous, 8-9 mm long, star-shaped; summer. Tepals lilac-purple, rarely white, becoming reflexed. Stamens equalling tepals, united basally.

Central Asia.

Sometimes grown in gardens as a border plant in full sun.

Updated by: Niels Klazenga, March 2018