Re: IR: Iris missouriensis?

In a message dated 96-08-30 19:52:30 EDT, you write:

>I see some references listing I. missouriensis as a Pacific Coast Iris and
is
>also reported to breed with Louisianas.  Is this a "missing link" in North
>American Iris.

Iris missouriensis belongs to Subgenus Limniris, Section Limniris, Series
Longipetalae.  Pacific Coast Natives belong to the same subgenus and Section,
but their Series is Californicae.  And Louisiana irises are all derived from
species in Series Hexagonae.

Wide crosses between Series between species in different Series are possible
and have been achieved, and even between different Sections and
Subgenera....as an example of the latter I mention the famous PALTEC, which
resulted from crossing the historic tall bearded iris "EDINA" with I.
tectorum (an Evansia).  Having said this, however, successful crosses of this
sort are, as I am sure you know, very rare.

I do not know personally of successful, verified crosses between I.
missouriensis with species in Series Californicae or Hexagonae.  I have heard
reports, but I learned long ago, as my most learned friend Elaine Hulbert
says, to take such reports cautiously...more often than not the pod parent
was not protected before or after attempted pollination, and the offspring
proves, upon trial, to be the result of self pollination.  Having said that,
such crosses might be possible.  But in this regard I am like St. Thomas.
(Were I only like him in other respects!)  

Clarence Mahan in VA, taking a break from digging.
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