Iris afghanica

Last updated

Iris afghanica
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Iris
Section: Iris sect. Regelia
Species:
I. afghanica
Binomial name
Iris afghanica
Synonyms [1]

None known

Iris afghanica 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 Afghanistan, with thin bluish-green leaves and creamy yellow or white flowers, that are veined with purple-brown. It has yellow-green or purple beards. Although, in the wild, it can vary in colour and size. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Contents

Description

It has a small brown rhizome. [2] [3] Underneath, are long thin secondary roots. [3]

It forms small tufts of plants, [3] [4] [5] which can be up to 20 cm (8 in) across. [2] [5]

It has slender, bluish-green leaves, [3] [4] [6] which have a narrow white, membranous inner margin. [5] They can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) long, [3] and between 0.2–0.6 cm wide but the outer leaves are often sickle-shaped (falcate). [6] [7] [8] The leaves appear in February (in Europe) and after flowering they die away completely. [3]

The plants can vary in size depending on the location and the altitude. [3] [6] At higher altitudes, the plants are deeper in colour and smaller (around about 10 cm tall). At lower altitudes, the plants are larger (around 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tall) and more paler in colour. [6]

The stems (or scapes) can grow up to between 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall. [9] [10] [11]

The stems hold 1, [4] [5] [8] sometimes 2 terminal (top of stem) flowers, [7] [10] in late spring to early summer, [4] [7] between April and June. [3] [12]

The flowers are 8–9 cm (3–4 in) in diameter, [4] [7] [11] come in shades of creamy yellow or white. [8] [13] [12]

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'. [6] [12] The cream or white, drooping falls have a central purple signal patch, [4] [7] [11] surrounded by purple-brown veining. [8] [12] [9] In the centre of the petal is a beard of greenish yellow or purple hairs. [13] [12] [9] The pale yellow upright standards, [9] [10] [11] are 6–7 cm (2–3 in) long, [7] they have a beard of greenish hairs on the lower part. [4] [7] [13]

As mentioned before, the plants can vary in colour due to altitude, the lower altitude plants can have pure white standards. [5]

It has a short style arm (above the falls) that is yellow, and veined with pale green. [5]

After the iris has flowered, it produces a seed capsule, which has not been described.

Biochemistry

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [12] It has been counted twice, as 2n=22, by Gustafsson & Wendelbo, in 1975 and 2n=22, by Johnson & Brandham in 1997. [5] It is commonly published as 2n=22. [3] [13] [9]

Taxonomy

The Latin specific epithet afghanica refers to the country of Afghanistan, (where the iris comes from). [14] [15]

In 1964, it was found by Rear Admiral Paul Furse and his wife Polly, in Afghanistan, on the northern side of the Salang Pass in the Hindu Kush, north of the city of Kabul. They initially thought that the iris was similar to Iris darwasica . Later in 1966, on another plant hunting trip, they found more specimens of the iris and realised it was a new species. [3] [6] [16]

It was first published and described by Per Wendelbo in 'Findings of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh' (Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh) Vol.31 Issue 2, page 338 in 1972. [17] [18] [19]

It was also published in the Botanical Magazine Vol.668 in 1974. [7]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, then updated on 2 December 2004. [17]

Iris afghanica is an accepted name by the RHS. [20]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to temperate Asia. [17]

Range

It is found in north eastern Afghanistan. [18] [19] [21]

It is found in the Provinces of Afghanistan, within Balkh and Zabul Province regions, [19] along the Salang River, [3] or in Kataghan Province. [3] [5] One source mentions the distribution range also extends to Pakistan. [8]

Habitat

It grows on the sunny, rocky mountain slopes composed of granite or shale, [3] [4] [6]

It was also recorded by Grey-Wilson (1973), as growing "amongst boulders along the banks of the Salang River or on rocky slopes amongst grasses away from the river confines". [5]

They can be found at an altitude of between 1,500 to 3,300 m (4,900 to 10,800 ft) above sea level. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Conservation

As of 26 May 2015, the iris has not yet been evaluated to IUCN Red List criteria. [6]

Cultivation

It is hardy to European Zone H4. [7] Within UK, it is hardy but is best grown within a well-ventilated cold frame or alpine house. It replicate the natural conditions of hot, dry summers and freezing winters. [6]

It is best grown within well drained soils in a sunny situation. [6]

The plant is very sensitive to moisture and it needs to be heated in the sun. [3] The rhizomes are very prone to viral diseases, if they are exposed to moisture or dampness. [3]

It can be seen in the 'Davies Alpine House' within Kew Gardens. [6]

It is rare in cultivation (within the US), [4] but established in cultivation (within Europe). [6]

Propagation

It can be propagated by division or by seed growing. Division is better carried out in late summer. [6]

Toxicity

Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also handling the plant may cause a skin irritation or an allergic reaction. [6]

Related Research Articles

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

Iris halophila is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, with yellow, white or violet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It comes from a wide range from eastern Europe to China in Asia. It was known for a long while as a subspecies of Iris spuria, before being treated as a separate species in its own right.

Iris falcifolia is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Hexapogon. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. It is a small plant, with sickle-shaped greyish-green leaves, lilac-violet flowers and darker veining, and a white or yellow beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in dry, temperate regions.

Iris mandshurica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, it is found in Russia, China, and Korea. It has green sword-like leaves, smooth green stem and yellow flowers, with yellow-purple veining and a yellow beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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.

Iris heweri 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 Afghanistan. It has tall, green curved leaves, tall slender stems and purple blue or violet-blue flowers, with white and purple or lilac beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris hoogiana 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 the grassy mountainsides of Turkestan. It has long green leaves, which are slightly purple at the base, and a long slender flowering stem. The flowers are blue, ranging from sky-blue to lavender blue and blue purple. It has orange or yellow beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris korolkowii 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 the mountains of Tien Shan, Pamir and Altai, in Afghanistan and Turkestan. It is commonly known as the Redvein Iris. It has long, sword-shaped grey-green leaves, slender stem, and 2 to 3 white, cream, pale green or light purple flowers which are veined with maroon, chocolate brown or dark purple. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris lineata 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 the mountains of Turkestan, between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. It has tall slender stems, long leaves and greenish yellow flowers covered, with brown violet, or brown purple veining over the top. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris stolonifera 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 the mountains of Turkestan, between Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. It has red-skinned stolon roots and rhizomes, glaucous, long, blue-grey leaves, and bi-coloured flowers, in various shades from milky white, to blue, purple, pale lilac, lavender and brown. It normally has blue to yellow beards on all the petals.

Iris leptophylla is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Pseudoregelia. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from China. It has thin, long grey-green leaves, long slender stem and 2 fragrant purple, blue-purple, violet or lavender pink flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris griffithii is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Afghanistan. It has short, sickle-shaped leaves, short green stem and purple flowers with white beards. Several specimens exist within herbaria around Europe, but it is rarely cultivated.

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 acutiloba <span style="font-style:normal;">subsp.</span> lineolata</i> Subspecies of flowering plant

Iris acutiloba subsp. lineolata is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris. It is a subspecies of Iris acutiloba, and is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountains of Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. It has narrow, lanceolate, or falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves, which are grey-green and glaucous. It has a slender straight stem holding one terminal flower. The flowers, come in shades of white, cream, or creamy white and have veining that is purple or brown, or a mixture of both. It is heavily veined or streaked in purple or brown, with a dark purple-brown, spot on 3 of the outer petals and brown, dark purple, or black short beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, unless grown in a greenhouse.

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

Iris acutiloba is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and section Oncocyclus. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountains of the Caucasus and found in Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Dagestan in the North Caucasus, and Iran. It is a dwarf species, with narrow, falcate or curved leaves, it has one flower in spring or early summer, that comes in shades from cream, creamy white, whitish, pale brown, light grey, to pale violet. It is heavily veined or streaked and pointed, with 2 dark spots and brown, purple, dark purple, or black short beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. There are two subspecies, Iris acutiloba subsp. lineolata and Iris acutiloba subsp. longitepala.

Iris assadiana is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the deserts of Syria. It has small rhizomes, grey-green strongly curved leaves, slender stems, scented flowers in April, in shades of maroon, purple, deep purple or black. They have dark veining and it also has yellow/white beard tipped with purple. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris barnumiae 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 Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. It has pale glaucous green and narrow leaves, that are slightly sickle-shaped and fade soon after blooming. It has, in mid- to late spring, fragrant flowers in shades of purple, from red-purple, mulberry to purplish-violet, with a yellow tipped with purple beard. It was renamed as I. barnumiae in after a plant naming conference in 2011, but is still sometimes named as I. barnumae in some sources. It has one accepted subspecies Iris barnumiae subsp. demawendica and two forms; Iris barnumiae f. protonyma (Stapf) B.Mathew & Wendelbo and Iris barnumiae f. urmiensis (Hoog) B.Mathew & Wendelbo, which has yellow flowers. Sometimes I. barnumiae f. barnumiae is used to describe the basic form. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to its needing very dry and warm summer conditions.

Iris barnumiae subsp. demawendica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Oncocyclus section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Elburz Mountains in Iran. It was originally thought to be a separate species before going through various changes before being classed as a subspecies of Iris barnumiae. It has erect, grey-green (grass-like) leaves and two large flowers, which come in shades from claret-red, burgundy, violet-blue, to dark purple, with a white or cream beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to the environmental conditions it prefers.

<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 paradoxa</i> Species of plant

Iris paradoxa is a species of flowering plant native to western Asia. It has large upright petals and smaller lower petals, which is unique amongst most iris forms. They come in various shades from white, lavender, mauve, medium purple, violet, dark purple to black. It has a black or purplish black beard on the lower petals. It comes from the region of Transcaucasia, and is found in the countries of Iran,, Turkey, Armenia and in Azerbaijan.

References

  1. ↑ "Iris afghanica Wendelbo is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 British Iris Society (1997) A Guide to Species Irises: Their Identification and Cultivation , p. 255, at Google Books
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "chapitre I (partie 8) Les Regelia". irisbotanique.over-blog.com. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Iris afghanica". encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Higgins, Betsy (11 June 2014). "(SPEC) Iris afghanica Wend". wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society). Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Iris afghanica". kew.org. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification (2011) , p. 259, at Google Books
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Iris – Afghanistan White Bearded Afghanistan White Bearded Iris". plantlifeforms.com. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Iris summary" (PDF). pacificbulbsociety.org. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 Cassidy, George E.; Linnegar, Sidney (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. p. 124. ISBN   978-0-88192-089-5.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Stebbings, Geoff (1997). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises . Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p.  71. ISBN   978-0715305393.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Austin, Claire (2005). Irises; A Garden Encyclopedia. Timber Press. ISBN   978-0881927306.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Kramb, D. (14 September 2004). "Iris Afghanica". signa.org. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  14. ↑ Smith, A.W.; Stearn, William T. (1972). A Gardener's Dictionary of Plant Names (Revised ed.). Cassell and Company (published 1963). pp. 68–69. ISBN   978-0304937219.
  15. ↑ Bird, Richard (Spring 1990). "Understanding Latin". The Seed Raising Journal. Thompson & Morgan. 4 (2). Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  16. ↑ "Furse, J. Paul W. (1904–1978)". jstor.org. Retrieved 28 May 2015.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  17. 1 2 3 "Iris afghanica". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  18. 1 2 "Iridaceae Iris afghanica Wendelbo". ipni.org (International Plant Names Index). Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  19. 1 2 3 Podlech, D. (2012). "Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Afghanistan" (PDF). sysbot.biologie.uni-muenchen.de. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  20. ↑ "Iris afghanica". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  21. ↑ Kaššák, Pavol (2012). "Secondary Metabolites Of The Choosen[sic] Genus Iris Species" (PDF). Acta Univ. Agric. Silvic. Mendel. Brun. 32 (8): 269–280. doi: 10.11118/actaun201260080269 . Retrieved 2 February 2015.

Sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.