Iris wattii

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Iris wattii
Iris wattii 2.jpg
Iris wattii flower head
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Limniris
Section: Iris sect. Lophiris
Species:
I. wattii
Binomial name
Iris wattii
Synonyms [1]

None known

Iris wattii is a plant species in the genus Iris , it is also in the subgenus Limniris and the section Lophiris (crested irises). It is a rhizomatous perennial plant. It is native to China, Burma and India, it has lavender or light blue flowers. It is also known as 'Bamboo Iris' (although confusingly, so is Iris confusa ). It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Contents

Description

This species has rhizomes, [2] that are between 0.7mm and 1.5 cm in diameter. [3] [4] They are also faintly light green in colour, [3] and have distinct nodes. [4] On top of the rhizome is scars and the remains of last seasons leaves. [4] The rhizomes spread outward into clumps of plants. [2] [5]

It has 10 or more leaves that are grouped together as a fan-shape. [5] [6] [7] The sword-shaped, [2] [8] and yellowish-green, [4] [9] leaves can grow up to between 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 3.5–7.5 cm (1–3 in) wide. [10] [11] [12] The leaves have 10 veins or ribs. [13] [14] The leaves are evergreen in mild areas. [8] [9] [14] [15] The foliage is larger than Iris confusa. [16] [17]

Iris wattii is the tallest species of all the crested irises. [6] [18] [19]

It has fattened, 'bamboo-like' stems, [6] that has grown up to between 50–100 cm (20–39 in) tall and 1-1.5 cm wide. [13] [11] [20] Although, some sources claim it can grow up to 200 cm (79 in) tall. [5] [19] [21] It has 5–7 short, stout branches. [4] [7] [13] The pedicels are 1.5–3 cm long. [4] [10] [12]

The plant can grow very quickly, forming new growths from April or May. [11]

The stems have 3–5 spathes (leaves of the flower bud), which are thin, green and narrowly ovate. They are 1.5–2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. [4] [10] [12] The stems (and the many branches) hold between 2 and 10 flowers, [3] [4] [10] 2–3 flowers per branch, [4] [13] [10] in spring, [2] [6] [22] or between spring-summer, [8] [9] [13] between April and May. [3] [4] [14] In Australia, it flowers earlier in the year, beginning in early winter and to late spring. [19] The plants can have up to 50 flowers over a period of 8 to 10 weeks. [2] [6]

The flowers are 7.5–8 cm (3–3 in) in diameter, [2] [4] [6] and come in shades of light blue, [3] [12] [15] powder blue, [8] [9] lilac-blue, [20] bluish violet. [4] [7] [16] The flowers are larger than that of Iris confusa, [7] [17] and Iris japonica , [20] [22] which has similarly coloured flowers. [3]

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 are drooping, [13] [17] obovate, [4] [10] [11] or obovate-spathulate (spoon-like). [12] They are 4.5–6 cm (2–2 in) cm long and 2.4–4 cm wide. [4] [13] [10] They have a central whitish crest area, which is spotted with darker lilac and a deep yellow, or orange-yellow. [2] [3] [22] The edges of the petal are wavy, frilled or ruffled. [4] [6] [13] The standards are narrowly obovate, 3.5–4 cm (1–2 in) cm long and 1-1.3 cm wide. [4] [10] [12] It also has edges that are wavy, frilled or ruffled. [13]

It has a 1–2 cm long perianth tube, [4] [12] 3 cm long stamens, yellow anthers and a 7–8 mm long green, ovary. [4]

It has 3 pale blue or pale mauve, [11] style branches, that are 3–3.5 cm long and 8–10 mm wide. [4] They also have fringed lobes, [13] [10] [12] or jagged edges. [11]

After the iris has flowered, it produces a cylindrical or oblong, [10] [12] seed capsule, between May and August. [4] It is obtusely trigonous (triangular in cross-section). [10] [12] It is 2.8–4.5 cm (1–2 in) long and 1.3–1.5 cm wide, with a sharp pointed end. Inside the capsule, are semi-orbicular, brown seeds. [4]

Genetics

In 2006, 13 species of Iris, including Iris japonica, Iris watti and Iris subdichotoma were studied for a cytological analysis of the chromosome counts. [23]

In 2009, a study was carried out on ten iris species from China. Including Iris confusa, Iris japonica and Iris wattii. It was found that there was a similarity between Iris japonica and Iris wattii, but not with Iris confusa. [24]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [14] It has several chromosome counts including 2n=30, Simonet, 1934, 2n=30, Lenz, 1959 and 2n=30, Chimphamba, 1973. [10] It is normally published as 2n=30. [3] [7] [23]

Taxonomy

Iris wattii Iris wattii 3.jpg
Iris wattii

It has the common name of 'Bamboo Iris', [8] [15] [16] (although Iris confusa is more often called the 'Bamboo Iris', [16] ) and 'fan shaped iris'. [25]

It is written as 扇形鸢尾 in Chinese script and known as shan xing yuan wei in Pidgin in China. [4] [16] [25]

It is written as איריס ואט in Hebrew. [26]

The Latin specific epithet wattii refers to George Watt, [11] [27] who collected an iris specimen of the species, on Khongui Hill, Manipur. [11] [14] [28]

It was originally described by Baker in 'Handbook of the Irideae' (Handb. Irid.) page17 in 1892 and then widely published by J. D. Hooker in 'Flora of British India', (Fl. Brit. India, of London) Volume 6, Issue18, page273 in July 1892. [4] [28] [29]

It was later published on 22 June 1935, in 'The Gardeners' Chronicle' 3rd Series Vol97, page411. In June 1938, it was published in the 'Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society' Volume63 Issue6 page292. [10]

An illustration of the iris, was published by Everard and Morley, in 'Wildflowers of the World', plate107 in 1970. [13]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, and then updated on 3 December 2004. [25]

Iris wattii is an accepted name by the RHS. [30]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to temperate and tropical regions of Asia. [25]

Range

It is found with Asia, in China. [2] [7] [11] Within the Chinese provinces of Xizang, [25] and Yunnan. [3] [4] [6]

Also in India, [7] [25] (within Assam, [2] [11] [26] and Manipur, [13] [12] ) and Myanmar (or Burma). [3] [4] [21]

It is also thought to be found in Japan, [3] Himalayas, [18] [30] and Tibet. [16]

Habitat

clump of Iris wattii Iris wattii 1.jpg
clump of Iris wattii

It grows in grasslands (and meadows) at forest margins and beside rivers (on riverbanks). [3] [4] [7]

It grows at altitudes of between 1,800 to 2,300 m (5,900 to 7,500 ft) above sea level. [3] [4] [10]

Cultivation

It is hardy to between USDA Zone 8 – 10. [2] [8] [9] [15]

It is also hardy to European Zone H4. [13] It may survive mild winters or endure light frosts, [6] with temperatures as low as −16C °, especially if the plants have been mulched. [3] [22]

It is not hardy in northern climates, it should therefore be grown in a greenhouse, [14] [17] or a cold Alpine house. [11]

It should be grown in well-drained, light rich (containing humus) soils. [2] [8] [9] [11] It can tolerate neutral or acidic soils (PH levels between 6.5 – 7.8). [8] [9] [15]

It prefers positions between full sun and partial shade. [2] [3] [5] [8] [9] [15] [22] But does not like (exposed sites – prone to high winds, due to the height of the plant). [6]

It has average water needs during the growing season. [5] [8] [15] It will not tolerate standing water, [8] [9] also wet or damp conditions during the winter may cause the root to rot. [2] [3]

It can be grown in a mixed flower border, [2] [8] for cut flowers, [8] [9] or in 'naturalised' clumps. [2] [9] It can be also grown in containers, in sheltered positions. [5] [8] [9]

It can be affected by slugs and snails. [3]

Some iris growers suggest that the stems are 'staked' (to stop the tall stems flopping over). [6]

It may live for approximately 10 years. [9]

Propagation

It can be propagated by division, [5] [8] [9] or by seed growing. [15]

It also can be propagated by stem cuttings. If the cuttings are immersed in water for between 1–2 weeks. The roots will soon emerge and the new plant can be potted, and prepared for the garden later. [6] [20] Better results are gained if the water, contains lumps of charcoal. [20]

To propagate from seed, collect seed from the capsules, when ripe and sow the seeds in vented containers, within coldframe or in unheated greenhouse. [15]

Hybrids and cultivars

It has several named hybrids, [17] and cultivars. [10]

Including;

Others known; 'Biswat', 'Isis', 'Johnston clone', 'The Ellis Wattii', 'Trengwainton', 'Ward's Form' and 'Wattii Alba', [10]

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. [15]

Related Research Articles

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

Iris confusa (; also known as the bamboo iris is a species of iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and in the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, native to Western China. It has flowers which range from white to a soft lavender or pale blue in colour, with orange-yellow crests and purple dots. The plant's broad, shiny leaves are attached to bamboo-like stems. 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 milesii</i> Species of flowering plant

Iris milesii is a plant species in the genus Iris, subgenus Limniris and in the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous, beardless perennial plant, native to the Himalayas, India and China. It has pinkish-violet, or pinkish purple, or pinkish-lavender or pinkish lilac flowers, with a fringed yellow or orange crest. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris tectorum is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris. It is a rhizomatous perennial. It is native of China, Korea and Burma, with lavender-blue, bluish-violet, purple-blue, blue-lilac or sky blue flowers. There is a white form as well. It is a compact plant and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world.

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

Iris bulleyana is a species in the genus Iris, also the subgenus Limniris and in the series Sibiricae. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from South west China, including Myanmar and Tibet. It has long thin green leaves,

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

Iris formosana is a species of plant in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris and the section Lophiris. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant, from Taiwan, it has large white or lilac flowers. It is commonly known as the 'Taiwan iris'. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris odaesanensis is a beardless iris in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and in the series Chinenses of the genus. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial from China and eastern Korea. It has blue-green grass-like leaves, short stem, 1 or 2 fragrant, white or off-white flowers in spring to early summer. It is a rare plant in the wild, but it is cultivated in east Asia.

Iris bungei 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 Mongolia, Tibet and China. It has green leaves, short stem and 2 violet, purple, lavender or blue 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.

<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.

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.

Iris cuniculiformis 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 long and thin green leaves, and 1 lilac large flowers, that have yellow or grey beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris ivanovae 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 eastern Russia, China, and Mongolia.

Iris narcissiflora 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 pale green, thin, sword-shaped leaves, medium-long slender stem and 1 yellow flower. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris psammocola 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 grass-like leaves, short stems, yellow flowers. 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 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 pallida <span style="font-style:normal;">subsp.</span> illyrica</i> Species of plant

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 camillae 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 Azerbaijan. It has narrow, falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves, medium-sized stem and large flowers, where the flower colour is very variable, ranging from violet, purple, pale blue, and also yellow, and occasionally bi-colour forms are found. It has a yellow beard. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, due to its environmental conditions of its natural habitat.

References

  1. ↑ "Iris wattii Baker ex Hook.f. is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
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  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Evansia Or Crested Irises". herbs2000.com. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
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  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification (2011) , p. 258, at Google Books
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  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Crested Irises". pacificbulbsociety.org. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
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  18. 1 2 Elizabeth Lawrence the Garden Gate&pg=PA246 mUNzZvIFuuYC , p. 246, at Google Books
  19. 1 2 3 Nick Romanowski Garden Plants & Animals: The Complete Guide for All Australia&pg=PA79 gQsVgaxl-9kC , p. 79, at Google Books
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 Cassidy, George E.; Linnegar, Sidney (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. ISBN   0-88192-089-4.
  21. 1 2 "Iris summary" (PDF). pacificbulbsociety.org. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 "Iris wattii". aspeco.net. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  23. 1 2 Shen, Yun-Guang; Wang, Zhong-Lang; Guan, Kai-Yun (2007). "Karyotypes of thirteen species of Iris L. from China". Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica. 45 (5): 601–618. doi:10.1360/aps06064. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  24. ↑ 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.
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  27. ↑ Stearn, William (1972). A Gardenerer's Dictionary of Plant Names. London: Cassell. p. 331. ISBN   0304937215.
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