XMAS ROSE

Christmas Rose - commonly known as hellebores and do not belong to the rose family.
Many species are poisonous. Native across much of Europe.
Not often seen flowering at Christmas, the German name of Schneerose -snow rose- is perhaps more appropriate. In gardens the flowers generally appear from January to March, hence the entry today.

The flowers have five petals, surrounding a ring of small, cup-like nectaries, petals modified to hold nectar. The sepals do not fall as petals would, but remain on the plant, sometimes for many months.

Much used in herbal medicine this species was said by Parkinson to be 'good for mad and furious men'.