Iris (plant)

Iris rhizome p1150371

Parts of an iris flower

Iris reichenbachii

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Iris persica (Sowerby)

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Iris latifolia-Lac Aule-Laruns-2522~2013 07 29

Iris (plant) is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Irises are perennial plants, growing from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises) or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises). They have long, erect flowering stems which may be simple or branched, solid or hollow, and flattened or have a circular cross-section. The iris flower is of interest as the source of orris root and has been used in perfumery and medicine for centuries.

Description

The iris flower is notable for its striking colors and the unique structure of its blooms. The flowers have six lobes; three outer hanging lobes are called "falls", and three inner upright lobes are called "standards". Some species have beards on the falls, while others are smooth. The variety of colors in the Iris genus is impressive, ranging from the common blue and purple to yellow, white, pink, and even black.

The leaves of irises are generally sword-shaped, growing in a fan-like formation from the base of the plant. This leaf structure allows for the plant to be easily identified even when not in bloom.

Classification

Irises are divided into two major groups: rhizomatous and bulbous. Rhizomatous irises are further divided into sections including the Bearded, Aril, and Beardless irises (such as the Siberian iris and the Japanese iris). Bulbous irises are divided into two sections: those with a fibrous covering (like Iris reticulata) and those with a tunicate covering (like Iris persica).

Bearded Iris

The Bearded Iris (subgenus Iris) is perhaps the most familiar type of iris, characterized by the fuzzy "beards" on each of the falls. These irises are popular in gardens and come in a wide range of sizes and colors.

Beardless Iris

Beardless irises, such as the Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) and the Japanese iris (Iris ensata), lack the fuzzy beard. These species often thrive in wetter conditions and can be found in water gardens.

Bulbous Iris

Bulbous irises grow from bulbs that require a period of dormancy after they bloom. The Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica) is a well-known example of a bulbous iris, popular for its striking blue flowers.

Cultivation and Uses

Irises are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. Their diverse range of colors and forms makes them favorites among gardeners and floral arrangers. Irises also have a long history of use in herbal medicine, with the dried rhizomes of some species (notably Iris germanica) being used to treat skin and respiratory conditions.

Irises are also a popular subject in art and literature, symbolizing eloquence, wisdom, and faith. The iris is the national flower of Croatia and the state flower of Tennessee.

Conservation

Some iris species are considered endangered and are protected by law in their native habitats. Habitat destruction and over-collection of wild specimens for horticultural use have contributed to the decline of some iris populations.