Iris mariae

Iris mariae is one of the rarest irises. It grows only in the sandy areas of the western Negev Desert (Israel) and across the border in Egypt (N Sinai). It is threatened by overgrazing and unfortunately most of its populations are located outside nature reserves. This is the southernmost and most arid Oncocylus iris. It has narrow falcate leaves and large violet flowers. S Israel, W Negev, near Zeelim