Iris ruthenica

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Iris ruthenica
Iris ruthenica - Bucegi, Jepii mici 6.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. Ruthenicae
Species:
I. ruthenica
Binomial name
Iris ruthenica
Synonyms [1]
  • Iris alpinaPall. ex Roem. & Schult.
  • Iris caespitosaPall. ex Link
  • Iris humilisSchur [Illegitimate]
  • Iris nana(Maxim.) Nakai [Illegitimate]
  • Iris ruthenica f. leucanthaY.T.Zhao
  • Iris ruthenica var. nanaMaxim.
  • Iris ruthenica subsp. ruthenica(unknown)
  • Iris ruthenica var. ruthenica(unknown)
  • Iris ruthenica var. uniglumisSpach
  • Iris vernaPall. [Illegitimate]
  • Joniris ruthenica(Ker Gawl.) Klatt
  • Limniris ruthenica(Ker Gawl.) Fuss
  • Xiphion ruthenicum(Ker Gawl.) Alef.

Iris ruthenica, sometimes called ever blooming iris (in the UK), Russian iris, pilgrim iris and Hungarian iris (in Europe), 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.

Contents

Description

Iris ruthenica is very variable and hybrids can look very similar to Iris uniflora , [2] the other species in the Iris series Ruthenicae. It can be variable with its leaf length and width, and flower height. [3]

It has a creeping rhizome, [4] [5] [6] (about 3–5 mm in diameter) which is branched and has fibrous roots. [2] The creeping rhizome forms a clump or a grass-like tuft plant. [3] [7] [8]

It has bright green leaves, [6] [7] [8] or greyish green leaves. [2] [5] That are tall and thin, and grass-like, [3] [9] [10] measuring between 10 – 40 cm (8–13 in) long and 2 – 6 mm wide. [2] [3] [7] The leaves can grow longer than the flower stem. [9]

The plant (stem and flowers) grows to a height of between 3–20 cm [4] [11] [2] (12 in). [8]

The thick stem is 2–3 cm wide, [9] can grow to heights of between 3–20 cm. [2] [4] [10] It has the remains of last years leaves at the base of the stem. [9]

It blooms in spring, [12] (between May, June and July in the UK), [8] [11] or early to mid summer, [3] with one normally, but occasionally 2 fragrant flowers. [2] [3] [13]

The large flowers are between 3–5 cm in diameter, [2] [3] [7] with a cylindrical, [9] perianth tube measuring 0.5–1.5 cm long. [2] [6] The flowers come in a range of blue shades between violet [2] [3] [11] and bluish lavender. [3] [4] [13] Which are marked with violet veining. [3] [5] [8] 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] The falls (measuring 4.5–5 cm) are white. [6] [8] [13] The standards (measuring 4–6 cm) are almost erect. [2] [7] [6] The bracts (measuring 3–5 cm ) are greenish with pink margins, [6] violet blue stigma, [12] and milky white anthers. [2]

It has a globose (globe-like) to ovoid shaped seed capsule (measuring 1.2—1.5 cm) in June–August (after the flowering period is over). [2] [9] [15] Once they are ripe, the seed capsules fully open and all the seeds are dispersed in one movement. Unlike other iris species. [15] The seeds are pyriform (pear-shaped) and have an aril (white appendage on the edge of the seed). [2] [7] The aril disappears soon after and shrivels up. [15]

Biochemistry

As most irises are diploid (having two sets of chromosomes), this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [14] It has a chromosome count of 2n=84 [2] [11] [16] (found by Simonet in 1934). [17]

Taxonomy

Russian iris or Hungarian iris Iris ruthenica (36570239485).jpg
Russian iris or Hungarian iris

It is written as 紫苞鸢尾 in Chinese script, [18] and known as 'zi bao yuan wei'. [2]

It is named after the region of the 'Ruthenia', in Transylvania and Romania. [15]

It has several common names: 'ever blooming iris' (in the UK), [19] [20] 'Russian iris', [7] [12] [21] 'pilgrim iris' (sometimes called a synonym of Iris ruthenica), [17] [22] and 'Hungarian iris' in Europe. [10]

It is known as ungersk iris in Sweden. [23]

Iris ruthenica was first published by John Bellenden Ker Gawler in Botanical Magazine in 1808. [23] [24] It was later published in 1811, as Iris ruthenica with the common name 'pigmy iris' in Curtis's Botanical Magazine , vol. 34, table 1393. [17] Pigmy iris is now used as the common name of Iris pumila .

It was mentioned the journals of Captain Beechy's Voyage (in 1825), [25] and is mentioned in Cherepanov's Vascular Plants of Russia. [26]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 2 October 2014, [23] and is an accepted name by the RHS. [20]

Distribution and habitat

Iris ruthenica is native to a wide region, including temperate Asia and Europe. [23]

Range

It is found in southern Russia and Siberia, [4] [12] [9] through Central Asia, [27] (including Altai Mountains and Turkestan, [15] on the Tien Shen mountain range, [4] Kazakhstan and Mongolia), [28] to China and Korea. [2] [3] [6] Within Europe, it is found in Romania. [23]

It is listed with Iris bloudowii , Iris humilis , Iris lactea , Iris sibirica , Iris tenuifolia and Iris tigridia as being found in the Altai-Sayan region (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together). [29]

Habitat

It is found on dry meadows (including grass plains and steppes), pine and birch forest edges and edges of woodland. [3] [4] [8] It can also be found in forest clearings in the forest-meadow mountain belt. Forming a thicket ground-cover. [4]

In Mongolia it is found under Pinus sylvestris / Betula platyphylla subtaiga forests, in montane meadow steppes with Festuca lenensis and Artemisia sericea and in Pinus sibirica / Picea obovata dark taiga forests (within the upper montane belt with Rubus saxatilis and Lathyrus humilis ). [30]

Elsewhere in Eurasia, it is found in the Larch forests of Altai and Sayan mountains including Tuva). [31]

It is also found in Tuvan Forests as a subcanopy woody species. [32]

On the Altai Mountains, it is found with other mountain flowers including Siberian dogs-tooth violet ( Erythronium krylovii ), Altai Foxtail Lily ( Eremurus ), a variety of saxifrages, Aquilegia , Gentiana grandiflora , Papaver nudicaule and the yellow Iris bloudowii . [28]

It is found at altitudes of between 1800 and 3600 m. [2] [3]

Cultivation

Close up of the flower of Iris ruthenica Iris russkii, 2016.CW014.jpeg
Close up of the flower of Iris ruthenica

It is hardy to USDA Zone 2, [7] or Zone 3. [5]

Iris ruthenica does not flower very well in the UK. [13] It is best cultivated in fertile soils that do not dry out. [12] [15] It is best suited for Rock Gardens or at the front of a flower border. [12] [13] [14] Although sinks or troughs could be used. [13] It also grows well on dry peat banks. [33] It is tolerant of semi-shade, but prefers full sun. [7] [5] [13]

Unlike many other irises, it can only be moved with success, during the spring and summer when it is in full growth. [10] [13] [15]

Iris ruthenica is grown in several Russian botanical gardens including, Barnaul, Ivanovo, Irkutsk, Kirov, Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg, Stavropol, Tomsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk and Chita. [4]

Propagation

It can be propagated by division or by seed. [5] [15] The seeds should be sown in the autumn and the rhizomes divided in early spring. [4] The seeds germinate fairly quickly and new plants are easily raised. [15] But the young plants must not dry out. [10] The old and damaged rhizomes should be removed before replanting. [5]

Hybrids and cultivars

Iris ruthenica var. nana was once thought to be a smaller variety of Iris ruthenica. [17] [34] but this is now considered a synonym. [1]

Although, Iris ruthenica var. brevituba which has a small perianth tube, [2] and violet flowers, [35] it is also now considered a variant. [36]

Iris ruthenica has the following known cultivars;

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 graminea</i> Species of iris

Iris graminea is a species of flowering plant belonging to the subgenus Limniris of the genus Iris, in particular the series Spuriae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, with purple or violet blue flowers almost hidden by narrow, grass-like leaves, and a plum scented fragrance. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It has several common names, including grass-leaved flag, grass leaved iris, plum iris and plum tart iris. This species naturally occurs in the southern half of Europe, from Spain and France in the West to Russia and the Caucasus in the East.

<i>Iris <span style="font-style:normal;">ser.</span> Ruthenicae</i> Group of flowering plants

Iris ser. Ruthenicae is a series of the genus Iris, in Iris. subg. Limniris.

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

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.

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

Iris uniflora is a species in the genus Iris and in the subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Russia, Mongolia, China and Korea. It has thin grass-like leaves and stems, and purple, blue-purple or violet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris fulva, also known as copper iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Hexagonae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, endemic to the southern and central United States. It has copper-red to deep red flowers and bright green leaves.

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 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 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.

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

Iris sintenisii is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and in series Spuriae, with tall thin stems, violet-blue flowers and long grass-like leaves. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from grass meadows parts of Europe, Russia, and Turkey. 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.

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

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.

<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 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.

<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 aphylla</i> Species of plant

Iris aphylla 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 Hegi.

<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.

<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.

References

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  35. ↑ "Iris ruthenica - Ris Ruthenia, Iris Belarusian". nature.jardin.free.fr. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "Iris ruthenica subsp. brevituba (Maxim.) Doronkin is an accepted name". theplantlist.org. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
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Sources

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