Romulea tempdskyana

The correct name for this species is Romulea tempskyana (Iridaceae). Native to the eastern Mediterranean, notably Cyprus and southern Turkey, it is a very small cormous geophyte, rarely exceeding 5-10 cm in height, growing in short-turfed meadows. In winter (January-February) it produces large (3-5 cm) violet flowers, darkening toward the throat and marked with a golden band before shading to white at the centre, borne on very short, stiff stems close to ground level. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and dry summer dormancy.