Narcissus tortifolius

It is a plant very well adapted to the arid conditions of southeastern Spain. It inhabits in esparto grasslands and thyme fields. It sprouts from the bulb in December and flowers between February and March. In Cartagena it can be found in the towns of La Azohía and Isla Plana within the natural park of the Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso y Roldán, as well as in the area of Cabezos del Pericón y Sierra de los Victorias, protected as a Site of Community Importance.

Narcissus generic name referring to the young narcissist of Greek mythology Νάρκισσος (Narkissos) son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Leiriope; who was distinguished by her beauty. The name derives from the Greek word: ναρκὰο, narkào (= narcotic) and refers to the pungent, intoxicating odor of the flowers of some species (some argue that the word derives from the Persian word نرگس and pronounced Nargis, indicating that this plant is intoxicating).

tortifolius: Latin for "twisted-leaved", referring to the twisting of its leaves.