View source for Iris loczyi

{{italic title}}{{Taxobox
|name = ''Iris loczyi''
|image =
|image caption = 
|regnum = [[Plantae]]
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
|unranked_classis = [[Monocots]]
|ordo = [[Asparagales]]
|familia = [[Iridaceae]]
|subfamilia = [[Iridoideae]]
|tribus = [[Irideae]]
|genus = ''[[Iris (plant)|Iris]]''
|subgenus = ''[[Iris subg. Limniris|Limniris]]''
|series=''[[Iris series Tenuifoliae]]''
|species = '''''I. loczyi'''''
|binomial = ''Iris loczyi''
|binomial_authority = [[August Kanitz|Kanitz]]
| synonyms = {{species list
|Cryptobasis loczyi |(Kanitz) Ikonn.	
|Cryptobasis tianschanica |(Maxim.) Nevski	
|Iris tenuifolia var. thianshanica |Maxim.	
|Iris tenuifolia var. tianschanica |Maxim.	
|Iris thianshanica |(Maxim.) Vved.	
|Iris tianschanica |(Maxim.) Vved.<ref name=plantlist>{{cite web |title=Iris loczyi Kanitz is an accepted name |date=23 March 2012 |url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-322054 |publisher=theplantlist.org ([[The Plant List]]) |accessdate=17 January 2015}}</ref>}}
}}
'''''Iris loczyi''''' is a beardless [[iris (plant)|iris]] in the genus ''[[Iris (plant)|Iris]]'', in the subgenus ''[[Iris subg. Limniris|Limniris]]'' and in the ''[[Iris series Tenuifoliae|Tenuifoliae series]]'' of the species. It is a [[rhizomatous]] [[herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] [[perennial plant|perennial]], from a wide area of Asia, including [[Afghanistan]], [[Iran]],(the mountainous parts of [[Pakistan]]), [[Kazakhstan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Mongolia]], [[Tibet]] and China. It has long thin grey green leaves, long stems and 1 flower in pale violet, blue violet, lavender or light blue.

==Description==
It was once thought to be a form of ''[[Iris tenuifolia]]''.<ref name=cassidy/> Especially in China.<ref name=efloras/>

It has a slender, fibrous, knobbly or gnarled, brown-black rhizome.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora>{{cite web |first=V.L. |last=Komarov |year=1935 |title=Akademiya Nauk SSSR (FLORA of the U.S.S.R.) Vol.IV  |url=https://archive.org/stream/floraofussr04bota/floraofussr04bota_djvu.txt |publisher=archive.org |accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref>
It forms hard thick, tussocks or clumps of plants.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald>{{cite web |title=The Master List of Archibald Seed. |url=http://files.srgc.net/archibald/seedlists/JJA_seedlist_master_SRGC.pdf |publisher=srgc.net (Scottish Rock Garden Club) |format=PDF  |accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref>
On top of the rhizome are maroon-brown, fibrous (or straw-like), remnants (of last seasons leaves), as sheaths (of the new leaves).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald/>

It has long and thin, linear, green-grey leaves, measuring {{convert|20|-|40|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 2-5mm wide.<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald/> The leaves are sometimes evergreen.<ref name=irisbotanique/>

It has flower stems, that are {{convert|15|-|30|cm|0|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=american/><ref name=rare/><ref name=pacific>{{cite web |title=Iris summary |date=14 April 2014 |url=http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/files/Iris/Iris_Summary.pdf |format=PDF |publisher=pacificbulbsociety.org |accessdate=23 November 2014}}</ref>
They are sometimes only just above the ground level.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=Archibald/><ref name=rare/>

It has 3 green, lanceolate, between {{convert|10|-|15|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 1.5&nbsp;cm wide,  [[spathe]]s (leaves of the flower bud).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=onego/>

The stems hold normally 1, (rarely 2) terminal (top of stem) flowers,<ref name=cassidy/> blooming in late spring,<ref name=alpine/> between April and June.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/>
 
The fragrant,<ref name=atlas/> flowers are {{convert|4|-|7|cm|0|abbr=on}} in diameter, and come in shades of pale violet,<ref name=efloras/> blue violet,<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald/><ref name=american/><ref name=rare/> lavender,<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=pacific/> and light blue.<ref name=atlas/>

It 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'.<ref name=ClaireAustin/> The falls are oblanceolate (top wider than the bottom) or slightly obovate, {{convert|6|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 1–2&nbsp;cm wide. They are veined with a darker shade and have a white or cream (occasionally yellow), signal area (central area).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald/><ref name=american/><ref name=rare/><ref name=pacific/>
The single coloured standards are also oblanceolate, erect, {{convert|4.5|-|5|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 7-8mm wide.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=ussrflora/>

It has a long, slender perianth tube of {{convert|10|-|14|cm|0|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/><ref name=Archibald/>

It has very short pedicels.<ref name=atlas/><ref name=ussrflora/> It has 2.5&nbsp;cm long stamens and 1.2&nbsp;cm ovary.<ref name=efloras/>
It has short style branches, 4&nbsp;cm long and 8m wide, in similar shades as the standards.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=ussrflora/>

After the iris has flowered, it produces a reddish-brown ovoid to cylindric seed capsule, {{convert|4|-|7|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 2&nbsp;cm wide between June and September. The capsule has 6 veins, and a short beak-like appendage on the top.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/>

===Biochemistry===
In 2008, a study was carried out on the [[anatomical]] structure of the leaf and drought resistance of 4 different species of Iris (''[[Iris songarica]]'', ''[[Iris potaninii]]'', ''Iris loczyi'' and ''[[Iris lactea]]'') from [[Qinghai]], China. It showed that all the species were strongly adaptable to drought conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Wang |first=Jun |last2=Gao |first2=Yi-ke |date=May 2008 |title=Study on the Relationship between Leaf Anatomical Structure and Drought Resistance of Four Species of Iris |url=http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-HLJN200805040.htm |journal=Heilongjiang Agricultural Sciences |publisher=Landscape Architecture College of Beijing Forestry University, Beijing  |volume= |issue= |pages= |doi= |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>

In 2013, a chemical analysis study was carried on ''Iris loczyi'' and ''[[Iris unguicularis]]''. Both plants are known as medicinally important.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mosihuzzmana |first=Mohmmed |last2=Naheedb |first2=Suad |last3=Hareema |first3=Sumaira |last4=Taliba |first4=Sumaira |last5=Abbasc |first5=Ghulam |last6=Khana |first6=Shamsun Nahar |last7=Choudharya |first7=Muhammad Iqbal |last8=Senerd |first8=Bilge |last9=Tareene |first9=Rasool Baksh |last10=Israra |first10=Mudassir |date=27 February 2013 |title=Studies on α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-glycation potential of Iris loczyi and Iris unguicularis |url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320512007175 |journal=Life Sciences |publisher=Elsevier |volume=92 |issue=3 |pages= 187–192 |doi= 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.11.022|accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref><ref>Q. Ashton Acton {{Google books|OMdDYmdmnfwC|Glucosidases—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition |page=271}}</ref>

As most irises are [[diploid]], having two sets of [[chromosomes]]. This can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.<ref name=ClaireAustin>{{cite web| first=Claire | last=Austin | title=Irises A Garden Encyclopedia| pages=274–275 | url=https://worldtracker.org/media/library/Reference/Encyclopedia's/Encyclopedia%20of%20Irises.pdf | format=pdf | publisher=worldtracker.org | accessdate=29 October 2014}}</ref> It has a chromosome count: 2n=20.<ref name=irisbotanique>{{cite web |title=Chapitre II iris a touffe et autre (partie2) |url=http://irisbotanique.over-blog.com/article-chapitre-ii-iris-a-touffe-et-autre-partie1-106517062.html |publisher=irisbotanique.over-blog.com |accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref>

==Taxonomy==
It is written as 天山鸢尾 in [[Chinese characters|Chinese script]] and known as ''tian shan yuan wei'' in China.<ref name=efloras>{{cite web |title=FOC Vol. 24 Page 305 |url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id= 200028188 |publisher=efloras.org (Flora of China) |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref><ref name=grin>{{cite web |title= Taxon: Iris loczyi Kanitz |url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?428821 |publisher=ars-grin.gov ([[Germplasm Resources Information Network]])  |accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref>

It has the common name of ''Tianshan Iris'' (in China),<ref>{{cite web |title=Sect. Limniris Tausch  |url=http://frps.eflora.cn/frps/Sect. Limniris  |publisher=frps.eflora.cn |accessdate=19 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iris loczyi Kanitz  |url=http://www.flph.org/s/Iris loczyi |publisher=flph.org (Flora of Pan Himalayas) |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> or ''Tian Shan Mountain iris''<ref name=grin/> or ''Iris Lochan (or Iris Lochi)'' (in Russia).<ref name=onego>{{cite web |title=Subgenus Tenuifolia (Tenuifolia) - fine-leaved irises |url=http://flower.onego.ru/other/iris/iris_ten.html |publisher=flower.onego.ru |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref><ref name=exhibition>{{cite web |title=The exhibition "Iris Russia" |url=http://flower-iris.ru/en/knigi-pro-iridariy/zaglyanut-v-knigu/66/ |publisher=flower-iris.ru |accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Iris tianschanica (Maxim.) Vved. ex Woronow |url=http://www.plantarium.ru/page/taxonomy/taxon/20837.html |publisher=plantarium.ru |accessdate=23 January 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713223210/http://www.plantarium.ru/page/taxonomy/taxon/20837.html |archivedate=13 July 2015 |df= }}</ref>

The Latin [[Botanical name#Binary name|specific epithet]] ''loczyi'' is unknown but several other species have the same epithet including, [[Viviparus loczyi]] Halaváts (a type of snail) and [[Cymbella loczyi]] (a type of [[algae]]).

It was published and described by [[August Kanitz]] in ''Exped. Szechen'' (Növényt. Gyujtesek Eredm. Grof Szechenyi Bela Keletazsiai Utjabol) Vol.58. tab. 6. fig. 2. (with illustration) in 1891.<ref name=american>{{cite web |first=Alain |last=Franco |title=(SPEC) Iris loczyi Kanitz |date=6 December 2013 |url=http://wiki.irises.org/bin/view/Spec/SpecLoczyi |publisher=wiki.irises.org (American Iris Society)  |accessdate=19 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iridaceae Iris loczyi Kanitz |url=http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=438801-1 |publisher=ipni.org (International Plant Names Index) |accessdate=19 January 2015}}</ref>

It was originally found in ''[[Ala-Archa River|Ala Archa Valley]]'' of [[Uzbekistan]].<ref name=alpine>{{cite web |title=Iris loczyi |url=http://encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/Iris/loczyi  |publisher=alpinegardensociety.net |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>

It was verified by [[United States Department of Agriculture]] [[Agricultural Research Service]] on 2 October 2014.<ref name=grin/>

As of January 2015, it is listed as ''unchecked'' by the [[Royal Horticultural Society|RHS]].<ref name=rhs>{{cite web |title=Iris loczyi |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/ 9302/Iris-loczyi/Details |publisher=rhs.org.uk |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>

==Distribution and habitat==
''Iris loczyi'' is [[native plant|native]] to a wide region, of various [[temperateness|temperate]] areas of [[Asia]].<ref name=grin/>

===Range===
It is found in the western Asia countries of [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iran]].<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=pacific/><ref name=grin/>
Including; the [[Caucasus]] regions of [[Pamir Mountains]], [[Tien Shan]] (within Kometydavan Ravine and Se-chai River<ref name=ussrflora/>) and [[Baluchistan]] (the mountainous parts of [[Pakistan]] and Iran).<ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=pacific/><ref name=rhs/>

In the middle Asian countries of [[Kazakhstan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Mongolia]],<ref name=grin/> and [[Tibet]].<ref name=efloras/><ref name=alpine/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rare/><ref name=pacific/>

It is listed with  ''[[Iris bloudowii]]'', ''[[Iris psammocola]]'', ''[[Iris ruthenica]]'', ''[[Iris sibirica]]'', ''[[Iris tenuifolia]]'' and ''[[Iris tigridia]]'' as being found in the [[Altai-Sayan region]] (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together).<ref>{{cite web |title=Biodiversity of Altai-Sayan Ecoregion |url=http://www.bioaltai-sayan.ru/regnum/eng/species_all.php?right=box-spec-p/iris.php |publisher=bioaltai-sayan.ru |accessdate=15 August 2015}}</ref>

It is found in the [[Provinces of China|Chinese provinces]] of [[Gansu]], [[Nei Mongol]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]] [[Sichuan]], [[Xinjiang]] and [[Xizang]].<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rare/><ref name=grin/>

==Habitat==
It is found growing on high mountain grasslands,<ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=rare/>  (or [[steppe]]s)<ref name=onego/> and sunny hillsides.<ref name=efloras/> It is widespread on the mountains of Central Asia.<ref name=Archibald/>
At altitudes of between {{convert|2200|to|3000|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name=alpine/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=rare/>

It is also found in clumps by the roadside in Barskon Pass of [[Kyrgyzia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kyrgyzia, A Greentours Itinerary |url=http://www.greentours.co.uk/doc/Brochure%202014%20Kyrgyzia%20Itinerary1.pdf |format=PDF |publisher=greentours.co.uk |accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref>

==Conservation==
It is listed in the [[IUCN]] 'Red Book' of the Republic of [[Tuva]] as a species at ''vulnerable'' status.<ref name=exhibition/>

It was mentioned in (under the name ''Iris tianschanica'') in Czerepano's 'Vascular Plants of Russia and Adjacent States (the Former USSR)' in 1995.<ref>S. K. Czerepano {{Google books|52fdbx9XgC4C|Vascular Plants of Russia and Adjacent States (the Former USSR)|page=281}}</ref>

It is an endangered species in [[Uglovsky District, Altai Krai|Uglovsky District]] of Russia. Only 20 individuals were counted. Although the plants were not eaten by cattle, destruction of the habitat is the major factor in limiting its range.<ref name=atlas>{{cite web |first=I.A. |last=Hrustaleva. |title=IRIS LOCZYI KANITZ - IRIS (iris) Lochan |url=http://lesnoj-atlas.com/page/256/iris-loczyi-kanitz-iris-kasatik-locha.html?group=2 |publisher=lesnoj-atlas.com |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref>

==Cultivation==
''Iris loczyi'' is not common in cultivation in the UK,<ref name=cassidy>{{cite book |last1=Cassidy |first1=George E.|last2=Linnegar |first2=Sidney |date=1987 |edition=Revised  |title= Growing Irises  |location=Bromley |publisher=Christopher Helm | page=139 |isbn=0-88192-089-4}}</ref> Europe,<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=rare>{{cite web |title=Iris loczyi syn. I. tenuifolia |url=http://www.rareplants.de/shop/uploads/Html/Iris-loczyi-syn.-I.-tenuifolia_6866_2.htm |publisher=rareplants.de |accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> or Russia.<ref name=onego/> It is normally only grown by botanical gardens or collectors.<ref name=irisbotanique/>

It is [[Hardiness (plants)|hardy]] in [[Ashgabat]] and [[Tashkent]] in Russia.<ref name=onego/> It is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures.<ref name=irisbotanique/>

Like others in the ''Series Tenuifoliae'', it prefers sandy well drained soils.<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=atlas/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=rare/>

It prefers positions in full sun.<ref name=rare/> It prefers to be kept dry during the winter, needing the protection of [[bulb frame]]s (in the UK).<ref name=cassidy/>

[[Aphid]] ''[[Dysaphis tulipae]]'' can be found on the plant.<ref>R. L. Blackman, Victor F. Eastop {{Google books|UZqkLr9m4GUC|Aphids on the World's Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs|page=553}}</ref>

===Propagation===
It can be propagated by [[Division (horticulture)|division]] or by seed growing. But the seeds need to be [[Scarification (botany)|scarified]] and the seedlings need a constant temperature of 25C°.<ref name=irisbotanique/>

==Uses==
In China, it is forbidden to export plants or seeds. The reason is not known, but may be due to the medicinal usage of the plants.<ref name=irisbotanique/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.plantarium.ru/page/view/item/20770.html Russian webpage with many photos of Iris loczyi]

===Other sources===
*Khassanov, F. O. & N. Rakhimova. 2012. Taxonomic revision of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae Juss.) for the flora of Central Asia. Stapfia 97:175.
*Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 122–123.
*Rechinger, K. H., ed. 1963–. Flora iranica.
*Waddick, J. W. & Zhao Yu-tang. 1992. Iris of China.
*Wu Zheng-yi & P. H. Raven et al., eds. 1994–. Flora of China (English edition).

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Iris loczyi}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Iris loczyi}}

[[Category:Iris (plant)|loczyi]]
[[Category:Flora of Central Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of China]]
[[Category:Flora of Iran]]
[[Category:Flora of Mongolia]]
[[Category:Flora of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Flora of Tibet]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1891]]

[[Category:Flora of Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Flora of Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Flora of Kyrgyzstan]]
[[Category:Flora of Tajikistan]]