Convallaria majalis

Eurasian species widely distributed across the Alps and other European mountain ranges, it is found in coniferous forests, deciduous forests, mixed forests and scrubland at altitudes ranging from 700 to 2,100 metres. The plant is known for its intense scent, but also for its high toxicity; however, it also possesses medicinal properties.

It is a plant with a distinctive underground stem, known as 'rhizome', which each year at the start of the growing season produces adventitious roots and shoots. Each shoot, which is erect and simple, is sheathed at the base by the sheaths of its only two leaves. The inflorescence is a one-sided raceme bearing 10–20 white, highly fragrant flowers on curved peduncles. The fruit is a globular, red and glossy berry. 

As mentioned, it is a plant with medicinal properties: it contains certain active compounds (glycosides), which the pharmaceutical industry uses as cardiotonics, diuretics and nervous system sedatives. The plant is also used in aromatherapy and perfumery for its fragrance. In the past, the lily of the valley was also used in herbal medicine for its cardiotonic properties, but today its use has virtually been abandoned due to its toxicity.