Iris relicta

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Iris relicta
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. Iris
Species:
I. relicta
Binomial name
Iris relicta
Synonyms [1]
  • Iris ×germanica var. suaveolensN.Terracc.
  • Iris suaveolens(N.Terracc.) A.Terracc. [Illegitimate]

Iris relicta is a plant species within the genus Iris , and it belongs to the subgenus Iris as well. This rare rhizomatous perennial originates from the mountains of Italy. It is of medium size, bearing purple flowers adorned with white beards. While it is seldom cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, its history has been perplexing. Initially mistaken as a variety of Iris germanica, it was later recognized as a distinct species, though it shared a name with another bearded iris. The clarification of its taxonomy only occurred in 1996.

Contents

Description

It is similar in form to Iris × germanica. [2]

It is classed as a medium-sized bearded iris, [3] and grows up to between 30–40 cm (12–16 in) tall. [4] It has a branched stem. [3]

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'. [5] : 17  The flowers come in shades of purple, [2] from red-purple, [4] to blue-purple. [3] In the centre of the falls is a 'beard', or line of white hairs. [2]

After the iris has flowered, it produces a seed capsule, that has not been described.

Biochemistry

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. [5] : 18  It has a chromosome count of 2n=40. [3] [4] [6] It was counted by Colasante & Sauer in 1993 and by Colasante in 1996. [2]

It is the same as Iris setina , Iris bicapitata , Iris lutescens and Iris revoluta . [7]

Taxonomy

The Latin specific epithet relicta refers to a remnant, primitive, left behind and relict. [8] This name was chosen due to the diminishing size of the population of irises found on the mountains in Italy. [2]

It was first published and described by Nicola Terracciano (1837–1921) as Iris germanica var. suaveolens in 'Atti dell' Accademia delle Scienze Fisiche e' Matematiche (Atti Accad. Sci. Fis.) series 4, (Appendix 2) on page 7 in 1890, as a variety of Iris germanica . [9] [10] It was then published as Iris suaveolens by (N. Terracc.) N. Terracc. ex A. Terracc in 'Nuovo Giorn. Bot. Ital.', series. 2, on page182 in 1894. [6] But this name was rejected by other authors and iris authorities as it was already used by another iris species, [2] since 1853. [6]

Later it was re-classified as a separate species by Prof. Maretta Colasante in Giornale Botanico Italiano ('Giorn. Bot. Ital.') Vol.123 Supplement 1 on page 112 in 1989, [2] and then called Iris relicta by Colasante in (Fl. Medit.) Vol.6 page 214 in 1996. [6] [10] [11] Based on specimens found on 'Monte delle Fate' in Lazio, Italy. [6] [9]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 7 April 2003, and the updated on 3 December 2004. [11]

It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life, [12] and in the Catalogue of Life, it is listed as Iris relicta and notes that Iris germanica var. suaveolens is a synonym. [13]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to Europe. [11]

Range

It is found in Italy, [4] [9] within the central and southern regions. [3] It is found in the region of Lazio on 'Monte della Fate', [6] within the Ausoni Mountains. [2] [14] [15] and near Lago di Fondi. [15]

It is listed as endemic of Italy, with Iris bicapitata , 'Iris italica var. cengialti' (a synonym of Iris pallida subsp. cengialti ), Iris marsica, Iris revoluta, Iris sabina and Iris setina . [16]

Habitat

It grows on the rocky mountain-sides with other small shrubs. [3]

They can be found at an altitude of 1,100 m (3,600 ft) above sea level. [9]

Synecology

Part of the Ausoni Mountains are protected by Wilderness Area, (covering 4,230 hectares and was established in 1999), forests (made of oak, cork oak and maple), cover most of the mountain valleys. Under the forest trees are rare and endemic flora, including Crocus imperati subsp imperati, Narcissus poeticus , Asphodeline lutea (Asfodelina), Daphne oleoides (spatula Daphne) and Iris relicta. [14]

Conservation

It is listed as 'very rare', [3] and is protected in the 'Wilderness Area' in Italy. [14]

Cultivation

It is hardy to USDA Zone 7, tolerating dry Mediterranean-like summers. [3]

Propagation

Irises can generally be propagated by division, [17] or by seed growing.

Toxicity

Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. [18] [19]

Related Research Articles

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

Iris croatica is a bearded rhizomatous species of iris endemic to Croatia.

<i>Iris <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> germanica</i> Species of plant

Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris or the German bearded iris. It is one of a group of hybrid origin. Varieties include I. × g. var. florentina.

The Monti Ausoni or Ausoni Mountains constitute a mountain range in southern Lazio, in central Italy. It is part of the Antiappennini, a group running from the Apennines chain to the Tyrrhenian Sea. They are bounded to the north by the Monti Lepini and to the south by the Monti Aurunci. They take the name from the ancient tribe of the Ausoni. The Monti Ausoni consist mainly of friable limestone. Altitudes vary from hills to the 1,152 m of Cima del Nibbio and the 1,141 m of Monte Calvo. Near Pastena are the Grotte di Pastena (caves).

<i>Iris <span style="font-style:normal;">subg.</span> Iris</i> Subgenus of flowering plants

Subgenus Iris is one subgenus of Iris.

<i>Iris aphylla <span style="font-style:normal;">subsp.</span> hungarica</i> Subspecies of plant

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 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 bicapitata is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Gargano Peninsula, Italy. It has sickle or pointed leaves, shorter than the flowering stem. It has two flowers, which come in variable shades from yellow, white, lilac, blue and violet. They can also be bi-coloured. It is thought to have been derived from Iris pseudopumila. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

<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 junonia</i> Species of plant

Iris junonia is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Cilicia, within the Taurus Mountains. It has glaucous short leaves, tall stems with several branches, numerous flowers in various colours from blue-purple, lavender, pale blue, cream, white and yellow, with brown veining and white tipped orange beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. Its status is still unclear, if it is a synonym of Iris germanica or a separate species.

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

Iris marsica is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Apennine Mountains, in Italy. It has glaucous, sickle-shaped or curved, light green leaves, slender stem with 2 branches, and 3 violet, light blue violet, dark violet, and dark purple flowers. It was only found and described since 1973, and is not yet in general cultivation. It was once thought to be a form of Iris germanica, but has different morphological characteristics and different chromosomal differences.

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

Iris mesopotamica, the Mesopotamian iris, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the middle East, within the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Israel. It has linear, grey-green or green broad leaves, tall stem with 2–3 branches, holding up to 9 scented flowers, in shades of violet, purple, lavender blue and light blue, with a yellow and white or orange and white beard. It is listed as a synonym of Iris germanica in some sources. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, including being planted in graveyards and cemeteries but may also be used for celebrations and decoration.

<i>Iris pallida <span style="font-style:normal;">subsp.</span> cengialti</i> Species of plant

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 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.

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

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, and Spain. 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 revoluta is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from a small area in Salento, Italy. It has (sword-shaped) or falcate (sickle-shaped) glaucous leaves, tall slender stem with several short branches and 2–4 fragrant flowers in dark violet, purple, violet and pale violet. It is rarely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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 setina, the iris of Sezze, is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from a small region in Italy.It has glaucous sword-like leaves, slender branched stem, and one or two violet toned flowers. It is not yet cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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

Iris suaveolens is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Eastern Europe, ranging from the Balkans to Turkey. It has short, sickle shaped or curved, blue-green or greyish green leaves, a slender simple stem, with 1 or 2 fragrant spring blooming, flowers, between yellow and purple, with white or yellow beards. It was once known as Iris mellita, until that was re-classified as a synonym of Iris suaveolens. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

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.

Iris nectarifera is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Oncocyclus section. It is found in Iraq, Syria and southeastern Turkey. It has yellow or cream flowers which have purple veining, a purple signal patch and a yellow beard. It has a known variety from Turkey called I. nectarifera var. mardinensis.

References

  1. ↑ "Iris relicta Colas. is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Franco, Alain (2 December 2013). "(SPEC) Iris relicta Colas". wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society). Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Corazza, Gianluca (31 May 2013). "Iris relicta". signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America). Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Iris summary" (PDF). pacificbulbsociety.org. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  5. 1 2 Austin, Claire (2005). Irises; A Garden Encyclopedia. Timber Press. ISBN   978-0881927306.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Colasante, Maretta (1996). "Taxonomic note on some Italian Bearded Irises: Iris relicta Colas. nom. nov. and Iris bicapitata Colas. sp.nov" (PDF). Flora Mediterranea. 6: 213. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  7. ↑ Colasante, M.; Vosa, C.G. (2000). "Iris:Allocyclic segments as Chromosome markers?". Annali di Botanica. 58: 127–134. Retrieved 28 October 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ D. Gledhill The Names of Plants , p. 328, at Google Books
  9. 1 2 3 4 Peruzzi, Lorenzo; Domina, Gianniantonio; Bartolucci, Fabrizio; Galasso, Gabriele; Peccenini, Simonetta; Raimondo, Francesco M.; Albano, Antonella; Alessandrini, Alessandro; Banfi, Enrico; Barberis, Giuseppina; Bernardo, Liliana; Bovio, Maurizio; Brullo, Salvatore; Brundu, Giuseppe; Brunu, Antonello; Camarda, Ignazio; Carta, Luisa; Conti, Fabio; Croce, Antonio; Iamonico, Duilio; Iberite, Mauro; Iiriti, Gianluca; Longo, Daniela; Marsili, Stefano; Medagli, Pietro; Pistarino, Annalaura; Salmeri, Cristina; Santangelo, Annalisa; Scassellati, Elisabetta; Selvi, Federico; Soldano, Adriano; Stinca, Adriano; Villani, Mariacristina; Wagensommer, Robert P.; Passalacqua, Nicodemo G. (30 January 2015). "An inventory of the names of vascular plants endemic to Italy, their loci classici and types". Phytotaxa. 196: 1. doi: 10.11646/phytotaxa.196.1.1 .
  10. 1 2 "Iridaceae Iris relicta Colas". ipni.org (International Plant Names Index). Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 "Taxon: Iris relicta Colasante". ars-grin.gov (Germplasm Resources Information Network). Retrieved 12 December 2015.
  12. ↑ "Iris relicta". eol.org. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  13. ↑ "Iris cuniculiformis". eol.org. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  14. 1 2 3 "Wilderness Area Monti Ausoni" (in Italian). wilderness.it. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  15. 1 2 "Flora" (in Italian). ecopointlazio.it. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  16. ↑ "Italian Mainland Endemic Plants". terrestrial-biozones.net. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  17. ↑ "How to divide iris rhizomes". gardenersworld.com. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  18. ↑ David G Spoerke and Susan C. Smolinske Toxicity of Houseplants , p. 236, at Google Books
  19. ↑ "Species Iris, Iris sikkimensis". davesgarden.com. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
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