Authors: Moretti
One of four similar Arthritica species, smaller than P. clusiana and P. spectabilis, and with acute points to the leaves and glabrous, very finely dentate (lens) leaf margins. Leaves lanceolate to obovate, 2-7cm long by 5-25mm wide, tapering at both ends, shining dark green above, stiff and leathery in texture. Flowers pinkish-red to lilac, 2-3cm across with a white eye, in umbels of two to six, on stout stems 3-12cm high. Endemic to the Italian southern Alps between Lake Como and Lake Garda where it is found on limestone rocks and slopes in moist and shady positions at 450-2400m. Passo Croce Domini is perhaps the best-known location. Fairly easy in troughs or raised beds, but flowering most freely when young.
