Iberian Fritillary
ExplorePlants
Iberian Fritillary
fritillaria lusitanica
The Iberian Fritillary (Fritillaria lusitanica) is an enchanting perennial wildflower endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Belonging to the lily family (Liliaceae), it is celebrated for its distinctive bell-shaped, nodding flowers that dangle gracefully from slender stems. This resilient plant flourishes in Mediterranean climates, springing to life from underground bulbs to paint rocky hillsides and open pine woods with its earthy, complex hues. Often overlooked due to its subtle coloration, it remains a highly prized find for botanists and hikers exploring the rugged landscapes of Spain and Portugal.
Habitat: Typically found in dry, rocky grasslands, open pine forests, and Mediterranean scrublands across Spain and Portugal.
Appearance
This species typically grows between 10 to 50 cm tall, featuring narrow, linear, grey-green leaves arranged alternately along a slender, upright stem. The single, terminal flower is a bell-shaped, nodding blossom measuring 2 to 3 cm long. Its petals display a variable coloration of purplish-brown, chocolate, or deep bronze, frequently accented with a yellowish-green stripe down the center or a subtle checkered pattern, while the inside reveals a brighter greenish-yellow hue.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusFritillaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
The color of its petals can be highly variable, ranging from deep chocolate purple to lighter greenish-yellow, sometimes making it challenging for amateur botanists to identify.
The genus name Fritillaria comes from the Latin word 'fritillus', meaning dice-box, referring to the checkered markings typical of many species in this genus.
This species is highly adapted to wildfire-prone Mediterranean environments, with underground bulbs safely insulated from surface heat.
Special abilities
Ability
Bulbous Dormancy
Survives the dry, harsh Mediterranean summers by retreating into an underground bulb that stores water and nutrients.
Ability
Nodding Corolla Protection
The downward-facing, bell-shaped flowers protect delicate reproductive organs from rain and prevent pollen from being washed away.
Ability
Mycorrhizal Association
Forms symbiotic relationships with underground fungi to maximize nutrient absorption from nutrient-poor rocky soils.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-50 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
- Clutch Size
- 20-80
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, the Iberian Fritillary produces its own energy using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits the nodding flowers to feed on nectar, assisting in cross-pollination.
eaten by
Scarlet Lily Beetle
Lilioceris lilii
Larvae and adults feed heavily on the leaves and buds, potentially defoliating the plant.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Iberian Fritillary?
The easiest way to identify Iberian Fritillary is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Iberian Fritillary?
10-50 cm
How much does Iberian Fritillary weigh?
0.01-0.05 kg
How long does Iberian Fritillary live?
5-15 years
What does Iberian Fritillary eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, the Iberian Fritillary produces its own energy using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Where is Iberian Fritillary usually found?
Typically found in dry, rocky grasslands, open pine forests, and Mediterranean scrublands across Spain and Portugal.
How many eggs does Iberian Fritillary lay?
20-80
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
