Iris sofarana

Iris sofarana is a species of plant in the family Iridaceae native to Lebanon. This beautiful and big iris, with a span easily reaching twelve centimeters, owes its name to summer resort Sofar where it was discovered by a Mr Hartmann about one hundred years ago. It grows nowadays in Lebanon, Syria and Turkey where its survival is seriously threatened by excessive picking.[1]

Iris sofarana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Iris
Section: Iris sect. Oncocyclus
Species:
I. sofarana
Binomial name
Iris sofarana
Iris susiana,Carl Linnaeus.

Description

Perennial. Rhizome short and compact. Leaves slightly curved, 25 cm long over 5–12 mm wide, Spathes slightly dilate at base. External tepals reflexed, ovate, 7 cm long over 4 cm wide, strongly spotted with purple on bluish-white background. Ungis covered with numerous hairs, occupying a broad surface, followed by a large purple-violaceous spot. Internal tepals erect, colored as much as external tepals or lighter. Veins white or purplish. Branches of style 2–3 cm long, lobes short, rounded; margin denticulate.

It flowers in May.

Distribution and habitat

Iris sofarana is endemic to Lebanon. It is found at Middle mountain, on eastern slope, in stony and rocky places. Nowadays it is found in Turkey and Syria.

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References
  1. Mustapha Nehmeh, Wild Flowers Of Lebanon, National Council For Scientific Research,1978,pages 155,156.
  • Georges Tohme& Henriette Tohme, Illustrated Flora of Lebanon, National Council For Scientific Research, Second Edition 2014.
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