Iris ser. Longipetalae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long-petaled irises |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Iris missouriensis | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Iris subg. Limniris |
| Section: | Iris sect. Limniris |
| Series: | Iris ser. Longipetalae |
| Species | |
Iris ser. Longipetalae is a special group of iris flowers. These beautiful plants belong to the larger Iris subgenus Limniris. They are known for their long petals.
Contents
Discovering Long-Petaled Irises
This group of irises was first officially named a 'series' in 1930 by a scientist named Diels. Later, in 1953, Lawrence added more details to this classification.
Early on, in 1924, William Rickatson Dykes wrote about four types of irises in this group. However, two of those types, Iris arizonica and Iris montana, are now considered the same as Iris missouriensis. This shows how plant classification can change as scientists learn more.
Different Views on Species
Even today, there's a bit of confusion about exactly how many species belong in this group. Different plant societies have different ideas.
- The British Iris Society thinks Iris longipetala is just a type of Iris missouriensis.
- The American Iris Society and Pacific Iris Society list three species. These are Iris longipetala, Iris missouriensis, and Iris pariensis.
- However, Plant List, a big online plant database, says Iris pariensis is also the same as Iris missouriensis. Iris pariensis was found in Utah in 1986.
This shows that scientists are still working to understand these plants fully.
Where These Irises Grow
The Iris ser. Longipetalae plants are native to western North America. You can find them growing naturally in states like Washington (state), Oregon, and California.
Growing Conditions
These irises have specific needs to grow well. They like to have plenty of moisture in the spring. After that, they prefer a dry period during the summer months.
They are also a bit tricky to grow in gardens or nurseries. This is because they do not like their roots to be disturbed. If you try to move them, they might not grow well. Because of this, you don't often see them grown in places like the UK.
Plant Features
These irises have some unique features:
- They have thick underground stems called rhizomes.
- After the flowers bloom, they produce fruiting stems. These stems stay on the plant for a long time, sometimes until the next growing season.
- Their stigma, which is part of the flower, has two small teeth or lobes.
- Their seed capsules have six ribs and taper to a point at each end.
Main Species in the Series
The two main species generally recognized in this group are:
- Iris longipetala Herbert
- Iris missouriensis Nuttall
 | Misty Copeland |
 | Raven Wilkinson |
 | Debra Austin |
 | Aesha Ash |
