“Did a winegrower feel a close, intimate bond with the grapevine? That is, did he view the vine not merely as a source of income or a human resource, but feel that he had to approach it with love so that it might lovingly yield its fruit?”— Miljenko Brkić, 2026

Iž has a long history of cultivating plants. In the twentieth century, the island was known for its olive monoculture, with olive trees shaping both its landscape and its relationship with the land. Plants also played many other roles in everyday life, from providing herbal remedies to serving as sources of food.

A botanical study published in 2025 documented Stachys ocymastrum on Iž, marking the first recorded occurrence of this species in Croatia.

Local legend has it that somewhere at Punte Parde (the island’s southernmost point) grows an herb found nowhere else in the world.

Explore the herbarium below. It brings together native and introduced plants, with some entries including names recorded in the local dialect.

This is an ongoing project, and the identifications and names still need review. We welcome corrections, additions, and local knowledge. If you gather plants in the wild, please make sure you can identify them with confidence before handling or using them. Many species look alike. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable botanist or local expert.TO THE HERBARIUM ↓