The sea daffodil, or havatzelet hahof, is a flower that blooms in the harshest of the hot weather on the seashores of our country and is a close relative of the narcissus.
By ITSIK MAROMThe sea daffodil in Israel's beaches(photo credit: ITSIK MAROM)
We are all familiar with the daffodil, also known as the narcissus and what children call the “king of the swamp.” However, not too many are familiar with the “queen of the seashore” – the sea daffodil.The sea daffodil, or havatzelet hahof, is a flower that blooms in the harshest of the hot weather on the seashores of our country and is a close relative of the narcissus.This is a species of bulbous plants that absorbs its needed water, minerals and energy during the more comfortable months of the winter and spring. In the hottest months from July to October, the sea daffodil blooms and grows a few stems that develop a few large, impressive white flowers on each stem, using the resources accumulated in its sand-buried bulb. It can grow up to 13 centimeters in diameter.Besides being a beautiful bud, it has some smart survival strategies. By choosing not to bloom in the spring in more pleasant temperatures with other plants, the sea daffodil avoids competition. Now, in the late summer, most insects will come to visit and pollinate.There are two reasons for its white color.The first is that white rejects much of the sun’s direct radiation, and the second is that it stands out in early morning and close to sunset, attracting the insects that prefer to be active at cooler hours of the day.Another brilliant survival strategy of this plant is covering its seeds with a corky layer that makes it water resistant and easy to float, so it will not get lost in saltwater but instead use the waves to carry the seeds farther away from the mother plant. This spreads the species along Israel’s shoreline, as well as to other countries.This lovely but tough plant survives on our shores in spite of the difficulties the season holds for the flower. While the sea daffodil is not considered endangered, its official status is protected.When you walk on the seashore, mainly along the sandstone ridge allow your eyes to wander away from the waves and spot the queen of the seashore celebrating along with you, sporting her big white flowers.