How many tepals typically characterize the striking white flowers of Ornithogalum umbellatum?
Answer
Six
The species most commonly identified as the Star of Bethlehem, *Ornithogalum umbellatum*, possesses distinct floral characteristics that aid in its identification. Specifically, these attractive white flowers are usually structured with a count of six tepals. These tepals form the star shape for which the plant is named. Knowing the typical morphology, such as the number of tepals, is helpful for differentiating it from other bulb plants that may bloom concurrently, although safety dictates treating any unknown *Ornithogalum* found outside cultivation as potentially poisonous due to shared cardenolide content.
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