Puzzles

[zephirine]

For the species name? Nope...try again: a far more common and hardy plant of the same family...undestructible, alas....

[Lvandelft]

For the species name? Nope...try again: a far more common and hardy plant of the same family...undestructible, alas....

I understand Zephirine. Veratrum

[fleurbleue]

Eryngium agavifolium ?

[zephirine]

Yes, Nicole!!! Well done! Congratulations!
It is...nearly Eryngium agavifolium! Lol
It's an eryngium, all right, but not this one!
Zeph

[fleurbleue]

Eryngium yuccifolium 

[Anthony Darby]

Eryngium maritimum is found in Ireland and E. vesiculosum is a new Zealand species. E. campestre is a rare, possibly introduced, species found in the south of England and the only other species wild in the UK.

[zephirine]

Yes!!! This time it is the perfect answer, Nicole!
Eryngium yuccifolium it is!!!
The "clue" didn't refer to the presence of Eryngium in NZ and Ireland, Anthony, but to the nickname of E. yuccifolium : "Rattlesnake Master". Its roots were used by the American Indiens to (try to) cure te effects of Rattesnakes venon.
There are no snakes at all (or so was I told) in NZ and Ireland.
And while we do have snakes in old'Urup, I don't think we have rattesnakes though...this is why I said "to a lesser extent"...since maybe Eryngium yuccifolium roots might have an effect on other venons, I don't know...
Congratulations to all for your efforts and patience!
Here are two pics of the plant, but seen from the side...lol!
Zephirine

[Anthony Darby]

Brilliant. I like it! Didn't think of the snake connection.

[fleurbleue]

Wonderful first picture, Zeph   As ever...

[Maggi Young]

Wonderful, wonderful puzzle!  Great photo and cleverly hinted.... well done to Zeph for making it and to Nicole for finding the answer!!

[Casalima]

Excellent puzzle and excellent plant! I'll be keeping an eye out for it!

[Ragged Robin]

Super puzzle that kept us all guessing Zephirine .....well done for guessing it Nicole 

[fleurbleue]

Thanks Maggi and Ragged Robin but I am used to Zeph's riddles 

[zephirine]

Thank you ladies (correction: AND gentlemen!)!  
Should you feel like other ones of the same type, I can provide! Except that Nicole already knows a number of my little tricks, and it is becoming more and more difficult to surprise her!...

[Lvandelft]

Thank you ladies!  

Ladies.....  Well, o.k. 5 :3 

Nevertheless, great puzzle Zephirine. Rather cryptic too!