Haquetia epipactis

This beautifully glossy little green gem, Haquetia epipactis is tucked away in the renovated vineries along the north wall of the Holkham Walled Garden. 
It is the earliest of the herbaceous perennials and is woodland plant, native to the mountainous areas of central Europe.


The TV gardener Carol Klein writes an interesting article on this plant published on the Daily Telegraph website. She explains that what look like green flower petals are actually bracts that protect the scores of tiny flowers in the centre.