Iris filifolia is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Xiphium. It is a bulbous perennial from North Africa and Europe. It has thin leaves, summer flowers in shades of red-purple.
| Iris filifolia | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Iris subg. Xiphium |
| Section: | Iris sect. Xiphium |
| Species: | I. filifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Iris filifolia | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
It has 3 mm wide leaves,[4] which appear in the autumn.[5]It normally reaches a height of 10-16 inches (or 25–40 cm).[6] But can reach up to 45 cm tall.[5]It flowers between March and June.[6] Normally more than 2 flowers per stem.[7] When the flowering shoot comes out of the ground it is covered in a purple or white blotched sheath.[4] These then open up to revel red-purple flowers with orange spots,[6] or yellow stripe on the falls.[8]
Biochemistry
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.[6] It has a chromosome count: 2n=32.[8]
Taxonomy
Its name means 'thread-leaved iris'.[9]
In Gibraltar, it is also known as the 'Narrow-leaved Purple Iris'.[10]
It is often mistakenly called 'Spanish Iris'.[11] The Spanish Iris is Iris xiphium.
In 1842, it was first described by Pierre Edmond Boissier in 'Voyage botanique en Espagne' Vol 2, on page 602.[12] Dykes notes that this description is incorrect.[13] It was also described in Curtis's Botanical Magazine No.5929 as 'Xiphion filifolium'.[3]
It was recorded in the Catalogue of Life in 2011,[2] and it was verified by United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, and updated on 14 November 2005.[14]
Distribution and habitat
It is native to temperate regions of North Africa and Europe.[14]
Range
It was found originally on Sierra de Mijas,[15] and Sierra Bermeja in Spain, at 3,000–4,000 ft (910–1,220 m) above sea level.[3]
It is found within Africa, in Morocco, (near Tangier,[6][8]) and within Europe, in Southwestern Spain,[14][6][8] and in Gibraltar.[10][8]
Habitat
Iris filifolia likes to grow in sandy areas.[16]
Cultivation
It is best grown in a bulb frame in the UK.[17]
Cultivars
Several known cultivars are;[3]
- 'A. Bloemaard' (dark blue)[19]
- 'Filifolia'
- 'Filifolia Alba'
- 'Filifolia Elizabeth'
- 'Filifolia Imperator'
- 'Filifolia Praecox'
- 'Latifolia'
- 'Queen Of Gazelles'
- 'Rex'
Hybrids
- Iris filifolia var. latifolia (Foster) wide leaved variant [5]
- Iris filifolia var. filifolia (Boiss) and thread-like leaved variant,
References
Other sources
- Fennane, M. & M. I. Tattou 1998. Catalogue des plantes vasculaires rares, menacées ou endémiques du Maroc (Bocconea) 8:205.
- Jahandiez, E. & R. Maire Catalogue des plantes du Maroc. 1931-1941 (L Maroc)
- Maire, R. C. J. E. et al. Flore de l'Afrique du Nord. 1952- (F Afr Nord)
- Mathew, B. The Iris. 1981 (Iris) 136.
- Tutin, T. G. et al., eds. Flora europaea. 1964-1980 (F Eur)
External links
Media related to Iris filifolia at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Iris filifolia at Wikispecies