Iris lactea

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Iris lactea
Iris lactea 03.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. Limniris
Section: Iris sect. Limniris
Series: Iris ser. Ensatae
Species:
I. lactea
Binomial name
Iris lactea
Synonyms [1]
  • Eremiris lactea(Pall.) Rodion.
  • Iris fragransLindl. (Illegitimate)
  • Iris haematophyllaFisch. ex Link
  • Iris lactea var. lactea(Unknown)
  • Iris longispathaFisch. ex Sims
  • Iris moorcroftianaWall. ex D.Don
  • Iris oxypetalaC.A.Mey.(Illegitimate)
  • Iris sibirica var. haematophylla(Fisch. ex Link) Turcz.
  • Iris sibirica subsp. triflora(Balb.) Nyman
  • Iris trifloraBalb.
  • Joniris fragrans Klatt
  • Joniris longispatha(Fisch. ex Sims) Klatt
  • Joniris triflora(Balb.) Klatt
  • Xiphion triflorum(Balb.) Alef.

Iris lactea is a species in the genus Iris . It is also in the subgenus Limniris and is the only species in the series Ensatae. The Japanese water iris, Iris ensata , is actually in series Laevigatae . It is a rhizomatous perennial, from central Asia, with pale blue or violet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Contents

Description

Iris lactea has a thick creeping rhizome, [2] [3] that is covered in reddish purple fibres. [4] [5] [6]

It grows to a height of between, 3–50 cm (1–18 in), [4] [5] [7] with a 10–30 cm (4–12 in) flowering stem. [8] [9]

It has 2–4 flowers per stem, blooming between April and June, [2] [4] [5] or May and August in the UK. [9] The violet scented flowers, [10] can last for 2–3 weeks, [3] and measure about 5–7.5 cm in diameter. [2] [3] [5]

It has lanceolate (lance-shaped), green spathes, measuring 4.5–10 x 0.8–1.6 cm. [2] [4] [5]

The flowers come in a range of shades from pale blue to violet, [3] [9] white [7] [11] or yellow. [2] [4] [5] It has dark standards, delicate white falls, which are striated with blue, red-purple [8] or violet. [9]

It has flower stalks (pedicel) measure about 4–7 cm long, with a very short perianth tube (3 mm), 2.5–3.2 cm stamens and yellow anthers. [4] [5] [6]

The leaves are linear, mostly ribbed, greyish green, rising from the base of the plant. They are between 14–70 cm long and between 3–7 mm wide. [2] [4] [5]

It fruits (makes seeds) between June and September (after flowering), the seed capsule is narrow and cylindrical in shape, with 6 ribs running along the side of the capsule, which ends in a beak-like point. The capsule measures 6.5–7.5 × 1–1.4 cm. The fruiting stems are unequal, ranging from 4–10 cm. Inside the capsule, are maroon-brown seeds which are pyriform (pear shaped). [2] [4] [5]

Biochemistry

In 2008, a study was carried out on the anatomical structure of the leaf and drought resistance of 4 different species of Iris ( Iris songarica , Iris potaninii , Iris loczyi and Iris lactea) from Qinghai, China. It showed that all the species were strongly adaptable to drought conditions. [12]

Genetics

In 2009, a karyotype analysis was carried out on 10 irises found in China, it found the chromosome counts, including Iris lactea of 2n=40. [13]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [9] It has a chromosome count of 2n=40, 44, 50. [7] [10]

Taxonomy

It is commonly known in the UK as the 'white flowered iris' [14] or in the US as 'milky iris'. [4] [15] It is known as 'nomajiris', in Sweden. [16]

In Ladakhi of Tibet, it is known as 'Tesmamentok', [4] meaning pale purple flower. [17]

The Latin specific epithet Lactea means milky color, [10] hence the common name 'milky iris'.

In China, it is written as 白花马蔺 白花马蔺 in Chinese script and known as 'bai hua ma lin' in Pidgin in China. [5] [16] It also known as Ma Lin or Malan flower.[ citation needed ]

It was first published and described by Pallas in 'Reise Russ. Reich' (Reise durch Verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs – translated as 'Travel through various provinces of the Russian Empire') in 1776. [16] [18]

The taxonomy of this species has been very confused. It was originally named Iris ensata lactea (Thunberg) in 'Transactions of the Linnean Society of London' (page 328) on 1 May 1794 but later Iris ensata was re-classified as Iris kaempferi, which is now a synonym of Iris ensata (within Iris series Laevigatae). Even Dykes in his books Iris Genus (1913) and Handbook of Iris (19 ) got the name incorrect and recorded it as 'Iris ensata'. Later, writers have tried to rectify the mistake. Fritz Kohlein in his book Iris (1987) called it 'Iris ensata auct. non Thunberg.' [10]

Many new names were considered, but determining which name was first used and should have precedence has been difficult, so it has generally been left as Iris lactea (Pallas). [8] [10]

Iris lactea is an accepted name by the RHS, [14] and it was verified by United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service on 2 October 2014. [16]

Distribution and habitat

Iris lactea comes from wide range of areas. It is native to temperate and tropical regions of Asia. [16]

Range

Iris lactea in Mongolia Iris sp 003.jpg
Iris lactea in Mongolia

It is found in Afghanistan, Kashmir (including Guraiz and Himachal Pradesh), [4] [6] Kazakhstan, Central Asia, India (including Ladakh), [4] Pakistan, [4] Russia (in Siberia [3] and Primorye [2] ), Tibet, China, Mongolia and Korea. [7] [8] [11] In China, it is found within the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, [13] Xinjiang and Xi-zang (Chinese Tibet). [5]

It is listed with Iris bloudowii , Iris humilis , Iris ruthenica , Iris sibirica , Iris tenuifolia and Iris tigridia as being found in the Altai-Sayan region (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together). [19]

It is regarded as a wildflower in India and China. [4] [5]

Habitat

Plant label showing wide range of distribution Gardenology.org-IMG 0068 rbgm10dec.jpg
Plant label showing wide range of distribution

I. lactea grows in a wide range of habitats. Including steppe meadows, turf slopes, [3] heavily grazed river shore within desert steppe, [20] grasslands, roadsides, [5] grassy slopes and hillsides. [2] [5]

It grows at altitudes of between 600–3800 m above sea level. [2] [5] [6]

It flowers as late as late summer in the wild. [21]

Cultivation

Since Iris lactea, is one of the most common wild irises across all of China, living it a diverse range of habitats. It is very tolerant of most garden conditions. [10]

It is hardy to USDA Zones 3–9. [7]

It is very tolerant plant, growing in a variety of soils (including those that dry out in summer), [9] [21] salty areas and can be used as a soil improver. [9] It prefers sunny places, but can grow successfully in shady places. [3]

It has been planted in mass on high leaded soils to reduce the lead contamination. [22]

It is suitable for cultivation in rock gardens and group planting. [3]

Propagation

It can be propagated by seed and by division. [3]

Hybrids and cultivars

Many of the synonyms may represent distinct varieties of lactea. The following is a list of named variations botanical and horticultural:

Iris lactea has been used in hybridization for the selection of dwarf bearded irises. [3]

Known hybrids:

Uses

It is widely grown throughout China, where it is often used as an ingredient in a herbal contraceptive. [9] It has also been used in the anti-cancer drug 'Irisquinone', which comes from a herbal remedy. [23] The rhizomes are also used in traditional oriental medicine, [2] [4] including Tibet. [24]

The leaves are used as fodder for animals, and for thatching, matting and basket work, [2] [4] and its leaf fibres are also used in paper making and for brushes. [9] The flowers contain the pigment – anthocyanin. [4]

It has also been used in veterinary medicine. The consumption of the flowers and seeds is thought to increase a cow's milk yield. [25]

Culture

In Afghanistan, it has been banned by the Taliban. [26] This may be due to its use in herbal medicines.

Related Research Articles

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

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

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

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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.

Iris songarica 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 Central Asia, located in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It has long strap-like leaves, a long stem and 2–3 flowers in shades of violet, dark blue, to lavender blue.

<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.

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

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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.

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

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<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.

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 goniocarpa is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the section Pseudoregelia. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from China, India, Burma and Bhutan. It has yellow green to dark green, long leaves, slender stem and, one flower between blue, lavender-blue, lilac, blue-violet or blue-purple. 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.

<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.

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

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.

References

  1. ↑ "Iris lactea Pall". theplantlist.org. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Hoskovec, Ladislav. "IRIS LACTEA Pall. – White-flower Chinese Iris". botany.cz. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Iris lactea Pall". efloras.org. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Milky Iris". flowersofindia.net. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Flora of China 24: 297–312. 2000, 1. IRIS Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 38. 1753" (PDF). flora.huh.harvard.edu. 2000. pp. 7–8. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Akhter, Chesfeeda; Khuroo, Anzar A.; Malik, Akhtar H.; Dar, G. H. (8 November 2012). "A TAXONOMIC APPRAISAL OF GENUS IRIS L. (IRIDACEAE) IN KASHMIR HIMALAYA, INDIA". academia.edu. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Kramb, D (25 September 2004). "Iris lactea". signa.org. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Cassidy, George E.; Linnegar, Sidney (1982). Growing Irises. Bromley: Christopher Helm. p. 138. ISBN   0-88192-089-4.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Austin, Claire (2005). Irises: A Gardener's Encyclopedia. Timber Press, Incorporated. ISBN   978-0881927306. OL   8176432M.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "(SPEC) Iris lactea Pallas". wiki.irises.org. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  11. 1 2 "Beardless Irises Two". pacificbulbsociety.org. 2 March 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  12. ↑ Wang, Jun; Gao, Yi-ke (May 2008). "Study on the Relationship between Leaf Anatomical Structure and Drought Resistance of Four Species of Iris". Heilongjiang Agricultural Sciences. Landscape Architecture College of Beijing Forestry University, Beijing. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  13. 1 2 Yu, Xiao-Fang; Zhang, Hai-Qing; Yuan, Ming; Zhou, Yong-Hong (2009). "Karyotype studies on ten Iris species (Iridaceae) from Sichuan, China" (PDF). Caryologia. 62 (3): 253–260. doi: 10.1080/00087114.2004.10589690 . S2CID   83329044 . Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  14. 1 2 "Iris lactea". rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  15. ↑ Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Ogden Plant Driven Design: Creating Gardens That Honor Plants, Place and Spirit , p. 114, at Google Books
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 "Iris lactea". Germplasm Resources Information Network . Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture . Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  17. ↑ Sanjeev Kumar Amazing Land Ladakh: Places, People, and Culture , p. 44, at Google Books
  18. ↑ "Iridaceae Iris lactea Pall". ipni.org (International Plant Names Index). Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  19. ↑ "Biodiversity of Altai-Sayan Ecoregion". bioaltai-sayan.ru. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
  20. ↑ "Iris lactea Pall". greif.uni-greifswald.de. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  21. 1 2 Stebbings, Geoff (1997). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises . Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p.  17. ISBN   0715305395.
  22. ↑ Various editors Amidohydrolases – Advances in Research and Application 2013 Edition , p. 276, at Google Books
  23. ↑ Michael A. Lerner Choices in Healing: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Complementary , p. 381, at Google Books
  24. ↑ Dr Barry Clark (translator) The Quintessence Tantras of Tibetan Medicine at Google Books
  25. ↑ Umberto Quattrocchi CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names , p. 2105, at Google Books
  26. ↑ "Iris lactea". plantlust.com. Retrieved 29 October 2014.

Sources

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