Re: Iris setosa (and I. tridentata) et al.
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Iris setosa (and I. tridentata) et al.
- From: C*@aol.com
- Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 11:31:16 -0700 (MST)
In a message dated 97-01-19 11:20:09 EST, Ian Efford wrote
<< Doug Murray wrote " The most unusual is Iris setosa tridentata, and ice
age refugee from Louisiana which stay green all winter, goes dormant in
spring and blooms in July".
Has anyone any records of Iris tridentata from Louisiana? PLANTS gives
the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida as the only distribution of this
species. >>
The only two species in Series Tripetalae heretofore, I. setosa and I.
tridentata are quite similar in form. But the only forms of I. tridentata I
have seen are the clearest shade of blue purple (nearly blue) evidenced in a
species, although there is a form of I. laevigata that comes very close. My
experience with it indicates that it is fairly tender. I have lost it each
time in cold winters. I would think in Canada extraordinary care would have
to be given'...but don't let me discourage you because it is very beautiful.
Interestingly, Anne Blanco White has a most interesting article in the latest
British Iris Society Year Book, entitled: "Iris hookeri Returns to the
Species Lists". Have you seen it Ian? Based on Japanese research, the
chemical composition of the iris that Mathew et al have referred to as I.
setosa subspecies canadensis, is much different from other forms of I.
setosa. (Of course, its dwarf form makes it look much different!)
Based on the findings of Tsukasa Iwashima of Tsukuba Botanical Gardens and
Shunji Ootani of Tokyo University of Agriculture, it has been proposed to
restore specific status to this iris under the name I. hookerii, which had
been awarded by Penny in 1840. So it looks like there are now three species
in Series Tripetalae!
Cheers, Clarence in cold Virginia
