The unprocessed rhizome contains iridin, a toxic glycoside, which causes 'nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation'.

Toxic internal effects. Can cause skin sensitization.

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

I’ris- named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow.

Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell. p.176

unguicular’is- furnished with a claw, i.e. contracted into a long narrow base.

Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell. p.303

A synonym is Iris stylosa. It has been known as the Algerian Iris, although it is found in Greece and its islands, as well as North Africa.

Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell. p.176

Vigorous, rhizomatous, beardless iris with tough, grass-like, evergreen leaves, to 60cm (24in) long. Flowers are large, fragrant, 5-8cm (2-3in) across, pale lavender to deep violet with contrasting veins, and a central band of yellow on the falls, and with perianth tubes 6-20cm long. They are borne singly on very short stems arising from a branching rhizome in late winter and early spring, occasionally in late autumn. 30cm high.

Brickell, C. (2003). A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Dorling Kindersley. p.580

Young plants, especially if grown from divisions, do need watering in their first summer. After that they are best ignored. Although divisions can be done in spring, the best time is autumn.

Brickell, C. (2003). A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Dorling Kindersley. p.580

This plant seems to thrive on neglect and really awful soil. Its natural habitat is lightly shaded rocky habitats. In British gardens it needs full sun and a dry, stony alkaline soil. Not surprisingly, rubble-filled soil at the base of south-facing walls is usually where it does best.

Prescription only medicine: kaempferol

This plant has scientifically based potential. The rhizomes contain the chemical kaempferol which inhibits the enzyme alpha-glucosidase in the gut, reducing the rate of glucose absorption. This could be used to prevent the dangerous peaks of blood sugar that occur in diabetics and reduce eye and kidney complications.

Oakeley, Dr. H.F. (2013). A tour of the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians. p.15

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Greece

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Turkey-in-Europe

Africa, Northern Africa, Tunisia