Re: I croatica

---

While it is certaibly true that Iris croatica belongs to a complex of species that have been relegated to Iris germanica, it is not at all bad form to use the name Iris croatica. Iris germanica and its allies have been very poorly studied. Brian along with many western Botanist tend to be lumpers. But the splitters have separated out a number of species. Iris germanica should be a bit of an embarassment for any Iris taxonomist since although it is the type for the genus, and yet it has been very very poorly defined and studied. What is called germanica in the USA is a clone that is practically sterile and triploid. It has been studied enough to believe it is a natural hybrid but the parents have never been figured out. Iris croatica on the other hand blooms later and is quite fertile. It is sad how much we really do not understand. I do not think Brian or anyone else at this time would insist on croatica as only a synonym, even if it is convenient to lump it with germanica.

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Nicholson" <d.avensis@virgin.net>
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 8:03:14 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [iris-species] I croatica