The Names.
Carolus Clusius calleth the first Bulbus vnifolius, or Bolbine, but referreth it not to the stocke or kindred of any plant; but (as you see) I haue ranked it with the small sorts of Ornithogalum, and giue it the name accordingly.
The other is referred for likenesse of forme, and not for colour, vnto the Ornithogala, or Starres of Bethlehem. It is called by Tragus and Fuchsius Bulbus siluestris, because of the obuiousnesse. Cordus taketh it to be Sisyrinchium. Lacuna calleth it Bulbus esculentus. Lobel and others in these dayes generally, Ornithogalum luteum, and wee thereafter in English, The yellow Starre-flower, or Starre of Bethlehem.
The Vertues.
The first kinde being but lately found out, is not knowne to be vsed. The rootes of the common or vulgar, are (as Matthiolus saith) much eaten by poore people in Italy, either rawe or roasted, being sweeter in taste then any Chestnut, and seruing as well for a necessary food as for delight. It is doubtfull whether any of the rest may be so vsed; for I know not any in our Land hath made any experience.
{Conclusion}
There are many other sorts of Starre-flowers, which are fitter for a generall then this History; and therefore I referre them thereunto.