Re: CULT: Query re terminology
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] CULT: Query re terminology
- From: J* a* C* W*
- Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 08:04:52 -0700
> From: Sandy Ives <rives@home.com>
> I have been using the terminology 'spike' for ten years, in lieu of the
> other two. Is this correct? If so, why? If not, why not?
Sandy,
A quick scan through my collection of published works on irises reveals
that in formal botanical descriptions (Dykes in "The Genus Iris" and
Waddick & Zhao in "Irises of China") the term 'stem' is employed to refer
to the structure in question. Most authors of works on garden cultivation
of irises use 'stalk', although Sydney Mitchell sticks with stem and Shear
uses both terms. The AIS Judges' Handbook favors 'stalk'. I could find no
supprt for the use of 'spike'. Webster's Dictionary defines 'spike' as "a
long flower cluster with flowers attached directly to the stalk", as in
gladioli. This is consistent with its derivation from the Latin 'spica',
meaning "an ear of grain".
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4/5, Sunset Zone 2, AHS Zone 7)
HIPS Commercial Source Chairman
jcwalters@bridgernet.com
> Sandy Ives in Ottawa (where the leaves have been shredded, packed into
> bags, and thrown on top of the LAs. I note there are no cultivars of
> LAs called 'Clippers'. You saw it here first.)
Are there any called 'Lakers'?
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