Tête de gazelle

This plant, sometimes locally called "tete de gazelle" (gazelle's head), corresponds to Hermodactylus tuberosus, also known as the widow iris or snake's head iris, native to the Mediterranean basin, with a finger-like tuberous rhizome similar to that of an iris. Fine, four-angled leaves accompany iris-like flowers from late winter onward, yellowish green with almost velvety blackish-brown veining. It grows in full sun, well-drained, calcareous soil, with a dry summer rest.