AR: Razan's black iris - my reply

I'm posting my reply to Razan.  While I am interested in aril irises,
I'm not an expert by any means. I don't wish to mislead or misdirect
him on what appears to be one of the lesser known or grown varieties,
so I'm hoping not to say anything which might be contradictory or
completely erroneous.  I find it extremely interesting that this native
species iris has found a caretaker and hope he is successful in his
efforts to grow it.

My reply in full:

>Razan,
>
>>Iris nigricans Dinsm<ore>
>>Black iris
>>
>I added the <ore> to your reference.  Would this be correct?  According to
>Fritz Kohlein's IRIS, the black form is very rare and very difficult to
>grow.
>But the description matches.  He also mentions I. petrana which he says
>strongly resembles I. nigricans, but is smaller.  This latter found near
>Petra in Jordan.  Is this the same as you have?  Again, according to
>Kohlein it is even more rarely cultivated than I. nigricans.  I wish you
>much luck in growing this species.  I am very interested in hearing about
>what means you are undertaking to grow, preserve and increase this iris.
>I also hope that some of the more knowledgeable aril experts who lurk
>on this list will chime in with their thoughts.  I'm wondering if at some
>point this iris has been reclassified into another group, but I don't have
>the means of checking it out.  In any case, it is fascinating to know
>that someone is undertaking the growing of this plant in an area where
>the chance of doing so successfully is much greater.  I am currently
>attempting to grow some pure arils, but at this early time my rate of
>success has only been limited.  Unfortunately the learning curve on
>successful cultivation probably will entail the sacrifice of some rhizomes
>until I can learn what is required.  Sad, but true.
>
>Donald Eaves
>donald@eastland.net
>Texas Zone 7, USA
>


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