Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris[2] or the German bearded iris.[3] It is one of a group of hybrid origin.[4]: 87 Varieties include I. × g. var. florentina.
Description
Iris × germanica grows up to 120 cm (47 in) high and 30 cm (12 in) wide.[5] The roots can go up to 10 cm (3.9 in) deep and it is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms mid to late spring. Hundreds of cultivars exist representing nearly every colour from jet black to sparkling whites and red.[6] Some cultivars are known to re-bloom in the autumn (fall).[7]
Biochemistry
It is known to produce the isoflavone irilone,[8] and several analytical studies have been made from the rhizomes.[9]
Genetics
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.[10]
It has had its chromosome counted several times; 2n=44, Banerji & Chaudhuri, 1972; 2n=28, Mao 1986; 2n=44 Sopova 1982; 2n=44, Váchová & Feráková, 1986 and 2n=44, Lovka, 1995.[11]
Taxonomy
It is most commonly known as 'bearded iris' and in the UK occasionally as 'common German flag'.[12]
It was first published and described as Iris germanica by Carl Linnaeus in his book 'Species Plantarum' on page 38 in 1753.[13][14][15] It has since been shown to be a natural hybrid involving a cross between two other European species (Iris pallida and Iris variegata) rather than a true wild species of Iris, with both parent species having the same chromosome number (2n = 24) as the hybrid offspring.[16][5]
As a hybrid, according to correct scientific nomenclature, its official Latin name is Iris x germanica, according to Kew and many other botanical authorities where cross 'x' denotes its hybrid status.[17][18][19][14] Despite this, Iris x germanica and its many named cultivars have been sold to gardeners under the name Iris germanica for many years, with some horticultural references, such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) continuing to use Iris germanica as the accepted name.[7][12]
Distribution and habitat
Iris × germanica is thought to be originated in the Mediterranean region.[14][12] It is widely naturalized across Europe.[11]
Cultivation
It prefers to grow in full sun, with well-drained soil. It normally retains some of its leaves over the winter period. After it has flowered and during dry conditions through the summer is best time to divide and transplant.[11]
^Ashtakala, S. S.; Forward, D. F. (January 2011). "Pigmentation in iris hybrids: Occurrence of flavonoid pigments in six cultivars of Iris germanica". Canadian Journal of Botany. 49 (11): 1975–1979. doi:10.1139/b71-276.
^Li, Jun-Fu; Phookamsak, Rungtiwa; Jeewon, Rajesh; Bhat, Darbhe J.; Mapook, Ausana; Camporesi, Erio; Shang, Qiu-Ju; Chukeatirote, Ekachai; Bahkali, Ali H.; Hyde, Kevin D. (2017). "Molecular taxonomy and morphological characterization reveal new species and new host records of Torula species (Torulaceae, Pleosporales)". Mycological Progress. 16 (4): 447–461. doi:10.1007/s11557-017-1292-2.
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