Has a limited extent of occurrence, there is continuing decline in habitat quality and loss of mature individuals and there is extreme fluctuation in the number of mature individuals.

This species is endemic to Andalusia and is widely distributed in the mountain ranges of Cazorla, Segura and las Villas. Its known range has diminished because some subpopulations are now considered to be separate species. There are 10 subpopulations, but two of them have not been refound. Also found in the mountain ranges of Castril (Granada), Mágina (Jaén) and in the Jaén Mountains. In this last one the individuals have different characters and may represent a different species.

The populations fluctuate in size from one year to another.

8 confirmed subpopulations:
2 subpopulations in Sa de Mágina: 5,157 individuals
1 subpopulation in Sontes de Jaén: 2,300 individuals
1 subpopulation in mountain range of Castri: not estimated
5 subpopulations in mountain range of Cazorl: 12,579 individuals

This geophyte occurs in permanent waters and fountains. It is found in association with Scirpus holoschoenus, Holcus mollis, Piptatherum veriaean, and Eleocharis nigricans.

This species is vulnerable to modifications of the water regime induced by natural or artificial causes. Trampling and grazing by herbivores poses a threat to some subpopulations. There is also some removal of plants by collectors.

This species is included in various National Parks. Seeds from some populations are stocked at the genebank of Vegetal Andaluz and at the Botanical Garden of Torre del Vinagre (Cazorla, Jaén). The species is cultivated and propagated. A recovery plan for the species has been implemented.