Iris aphylla | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Iridaceae |
Genus: | Iris |
Subgenus: | Iris subg. Iris |
Section: | Iris sect. Pogon |
Species: | I. aphylla |
Binomial name | |
Iris aphylla | |
Synonyms [1] [2] | |
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Iris aphylla (also known as leafless iris, table iris or stool iris) is a species in the genus Iris , it is also in the subgenus Iris , and in the section Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Asia to Europe. It is found in Azerbaijan, Russian Federation, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Albania, Former Yugoslavia, Italy, Romania and France. It has dark green or bright green, sword-shaped, long grass-like leaves, that die/fade away in the winter. It also has a slender stem, with several branches and green and purplish spathes. It has 3–5 large flowers, in shades of bright purple, purple, violet, dark blue, blue-violet and dark violet, which bloom between spring and early summer. Occasionally, they re-bloom in the autumn, before the seed capsule is formed. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. There is one known subspecies Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica (Waldst. & Kit.) Hegi.
It is a variable species in the wild, [3] especially in flower colour, [4] height of stem and leaves, [5] and length of perianth tube (of the flower). [6]
It has a stout and thick rhizome, [7] [8] with several stem buds. [9] The rhizome creeps along the ground, [10] creating dense clumps of plants. [11]
It has dark green, [9] or intense green leaves, that rise directly from rhizome. [12] They later fade to a grey-green colour. [13] They are often flushed purple at the base. [7] [14] : 157 They are ensiform (sword shaped), [5] [7] [15] glaucescent, [7] [10] and falcate (sickle-shaped). [4] [6] [16] They can grow up to between 15 and 45 cm (6 and 18 in) long, and between 2 and 3 cm wide. [6] [7] [9] The outer leaves are normally shorter than the inner leaves. [16] They are sometimes longer than the flower stems. [9] It is deciduous. [17] : 39 Meaning that the leaves die back the winter, [14] : 157 and it is leafless, [6] [10] [18] also leaving a 'naked' stem. [15] This is why it received the common name of 'leafless iris'. [5] They re-grow in March, the next year. [16]
It has a slender, [6] [7] [14] stem, that can grow up to between 6.5 and 30 cm (3 and 12 in) tall. [19] [20] [21] Very occasionally, they can reach up to between 50 and 70 cm (20 and 28 in) tall. [6] [12] [22] They are sometimes the same height as the leaves. [8] [23] It is sometimes shorter than Iris germanica , with longer leaves than stems. [24]
The stem has 1–2 branches (or pedicels), [14] [25] : 120 (rarely 3 branches). [7] The branches appear from the base up to the middle of the stem. [12] [17] [26] Occasionally, the rhizome has 2 flower stems, [9] or it produces a branch at the level of the ground, so that two stems appear to arise from the rhizome. [6] [16]
The stem has 1–2 spathes (leaves of the flower bud), [10] they are green, or stained with purple, [15] [23] [27] or purple at the apex of the spathe. [6] They are greenish at flowering time. [10] They are narrow and rounded, [16] ovate, [6] oblong or oblong-lanceolate shaped. [10] They can be between 3 and 6.5 cm (1 and 3 in) long. [6] [7] They sometimes have (scarious) membranous tip. [7]
The stems (and the branches) hold between 3 and 5 flowers, [5] [22] [27] between spring, [4] [17] [21] and early summer, [5] between April and May, [7] [9] [22] in May, [23] [27] [28] or between May and June. [13] [29] [30] They sometimes have a secondary bloom in autumn, [7] [14] [25] between August and September, [17] or between September and October, [16] but it is less vigorous than the spring display. [9] Only if good conditions around. [21] They are open for only a few days. [31]
The fragrant, [9] large, [8] [23] [27] flowers are 4–7 cm (2–3 in) in diameter. [4] [9] [21] They seem to stand above each other. [15] [23] [27] They come in shades of bright purple, [23] [27] [32] purple, [6] [17] [22] violet, [6] [25] dark blue, [13] [17] blue-violet, [4] [22] [26] dark violet, [3] to dark purple. [4] [12] [21]
In Moldova, there are forms of plants in bright reddish-purple colour. [5]
It has a short pedicel, [6] [10] that is 0.5 cm long, [7] and a cylindrical, [10] green perianth tube, that is stained purple and 1.6 – 2.5 cm long. [6] [7] [16]
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'. [14] : 17 The falls are wide, obovate often retuse (rounded), and 4–6.5 cm (2–3 in) long, and 2–3 cm (1–1 in) wide. [6] [7] The falls narrow to a pale, cuneate (wedge shaped) haft (section of petal near stem). [7] [10] They are also striped with white, [8] [27] [32] or the hafts are striped. [17]
In the centre of the petal is a whitish, [10] [15] [28] or white tinged with blue, [16] [25] or pale blue beard. [7] They are tipped with yellow at the back (of the beard), [5] [13] [14] : 157 or orange tipped. [9] The standards are oval, [7] with an elliptical limb, [6] and 4–6.5 cm (2–3 in) long, and 2.2–3 cm wide. [6] They narrow to canaliculate (with a small channel or groove) brownish-marked haft, [7] or short claw. [6] The standards are slightly broader than the falls. [10]
It has pale style branches, that are 0.6–1 cm long, [7] with deltoid crests. [10]
It has 1.5 cm long filaments, very pale violet, oblong and 1 cm long ovaries, blue edged anthers and white or bluish pollen. [7]
After the iris has flowered, in August, [15] it produces a cylindrical, [5] blunt and triangular, [27] or oblong, hexagonal seed capsule, that is 3–6.5 cm (1–3 in) long, and 1.3–2.3 cm wide, with 6 grooves. [7] Inside the capsule, are obovate, [33] ovoid, globose or pyriform (pear shaped) seeds, that are brown or dark reddish brown, [33] rugose (wrinkled). [6] [7] They are 4.5–5.2 mm long and 2.9–3.3 mm wide. [33]
In 2003, a study was carried out the genetic diversity of Iris aphylla in Poland. [34]
In 2003, a population and morphological study was carried out on Iris aphylla within Biebrza National Park, Poland. [35]
In 2006, the genetic diversity of 7 populations of Iris aphylla were studied. [36]
In 2008, a genetic and morphological study was carried out on Iris aphylla populations in Italy. Some populations (in Piemonte) were re-classified as Iris perrieri and plants labelled as Iris benacensis were not either Iris perrieri or Iris aphylla but a separate species. [37]
In 2008, the iris was studied to find the genetic diversity over a geographical range. [38]
In 2010, a chromosomal and European distribution study was carried out on Iris aphylla. It found the iris had a tetraploid origin. [39]
In 2013, an in vitro micropropagation study was carried out on Iris aphylla. To improve the growth rate of new plants of the species. [12]
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [14] : 18 But unusually, Iris aphylla is a tetraploid form with 48 somatic chromosomes, [18] [26] but it is also variable. [12] Other chromosome counts have 2n=24, 40 and 48. [6] [9] [39] It is normally published with a count of 2n=48. [7] [19] by Randolph in 1947, [18] and by Hrouda & Kralik (in 2010). [2]
It is pronounced as (Iris) EYE-ris (aphylla) a-FIL-uh. [20]
In German, it is known as 'nacktstängelige iris', [2] or 'nacktstengelige schwertlilie'. [40] In Swedish, as 'skomakariris'. [13] [41] In Poland, it is known as 'kosaciec bezlistny'. [40] It is written in Russian Cyrillic script as Ирис Касатик безлистный. [40]
It has several common names including, 'iris leafless', [22] or 'leafless iris', [15] [42] [43] or 'stool iris', [28] [44] [45] (especially in Hungary, [31] ) or 'table iris'. [26] [43] [46]
An older common name (especially in the UK), was 'naked stalked purple and white iris', [8] or just 'naked stalked iris'. [29] [30] [32]
The Latin specific epithet aphylla refers to the Greek word for 'without leaf', [26] [47] This is due to the fact that the iris does not have any leaves during the winter period. [5] [9] [16] Hence, one of its synonyms includes 'Iris nudicaulis', [10] (or nude stem).
It was first published and described by Carl Linnaeus in 'Species Plantarum' (Sp. Pl.) Vol.1 on page 38 on 1 May 1753. [6] [48]
The plant has many synonyms, [10] [19] including several subspecies which have been downgraded to synonyms as well. [1] [18]
It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, then updated on 1 December 2004. [41]
It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life. [49]
Iris aphylla is an accepted name by the RHS and is listed in the 'RHS Plant Finder 2015'. [50]
It is native to parts of Central and Eastern Europe, [17] : 39 [26] [28] and temperate Asia, [41]
Within temperate Asia, it is found in the Caucasus, [2] [25] : 120 [50] within Azerbaijan, [22] and the Russian Federation, [2] [5] states of Ciscaucasia and Dagestan. [41]
Within Europe, [48] it is found in Czechoslovakia, [51] (only in central Bohemia and Czech central, [22] ) Germany, [2] [3] [51] Hungary, [10] [16] [31] Poland, [2] [42] [51] Belarus, [18] Ukraine, [2] [18] [25] : 120 Bulgaria, [52] Albania, [6] Former Yugoslavia, [6] Italy, [2] [6] Romania (within the Transylvanian Basin and Szeklerland, [53] ) [54] France, [22] [41] Turkey, [25] : 120 [50] Armenia, [55] Georgia, [6] [55] and (according to one ref) in Great Britain and Ireland, [24] but this may mean just naturalized.
It is found on the Alps, [6] [9] growing in a variety of habitats. [9] It can grow in grasslands and meadows, [2] [31] [42] beside limestone and sandstone rocks of hillsides, [22] [26] [42] in forest glades, [5] [55] in scrub land or thickets, [5] [12] [55] and beside roadsides and paths. [9]
It is found between lowlands to uplands (at sub-alpine levels). [12] [22]
Within Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, it is found on sandstone, in beech forests (mixture of Luzulo-Fagetum [56] ) and pine-oak forests (with Vaccinio-Quercetum). [51] In Hungary, it is found in acacia forests. [31]
Iris aphylla is considered rare and endangered in most countries, [9] [22] [26] it is listed on many red data books and plant lists in Europe, [12] [18] from 1993 to 2001. [46] It is listed in the Red Book of Russia as 'vulnerable'. [5]
In Poland, it was put into statutory protection since 1946, [42] but was still listed as an endangered species in 2003. [18] [35] It is listed as one of 45 species that are listed under the 'Red Data List of Endangered Vascular Plants' of Poland. Including green spleenwort ( Asplenium viride ), variegated horsetail ( Equisetum variegatum ), great sundew ( Drosera anglica ), marsh pennywort ( Hydrocotyle vulgaris ), common butterwort ( Pinguicula vulgaris ), small fleabane ( Pulicaria vulgaris ), yarrow broomrape ( Orobanche purpurea ), marsh felwort ( Swetia perennis ), fritillary ( Fritilaria meleagris ), and 20 other orchid species, including the lady's slipper ( Cypripedium calceolus ). [57]
In Slovenia, it has also been listed under the laws for nature protection. [58]
In Serbia, it has become extinct, with Aconitum toxicum , Crocus banaticus and Salvia nutans . [59]
In Russia, it is protected in the nature reserves of Moscow, Rostov and Saratov regions. [5] It is also listed as being found in Kursk reserve since 1968. [60]
In Czechoslovakia, it is found in the Bohemian Paradise reserve, with other endangered species including, Bohemian small pasque flower ( Pulsatilla pratensis subsp. bohemica ), the cornflower ( Cyanus triumfettii ), golden alyssum ( Aurinia saxatilis ), hoary rock rose ( Helianthemum canum ), Austrian dragonhead ( Dracocephalum austriacum ), St. Bernard's lily ( Anthericum liliago ), blue lettuce ( Lactuca perennis ) and others. [46]
In Romania, it is listed as a rare and vulnerable plant, which is protected with other species including, Adonis vernalis , Allium albidum subsp. albidum , Astragalus excapus subsp. transsylvanicus , Cephalaria radiata , Crambe tataria , Dictamnus albus , Jurinea mollis subsp. transsylvanica , Peucedanum tauricum , Pulsatilla grandis , Prunus tenella , Salvia nutans , Salvia transsylvanica and Stipa pulcherrima . [53] It is found in Târnava Mare River reserve, which has been protected due to overgrazing and scrub loss by aggressive trees and shrubs including black locust ( Robinia pseudacacia ). [61] Due to its endangered status, rapid propagation (via in-vitro culture) has been developed. So that re-population of sub-alpine areas could take place. [62]
It has a natural resistance to a cold winter, [12] and is hardy, [55] to between USDA Zone 3 and Zone 8. [20] [26] Including Zone 5. [13] [28] It has also been tested for hardiness in Russia, within the botanical gardens of Moscow, Stavropol, Chita and St Petersburg. [5]
It is not found in southern climates, as it does not like long hot and humid spells. [3]
It prefers to grow in well-drained soils, [13] but can tolerate loamy and heavy soils. [42] It can also tolerate soils with a ph level of between 6.1 and 6.5 (mildly acidic) to 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline), [20] [42] and it can tolerate dry soils, but prefers average moisture levels. [42]
It prefers positions in full sun, [17] : 144 [20] [42] and it can be grow in a mixed garden border, [25] : 40 or rock garden. [3] [17] : 144 It is best planted between August and September, to produce flowers next year. [16]
It is susceptible to viruses, [4] [17] : 39 and slugs. [9] Mononychus punctumalbum (Iris Weevil) can also attack the plant's seeds. [63] Aphid Dysaphis tulipae can also be found on the plant. [64]
It is only found in specialised nurseries, [26] botanical gardens, [5] and specimens can be found in 'The Bolestraszyce Arboretum', near Przemyśl in Poland. [65]
It can be propagated by division, [13] or by seed growing. Seeds are best grown by collecting dry, mature seed capsules, and sowing the seeds. [20]
It is thought that Iris germanica could be a hybrid form of Iris aphylla and Iris variegata . [16] [25] : 18
It is one of the origin species (with Iris pumila ), for modern hybrids in the 'Border Bearded Irises' or 'Tall Bearded Irises' varieties, [14] : 124 due to its hardiness, [3] [66] it also has narrow foliage which is normally luxuriant. This creates grassy, dense clumps of plants. [3] In the early 1990s, it was used in breeding programmes, [3] (with Iris balkana and Iris reichenbachii , [67] ) including the breeding of 'Miniature Tall Bearded irises'. [17] : 39 Iris hybridisers also used Iris aphylla due to its 'tetraploid' status. [68]
The iris is easy to hybridize with other species of bearded iris. [55] There are many natural hybrids, especially in Romania. [6]
Iris aphylla has numerous cultivars, [25] : 120 including; 'Ahlburg', 'Aphylla Gigantea', 'Aphylla Hungary', 'Aphylla Osiris', 'Aphylla Polonica', 'Aphylla Slovakia, 'Aphylla Wine-Red', 'Austrian Violet', 'Babadagica', 'Benacensis', 'Biflora', 'Bifurcata', 'Bisflorens', 'Black Forest', [55] 'Bohemica', 'Bright Water', 'Bujoreanui', 'Chamaeiris Campbelli', 'Chloris', 'Coelstis', 'Dacia', 'Dacica', 'Fieberi', 'Furcata', 'Hungarica Minor', 'Ladies Of Peeling', 'Melzeri', 'Minnow', [3] 'Monantha', 'Nudicaulis', 'Nudicaulis Major', 'Nudicaulis Purpuerea', 'Ostry White', 'Prodan', 'Slick', 'Thisbe', 'Thisbe's Child', 'Transylvania Native', 'Wee Charmer', 'Werckmeister' and 'Yellow Conundrum'. [18]
Several variants or hybrids have been described as subspecies, some have been downgraded to synonyms. [18] Including Iris aphylla subsp. dacica (Beldie) Soó, Iris aphylla subsp. fieberi (Seidl) Dostál, Iris aphylla f. major (Zapal.) Soó, Iris aphylla subsp. nudicaulis (Lam.) O.Schwarz and Iris aphylla var. polonica Blocki ex Asch. & Graebn. [1]
Only Iris aphylla subs. hungarica is recognized by most authorities as a species. [69] [70]
But Iris aphylla subsp. babadagica (Rzazade & Golneva) and Iris aphylla subsp. furcata (Bieb.)Bieb, are still questionable. [18]
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. [20] [71]
In Hungary, Iris aphylla appears on the back of the 5 ft coin issued on 29 March 1993 and the 20 ft coin on 6 January 2012. [31] [72]
Iris spuria, or blue flag, is a species of the genus Iris, part of the subgenus Limniris and the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from Europe, Asia and Africa. It has purple or lilac flowers, and slender, elongated leaves. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions and hybridized for use in the garden. It has several subspecies; Iris spuria subsp. carthaliniae B.Mathew, Iris spuria subsp. demetrii B.Mathew, Iris spuria subsp. maritima (Dykes) P.Fourn. and Iris spuria subsp. musulmanica (Fomin) Takht. It used to have 3 other subspecies, which have now been re-classified as separate species; Iris spuria subsp. halophila, Iris spuria ssp. sogdiana and Iris spuria subsp. notha . It has many common names including 'blue iris', 'spurious iris' and 'bastard iris'.
Iris variegata, commonly known as the Hungarian iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial from eastern Europe. It has dark green, ribbed leaves. The branched flowering stems can be as tall as the leaves, they can hold 2–3 flowers in summer. They are yellowish-white, with brown-purple veins on the drooping falls. It is very hardy and it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. There are several cultivars.
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.
Sandy iris, or sand iris, 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, from Central Europe, found in Hungary, Austria, Romania, Czech Republic and Ukraine. It has grass-like leaves, a short stem and pale yellow flowers. It has had a mixed origin and was once Iris humilis subsp. arenaria, a subspecies of Iris humilis, until it was reclassified as a separate species. But many sources still state that it is either a synonym or subspecies of Iris humilis. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris dolichosiphon 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 and Bhutan. It has long, thin dark green leaves, very short stem, and dark blue, purple, or violet flowers. That are mottled with white. It has thick white/orange beards. It has one subspecies, Iris dolichosiphon subsp. orientalis, from China, India and Burma. It has similar flowers. They are cultivated as ornamental plants in temperate regions
Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica is a plant subspecies in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a subspecies of Iris aphylla. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Carpathian Mountains and Pannonian Basin. Found within the countries of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Italy. It has curved, pointed, thin leaves, slender stem, several large flowers in shades of purple, or dark purple, or violet-blue. It is a rare plant, that is protected by environmental law in the various countries of Europe.
Iris attica, the Greek iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountains of the Balkans in Europe, within the countries of Greece, former Yugoslavia, Turkey and North Macedonia. It has sage green or grey-green leaves, that are sickle-shaped, a stout short stem and 2 variable flowers, in shades from yellow to purple. They have a white or blue beard. It is often called Iris pumila subsp attica, but is classified in most sources, as a separate species, although it is closely related to Iris pumila, as a possible parent plant. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris benacensis is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Italy. It has similar sized leaves and stem, and blue-purple shaded flowers, that have a white, blue and yellow beard. It was once classified as a synonym of Iris aphylla, before being re-classified as a species in its own right, although some sources still call it a synonym. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris cypriana is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Cyprus. It has narrow, glaucous and evergreen leaves, tall slender stem, with 2–3 branches, and 1–3 large flowers in lavender, lilac, red-lilac, to dark purple shades. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It is listed in some sources as a synonym of Iris germanica.
Iris furcata, the forked iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Caucasus Mountains, in the countries of Moldavia and the southern Ukraine. It has short, narrow, sword-shaped leaves. A slender stem, that branches beyond the midpoint, holding small purple, deep purple, blue-violet, light blue or violet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It is often regarded as a synonym of Iris aphylla, but it has chromosomal and morphological differences, so it may considered to be a parent species instead.
The identity of the plant first described by Carl Linnaeus as Iris florentina remains unclear, as of December 2021. In horticulture, it has been treated as a white-flowered variant of Iris × germanica, under names such as Iris germanica nothovar. florentina, Iris × germanica var. florentina and Iris × germanica 'Florentina'. Iris florentina has also been treated as the correct name for the true species also known as Iris albicansLange.
Iris scariosa is a plant species in the genus Iris; it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial from the mountainsides of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. It has sword-like, or sickle shaped, blue green or grey-green leaves, a short flowering stem, 3 or 4 membranous or semi-transparent flower bud leaves, 2 violet, reddish violet, lilac, blue-purple, or blue flowers in late spring, with yellow or white beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It was merged with another similar iris in the region, and Iris glaucescens became a synonym of Iris scariosa, before being divided into two separate species again. Although some sources still call it the main species, despite a slight colour difference.
Iris pallida subsp. cengialti is a subspecies in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Italy and Slovenia. It has yellowish-green, glaucous, lanceolate or ensiform leaves, tall stem, green flushed with purple spathes, 2 short branches, 2–3 scented flowers, in shades of violet, blue-violet, deep purple, blue-purple, deep blue-purple, pale purple, deep blue, to mid-blue. It has a yellow or orange tipped beard. It was originally published as Iris cengialti but then re-classified as a subspecies of Iris pallida, and known as Iris pallida subsp. cengialti, but it is often still called Iris cengialti. It is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant in temperate regions.
Iris perrieri is a plant species in the genus Iris; it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Savoy Alps in southern France and recently in Italy. It has green, deeply ribbed, sickle shaped leaves, a slender stem with a branch, 1–3 scented flowers that are violet or purple, with a white or pale blue beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to its rarity in the wild. It was once thought to be a form of Iris aphylla, before cell (chromosome) analysis determined it to be a separate species.
Iris pallida subsp. illyrica, synonym Iris pseudopallida, is a subspecies of Iris pallida. It is a rhizomatous perennial from Croatia. It has flat, curved of sickle-shaped leaves, tall slender stems, 3–8 fragrant flowers, in shades of violet, or pale violet flowers, mauve, lavender, purple, yellow or white, between May and June. The iris was originally thought to be a separate species, but later classified as subspecies of Iris pallida, although in Croatia, it is still known as Iris pseudopallida. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, especially in the Balkan regions.
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 sambucina, the elder scented iris, is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from southern and central Europe. It has green, curved or sword-like leaves, tall round stem, multiple flowers in shades from brown violet, or brown-purple, to purple-violet, blue violet, mauve, and to purple. The large flowers are fragrant, with the scent of elderflowers, hence the name. It was first considered a separate species, then it was classified as a synonym of Iris germanica, before being classified as a separate species again, but with a hybrid origin from Iris pallida and Iris variegata. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Iris subbiflora is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Portugal and Spain in Europe. It has evergreen broad leaves, forming dense clumps, it has dwarf stems in late spring,, with 1 upright fragrant flower, in shades of purple, light red purple, grey-blue, blue-violet, or dark violet. It has a beard which is generally blue, purple, or violet, but can fade to white, dull yellow, or dark yellow. After being found in 1804, it was once a separate species until the late 70s, when it was reclassified as subspecies of Iris lutescens, and renamed Iris lutescens subsp. subbiflora. But in the 80s it was returned to an independent species but some authors and references still class the species as a synonym or subspecies. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
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 iberica subsp. elegantissima is a subspecies in the genus Iris, subgenus Iris and section Oncocyclus. It is a subspecies of Iris iberica and is a rhizomatous perennial, from Armenia, Turkey and Iran. It has large, thin and falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves, slender stem with a single flower between April and May. It has a white, cream or pale yellow ground, which is covered in dark veining or speckling in violet, mauve, purple or brown shades. The larger standards are paler, normally white and less veined. The falls, have darker veining and a dark signal patch and brown or purple beard. It is commonly known as Iris elegantissima, especially in Europe and Russia. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, but normally needs some protection during the winter period.