Longtube iris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Longtube iris |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Iris
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| Species: |
tenuissima
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The Longtube Iris (scientific name: Iris tenuissima) is a beautiful type of iris flower. People often call it the longtube iris because of its unique shape. You can find this special plant growing only in California, especially in the northern parts. It's a common and lovely wildflower found in forests and woodlands there.
What Does the Longtube Iris Look Like?
The Longtube Iris is a plant that lives for many years. It grows from a special underground stem called a rhizome. This plant has thin, narrow leaves. It also grows a straight stem that holds two iris flowers.
The flowers are very special. They have a long, tube-like part at the bottom. This tube can be longer than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches)! After this long tube, the flower opens up. The petals, called tepals, can be white, purple, or reddish-brown. They often have pretty streaks of color.
Different Kinds of Longtube Iris
Scientists have found two main types, or subspecies, of the Longtube Iris:
- Iris tenuissima ssp. purdyiformis—This type likes to grow in a special kind of soil called serpentine soil.
- Iris tenuissima ssp. tenuissima
