Re: introduction
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Re: introduction
- From: C*@aol.com
- Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 10:17:41 -0400
In a message dated 96-08-26 23:00:47 EDT, you write:
>In May 1992 I purchased 2 rhizomes of Iris pallida 'Oris Root' (that is
>how it
>was labeled) at a Huntington Botanical Gardens plant sale. This is one of
>my
>favorites. It grows in a tub outside my bedroom window.
First, welcome...glad to have you on board.
One comment on your message: The form of Iris pallida most commonly grown in
the US is quite lovely and fragrant. Although the Italians now use I.
pallida for making orris root, the original iris used for this purpose was
Iris florentina. And in my using both for making orris root, that from I.
florentina has the heaviest and longest lasting scent. Am sure you know that
orris root is used primarily as a "fixative"...but the "real" stuff from I.
florentina has the heavy scent of sweet violets.
Why is I. pallida used by the Italians instead of I. florentina? I suspect
it may be related to the fact that Iris pallida is a true species which will
set seed, thus being capable of being grown both from division and from
seeds....whereas I. florentina is really a sterile hybrid...and sets no seed.
You can see that as a commercial undertaking, I. pallida would bring the most
economic benefit...but, I fear, quality has been sacrificed for quantity.
Clarence Mahan in VA
