Iris filifolia Boiss.
Diagnostic description:
A bulbous plant with bulbs about 3 cm across. Leaves very narrow, linear, with in-rolled margins, to 90 cm long; gradually becoming bracts further up the stem. Stem to 80 cm tall. Flowers 1 to 2, solitary or in pairs, about 8 cm across, violet-purple with a yellow patch on the outer perianth segments. Capsule 3 to 4 cm long.
Distribution:
Local: Fairly common locally. Generally found along the uppermost parts of the Rock, from Rock Gun to Douglas Path and O’Hara’s Road, and along Martin’s Path, Mediterranean Road and Mediterranean Steps.
Global: Found in southern Spain.
Ecology:
Flowers from (March) April, May to June.
Habitat:
Grows from limestone crevices, in clearings and on garigue.