Iris cuniculiformis is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris and in the section Pseudoregelia. It is a rhizomatousperennial, from China, it has long and thin green leaves, and 1 lilac (or similar shade) large flowers, that have yellow or grey beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Description
It has very short upright rhizomes,[2][3] that are 1.5 cm long and 0.7 cm in diameter.[4] It has fibrous secondary roots underneath the rhizome.[4] It slowly forms dense clumps of plants.[2][3][4]
It has dull,[2] or dark green leaves,[3] that are 13.5–30 cm (5–12 in) long and 0.2–0.9 cm wide.[2][4] They are pointed at the apex (lanceolate-like),[4][5] and have inconspicuous veins.[2][4]
It has a slender stem, that can grow up to between 14–30 cm (6–12 in) tall.[4][6][7]
The stem has 2 or more, spathes or bracts (leaves of the flower bud),[2][4] they are 3–5 cm (1–2 in) long.[2][4]
The spathes are green, elliptic (in shape),[2] and have a purple tinge at the base of the leaf.[4]
The stems hold 1 terminal (top of stem) flower,[2][3][4] blooming between May and July.[2][3][5] The flowers can survive for many days.[4]
The flowers are 6–7 cm (2–3 in) in diameter,[2][4][5] come in shades of lilac.[4] Including pinkish violet,[2][6] mauve,[8] purple,[3][7] lavender,[7] and blue-violet.[5][7][9] They are similar in colour to Iris sibirica flowers.[9]
It (like other irises) 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'.[10] The falls are 4.25–5.5 cm (2–2 in) long and 1.9 - 2.3 cm wide.[2][4] They have a yellow or grey beard, on a white signal patch.[2][3][4] On the edge of the petal, are purple or violet veins,[2][3][4] mottling or spots.[2][6]
The standards are 3–4 cm (1–2 in) long and 1 – 1.2 cm wide.[2][4] They are slightly paler than the falls.[4][6]
It has a 2.8–3.3 cm (1–1 in) long and 1.6 cm wide style.[2][4] Which is similar in colour to the petals, but has pale margins.[4] It has a 1–2 cm long perianth tube, 1-1.4 cm long cream anthers,[2][4] and cream coloured pollen.[4]
After the iris has flowered, between June and August,[2] it produces a seed capsule and seeds. Which have not been described.[4]
In 2011, a study was carried out on various irises found in China. Including Iris tigridia, Iris bloudowii and Iris cuniculiformis.[13]
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.[10]
It has a chromosome count: 2n=22, the same as Iris dolichosiphon (another Pseudoregelia iris).[11][13] It has also been noted as 2n = 26.[3]
Taxonomy
It is pronounced as (Iris) EYE-ris (cuniculiformis) kun-e-ku-lee-for-miss.[7][14]
It is written as 大锐果鸢尾 in Chinese script and known as da rui guo yuan wei in Pidgin.[2] It is translated as large sharp fruit kite Tail.[13]
The Latin specific epithetcuniculiformis refers to being shaped like a small rabbit.[15] The standards of the flowers are similar in form to rabbits ears. Hence, the name.[4]
They can be found at an altitude of 3,000–4,000 m (9,800–13,100 ft) above sea level.[2][3]
Cultivation
It is hardy to between USDA Zone 8 (−12.2 °C (10 °F)) and Zone 11 (above 4.5 °C (40 °F)).[7][14] Also RHS rating of H4.[9]
In Australia between Zones 2 to 5.[14]
It can be grown in loamy soil which is enriched with compost.[4]
It can tolerate mildly acidic (6.1 to 6.5) to mildly alkaline (7.6 to 7.8) ph level soils.[7]
It prefers to grow in full sun,[7] or partial shade.[4][5]
It will bloom better, if it receives six or more hours of direct sunlight every day.[14]
It may suit a position in the front of a flower border.[14]
It was only recently (around the 90s), introduced to Britain.[4]
Propagation
It can be propagated by division or by seed growing.[7]
Seeds are collected from the pods after flowering. Seeds are then sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.[7]
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.[7]
