ayakoana Naruhashi

Leaves green, occasionally red, all narrow lanceolate or linear. Pedicel 6-13 mm long, emerging from the middle of the whorl of leaves, green, grey or dark pink, often wrinkled. Flowers nodding cup-campanulate, white with pink or purple-brown longitudinal veining.

Although Fritillaria ayakoana is rare in cultivation it is not difficult to grow. Use equal parts of composted bark, leaf mould and fine grit in terracotta pots. Plunge in an open frame away from direct sunlight. The bulbs must be kept moist at all times.