Fritillaria assyriaca ssp. assyriaca

On the grass meadow to the west of the new alpine house are a collection of Fritillarias.

F. assyriaca ssp. assyriaca is in full bloom, drooping flower head with yellow, darkening to orange with age, fringes. At the base of the tepals are well developed nectaties, containing a surprisingly large quantity of nectar. The flower gives off a musty odour on a warmer day than we have been experiencing.

F. elwesii is later to open with a darker purple flower, and thicker, waxier tepals. It also exhibits similar linear striations to the inside of the tepals. No scent from the flower and minimal nectar.
Both are native to Turkey where they can be found growing in cornfields and on screes.

Fritillaria assyriaca ssp. assyriaca on left F. elwesii on right

Fritillaria elwesii