Iris tigridia
- For the tiger iris, see Tigridia pavonia.
Template:Italic titleTemplate:Taxobox Iris tigridia is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Iris and in the Pseudoregelia section. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia and China. It has dark green or greyish green, grass-like leaves, a short slender stem and a single (or rarely 2) flowers that are either violet, dark blue, blue-purple, dark purple, mauve, lilac, lavender, or light purple. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
Contents
Description
It has small compact rhizomes.<ref name=british>British Iris Society (1997) Template:Google books</ref><ref name=efloras>Template:Cite web</ref> Which are brown,<ref name=irisbotanique>Template:Cite web</ref> yellow or white, fibrous.<ref name=csdb>Template:Cite web</ref> Underneath the rhizome are numerous fleshy, secondary roots,<ref name=british/> which are between 3 – 4 mm wide.<ref name=csdb/> On top of the rhizome are the dense, brown,<ref name=lesnoj>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=icc>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=onego>Template:Cite web</ref> or dark brown,<ref name=gasu>Template:Cite web</ref> fibrous remains of last seasons leaves.<ref name=handbook>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=red>Template:Cite web</ref> It creates small tufted plants.<ref name=icc/><ref name=red/>
It has dark green,<ref name=csdb/> or greyish green leaves,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=red/> that can grow up to between Template:Convert long, and between 1.5 and 6 mm wide.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=gasu/><ref name=European>James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) Template:Google books</ref> At the time of flowering, they are Template:Convert long,<ref name=british/> and between 1.5 and 2 mm wide.<ref name=csdb/> They then elongate to the final height of up to 30 cm tall.<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=csdb/> They are grass-like, they can be erect and linear,<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/> or slightly curved.<ref name=icc/><ref name=gasu/> They do not have a midvein,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> but have an acuminate apex (pointed) tip.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/><ref name=icc/> This form separates them from Iris potaninii.<ref name=handbook/> In mild temperate areas, they are evergreen (lasting through the winter).<ref name=onego/>
It has a slender stem,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> that can grow up to between Template:Convert tall.<ref name=signa>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=cassidy>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=pacific>Template:Cite web</ref> Sometimes, the stem seems to only just appear above ground.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/>
The stem has 2,<ref name=gasu/> yellow-green, (scarious) membranous, spathes (leaves of the flower bud).<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/> They are lanceolate and between Template:Convert long,<ref name=icc/> with a pointed tip.<ref name=csdb/>
The stems hold 1, (or rarely 2,<ref name=European/>) terminal (top of stem) flowers, blooming between April and May,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=handbook/> normally in May.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/>
The flowers are Template:Convert in diameter,<ref name=british/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=csdb/> come in shades of violet,<ref name=british/><ref name=irisbotanique/> dark blue,<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=European/><ref name=aril>Template:Cite web</ref> blue-purple,<ref name=onego/><ref name=gasu/><ref name=handbook/> dark purple,<ref name=red/> mauve,<ref name=american/><ref name=stebbings>Template:Cite book</ref> lilac,<ref name=american/><ref name=European/> lavender,<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=signa/><ref name=aril/> or light purple.<ref name=efloras/> The flowers have darker spots, veining or mottling.<ref name=gasu/><ref name=red/><ref name=European/>
Like other irises, 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>Template:Cite book</ref> The falls are obovate, and Template:Convert long,<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=icc/> and 1-1.5 cm wide.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> It has in the centre of the petal, is a white patch,<ref name=European/> and a beard,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=onego/><ref name=gasu/> with blue-white,<ref name=british/> or white hairs,<ref name=aril/> tipped with yellow,<ref name=american/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=European/> or yellow hairs.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> The erect,<ref name=british/> or tilting outwards,<ref name=csdb/> standards are oblanceolate,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> and Template:Convert long and 0.4-0.7 cm wide.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> They are darker shade than the falls.<ref name=british/>
It has a 5 mm long pedicel,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> and 2 cm long perianth tube,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=handbook/> that widens out at the top.<ref name=british/><ref name=csdb/>
It has 2.3-2.5 cm long styles,<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> that have triangular crests.<ref name=british/><ref name=csdb/> It has blue pollen,<ref name=british/> and a long, green ovary, that is up to 1.2 cm long.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> It has 1.5 cm long stamens.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/>
After the iris has flowered, between June and July,<ref name=onego/> or up to August,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> it produces an ovoid,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> or fusiform (spindle shaped),<ref name=onego/><ref name=red/> seed capsule. That is between Template:Convert long,<ref name=british/><ref name=csdb/><ref name=icc/> and 1.5–2 cm in diameter.<ref name=csdb/> It has a beak like top, attached to the remains of the perianth tube.<ref name=british/><ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> Inside the capsule are roundish,<ref name=british/> or pear shaped (pyriform), seeds.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/> They have a creamy,<ref name=british/> or yellowish white aril (appendage).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=csdb/>
Biochemistry
In 2003, a study was carried out on the chromosome sequencing of various Irises from the Siberian region of central Asia. They sequenced the rbcL gene from some Siberian Iris species belonging to different subgenera including, Iris halophila, Iris ludwigii, Iris uniflora, Iris pseudacorus and Iris laevigata. Their results supported Brian Mathew’s classification from 1989. That Iris bloudowii, Iris humilis, Iris ivanovae, Iris tigridia, and Iris glaucescens form a cluster.<ref name=phlogenetic>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2011, a chromosome and karyotype analysis study was carried out on the rhizomes of Iris tigridia. It found that the chromosome number of Iris tigridia was 2n=18.<ref name=casb>Template:Cite journal</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/> It has been counted several times. Including by Doronkin in 1984.<ref name=american/> It has been counted as 2n=18,<ref name=casb/> 20,<ref name=american/><ref name=pacific/> 22,<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=signa/><ref name=pacific/> 24,<ref name=american/><ref name=pacific/> 28,<ref name=pacific/> 32,<ref name=pacific/> 34,<ref name=american/> 38,<ref name=british/><ref name=pacific/> and 40.<ref name=american/><ref name=pacific/>
Taxonomy
It is written as 粗根鸢尾 in Chinese script and known as cu gen yuan wei in Pidgin.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=grin>Template:Cite web</ref>
It is also commonly known as 'thick-root iris' in China.<ref name=grin/> or 'coarse roots iris'.<ref name=csdb/> In Russia, it is commonly known as 'tiger Iris'.<ref name=csdb/><ref name=oopt>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=innature>Template:Cite web</ref>
It is known as 'Bartsooxor tsaxildag' in Mongolian.<ref name=Palatability>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Latin specific epithet tigridia refers to 'tigris' or tiger-like. This refers to the colour marking of the perianth,<ref>D. Gledhill Template:Google books</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> or the rather motley coloured flower of the iris.<ref name=gasu/>
It was first published and described (written in Latin) by Carl Friedrich von Ledebour and Alexander Andrejewitsch von Bunge in 'Flora Altaica' Vol.1 on page 60 in 1829.<ref>Carl Friedrich von Ledebour, Karl Anton Meyer and Alexander von Bunge Template:Google books</ref><ref name=ipni>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=kew>Template:Cite web</ref>
It was then published by Ledebour in 'Icones Plantarum novarum vel imperfecte cognitarum Floram rossicam' (Icon. Pl. Fl. Ross.) tab. 342. in 1830 (or 1833,<ref name=csdb/>) with a colour illustration,<ref name=american/> then by Maxim in the 'Bulletin of the Academy of Sciences St Petersburg' (Bull. Acad. Sci. St. Petersb.) Vol.26 on page530 in 1880 and by C.H. Wright in the 'Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany' (Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot.) Vol.36 on page 85 in 1903.
It was once placed with Iris potaninii and Iris pumila in the Pogoniris group,<ref name=handbook/> before being re-classified as in the Pseudoregelia section.
It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 19 May 1999, then updated on 1 December 2004.<ref name=grin/>
It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life.<ref name=eol>Template:Cite web</ref>
Iris tigridia is an accepted name by the RHS, it was last listed in the RHS Plant Finder in 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Distribution and habitat
It is native to temperate Asia.<ref name=aril/><ref name=grin/><ref name=eol/>
It is endemic to the north-east Asia,<ref name=red/> from the Altai mountain range and Siberia to Manchuria in China.<ref name=handbook/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=kew/>
Range
It is found in Russia,<ref name=csdb/><ref name=signa/><ref name=pacific/> within the Russian states of Aga-Buryat, Buryatia,<ref name=onego/> Chita,<ref name=onego/> Chukchi, Gorno-Altay, Irkutsk, Magadan, Tuva,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=onego/><ref name=red/> and Yakutia (Sakha).<ref name=grin/> Including the Altai mountains,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=ipni/><ref>M.S. Mani Template:Google books</ref> Altai Republic,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=red/> and Trans-Baikal region.<ref name=onego/>
Within middle Asia, it is found in Mongolia,<ref name=csdb/><ref name=stebbings/><ref>P.D. Gunin, Elizabeth A. Vostokova, Nadezhda I. Dorofeyuk, Pavel E. Tarasov, Clanton C. Black (Editors) Template:Google books</ref>(in the territories of Khubsugul, Khentei, Khangai, Mongol-Daurian and Middle Khalkha,<ref name=icc/>) and in Kazakhstan.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=grin/>
It is also found in China,<ref name=onego/><ref name=signa/><ref name=pacific/> within the provinces of Gansu, Heilongjiang,<ref name=csdb/> Jilin,<ref name=csdb/> Liaoning,<ref name=csdb/> Nei Monggol,<ref name=csdb/> Qinghai, Shanxi,<ref name=csdb/> and Sichuan.<ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=grin/><ref name=eol/>
It is listed with Iris bloudowii, Iris glaucescens, Iris ruthenica, Iris sibirica, Iris tenuifolia and Iris psammocola (another Pseudoregelia Iris) as being found in the Altai-Sayan region (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Habitat
It grows in (rocky or gravelly) screes,<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=onego/><ref name=greif>Template:Cite web</ref> on the dry hillsides (or slopes),<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=icc/><ref name=red/> in dunes,<ref name=eol/> in sandy meadows or grasslands,<ref name=csdb/><ref name=gasu/><ref name=eol/> in steppes,<ref name=icc/><ref name=onego/><ref name=greif/> and beside forest margins.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=irisbotanique/>
They can be found at an altitude of Template:Convert above sea level.<ref name=onego/><ref name=red/>
Conservation
It is listed as 'rare' in Russia,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> only single specimens are found.<ref name=onego/> It is also rare in Mongolia.<ref name=icc/>
It is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation,<ref name=red/><ref name=oopt/> the Data Book of the Altai Republic,<ref name=oopt/> (or Territory),<ref name=lesnoj/><ref name=red/> of USSR,<ref name=red/><ref name=oopt/> of the Tuva Republic,<ref name=red/><ref name=oopt/> and the Republic of Khakassia,<ref name=red/><ref name=oopt/> and of Kazakhstan.<ref name=innature/>
It is found in Dauria and Sokhondinsky State Biosphere Reserve (in Chita).<ref name=oopt/>
Cultivation
It is hardy to Zone H3 in Europe.<ref name=European/> Meaning that it is hardy to -10 to -15oC (14 to 5oF).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In non-hardy areas, it can be grown in an alpine house or bulb frame.<ref name=cassidy/> Due to the fact that the plant needs to be protected from winter moisture.<ref name=onego/>
It has been tested for hardiness in Russia, in the botanical gardens of Barnaul (The South-Siberian Botanical Garden), Novosibirsk (Central Siberian Botanical Garden), Chita (Trans-Baikal Botanical Garden) and Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden. Only in St. Petersburg, it was found to be not hardy.<ref name=onego/>
It can be grown in well drained soils, in a sunny position.<ref name=onego/><ref name=cassidy/>
It can be grown in a rock garden.<ref name=onego/><ref name=handbook/>
It is thought best planted between August and September.<ref name=handbook/>
Propagation
It can be propagated by division or by seed growing. It can only be divided, when the plant makes new side-shoots.<ref name=lesnoj/>
Hybrids and Cultivars
Several cultivars have been introduced including;
- ‘Violet Peafowl’ (purple)
- ‘Starry Diamond’ (violet blue)
- ‘Rainbow in May’ (purple-pink)
- ‘Bright Vitas’ (blue).
All 4 cultivars are between 12 cm to 14 cm tall, flower between April and May, are hardy, drought tolerant and salt tolerant.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 'Medianite' (a lilac and pink form, but lost in cultivation)<ref name=american/>
Iris tigridia var. fortis (Y. T. Zhao) is listed as a variant from (Jilin, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi) in China. It grows Template:Convert tall, with violet flowers.<ref name=signa/><ref name=pacific/>
Toxicity
Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also handling the plant may cause a skin irritation or an allergic reaction.<ref>David G Spoerke and Susan C. SmolinskeTemplate:Google books</ref>
Uses
It is used in gardens, also in herbal medicines,<ref name=icc/> and as a fodder plant for farm animals.<ref name=icc/><ref name=Palatability/>
It has been eaten by cattle and horses, at most times of the year. It is also consumed by goats but it is thought to be an undesirable food source.<ref name=Palatability/>
References
Other sources
- Fedtsch, B. 1935 Kom Fl URSS 4, 549.
- Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR).
- Fu, Y. C. et al. 1977–. Flora intramongolica.
- Lineam, Kitagawa 1939 Fl Mansh 149.
- Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR.
- Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 68.
- 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).
- Liu Ying, Liu 1936 Chinese Journal of Botany Vol.3 Issue 2 page 947
