Iris subbiflora
| Iris subbiflora | |
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| Iris subbiflora growing in the Botanical Garden of Dresden | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Subfamily: | Iridoideae |
| Tribe: | Irideae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Iris |
| Species: | Iris subbiflora |
| Binomial name | |
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Iris subbiflora Brot. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Iris subbiflora is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Portugal and Spain in Europe. It has evergreen broad leaves, forming dense clumps, it has dwarf stems in late spring, (between April and May), with 1 upright fragrant flower, in shades of purple, light red purple, grey-blue, blue-violet, or dark violet. It has a beard which is generally blue, purple, or violet, but can fade to white, dull yellow, or dark yellow. After being found in 1804, it was once a separate species until the late 70s, when it was reclassified as subspecies of Iris lutescens, and renamed Iris lutescens subsp. subbiflora. But in the 80s it was returned to an independent species but some authors and references still class the species as a synonym or subspecies. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
It is similar in form as Iris germanica, but with smaller growth.
It has a small rhizome, which is thick and has several branches. The rhizome is smaller than other bearded irises, apart from Iris pumila. When the rhizome is cut, (for propagation purposes) it produces a nice aroma.
It has semi-deciduous, or evergreen, broad leaves, that can grow up to between 16–30 cm (6–12 in) long, and between 0.5 and 2.5 cm wide. The ensiform (sword-shaped) leaves, form dense clumps, which are often taller than the stem.
It has a simple, dwarf stem or peduncle, that can grow up to between 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall. It sometimes produces 2 stems and the lowest portion of the stem is covered by 2 short stem leaves.
It has 1 acuminate (pointed), spathe (leaf of the flower bud), which is green but often stained purple, with a (scarious) membranous top portion. It can be up to 7.6 cm (3 in) long and is similar in form to Iris griffithii.
It has a perianth tube, that is 3.5–5 cm (1–2 in) long, green and marked purple.
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