The plant, a member of the family Iridaceae, is native to the Mediterranean region (southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East) and Sudan.

The species has a small rootstock - a corm which can be found in sandy and rocky soils.

It produces long and slender leaves.

Most varieties have purple or violet blooms, but white or yellow also occur.

The ovary is 3-locular and the seeds are brown, pellet-like, circular grains.