Iris humilis

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Iris humilis
Iris humilis (Sand-Schwertlilie) IMG 8456.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. Iris
Section: Iris sect. Psammiris
Species:
I. humilis
Binomial name
Iris humilis
Synonyms [1]
  • Iris dahuricaHerb. ex Klatt
  • Iris flavissimaPall.
  • Iris flavissima subsp. transuralensisUgr.
  • Iris humilis f. foliataKuntze
  • Iris rupestrisSalisb.
  • Joniris humilis(Georgi) Klatt

Iris humilis is a plant species in the genus Iris . It is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with a wide distribution range from Europe to Russia to China, via Mongolia and Kazakhstan. It has sword-shaped leaves, a short stem and yellow flowers with an orange beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Contents

It once had Iris arenaria as a synonym or as a subspecies. It is a yellow dwarf iris only from central Europe. In some sources it is still listed as a subspecies of Iris humilis.

Description

Iris humilis is very similar in form to Iris mandshurica (another Psammiris species), which leaves curve to one side, but it is a shorter plant. [2]

It has thick creeping rhizome, [3] [4] [5] which is branched, [4] and about 1 cm in diameter. [6] The rhizome has the remains of last seasons leaves on the top. [2]

It has bluish-green, [2] [4] gray-green, [7] [8] or light glaucous green, [9] [10] sword shaped or lanceolate, [3] basal leaves. [6] [7] They can grow up to 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, [8] [9] [10] and 0.2–0.7 cm wide, [9] [11] [12] They have incurving tips, [9] [12] and they disappear in summer, after flowering. [10]

It has a simple dwarf (or short stem), [13] [14] that can grow up to between 5–25 cm (2–10 in) tall. [15] [16] [17]

The stems have 2–3 spathes (leaves of the flower bud), which are lanceolate and are (scarious) membranous at the top of the leaf. [4] [9] They have short, [4] 7.5mm long pedicels (flower stalks). [9]

The stems hold between 1 and 3 flowers, [18] [19] [11] in late spring, [4] [12] [14] between April and June. [9] [13] [19] The flowers only last for a day, [19] but they sometimes repeat the display. [13]

The vanilla scented, [19] flowers are 3–4 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, [10] [12] [19] come in shades of yellow, [17] [19] [20] including bright yellow. [9] [16] [18]

The flower buds are normally green, that have a slight tinge of bronze. [9]

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] [21] The falls are oblong shaped, and 35 mm (1 in) long and 1.2 cm wide. [9] They are veined brown or purple brown. [7] [10] [20] They have a central orange beard. [12] [15] [18] The shorter, [9] [11] standards are 30 mm (1 in) long and 0.3 cm wide. [9] The standards are not erect and this gives the flower a flattish appearance. [11]

It has a 1 cm long ovary and a 0.5 cm long, funnel shaped perianth tube. [9]

It has styles that are shorter than the petals, [11] about 2.5 cm long, which have short narrow crests. [9]

The anthers are cream with green-black edging and the pollen is greenish coloured. [9]

After the iris has flowered, in August, [4] it produces an elliptical seed capsule, [2] which is about 3 cm long. [9] The capsules dehisce (split open), below the apex. [9] Inside the capsules, are wrinkled, light brown, [2] or brown, [4] pyriform (pear-shaped) seeds. [9] They have flat creamy-white aril (or appendage). [9]

Genetics

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [21] It is normally published as 2n=22. [10] [11] [17]

There has been several counts, over the years including 2n=27, Krogulevich 1978, 2n-24, Sokolovskya & Probatova, 1986, 2n=28, Starobudtsev & Mironova, 1990, 2n=28, Malakhova, 1990, 2n=28 Malakhova & Markova, 1994. As Iris flavissima 2n=22, Doronkin. [15] This shows two separate entities. [15]

Since Iris arenaria has a count of 2n=22, [22] this means that Iris flavissima is a synonym of Iris arenaria and 2n=27 or 2n=28 are the true counts of Iris humilis.

Taxonomy

Iris humilis Iris humilis (Sand-Schwertlilie) IMG 8480.JPG
Iris humilis

It is pronounced as (Iris) EYE-ris (humilis) HEW-mil-is. [16]

It has the common name of sand iris. [7] [16] [23] Although this name normally refers to Iris arenaria, which was formerly once thought to be a subspecies of Iris humilis, it is now a separate species in its own right. [22] Iris humilis is also known as low iris, [2] [24] and yellow iris. [3] [13] [24] Note, that Iris pseudacorus is also commonly known as the 'yellow flag' or 'yellow iris' as well.

It is known as Sand-Schwertlilie (meaning sand iris) in Germany. [25]

The Latin specific epithet humilis refers to low growing or dwarfish. [8] [26]

It was first published and described by Johann Gottlieb Georgi in 'Bemerkungen einer Reise im Russischen Reich' (Bemerk. Reise Russ. Reich) Vol.1 page196 in 1775. [23] [27] [28]

Georgi described from specimen plants from near to Lake Baikal, (it was called originally Iris flavissima). [28] This is now classified as a synonym of Iris humilis. [1]

It was also published by Karl H. Ugrinsky in 'Fedde's Report. Spec. Nov., Beihefte' Vol.14 in 1922. [15]

In 1808, Bieberstein called a plant (from the Caucasus mountains) Iris humilis, in 'Fl. Taur.-Caucas' Vol.1 on page 33. It was later changed (due to Georgi's earlier publishing) and re-classified as a synonym of Iris pontica Zapal. [15]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, then updated 2 December 2004. [23] It is an accepted name by the RHS. [29]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to a wide distribution area, including temperate regions of Asia and Europe. [6] [10] [23]

Range

It is found in Europe, [19] [20] within the countries of Austria, [9] [10] [11] Czechoslovakia, [10] [11] Hungary, [10] [11] [18] and Romania. [10] [11] [23] However, some or most of these plants could be Iris arenaria, which also has a distribution area in central and eastern Europe.

It is found within the Siberian region, [17] [18] [23] of the Russian Federation, [13] [17] [20] in the states of Buryatia, Chita, Irkutsk, Magadan, Primorye and Tuva. [23] It is also found in Kazakhstan (formerly part of Russia). [23]

Within Asia, it found in China, [4] [5] [29] within the Chinese provinces, of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Nei Monggol, Ningxia and Xinjiang, [23] It is also found in Mongolia, [13] [17] [23] and Japan. [2] [4] [29]

It is listed with Iris glaucescens , Iris lactea , Iris ruthenica , Iris sibirica , Iris tenuifolia and Iris tigridia being found in the Altai-Sayan region (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together). [30]

Habitat

It grows in calcareous sandy and stony (or rocky) areas, [7] [9] including (mountain and hill) slopes, [5] [6] meadows, [5] [6] steppes, [3] [5] and on the edges of birch forests, [3] [5] or pine forests, [2] and beside river banks. [3]

They can be found at an altitude of 200–1,500 ft (61–457 m) above sea level. [9]

Conservation

The iris is rare in various regions, [5] [7] [11] especially in European Russia and Ukraine. [11]

It is listed in the Red Book of Omsk and Tyumen regions (of Siberia). [2] [4] [5]

Many populations of Iris humilis exist in protected reserves including, Azas, Baikal-Lensky, Baikal, Barguzinsky, Sokhondinsky and Ubsunur. [2] [5]

Cultivation

It is hardy to between USDA Zone 1 and Zone 6. [11] [16] It survives in Siberia, so is cold resistant. [2]

It prefers to grow in well-drained soils, [8] [18] it prefers soils containing sand. [7] [19]

It can tolerate mildly acidic or mildly alkaline soils (PH levels between 6.1 and 7.8), [16] including those with lime. [19]

It can tolerate positions in full sun or partial shade. [16] [19]

It has average water needs during the growing season, [16]

The leaves can be damaged by rust fungi. [4]

It can be grown in rock gardens, [2] [8] including rock screes, [18] but needs plenty of space. [9]

It is rarely grown in the UK. [14] To grow in the UK, William Rickatson Dykes recommends to plant the iris, on a 5 cm layer of sand, over garden soil with added leaf mould (or compost). [9]

In 1812, it was grown in gardens near Moscow. [28] It was then tested at botanic gardens in St. Petersburg, Barnaul, Novosibirsk and Chita. [2]

Propagation

It can be propagated by division (of the rhizome), or by seed growing. [9] [16]

In the wild, some habitats generate poor seed and vegetative propagation. [4]

The plant needs to be hand pollinated (in the UK) to create seed. [9]

Seeds are collected from the dry pods/capsules, when the seeds are ripe. [16]

Seeds need cold stratification, to germinate. They germinate very slowly. In the lab, seeds do not exceed a germination rate of 30%. [4]

Seeds should be sown in trays, in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. [16]

Germinated seedlings, can produce flowers in the second year of growth. [9]

Hybrids and cultivars

Iris humilis cultivars include; 'Borzeana', 'Dahurica', 'Flavissima', 'Flavissima Orientalis', 'Flavissima Phylospatha', 'Stolonifera' 'Transuralensis' and 'Umbrosa'. [15]

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. [16]

Traditional medicine

The rhizomes can be used as part of a Tibetan herbal medicine to regulate menstruation. A powdered form of the rhizome can be used for sepsis and infections. [3]

Related Research Articles

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

Iris sibirica, commonly known as Siberian iris or Siberian flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from Europe and Central Asia. It has long green grass-like leaves, tall stem, 2–5 violet-blue, to blue, and occasionally white flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris japonica, commonly known as fringed iris, shaga and butterfly flower, is a native of China and Japan. It is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and within the Lophiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, with pale blue, lavender or white flowers with an orange or yellow crest. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris ruthenica, sometimes called ever blooming iris, Russian iris, pilgrim iris and Hungarian iris, is a species in the genus Iris- subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with a wide distribution, ranging from eastern Europe to Central Asia. It has grass-like leaves, thick stem and violet or bluish lavender flowers which are marked with violet veining.

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

Iris tenuifolia 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 region over central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, ; Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia and in China. It has long greyish-green leaves, short stem and pale violet, lilac, pale blue, or purple flowers.

Iris kerneriana is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Spuriae. It is a small rhizomatous perennial plant, with fragrant, yellow flowers from Turkey. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions and known as Kerner Iris or Kerner's Iris.

Iris ludwigii, with the common name Ludwig iris, is a species in the genus Iris. It is also in the subgenus Iris subg. Limniris and in the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant with violet-blue flowers. It is native to the Altai Mountains in Central Asia, where Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan meet. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris pontica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in series Spuriae. It is a dwarf rhizomatous perennial plant from eastern Europe, the Causcasus region and Russia, with a short stem and violet-blue and white flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris pseudonotha is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from the Caucasus region, with lilac and yellow flowers. It is commonly known as Lozhnonenastoyaschy Iris in Russia. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris xanthospuria is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from Turkey with yellow flowers. It was originally known as 'Turkey yellow'. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

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 bloudowii 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 Russia, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China, with sickle-shaped leaves, slender stem and 2 bright or pale yellow flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in 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.

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

Iris potaninii 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 Siberia in Russia, Mongolia and China. It is a dwarf plant, having either subterranean or very small stems, long thin leaves and yellow, or dark violet to purplish blue flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris vorobievii is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Psammiris section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Russia close to the Chinese border. It has long and thin green leaves, similar sized stem and pale yellow or bright yellow flowers with a pale yellow 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 tigridia</i> Species of plant of the genus Iris

Iris tigridia 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 Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia and China. It has dark green or greyish green, grass-like leaves, a short slender stem and a single flowers that are either violet, dark blue, blue-purple, dark purple, mauve, lilac, lavender, or light purple. 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.

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

Iris glaucescens is a plant species in the genus Iris and subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, found in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. It has blue-grey sickle-shaped leaves, slender stem, and spring flowers in blue-violet, pale violet, lilac-purple, to deep purple, to light bluish, and almost white shades. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It was merged with another similar iris in the region, and became a synonym of Iris scariosa, before being divided into two separate species again, although some sources still call it a synonym of Iris scariosa.

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.

Iris timofejewii is a species of flowering plant in the genus Iris, and also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountain slopes of the Caucasus and Dagestan. It has narrow, evergreen, falcate (sickle-shaped), grey-green (glaucous) leaves, and a short flowering stem just taller than the leaves. Each stem has 1–2 flowers in shades of violet, with white beards that have purple tips. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

References

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Sources

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