Dracunculus vulgaris

Dracunculus vulgaris is an impressive plant with a height that often exceeds 1 metre. Its flower is a dark red, maroon of variable brightness  (a bit the colour of putrid flesh) and can exceed 80 cm in length. It exudes the smell of rotting meat during part of its flowering in order to attract and trap pollinating insects (which are then relased – it is NOT a flesh-eating plant as many believe). The large leaves are deeply cut and marbled with white. The stem of the plant is also marbled

Dracucunlus vulgaris is found in large populations along old paths, in olive groves, in rubbly areas, in gorges and river beds. It flowers from late March to May.

There are some very interesting and detailed facts as well as botanical drawings of Dracunculus vulagaris here if you are interested.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.