Random flower from Croatia - What is it?

[silence882]

Hi All,

I was just in Croatia for a few weeks and came across a cool flower in Plitvice Lakes NP. I really like it and think I've seen it in cultivation before, but I have no idea what it is. Could anyone help?


Thanks,
--Stephen

 

[gonewild]

It's an Iris

 

[PaphMadMan]

Iris graminea, or something very similar.

 

[abax]

If it's a very small plant, the local name is dwarf crested
iris. I have a very nice stand on the edge of the woods.
There's another Iris that looks similar that's called Japanese Iris, but that plant is quite large.

 

[silence882]

Thanks for all the responses! I'll just put 'random iris' in my notes.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

Stephen,

Man, Croatia is on my bucket list for places to visit - fantastic nature and really fascinating culture, but you know all this!

The plant in your pic is a "beardless iris" (subgenus Limniris) and since you found it on the Balkan Peninsula it probably is I. sintenisii. It could also be I. graminea, but I'm not sure that species grows that far south.

If you want a great reference site for many bulbous and rhizomatious plants check out the Pacific Bulb Society's website. It is a fountain of information and can at least get you on the right path most of the time.