Iris suaveolens

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 (in Asia Minor). 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 (especially in parts of Europe), until that was re-classified as a synonym of Iris suaveolens. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.

Iris suaveolens
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. suaveolens
Binomial name
Iris suaveolens
Boiss. and Reut.
Synonyms
  • Iris glockiana O.Schwarz
  • Iris mellita Janka
  • Iris rubromarginata Baker
  • Iris rubromarginata subsp. mellita (Janka) K.Richt.
  • Iris suaveolens f. aureoflava Prodán
  • Iris suaveolens f. flavobarbata Prodán

Description

Iris suaveolens is similar in form to Iris attica,[1] or Iris reichenbachii, Iris lutescens,[2][3] and Iris pumila.[3][4]

It has thick[5] but small (around 1 – 2 cm long)[3] rhizomes,[6][7] that are thick, but small,

It has evergreen,[3] falcate (or sickle shaped),[8][9][10] or curved leaves.[7][11][12] The short,[12] blue green,[10][13] or greyish,[12] leaves can grow up to between 7–22 cm (3–9 in) long,[5][14] and between 0.4 and 1 cm wide.[2] One form of the species, known as 'rubromarginata', has red-violet,[15] or reddish purple edging on the leaves.[3][4][9]

It is a dwarf iris,[3][15][16] which has a slender, simple stem,[6] or peduncle, that can grow up to between 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall.[17][18][19] The flowers (on the stems) are held above the foliage.[7][8]

The stem has two green,[4] lanceolate, spathes (leaves of the flower bud),[5] which are keeled,[2][9][15] and 2.5–8 cm (1–3 in) long.[4] They remain green after the flowers have faded.[2] The stem holds between 1 and 2,[2][11][20] terminal (top of stem) flowers, in spring,[2][8][12] blooming between late March to mid-April,[3] or between March to May.[19]

The fragrant,[3] flowers are 4.5–5.5 cm (2–2 in) in diameter,[2][12] come in various shades between yellow and purple,[1][16][21] with yellow being the most common.[2][12][22] Other shades of flower colour include; yellow-green,[13] white,[19] cream,[15] violet-blue,[23] smoky brown,[19] mahogany,[24]:186 or purplish-brown.[9][20][21] There can also be bi-coloured forms as well.[2][11][15] The yellow forms can sometimes have spots,[10][17][21] of brown-purple.[18]

Like other irises, it has two pairs of petals, three large sepals (outer petals), known as 'falls' and three inner, smaller petals (or tepals), known as 'standards'.[24]:17 The obovate or cuneate falls,[5] curl under themselves,[3][24]:186 and are flaring.[18] They can be 3–5.5 cm (1–2 in) long.[14] In the middle of the falls, there is a row of short hairs called the 'beard', which is white,[18] orange,[3] or yellow,[2][10][21] on the yellow forms, but normally bluish,[2][10][21] or white tipped with blue.[20] The upright standards,[3] are shorter and wider than the falls.[5][18][24]:186 The perianth tube is the same length as the Stigma (botany)#Style branch,[5] about 5–7.6 cm (2–3 in) long.[4] The seed capsule contains reddish brown, sub-globose seeds.[14]

Biochemistry

In 2011, a phytochemical study was carried out on Iris suaveolens rhizomes. It found over 13 different phenolic and flavonoid compounds, such as 'Quinones 3-hydroxyirisquinone', 'coniferaldehyde', 'cis-epoxyconiferyl' alcohol, 'acetovanillone', 'p-hydroxyacetophenone' (all phenolics), '7-b-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one' and 'b-sitosterol' (steroids).[25] These extracts where then tested for antioxidant capacity and anticholinesterase activity.[26]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.[24]:18 The chromosome count is: 2n=24,[14][15][17] which was found by Koca in 1985.[18] They were published by F. Koca, 'Karyological studies on Iris attica Boiss. et Heldr. and Iris suaveolens Boiss. et Reuter.' in Rev. Fac. Sci. Univ. (Istanbul), Ser. B, Sci. Nat. Vol.21 on pages 69–79.[27]

Taxonomy
Seen in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, London., vol. 139 (1913), Labelled as Iris mellita

The Latin specific epithet suaveolens means 'sweet scented',[28] it is named for its sweet fragrance of its flowers.[18]

The type locality is Kustendje in Bulgaria.[18] It was first published and described In May 1854 (in Bulgarian,[18]) by Boiss. and Reut.[29][6][30][31] In 1894, as a homonym Iris suaveolens was published by N. Terracc.[32][6][31] [lower-alpha 1]

For many decades it was known to gardeners as Iris mellita,[15] which was published by Janka in 1874,[33][34] The name is derived from the Latin mellitus, meaning delightful.[4] In 1871, a herbarium specimen of Iris melitta was found in Bulgaria by Janka. It was later renamed Iris suaveolens.[35] Probably after the 1980s after multiple chromosomal counts.[27]

In Italy, the iris is known as Iris mellita with the synonym of Iris suaveolens.[7] It was thought that the iris resembles Iris pumila and grows in the Balkans instead of I. pumila.[4]

Iris suaveolens was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 9 January 2003 and then updated on 14 September 2009.[30] It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life,[36] and in the Catalogue of Life, it is listed as Iris mellita (with Iris suaveolens as a synonym).[37] Iris suaveolens is an accepted name by the RHS.[22]

Range

It is found in Europe, within the Balkan countries,[8][17][38] of Bulgaria,[2][3][11][14] Romania,[11][14] former Yugoslavia,[14] (Albania and Macedonia,[24]:186) and Greece.[14][30] It is also found in Turkey.[2][8][15][17]

It was listed in Red book of Bulgaria as an endemic.[39]

Habitat

It grows on open dry,[14][38] rocky hillsides,[2][3][14] (made of limestone,[1]) amid light scrub,[2] and scattered juniper trees.[1]

Conservation

It is found in a few places,[12] but most of these are now protected under law,[3] including in the Dobrogea Plateau of Romania.[40]

Cultivation

It can be cultivated in the same conditions as Iris pumila.[4] It is hardy,[12] to between USDA Zone 6 and Zone 10.[8] In the UK, it is not hardy and needs protection of a frame or alpine house during the winter,[20] or within a porch or conservatory (undamaged by the wind or the rain).[12] In the US, it can grow in Vail, Colorado and Portland, Oregon.[13] It prefers to grow in well drained,[3][12][23] dry,[20] rich soils.[41] It also can tolerate poor soils.[7][8] That are neutral to alkaline,[41] between pH level 6.1 to 7.8 .[13] It prefers situations in full sun.[7][19][23] or in partial shade.[13][41] It should be watered regularly, but not overwatered,[13] which could cause the rhizome to rot,[41] in winter.[7][8] It can be at risk from leaf spots, rot or botrytis, and could be attacked by thrips, sawfly, aphids,[41] and slugs or snails.[3] It can be grown in the rock garden,[7][19] or alpine troughs.[8] The iris should be planted on the soil surface in summer,[41] just above the substrate.[7][8] Normally, they are planted with a 30 cm spacing.[8][13]

Propagation

Irises can generally be propagated by division,[42] or by seed growing.

Hybrids and cultivars

The species has been used by dwarf iris breeders.[15] Who have created such cultivars as 'Aureo-flava' 'Flavo-barbata' 'Glockiana' 'Jugoslavica' 'Mellita' 'Mellita Ayazaga' 'Mellita Dibiltas' 'Mellita Vandee' and 'Rubromarginata'.[18]

It was also crossed with Iris 'Rhages' (Mead Riedel, 1934) to create 'Buddha Song' (Dunbar 1970).[16] Other crosses include; 'Charlie Brown', 'First Call', 'Green Sprite', 'Karfunkel', 'Lavender Dawn', 'Melamoena', 'Mellite', 'Misty Plum', 'Mother Mella', 'Proper Lemon' and 'Rolling Tide'.[18]

The parent plant is often ignored (by gardeners) in favour of the cultivars.[3]

Toxicity

Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reactions.[13][41][43]

Uses

It can be used as an expectorant, diuretic and for the treatment of children dentition.[6]

Notes
  1. It has also been published in Pl. Eur Vol. 1 p. 254 in 1890, in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Vol. 36 p. 74 in 1934,[6] and Prodan, Bull Fac. Agr. Cluj 8, 14 1939.
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References
  1. Basak Gardner & Chris Gardner Flora of the Silk Road: The Complete Illustrated Guide, p. 17, at Google Books
  2. "Iris suaveolens". encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  3. "Chapter I Rhizomatous Iris (part 2) Pumilae". irisbotanique.over-blog.com. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
  4. Dykes, William (2009). "Handbook of Garden Irises" (PDF). beardlessiris.org (The Group for Beardless Irises). Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  5. Richard Lynch The Book of the Iris (1904), p. 129, at Google Books
  6. Umberto Quattrocchi CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific names, Synonyms and Etymology (2012), p. 2107, at Google Books
  7. "Iris mellitus" (in Italian). perenni.it. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  8. "Iris suaveolens". brittanyperennials.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  9. Kramb, D. (8 November 2003). "Iris suaveolens". signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America). Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  10. "Iris suaveolens". harperleyhallfarmnurseries.co.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  11. Stebbings, Geoff (1997). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises. Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p. 39. ISBN 978-0715305393.
  12. "Iris suaveolens". craigiehallnursery.co.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  13. "Species Iris, Iris suaveolens". davesgarden.com. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  14. Thomas Gaskell Tutin (Editor) Flora Europaea Vol.5 (19) at Google Books
  15. Waters, Tom (October 2010). "A Hybridizer's Guide to Bearded Species". telp.com. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  16. Kelly Norris A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts (2012), p. 137, at Google Books
  17. "Iris summary" (PDF). pacificbulbsociety.org. 14 April 2014. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  18. Pries, Bob (14 January 2016). "(SPEC) Iris suaveolens Boiss. & Reut". wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society). Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  19. "Iris suaveolens (Iris Melitta)" (in German). Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  20. Cassidy, George E.; Linnegar, Sidney (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. p. 119. ISBN 978-0-88192-089-5.
  21. "Garden Bearded Irises". pacificbulbsociety.org. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  22. "Iris suaveolens yellow-flowered". rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  23. "Iris suaveolens". rareplants.co.uk. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  24. Austin, Claire (2005). Irises; A Garden Encyclopedia. Timber Press. ISBN 978-0881927306.
  25. Kukula-Koch, Wirginia; Sieniawska, Elwira; Widelski, Jarosław; Urjin, Otgonbataar; Głowniak, Paweł; Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna (2013). "Major secondary metabolites of Iris spp". Phytochemistry Reviews. 12 (4): 51–80. doi:10.1007/s11101-013-9333-1.
  26. Hacıbekiroğlu, Işıl; Kolak, Ufuk (April 2011). "Antioxidant and anticholinesterase constituents from the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of Iris suaveolens". Phytotherapy Research. 25 (4): 522–529. doi:10.1002/ptr.3299. PMID 20830698.
  27. "Iris suaveolens". ccdb.tau.ac.il. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  28. Stearn, William (1973). A Gardenerer's Dictionary of Plant Names (Revised ed.). London: Cassell (published 1963). p. 304. ISBN 978-0304937219.
  29. Diagn. pl. orient. series 1, Vol. 13, p. 15.
  30. "Iris suaveolens". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  31. "Iridaceae Iris suaveolens Boiss. & Reut". ipni.org (International Plant Names Index). Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  32. Nuovo Giorn. Bot. Ital. series 2, Vol. 1, p. 182.
  33. Magyar Tud. Akad. Értes. Vol. 12 p. 172.
  34. "Iridaceae Iris mellita Janka". ipni.org. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  35. "Original material of Iris melitta Janka [family IRIDACEAE]". jstor.org. Retrieved 1 February 2015. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  36. "Iris suaveolens". eol.org. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  37. "Iris suaveolens". catalogueoflife.org. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  38. Kaššák, Pavol (2012). "Secondary Metabolites Of The Choosen Genus Iris Species" (PDF). Acta Univ. Agric. Et Silvic. Mendel. Brun. 32 (8): 269–280. doi:10.11118/actaun201260080269. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  39. Dea Baričevič (Editor) Report of a Working Group on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: First Meeting 12–14 September 2002, Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia, p. 30, at Google Books
  40. "Protected Species and Habitats in Dobrogea Plateau and the Danube Delta Threats And Possible Solutions" (PDF). euronatur.org. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  41. "Iris suaveolens var. flavescens" (in French). jardinsdugue.eu. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  42. "How to divide iris rhizomes". gardenersworld.com. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  43. David G. Spoerke and Susan C. Smolinske Toxicity of Houseplants, p. 236, at Google Books

Sources
  • Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR).
  • Davis, P. H., ed. Flora of Turkey and the east Aegean islands. 1965–1988.
  • Dykes, W., The Genus Iris 1913, 239.
  • Mathew, B. The Iris. 1981, 35–36.
  • Özdemir, Canan; Akyol, Yurdanur; Alcitepe, Emine, Morphological and anatomical studies on Iris suaveolens Boiss Reuter. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 31(2), 2000, 426–430.
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