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The Istrian deeply-incised-leaved hellebore (Helleborus multifidus ssp. istriacus) belongs to Ranunculaceae (the Buttercup family). It is a perennial herb that is distributed across south-central Europe, from southwestern Croatia through Slovenia to northeastern Italy. It grows on open, gravelly slopes and grasslands in coastal mountain ranges, as well as in moist mixed woodlands, reaching a height of 20 to 45 cm. The leaves are deep green and deeply lobed into 10 to 14 segments. The undersides of young leaves are hairy and have a coppery tint. From January to April, it extends a flower stalk and produces small, downward-facing green flowers. The specific epithet is derived from the Istra Peninsula in Croatia.
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