Martagon lily

It can be found in various places on Mt. Paggaio, usually in a small number of individuals and scattered distribution. It is mostly found in openings of beech forests and subalpine grasslands (especially in micro-sites with high soil humidity), at altitudes above 1,000 m asl.

Its population size is considered satisfactory. Perennial plant, up to 125 cm tall (marginally up to 150 cm), with leaves on whorls, i.e., growing in groups of 5-10from the same point of the stem. The leaves are 7-15 cm long, oblanceolate or elliptical, with acute apex. Flowers in groups of 4-12 (rarely one flower on each plant), bending downwards, forming terminal inflorescences. The petals of it flowers are characteristic (here are called tepals), as they are strongly inverted (looking at the sky) and their color is dark red-violet with even darker spots. It is also called “Lily the Turkish Girl” because of its inverted petals, which look like a Turkish turban. It is used for the medicinal properties of its root, which has cardiotonic, diuretic, emollient and expectorant properties. It is found in well-lit forests and grasslands in the mountainous and subalpine zone, at altitudes from 650-1,900 m asl. It does not have special requirements regarding the geological substrate. We will see it in flower during June and July, depending on the altitude.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures, which would lead to a significant reduction in its population, were observed. However, due to its impressive habit, non-controlled collection of this species would cause a serious decline.

“Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive.

It is listed among the plant species of the Presidential Degree 67/81 (F.E.K. 23/Α/30-01-1981) “On the protection of native flora and fauna and defining a procedure for coordinating and controlling their research”. Moreover, it is listed as “Other Important Plant Species of Greece” by the 92/43/EEC Directive.