Iris imbricata
{{short description|Species of plant}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Iris imbricata - Fleurs-2.jpg
|genus = Iris
|display_parents = 2
|parent = Iris sect. Iris
|species = imbricata
|authority = Lindl.
|synonyms = {{Species list
|Iris concolor |Baker
|Iris obtusifolia |Baker
|Iris sulphurea |K.Koch
|Iris sulphurea |C. Koch
|Iris talischi |Sprenger}}
|synonyms_ref = {{cite web |title=Iris imbricata Lindl. is an accepted name |date= 23 March 2012 |url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-321976
|publisher=theplantlist.org (The Plant List) |access-date=16 October 2015}}
}}
Iris imbricata is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Caucasus mountains, within Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. It has broad, sword-like, yellow green or light green leaves, slender stem with branches, inflated and overlapping green spathes, and 2–5 yellow, pale yellow or greenish yellow flowers.
Description
It is similar in form to Iris taochia, Iris schachtii and the yellow form of Iris purpureobractea (from Turkey).Basak Gardner & Chris Gardner {{Google books|08KbBQAAQBAJ|Flora of the Silk Road: The Complete Illustrated Guide (2014)|page=181}} It is also similar to Iris albertii,{{cite web |title=Imbricate Iris (Iris imbricata / sulphurea) |url=http://www.agbina.com/site.xp/052056055124052052055.html |publisher=agbina.com |access-date=17 October 2015}} but with yellow flowers.{{cite web| first=William | last=Dykes |title=Dykes on Iris| url=http://www.beardlessiris.org/reviews/dykes%20on%20irises%20-%20part1.pdf |publisher=beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises) | access-date=21 November 2014}}
It as a stout rhizome,Richard Lynch and Henry Ewbank {{Google books|grvYTul5CSUC|The Book of the Iris (1904)|page=142}}{{cite web |title=Iris Imbricata Azerbaijan (IRIDACEAE) |url=http://www.vivaiocorazza.com/en/products/320-iris-imbricata-azerbaijan-.html |publisher=vivaiocorazza.com |access-date=16 October 2015}} that can form dense clumps of plants.{{cite book | first1=Roger | last1=Phillips | first2=Martyn | last2=Rix | title=Perennials Vol. 1 | page=190 | year=1991 | publisher=Pan Books Ltd. |isbn=9780330327749}}
It has deciduous (in winter), erect,{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Pries |title=(SPEC) Iris imbricata Lindley |date=13 February 2014 |url=http://wiki.irises.org/bin/view/Spec/SpecImbricata |publisher=wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society)| access-date=16 October 2015}} ensiform (sword-like), yellow green,{{cite book |last=Stebbings |first=Geoff |year=1997|title=The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises |url=https://archive.org/details/gardenersguideto00steb|url-access=registration |location=Newton Abbot |publisher=David and Charles |page=[https://archive.org/details/gardenersguideto00steb/page/23 23] |isbn=0715305395 }} or light green,{{cite web |title=Iris imbricata |url=http://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is/default.aspx?modID=16&pId=1669 |publisher=lystigardur.akureyri.is |language=is |access-date=17 October 2015}} or grey-green leaves.James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) {{Google books|CkxWrDqtWLQC|The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification (2011) |page=259}} The outer and first leaves, are normally very blunt and rounded. This led to early specimens of the plant were renamed at Kew as Iris obtusifolia,{{cite web |first=William |last=Dykes |author-link=William Rickatson Dykes |title=Handbook of Garden Irises |year=2009 |url=http://www.beardlessiris.org/reviews/handbook%20of%20garden%20irises%20-%20dykes.pdf |publisher=beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises) |access-date=1 November 2014}} this was later classified as a synonym of 'Iris imbricata' The broad leaves, can grow up to between {{convert|30|-|40|cm|0|abbr=on}} long, and between 2 and 3 cm wide.
It has a slender stem or peduncle,{{cite web |title=Iris imbricata |url=http://szaszirisz.e-aruhaz.com/node/1483 |publisher= szaszirisz.e-aruhaz.com |language=hu |access-date=17 October 2015}} that can grow up to between {{convert|30|-|60|cm|0|abbr=on}} tall.{{cite web |first=D. |last=Kramb |title=Iris imbricata |date=21 September 2004 |url=http://www.signa.org/index.pl?Iris-imbricata |publisher=signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America) |access-date=16 October 2015}}{{cite web |title=Žvynuotasis Iris – Iris imbricata |url=http://flores.lt/zvynuotasis-vilkdalgis/ |publisher=flores.lt |language=lt |access-date=17 October 2015}}{{cite book |last1=Cassidy |first1=George E.| last2=Linnegar | first2=Sidney | date=1987 |edition=Revised | title= Growing Irises |location=Bromley | publisher=Christopher Helm | page=146 | isbn=0-88192-089-4}}{{rp|122}} They are often branched, with short branches.
The stem has oval, or oblong shaped, green,{{cite web| first=William | last=Dykes |title=Dykes on Iris| url=http://www.beardlessiris.org/reviews/dykes%20on%20irises%20-%20part1.pdf |publisher=beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises) | access-date=21 November 2014}} or pale green, inflated, spathes (leaves of the flower bud). They are also tightly imbricated, or overlapping,{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Waters |title=A Hybridizer's Guide to Bearded Species |date=October 2010 |url=http://www.telp.com/irises/species.htm |publisher=telp.com |access-date=26 September 2015}} and transparent, or membranous at the tip of the bract.
They look similar in form to translucent green pea pods.
The stems (and the branches) hold numerous, between 2 and 5 flowers, in spring or summer, between April and May, May,{{cite web |title=Bearded Irises (IRIS) Sem. Kasatikovye |url=http://flower.onego.ru/other/iris/iris_ir.html |publisher=flower.onego.ru |access-date=5 September 2015}} or between May and June.
The large, flowers are {{convert|7|-|10|cm|0|abbr=on}} in diameter, They are larger than Iris flavescens (a synonym of Iris variegata L.), and another yellow flowering iris. They come in shades of yellow, from pale yellow, greenish yellow, (or chartreuse,) to bright yellow, or sulphur yellow. Very rarely, there is a purple form, and also blue forms, were noted by Rodionenko.{{cite web |title=Iris summary |date=14 April 2014 |url=http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/Iris/Iris_Summary.pdf |publisher=pacificbulbsociety.org |access-date=23 November 2014}}
Like other irises, it has 2 pairs of petals, 3 large sepals (outer petals), known as the 'falls' and 3 inner, smaller petals (or tepals), known as the 'standards'.{{cite book |first=Claire |last=Austin |title=Irises; A Garden Encyclopedia |year=2005 |publisher=Timber Press |isbn=0881927309 }}{{rp|17}}
The falls are obovate or cuneate shaped, and {{convert|5|-|6|cm|0|abbr=on}} long. They often curl under,{{rp|124}} or are reflexed.Kelly Norris {{Google books|6YwFZmzxgecC|A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts |page=35}} They have 'hafts' (section near to the stem) that are veined with brown, or brownish purple.{{rp|124}} In the centre of each of the falls, is a white beard tipped with yellow,{{rp|124}} or yellow, or dark yellow beard.
The standards are obovate, and broader than the falls.
It has style branches that are 2.54 cm long.
It has a short perianth tube, at under 2.54 cm long.
After the iris has flowered, it produces a seed capsule, in late July. The capsule and seeds have not been described.
=Research=
In 1956, a karyotype analysis was carried out on 40 species of Iris, belonging to the subgenera Eupogoniris and Pogoniris. It found that 24-chromosome tall bearded species could be divided into 3 karyotypes of Iris pallida. Iris kashmiriana has 2 pairs of median-constricted marker chromosomes, Iris illyrica, Iris cengialti, and Iris imbricata, lastly Iris variegata, Iris reginae(later classified as a synonym of Iris variegata), and Iris perrieri all have no median-constricted chromosomes.{{cite journal |last=Mitra |first=Jyotirmay |date=1956 |title=Karyotype analysis of bearded iris |url=http://eurekamag.com/research/024/919/024919858.php#close |journal=Bot Gaz |volume= 117|issue= 4|pages=265–293 |doi= 10.1086/335916|s2cid=85117341 |access-date=12 September 2015|url-access=subscription }}
In 2005, a chemical study was carried on the rhizomes of Iris imbricata, it found an isoflavone (chemical compound) called 'Nigricin'.{{cite journal |last1=Ayatollahi |first1=S.A.M. |last2=Moein |first2=M.R. |last3=Kobarfard |first3=F. |last4=Nasim |first4=S. |last5=Choudhary |first5=M.I. |date=2005 |title=1-D and 2D-NMR Assignments of Nigricin from Iris imbricata. |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26619572 |journal=Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research |volume=4 |pages=250–254 }}{{cite book |last1= Rasool |first1=Shayaq Ul Abeer |last2=Wani |first2=Sajad Husan |last3= Mir |first3=Javid Iqbal |date=2012 |title=Iris Species; Review and study of phytochemical and genetic diversity of iris species |publisher=Lambert Academic Publishing |pages=68–69 |isbn=9783659308826}}
In 2012, a study was carried out on 18 species of iris found in Iran. (RAPD) markers and other tests were applied to identify genetic differences among species. It concluded that Iris germanica and Iris imbricata are ancient hybrids.{{cite journal |last1=Azimi |first1=M.H. |last2=Sadeghian |first2=S.Y. |last3=Razavi Ahari |first3=V. |last4=Khazaei |first4=F. |last5=Fathi Hafashjani |first5=A. |date=September 2012 |title=Genetic variation of Iranian Iris species using morphological characteristics and RAPD markers |journal=International Journal of AgriScience |publisher=International Academic Journals |volume=2 |issue=9 |pages= 875–889 }}
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.{{rp|18}}
Taxonomy
File:SDC11179 - Iris imbricata.JPG ]]
It is known as 'Svaveliris' in Sweden,{{GRIN | access-date=16 October 2015}} and as 'Žvynuotasis Iris' in Lithuania.
The Latin specific epithet imbricata refers to imbricans or imbricatus meaning overlapping like tiles, (leaves, corolla, bracts, scales).D. Gledhill {{Google books|NJ6PyhVuecwC|The Names of Plants|page=211}}{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=A.W. |last2=Stearn |first2=William T. |date=1972 |edition=Revised |publication-date=1963 | title= A Gardener's Dictionary of Plant Names | publisher=Cassell and Company | page=178 | isbn=0304937215}} Which refers to the plants large, overlapping bracts, or spathes (bract-like leaves) on the stem.
It is sometimes referred to as Iris imbricate (with an 'e' at the end), normally in Russia.
Specimens were collected in 'Transcaucasia' in 1844, then sent to Lindley, from Spofforth (town in North Yorkshire) by the Hon. And Very Rev. the Dean of Manchester.
It was first published and described by John Lindley in Edwards's Botanical Register of Flower Garden and Shrubbery (of London) Vol.31 tab35 in 1845,{{cite web |title=Iridaceae Iris imbricata Lindl. |url=http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=438728-1 |publisher=ipni.org (International Plant Names Index) |access-date=16 October 2015}} with an illustration.
John Lindley thought it was possible a variety of Iris squalens (now a synonym of Iris germanica), but had pure lemon-coloured flowers and imbricated short bracts. Iris flavescens (later classified as a synonym of Iris variegata L.) was also confused with Iris imbricata.
It was also published by Botanical Magazine Vol.7701 in 1900 and the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society Vol.90, f28, in 1965.
It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, then updated on 10 May 2007.
It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life.{{cite web |title=Iris imbricata |url=http://eol.org/pages/5866696/overview |publisher=eol.org |access-date=16 October 2015}}
Iris imbricata is a 'tentatively' accepted name by the RHS and was listed in the 'RHS Plant Finder' in 2011.{{cite web|title=Iris imbricata |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9278/Iris-imbricata/Details |publisher=www.rhs.org.uk| access-date=16 October 2015}}
Distribution and habitat
=Range=
It is found in the Caucasus region,{{rp|122}} near the Caspian Sea,{{cite journal |first=Pavol |last=Kaššák |date=13 September 2012 |title=Secondary Metabolites Of The {{sic|Cho|osen|nolink=y}} Genus Iris Species |journal= Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis |volume=60 |issue= 8|pages=269–280 |doi= 10.11118/actaun201260080269|doi-access=free }} within (Persia, now called Iran,) Near the Talysh Mountains, Elburz Mountains, Tehran, Mount Damavand and Tar Lake.
It is also found in the former USSR region, of Transcaucasia.{{rp|124}} Which is now part of Armenia,{{rp|122}} Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Within Armenia, it is found in the provinces of Lori and Tavush and near to the towns of Meghri and Kapan.{{cite web |title=FLORA OF ARMENIA |url=http://www.exoticarmeniatours.com/floraofarmenia.php |publisher=exoticarmeniatours.com |access-date=17 October 2015}}
One source mentions Turkey, but this may refer to a yellow form of Iris purpureobractea.
=Habitat=
Cultivation
It is thought to be easily cultivated.
It is hardy, to European Zone H2, meaning hardy to {{convert|-15|to|-20|C|F}}.{{cite web |title=Plant Hardiness |url=http://theseedsite.co.uk/hardiness.html |publisher=theseedsite.co |access-date=3 August 2015}} It prefers areas with dryish winters.
It can be grown in a winter rain sheltered alpine frame.{{rp|78}}
It prefers to grow in well-drained soils, including rich sandy loams.
It prefers situations in full sun.
It can be grown a rock garden, and flower border.
It could be planted with Stachys byzantina 'Primrose Heron' or a shrubby potentilla bush.
William Rickatson Dykes recommends it to be planted between August and September.
Specimens can be found at Chelsea Physic Garden in London.Sue Minter{{Google books|L6FvAwAAQBAJ|The Apothecaries' Garden: A History of the Chelsea Physic Garden|page=92}}
=Hybrids and cultivars=
Iris imbricata (and Iris reichenbachii) has been used in plant breeding programmes, in the search for a true blue iris. It was used by Michael Foster and hybridizer Paul Cook, who used the iris to develop reverse blue bi-tones. Then in the 1960s and 70s, Frederic and Mary Megson demonstrated that the iris inhibited anthocyanin pigments, which is used to help breed non-purple bearded irises.
Toxicity
Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also, handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.David G Spoerke and Susan C. Smolinske{{Google books|a7-f66fRfzQC|Toxicity of Houseplants|page=236}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
Sources
- Aldén, B., S. Ryman & M. Hjertson. 2009. Våra kulturväxters namn – ursprung och användning. Formas, Stockholm (Handbook on Swedish cultivated and utility plants, their names and origin).
- Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR).
- Euro+Med Editorial Committee. Euro+Med Plantbase: the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity (on-line resource).
- Govaerts, R. World checklist of selected plant families (on-line resource).
- Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR.
- Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 28–30.
- Rechinger, K. H., ed. 1963–. Flora iranica.
External links
- [http://www.plantarium.ru/page/view/item/20751.html Has several images of the iris in flower]
- [http://www.ibotky.cz/en/foto/5425-iris-imbricata-sem.html Image of a very pale blue form in Czech Republic, Europe]
{{Commons category-inline|Iris imbricata}}
{{Wikispecies-inline|Iris imbricata}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q3154433}}
Category:Plants described in 1845
Category:Flora of Central Asia