Narsissi

Narsissi is the Albanian common name for narcissus, a genus of flowering plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. The best-known members are the daffodils, which typically feature a central trumpet-like corona surrounded by petal-like tepals. The genus Narcissus comprises about 50 species and many thousands of cultivated varieties, selected for flower color, form, and fragrance. The name Narcissus derives from a figure in Greek mythology and is used for both wild species and cultivated forms.

Description and distribution: Narcissus species are herbaceous perennials that grow from bulbs. They usually flower in spring, producing a single or a few flowers on erect stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Flowers commonly display yellow or white tepals with an orange or yellow corona; hybrids can show a wide range of colors and forms, including doubles and cup-less types.

Habitat and cultivation: Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, narcissi are widely grown as ornamental plants around the world. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partly shaded site. Plant bulbs in autumn, at a depth of about two to three times the bulb height, for spring blooms. After flowering, allow the foliage to photosynthesize to restore the bulb’s energy; avoid overwatering during dormancy. Most garden varieties are suited to temperate climates, though requirements vary by species.

Toxicity and cultural significance: All parts of the plant contain alkaloids, notably lycorine; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, more serious symptoms. Handling the sap can irritate the skin or eyes. Narcissi have long been cultivated ornamentally and are widely associated with spring festivals and celebrations, and they are commonly used in bouquets and borders.