Iris imbricata

Iris imbricata is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Caucasus mountains, within Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. It has broad, sword-like, yellow green or light green leaves, slender stem with branches, inflated and overlapping green spathes, and 2–5 yellow, pale yellow or greenish yellow flowers.

Iris imbricata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Iris
Section: Iris sect. Iris
Species:
I. imbricata
Binomial name
Iris imbricata
Synonyms[1]
  • Iris concolor Baker
  • Iris obtusifolia Baker
  • Iris sulphurea K.Koch
  • Iris sulphurea C. Koch
  • Iris talischi Sprenger

Description

It is similar in form to Iris taochia, Iris schachtii and the yellow form of Iris purpureobractea (from Turkey).[2] It is also similar to Iris albertii,[3] but with yellow flowers.[4]

It as a stout rhizome,[5][6] that can form dense clumps of plants.[7]

It has deciduous (in winter),[6] erect,[8] ensiform (sword-like),[5][6] yellow green,[9] or light green,[10] or grey-green leaves.[7][11] The outer and first leaves, are normally very blunt and rounded. This led to early specimens of the plant were renamed at Kew as Iris obtusifolia,[12] this was later classified as a synonym of 'Iris imbricata'[1] The broad leaves,[8][10][12] can grow up to between 30–40 cm (12–16 in) long, and between 2 and 3 cm wide.[7]

It has a slender stem or peduncle,[13] that can grow up to between 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall.[14][15][16]:122 They are often branched,[6][7][9] with short branches.[8]

The stem has oval,[8] or oblong shaped,[5] green,[4][12] or pale green,[7][8] inflated,[9][12][14] spathes (leaves of the flower bud). They are also tightly imbricated, or overlapping,[5][8][17] and transparent,[9][14] or membranous at the tip of the bract.[7][8][12] They look similar in form to translucent green pea pods.[14]

The stems (and the branches) hold numerous,[14] between 2 and 5 flowers,[7][11][16] in spring or summer,[11] between April and May,[12] May,[18] or between May and June.[5][7]

The large,[6][10] flowers are 7–10 cm (3–4 in) in diameter,[7][9][11] They are larger than Iris flavescens (a synonym of Iris variegata L.), and another yellow flowering iris.[12] They come in shades of yellow, from pale yellow,[7][9][10] greenish yellow,[12][13][16] (or chartreuse,[14]) to bright yellow,[2][6] or sulphur yellow.[3] Very rarely, there is a purple form,[12] and also blue forms,[3] were noted by Rodionenko.[19]

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'.[20]:17 The falls are obovate or cuneate shaped,[5][8] and 5–6 cm (2–2 in) long.[11] They often curl under,[20]:124 or are reflexed.[21] They have 'hafts' (section near to the stem) that are veined with brown,[10][14][19] or brownish purple.[12][20]:124 In the centre of each of the falls, is a white beard tipped with yellow,[12][20]:124 or yellow,[14][19] or dark yellow beard.[5][7] The standards are obovate, and broader than the falls.[5]

It has style branches that are 2.54 cm long.[5] It has a short perianth tube,[8] at under 2.54 cm long.[5]

After the iris has flowered, it produces a seed capsule, in late July.[18] The capsule and seeds have not been described.

Biochemistry

In 1956, a karyotype analysis was carried out on 40 species of Iris, belonging to the subgenera Eupogoniris and Pogoniris. It found that 24-chromosome tall bearded species could be divided into 3 karyotypes of Iris pallida. Iris kashmiriana has 2 pairs of median-constricted marker chromosomes, Iris illyrica, Iris cengialti, and Iris imbricata, lastly Iris variegata, Iris reginae(later classified as a synonym of Iris variegata), and Iris perrieri all have no median-constricted chromosomes.[22]

In 2005, a chemical study was carried on the rhizomes of Iris imbricata, it found an isoflavone (chemical compound) called 'Nigricin'.[23][24]

In 2012, a study was carried out on 18 species of iris found in Iran. (RAPD) markers and other tests were applied to identify genetic differences among species. It concluded that Iris germanica and Iris imbricata are ancient hybrids.[25]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.[20]:18 It was counted in 1975 by Gustafsson & Wendelo.[8] It has a chromosome count: 2n=24[14][17][18]

Taxonomy
The rhizome of Iris imbricata, with the leaves just emerging in the spring, seen at the Botanical Garden of Leipzig

It is known as 'Svaveliris' in Sweden,[26] and as 'Žvynuotasis Iris' in Lithuania.[15]

The Latin specific epithet imbricata refers to imbricans or imbricatus meaning overlapping like tiles, (leaves, corolla, bracts, scales).[27][28] Which refers to the plants large,[12] overlapping bracts,[8][17] or spathes ( bract-like leaves) on the stem.[12]

It is sometimes referred to as Iris imbricate (with an 'e' at the end), normally in Russia.[3][18]

Specimens were collected in 'Transcaucasia' in 1844, then sent to Lindley, from Spofforth (town in North Yorkshire) by the Hon. And Very Rev. the Dean of Manchester.[8]

It was first published and described by John Lindley in Edwards's Botanical Register of Flower Garden and Shrubbery (of London) Vol.31 tab35 in 1845,[26][29] with an illustration.[11]

John Lindley thought it was possible a variety of Iris squalens (now a synonym of Iris germanica), but had pure lemon-coloured flowers and imbricated short bracts.[8] Iris flavescens (later classified as a synonym of Iris variegata L.) was also confused with Iris imbricata.[4]

It was also published by Botanical Magazine Vol.7701 in 1900 and the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society Vol.90, f28, in 1965.[11]

It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, then updated on 10 May 2007.[26]

It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life.[30]

Iris imbricata is a 'tentatively' accepted name by the RHS and was listed in the 'RHS Plant Finder' in 2011.[31]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to temperate regions of Asia.[26]

Range

It is found in the Caucasus region,[12][16]:122[18] near the Caspian Sea,[14][19][32] within (Persia,[13] now called Iran,[9][11][32]) Near the Talysh Mountains, Elburz Mountains,[7] Tehran, Mount Damavand and Tar Lake.[25]

It is also found in the former USSR region,[11] of Transcaucasia.[9][17][20]:124 Which is now part of Armenia,[5][10][16]:122 Azerbaijan,[7][26] and Georgia.[26]

Within Armenia, it is found in the provinces of Lori and Tavush and near to the towns of Meghri and Kapan.[33]

One source mentions Turkey,[31] but this may refer to a yellow form of Iris purpureobractea.[2]

Habitat

It grows within the valleys,[2] of mountains,[14] in damp grassy meadows,[3][7][9] on scree slopes, and beside mountain streams on steep banks.[3][7][18]

They can be found at an altitude of 800–3,000 m (2,600–9,800 ft) above sea level.[7][14][18]

Cultivation

It is thought to be easily cultivated.[5]

It is hardy,[6][10] to European Zone H2,[11] meaning hardy to −15 to −20 °C (5 to −4 °F).[34] It prefers areas with dryish winters.[14] It can be grown in a winter rain sheltered alpine frame.[16]:78

It prefers to grow in well-drained soils,[6][9][10] including rich sandy loams.[8]

It prefers situations in full sun.[8][9][10]

It can be grown a rock garden,[6][9] and flower border.[8][10]

It could be planted with Stachys byzantina 'Primrose Heron' or a shrubby potentilla bush.[9]

William Rickatson Dykes recommends it to be planted between August and September.[12]

Specimens can be found at Chelsea Physic Garden in London.[35]

Hybrids and cultivars

Iris imbricata (and Iris reichenbachii) has been used in plant breeding programmes,[17] in the search for a true blue iris. It was used by Michael Foster and hybridizer Paul Cook, who used the iris to develop reverse blue bi-tones. Then in the 1960s and 70s, Frederic and Mary Megson demonstrated that the iris inhibited anthocyanin pigments, which is used to help breed non-purple bearded irises.[21]

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. Also, handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.[36]

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References
  1. "Iris imbricata Lindl. is an accepted name". theplantlist.org (The Plant List). 23 March 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  2. Basak Gardner & Chris Gardner Flora of the Silk Road: The Complete Illustrated Guide (2014), p. 181, at Google Books
  3. "Imbricate Iris (Iris imbricata / sulphurea)". agbina.com. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  4. Dykes, William. "Dykes on Iris" (PDF). beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises). Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  5. Richard Lynch and Henry Ewbank The Book of the Iris (1904), p. 142, at Google Books
  6. "Iris Imbricata Azerbaijan (IRIDACEAE)". vivaiocorazza.com. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  7. Phillips, Roger; Rix, Martyn (1991). Perennials Vol. 1. Pan Books Ltd. p. 190. ISBN 9780330327749.
  8. Pries, Bob (13 February 2014). "(SPEC) Iris imbricata Lindley". wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society). Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  9. Stebbings, Geoff (1997). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises. Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p. 23. ISBN 0715305395.
  10. "Iris imbricata" (in Icelandic). lystigardur.akureyri.is. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  11. James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification (2011) , p. 259, at Google Books
  12. Dykes, William (2009). "Handbook of Garden Irises" (PDF). beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises). Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  13. "Iris imbricata" (in Hungarian). szaszirisz.e-aruhaz.com. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  14. Kramb, D. (21 September 2004). "Iris imbricata". signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America). Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  15. "Žvynuotasis Iris – Iris imbricata" (in Lithuanian). flores.lt. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  16. Cassidy, George E.; Linnegar, Sidney (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. p. 146. ISBN 0-88192-089-4.
  17. Waters, Tom (October 2010). "A Hybridizer's Guide to Bearded Species". telp.com. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  18. "Bearded Irises (IRIS) Sem. Kasatikovye". flower.onego.ru. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  19. "Iris summary" (PDF). pacificbulbsociety.org. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  20. Austin, Claire (2005). Irises; A Garden Encyclopedia. Timber Press. ISBN 0881927309.
  21. Kelly Norris A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts , p. 35, at Google Books
  22. Mitra, Jyotirmay (1956). "Karyotype analysis of bearded iris". Bot Gaz: 265–293. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
  23. Ayatollahi, S.A.M.; Moein, M.R.; Kobarfard, F.; Nasim, S.; Choudhary, M.I. (2005). "1-D and 2D-NMR Assignments of Nigricin from Iris imbricata". Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 4: 250–254.
  24. Rasool, Shayaq Ul Abeer; Wani, Sajad Husan; Mir, Javid Iqbal (2012). Iris Species; Review and study of phytochemical and genetic diversity of iris species. Lambert Academic Publishing. pp. 68–69. ISBN 9783659308826.
  25. Azimi, M.H.; Sadeghian, S.Y.; Razavi Ahari, V.; Khazaei, F.; Fathi Hafashjani, A. (September 2012). "Genetic variation of Iranian Iris species using morphological characteristics and RAPD markers". International Journal of AgriScience. International Academic Journals. 2 (9): 875–889.
  26. "Iris imbricata". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  27. D. Gledhill The Names of Plants, p. 211, at Google Books
  28. Smith, A.W.; Stearn, William T. (1972). A Gardener's Dictionary of Plant Names (Revised ed.). Cassell and Company (published 1963). p. 178. ISBN 0304937215.
  29. "Iridaceae Iris imbricata Lindl". ipni.org (International Plant Names Index). Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  30. "Iris imbricata". eol.org. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  31. "Iris imbricata". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  32. Kaššák, Pavol (13 September 2012). "Secondary Metabolites Of The Choosen Genus Iris Species". Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis. 8: 269–280.
  33. "FLORA OF ARMENIA". exoticarmeniatours.com. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  34. "Plant Hardiness". theseedsite.co. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  35. Sue MinterThe Apothecaries' Garden: A History of the Chelsea Physic Garden, p. 92, at Google Books
  36. David G Spoerke and Susan C. SmolinskeToxicity of Houseplants, p. 236, at Google Books

Sources
  • Aldén, B., S. Ryman & M. Hjertson. 2009. Våra kulturväxters namn – ursprung och användning. Formas, Stockholm (Handbook on Swedish cultivated and utility plants, their names and origin).
  • Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR).
  • Euro+Med Editorial Committee. Euro+Med Plantbase: the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity (on-line resource).
  • Govaerts, R. World checklist of selected plant families (on-line resource).
  • Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR.
  • Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 28–30.
  • Rechinger, K. H., ed. 1963–. Flora iranica.

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