Iris tenuifolia
Template:Italic titleTemplate:Taxobox Iris tenuifolia is a beardless iris in the genus Iris, in the subgenus Limniris and in the Tenuifoliae series of the species. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from a wide region over central Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, (the former Soviet Union republics of); Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia and in China. It has long greyish-green leaves, short stem and pale violet, lilac, pale blue, or purple flowers.
Contents
Description
Iris tenuifolia is very similar in form to the Mediterranean Iris unguicularis. As they both have very small stems and the seed capsules are often hidden within the leaves of the plant.<ref name=dykesonirises/>
It has a dark brown, thin, short, knobbly, tough, wood-like rhizomes.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora>Template:Cite web</ref> Underneath, it has a network of fibrous roots.<ref name=swewe/> On top of the rhizome, at the base of the leaves, are the brown or red-brown, fibrous remains of the previous seasons leaves. Which act as sheaths, for the new leaves.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=European>James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey (Editors) Template:Google books</ref> The sheaths can be up to Template:Convert long.<ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/>
It can be either a single plant or can grow into thick clumps of plants.<ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=knigi/>
It has greyish-green, linear, twisted, leaves, that can grow between Template:Convert long and 1.5–2 mm wide.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=European/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=hort/><ref name=onego/> They do not have a mid-vein but paralled veins,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/> and are acuminate (ending in a point).<ref name=ussrflora/> They continue to grow after blooming, and can end up as a mass of twisted leaves.<ref name=hort/>
The leaves are longer than the flowering stems.<ref name=ussrflora/>
It has a very short flowering stem or scape, Template:Convert long.<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=European/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rainbow/><ref name=handbook>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=irisbotanique>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=pacific>Template:Cite web</ref> Although, sometimes the stems do not emerge above ground.<ref name=efloras/>
It has 2 to 4, pointed (acuminate), membranous, green, between Template:Convert long and 8–10 mm wide, spathes (leaves of the flower bud).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=European/>
The stems hold normally 1–3, terminal (top of stem) flowers,<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=European/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rainbow/> blooming in spring, between April and May,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=hort/><ref name=irisbotanique/> or late as earl June (in Russia).<ref name=onego/>
The scented flowers,<ref name=ussrflora/> are Template:Convert in diameter,<ref name=European/> and come in shades of pale violet,<ref name=efloras/><ref name=pacific/> lilac,<ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=rainbow/><ref name=pacific/> pale blue,<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rainbow/><ref name=irisbotanique/> or purple.<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rainbow/><ref name=irisbotanique/> 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 spatulate (spoon shaped) or obovate-lanceolate,<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/> Template:Convert long and Template:Convert wide.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=European/> They have a thin central yellow crest or mid-vein, dark veins (on a pale colour), and a band of papillose (or small hairs).<ref name=efloras/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=pacific/> The narrower, oblanceolate, erect standards are Template:Convert long and 5–9 mm wide.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/>
It has a long, slender thread-like, perianth tube, Template:Convert long.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=European/><ref name=onego/>
It has 3 single coloured, style branches, Template:Convert long and 4–5 mm wide.<ref name=efloras/> They attenuate (narrow slightly) and at the tips, are toothed.<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/>
It has a slender 3–4 mm long pedicel,<ref name=ussrflora/> Template:Convert long Stamens and a cylindric Template:Convert long and 2 mm wide, Ovary.<ref name=efloras/>
After the iris has flowered, between late July and early August (in Russia),<ref name=onego/> or between August and September (in China). It produces an ovoid or sub-globose, Template:Convert long and Template:Convert wide, seed capsule. It has short beak-like appendage on the top.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=hort/><ref name=onego/>
The seeds are oval (or turbinate – like a top) shaped, wrinkled and black-brown to brown.<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=onego/>
Often, the seed capsule is hidden by the long leaves.<ref name=dykesonirises/>
Biochemistry
In February 1997, a study was published in which 6 new flavanones, isolated from the rhizomes of Iris tenuifolia, using high resolution mass spectrometry.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2005, it was noted that the rhizomes of Iris tenuifolia are the source of the largest number of new 2’-O-substituted simple flavanones within a single species.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Between 2007 and 2011, a study was carried out on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Iris tenuifolia and Iris halophila. Using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The irises have been used in various tradition herbal remedy’s, such as traditional Mongolian herb medicine and Uighur herb medicine.<ref name=metapop>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2008, several chemical compounds were extracted from Iris tenuifolia. These included; 'izalpinin', 'alpinone', 'arborinone', 'irilin B', 'irisone A', 'irisone B', 'betavulgarin', 'beta-sitosterol' '5,7-dihydroxy-2', '6-dimethoxy-isoflavone' , 2',5-dihdroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy flavanone, 'irisoid A' and 'ethyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside'. Also 2 new compounds were found, tenuifodione and tenuifone. All found using spectroscopic methods.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2011, 2 flavans and a flavanone, were extracted from the rhizomes of Iris tenuifolia and then tested against stem cells.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2012, a genetic study was carried out on Iris laevigata and several of its closely related iris species, including Iris ensata, Iris setosa, Iris halophila, Iris scariosa, Iris potaninii, Iris tenuifolia, Iris bloudowii, and Iris sanguinea. <ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2014, the characteristics of phenotypic plasticity and ecological adaptation of Iris tenuifolia from various habitats in Xinjiang, China, were studied.<ref>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>Template:Cite web</ref> It has a chromosome count: 2n=14<ref name=efloras/><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Taxonomy
It is written as 细叶鸢尾 in Chinese script and known as xi ye yuan wei in Pinyin Chinese.<ref name=efloras>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=fabaceae>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=grin>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Latin specific epithet tenuifolia comes from the almagamtion of two Latin words tenuis meaning 'fine or thin' and folia mean leaf.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
It has the common names of Egeria Iris<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=pan>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=pan>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Note; 'Egeria' means water buffaloes or cows pulling (in China).<ref name=fabaceae/> Another common name is narrow leafed iris,<ref name=mongolmed>Template:Cite journal</ref> or fine leaved iris,<ref name=exhibition>Template:Cite web</ref> or slender-leaf iris,<ref name=grin/> or silk leaves Iris.<ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=pan/>
It was published and described by Peter Simon Pallas in Reise Russ. Reich. Vol.3 page714 in 1776.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
It was introduced to Russia in 1812, and was noted as growing in the front garden of Mr. A. Razumovsky near Moscow.<ref name=exhibition>Template:Cite web</ref>
It was later published with an illustration in The Gardeners' Chronicle 3rd. Series Vol.59 page196 on 8 April 1916.<ref name=america>Template:Cite web</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 a tentativily accepted name by the RHS.<ref name=rhs>Template:Cite web</ref>
Distribution and habitat
Iris tenuifolia is native to a wide region, of various temperate areas of Central Asia.<ref name=grin/><ref name=rhs/> Which extends from the Volga through Turkestan into Mongolia,<ref name=handbook/> and China.
Range
It is found in the western Asian countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=grin/>
In the middle Asian countries of (the former Soviet Union republics of); Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=hort/><ref name=onego/><ref name=pacific/><ref name=grin/> Also found in regions of Russia, including Agin-Buryat Okrug, Bashkortostan, Chelyabinsk, Chita and Siberia.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=hort/><ref name=onego/><ref name=irisbotanique/><ref name=pacific/><ref name=grin/>
It is listed with Iris bloudowii, Iris humilis, Iris ruthenica, Iris sibirica and Iris tigridia as being found in the Altai-Sayan region (where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
It is found within central China,<ref name=cassidy/><ref name=hort/><ref name=onego/><ref name=pacific/> in the provinces of Gansu, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Qinghai, (Shangdong<ref name=efloras/>), Shanxi, Xinjiang and Xizang.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=grin/>
One reference mentions Turkey.<ref name=swewe/> One reference mentions Iran.<ref name=hort/> Since most others do not mention these countries, they are not regarded as valid.
Habitat
It is grown in semi-desert, desert or mild mountainous areas.<ref name=rainbow/>
On sandy steppes, on dunes, beside sandy riverine grasslands or river banks, on dry coastal sand regions, on gravelly desert-like slopes and in the crevices of rocks.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=fabaceae/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=ussrflora/><ref name=knigi/><ref name=onego/><ref name=rainbow/>
It is also grown at altitudes of 1000 to 4200m above sea level.<ref name=efloras/><ref name=swewe/><ref name=knigi/><ref name=irisbotanique/>
In north east China, it is found growing on poor soils on open tree-less plains.<ref name=hort/>
Conservation
In 2003, it was listed as an endemic vascular species of the temperate steppe region of Inner Mongolia, China, along with Stipa grandis, Artemisia frigida, Festuca ovina, Thymus serpyllum, Caragana microphylla, Koeleria cristata and others.<ref name=forest>Jirí Kolbek, Miroslav Srutek and Elgene E. O. Box (Editor)Template:Google books</ref>
It is included in the IUCN 'Red Data Book' of the Chita Oblast of 2002, listed as 'rare'. It is now protected in Dauria and Khopyor reserves.<ref name=exhibition/>
Cultivation
Iris tenuifolia is rare in cultivation in the UK.<ref name=cassidy>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=blight>Samuel Hereman Template:Google books</ref> It is rare in cultivation in the US as well.<ref name=hort>Template:Cite web</ref>
They are more grown by specialised collectors or for scientific and research purposes.<ref name=swewe/><ref name=hort/>
It was sometimes used as annual plant and only planted during the summer (in the UK, in 1800s).<ref name=blight/>
It is hardy, if sited in a northern continental climate. Similar to Nebraska, North Dakota or South Dakota.<ref name=hort/> It is hardy in parts of Russia. It has been grown in Moscow, St Petersburg and Chita.<ref name=onego>Template:Cite web</ref>
It prefers sandy or sandy loam soils, similar to the desert habitat.<ref name=swewe/><ref name=cassidy/><ref name=rainbow>Template:Cite web</ref> It prefers alkaline soils.<ref name=knigi>Template:Cite web</ref>
They prefer positions in full sun.<ref name=knigi/>
It needs to be kept dry during winter, needing the protection of bulb frames (in the UK). It only needs water during the growing period.<ref name=cassidy/> The plant loses its foliage during the winter, as it is removed by the forces of wind, snow and other bad weather conditions. It then re-grows leaves, in April and May.<ref name=hort/>
It has high drought and heat tolerance (desert-like conditions).<ref name=knigi/><ref name=hort/><ref name=rainbow/>
Propagation
The seed of Iris tenuifolia is rarely used by western horticulturists, as the plants rarely flower.<ref name=hort/> William Rickatson Dykes notes that it made no satisfactory growth and never flowered.<ref name=dykesonirises>Template:Cite web</ref>
In other flowering regions, the seed can be harvested in autumn, washed, fresh or dried.<ref name=swewe/>
Hybrids and Cultivars
Due to its high drought and heat resistance, it could be useful in breeding purposes.<ref name=onego/><ref name=exhibition/>
Uses
In 2001, a study was carried to monitor the effects of the iris, within a herbal remedy for kidney protection was carried out.<ref name=mongolmed/>
The Iris genus has been used as a traditional folk medicine, used to treat a variety of diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections.<ref name=patent>Template:Cite web</ref> It was found that compounds isolated from Iris germanica have anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-malarial parasite and anti-TB and other positive effects.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The roots, seeds and flowers of the iris, are used as ingredients in herbal medicines. They have been used as tocolysis (also called anti-contraction medications or labor represents) and to treat fetal metrorrhagia.<ref name=swewe>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 24 December 2009, a patent was granted, for the extraction of Iris tenuifolia. Due to its chemical compounds being used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.<ref name=patent/>
References
Other sources
- Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR).
- Khassanov, F. O. & N. Rakhimova. 2012. Taxonomic revision of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae Juss.) for the flora of Central Asia. Stapfia 97:175.
- Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR.
- Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 123–124.
- Tutin, T. G. et al., eds. 1964–1980. Flora europaea.
- 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).
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