Iris albicans - (Iridaceae)

Compared to our own Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) this beautiful white bloom which is encountered throughout the Mediterranean region seems very exotic. Unlike the Flag Iris, however, it is doubtful if this is a true wildflower, and the many specimens found along roadsides are probably garden escapes - but most welcome, nonetheless!

Iris albicans

In the Middle East this plant is much grown in and around cemetaries.

Its beautiful pure-white flowers are found throughout the Southern Europe, but it was probably introduced by man. Seldom growing taller than 60 cm, this lovely iris can occasionally be found with blue flowers. In the Arab world this wildflower is often found in and around graveyards.

Iris albicans is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae), and this specimen was photographed in the Algarve in Portugal in April.