Pyrola grandiflora; the Arctic wintergreen is only found in the eastern/south-eastern regions of Iceland. I found this plant species at Eiðar near the pond just behind the Edda hotel. As far as my information goes this species is not found on the British isles and mainland western-Europe.
This wintergreen species is a plant to discover wherever you are in a richer vegetated region of Iceland. It used to be a member of the wintergreen family (Pyrolaceae). Recent DNA studies show they are so closely related to the heathers that they are now included in the heather family (Ericaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Bjöllulilja.
FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Pyrola grandiflora, Arctic Wintergreen, Bjöllulilja
A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other heather-related species
Other heather-related species