Iris palaestina

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Iris palaestina
Iris palaestina 2.JPG
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Scorpiris
Section: Iris sect. Scorpiris
Species:
I. palaestina
Binomial name
Iris palaestina
Synonyms [1]
  • Juno palaestina(Baker) Klatt
  • Thelysia palaestina(Baker) Mattei
  • Xiphion palaestinumBaker

Iris palaestina (sometimes Iris palestina) is a species in the genus Iris in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial from Asia, including the Palestine region (Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan), Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. It has long, narrow, strap-like leaves, and a short stem. The early blooming, fragrant flowers are greenish-grey/white or yellow-white.

Contents

Description

Iris palestina has 1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) ovoid brown bulbs. [2] [3]

Most specimens have up to six leaves, [4] which are 6 in (150 mm) tall at flowering time. [3] They are normally about 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide at the base of the plant. [5] The long, narrow, strap-like leaves have undulate edges [6] with a thin white margin. [2] They are normally shiny green in color, [7] but are glossy on the upper surface. [2]

It has a short stem which is about 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) high. [2]

It has fragrant flowers between January and February. [3] Generally, there are one to three flowers per stem. The flowers are greenish-grey/white, [8] [9] but can be yellow-white as well. In southern Israel, some specimens have a slight blue tinge. [2]

The flowers have winged falls. It has a perianth tube around 8–18 cm (3.1–7.1 in) long. [7]

It has oblong capsules and seeds without arils. [2] [5]

Iris palaestina near Jerusalem Iris palaestina near Jerusalem.jpg
Iris palaestina near Jerusalem

Taxonomy

It is also known as the Palestine iris, [2] and it is known in Hebrew as איריס ארץ-ישראלי (iris eretz Israeli). [4]

Iris palestina was first found in Mesopotamia, part of Syria, and it was first published in Flora Orientalis by Pierre Edmond Boissier in July 1882. [10]

It was originally thought to be a variety of Iris vartanii . [3] It is similar in form to the better known and more decorative Iris planifolia . [8]

Iris palaestina is an accepted name by the Royal Horticultural Society. [11] It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, and then updated on 1 December 2004. [12]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to temperate Asia. [12]

Range

It comes from Turkey, Jordan, [12] Syria, [10] Lebanon, [12] (including Batha [2] ) and Israel. It was found in Golan, Galilee, Mediterranean coast, northern valleys, Carmel, Samarian mountains, Samarian desert, Judean mountains, Sharon and Shefela. [4]

Habitat

It likes open stony soils (with sandstone material) [2] at low altitudes. [5] Normally it is found at coastal sites but is also common within olive groves. [8]

Cultivation

It is hardy to USDA Zone 4. [7]

The iris is not hardy and is generally a poor grower in the UK. [9] It is better grown in a pot under cover in a greenhouse or bulb frame. It should be potted in well-drained, fertile compost and have a summer rest from watering. [6]

It can be found and seen in Tel Aviv University Botanic Garden. [13]

Cultural uses

It has been used as a medicinal plant in the Middle East for urinary tract infections by boiling the leaves or the rhizomes in water, similar to the use of Iris pallida . [14]

Related Research Articles

Iris pamphylica is a plant species in the genus Iris. It is the largest member of the subgenus Hermodactyloides, it is also in the section Reticulatae. It is a bulbous perennial from Antalya Province in Turkey, Asia. It has long narrow leaves, shorter stem holding a bi-coloured flower in shades of purple, blue or purple-brown, with a yellow, purple-spotted section on a petal.

<i>Iris vartanii</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris vartanii is a plant species in the genus Iris. It is classified in the subgenus Hermodactyloides and section Reticulatae. It is a bulbous perennial.

<i>Iris caucasica</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris caucasica is a species of plant in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Scorpiris. Pronounced as 'kaw-KAS-ee-kuh'.

Iris nusairiensis is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial from Syria, it has pale blue or white flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris grant-duffii</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris grant-duffii is a species in the genus Iris. It is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Syriacae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq, which has brown bristles/spines on the rhizome, long thin greyish green leaves, short stem carrying a single scented flower in shades of yellow.

Iris loczyi is a beardless iris in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Tenuifoliae of the genus. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from a wide area of Asia, including Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Tibet and China. It has long thin grey green leaves, long stems and 1 flower in pale violet, blue violet, lavender or light blue.

<i>Iris darwasica</i> Species of plant

Iris darwasica is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Regelia. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Tajikistan and northern Afghanistan. It has long and thin glaucous to grey-green leaves, slender stem and greenish cream or greenish yellow, to dark purple or lilac flowers.

<i>Iris mesopotamica</i> Species of plant

Iris mesopotamica, the Mesopotamian iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the middle East, within the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Israel. It has linear, grey-green or green broad leaves, tall stem with 2–3 branches, holding up to 9 scented flowers, in shades of violet, purple, lavender blue and light blue, with a yellow and white or orange and white beard. It is listed as a synonym of Iris germanica in some sources. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, including being planted in graveyards and cemeteries but may also be used for celebrations and decoration.

Iris purpureobractea is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the cliffs and forest glades on the mountains of Turkey. It has straight or falcate shaped leaves, stem with several branches, the stem has purple spathes, it has up to 8 fragrant flowers, in various colours between yellow or blue. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris schachtii is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from central Anatolia, in Turkey. It has small, thin grey-green leaves, a short stem with 1–3 branches, which are normally, covered with a green leaf with purple staining. It has 2 or more fragrant flowers in late spring, which come in shades of yellow or purple, or violet and yellow,. It has a yellow or white with yellow-tips beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, but prefers regions with dry, hot summers.

<i>Iris atrofusca</i> Species of plant

Iris atrofusca is a species in the genus Iris, where it is placed in the subgenus Iris and the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial from the deserts of Israel and Jordan. The species has long falcate (sickle-shaped) or ensiform (sword-shaped) leaves, a long thick stem and large fragrant flowers that come in shades of purple brown, reddish-black, black-brown, dark brown, dark lilac or dark purple. The flowers also have a black or brownish-black signal patch and a thick beard that is brown-black, light brown or yellow tipped with brown. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<i>Iris atropurpurea</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris atropurpurea, the coastal iris is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Israel. It has glaucous (blue-green), linear, falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves. Between February and March, it has between 1 and 2 flowers, in dark shades from red-brown, burgundy, dark purple to blackish purple. They have a darker signal patch and yellow beard tipped with purple. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to it needing very dry conditions.

Iris basaltica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the basalt deserts and hillsides of eastern Syria. It has many falcate long leaves, and long stem. Between March and April, it has white or pale green flowers covered in thick purple or black veining and dots or spots. It also has a purple or maroon beard, tipped with yellow. It is rare cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to its environmental conditions of its natural habitat.

<i>Iris bismarckiana</i> Species of plant

Iris bismarckiana, the Nazareth iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountainsides of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. It has stoloniferous, spreading rhizomes, long, sword shaped, bright green leaves, long slender stem and 1 flower in Spring. The large flower is pale yellow, creamy-white, or white background. Which is covered with reddish-brown, maroon brown, purple-brown, purple, blue-purple, or blue veins, markings or spots. It has a dark signal patch and dark purple to black beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, as it needs very dry conditions during the summer.

<i>Iris haynei</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris haynei, the Gilboa iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, subgenus Iris and section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the shrublands and mountainsides in Palestine, in the Gilboa mountain. It has smooth, linear or lanceolate, greyish-green leaves. Long slender stem and in Spring, large, fragrant flowers in shades of deep purple, violet, purple, brownish purple or dusky lilac veining or speckling over a pale ground. It has a dark purple, black-brown, to blackish signal patch, and a beard, which is variable from dark purple, white, or dark tipped yellow. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, as it needs very dry conditions during the summer.

<i>Iris hermona</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris hermona, the Golan iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris, and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the pastures and meadows of the Golan Heights in Israel and Syria. It has linear, upright leaves, tall slender stem holding a bi-coloured flower, having a pale lilac, cream-yellow, light tan, or white background, which is then covered in purple brown, or purple, or purple-pink veining, spots or speckling. It has a round purple-brown or almost black signal patch, and a sparse purple brown or almost black beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, as it needs very dry conditions during the summer.

Iris heylandiana is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris, and in the section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the marshlands or fields of Iraq. It has short, linear or sickle shaped grey-green leaves, slender stem, a single flower in spring, which has a dingy-white, whitish, or pale background, which is covered in many spots or dark veining, in black-purple, brown-purple, or brown violet, or brown shades. It has a dark brown or burgundy brown signal patch and white tinged with yellow or orange white sparse beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, as it needs very dry conditions during the summer.

<i>Iris lortetii</i> Species of plant

Iris lortetii is a species in the genus Iris. It has straight grey-green leaves, a 30–50 cm tall stem, and large showy flowers in late spring or mid-summer that come in shades of pink, from white, lilac, pale lavender and grey-purple. It is veined and dotted pink or maroon. It has a signal patch that is deep maroon and a sparse and brown, purple-brown or reddish beard.

<i>Iris petrana</i> Species of plant

Iris petrana, commonly known as the Petra iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Oncocyclus section. It has spring blooming flowers that come in shades from burgundy, dark brown to dark violet and purple. They have yellow or dark 'beards' and flower over sword-like grey-green leaves. It is normally found in the desert sands between the countries of Jordan and Israel.

<i>Iris sari</i> Species of plant

Iris sari is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in section Oncocyclus. It is from the rocky steppes and hills of Turkey. It has curved or straight leaves, cream, greenish or yellowish flowers which are variable and veined with crimson, purple-brown, reddish brown, reddish-purple or black. It has a dark maroon, rich crimson or brown signal patch and gold or yellow beard.

References

  1. "Juno palaestina". www.theplantlist.org. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Iris palaestina". www.flowersinisrael.com. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Richard Lynch The Book of the Iris , p. 186-187, at Google Books
  4. 1 2 3 "Iris palaestina". www.wildflowers.co.il. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 British Iris Society (1997) A Guide to Species Irises: Their Identification and Cultivation , p. 255, at Google Books
  6. 1 2 "Iris palestina". rareplants.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification , p. 260, at Google Books
  8. 1 2 3 "Iris palaestina". encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  9. 1 2 Cassidy, G.E.; Linnegar, S. (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. pp. 145–146. ISBN   0-88192-089-4.
  10. 1 2 "Iris palaestina". apps.kew.org. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  11. "Iris palaestina". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Iris palaestina". Germplasm Resources Information Network . Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture . Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  13. "Iris palaestina". botanic.tau.ac.il. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  14. Ram J. Singh (Editor) Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement: Medicinal , p. 172, at Google Books

Other sources

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Iris palaestina at Wikimedia Commons Wikispecies-logo.svg Data related to Iris palaestina at Wikispecies