Appearance
"Iris palestina" has 1–1.5 in ovoid brown bulbs.Most specimens have up to six leaves, which are 6 in tall at flowering time. They are normally about 1–2 cm wide at the base of the plant. The long, narrow, strap-like leaves have undulate edges with a thin white margin. They are normally shiny green in color, but are glossy on the upper surface.
It has a short stem which is about 10–20 cm high.
It has fragrant flowers between January and February.
Generally, there are one to three flowers per stem. The flowers are greenish-grey/white, but can be yellow-white as well. In southern Israel, some specimens have a slight blue tinge.
The flowers have winged falls. It has a perianth tube around 8–18 cm long.
It has oblong capsules and seeds without arils.
Distribution
It is native to temperate Asia.
Habitat
It is native to temperate Asia.It likes open stony soils at low altitudes. Normally it is found at coastal sites but is also common within olive groves.
Uses
It has been used as a medicinal plant in the Middle East for urinary tract infections by boiling the leaves or the rhizomes in water, similar to the use of "Iris pallida".
Cultural
It has been used as a medicinal plant in the Middle East for urinary tract infections by boiling the leaves or the rhizomes in water, similar to the use of "Iris pallida".References:
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