Re: Re: BULB: Bulbous Iris Fanciers?

In a message dated 5/15/2006 11:55:45 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
jeffwiris@yahoo.com writes:

Danfordiae lasted 4-5 years here, but eventually died
out. I  understand it is notorious for this kind of  behavior.



William R. Killens, writing in the BIS *Iris* species book, says, "the  bulbs 
have the annoying habit of breaking up into small rice-grain-sized  bulblets 
after the first season. It is suggested that deep planting may help to  
overcome this tendency." He further conveys that the clone in the Dutch bulb  trade 
is larger than the wild forms, and is a sterile triploid. Mathew says some  of 
the wild ones are fragrant.
 
Mrs. Danford, who was English, was married to a diplomat and was  herself 
much interested in birds. She collected plants in several trips to  Turkey ca. 
1875, and sent them to Baker at Kew who named this little Iris  for her. It 
later was collected again and given another scientific name, but  Foster opined 
that it was the same plant, saying Baker in describing the  species must have 
omitted describing the bulb coats that distinguished  the first because they had 
been removed from the specimens he received  from Mrs. Danford. She was also 
very interested in crocuses.
 
I like stories like this. They sort of makes the whole picture more  human 
and vibrant to me.
 
Cordially,
 
Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA

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