Romulea is a genus in the Iridaceae family of about 90 species that is found both in South Africa and in Europe. Rootstock is a corm, globose, bell shaped to top shaped, compressed or asymmetric with a circular to crescent shaped basal ridge. This genus has flowers reminiscent of Crocus. Many are quite striking, especially the South African species and there is a great variation in colour and markings of the flowers. They are easy to grow in pots and many are easy from seed, flowering rather quickly in some cases.

Romulea nivalis is exotic to South Africa, originating from Syria, Lebanon and Israel. In its natural habitat it appears soon after snow melts at high elevations. Growing from 5-8 cm tall, upright growth and smallish flowers are distinctive features of this species. Flowering occurs from February through to July.