Re: identification
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Re: identification
- From: m*@tricities.net (Mike Lowe)
- Date: Sat, 21 Sep 1996 07:51:39 -0500
Carolyn asks...
>Mike, what would that purple color where the leaves join the rhizome indicate?
Gunnar's photo on the cork board matches closely an iris that was very
popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s but has totally vanished. (At
least as a *named* variety) IF Gunnar's unknown has purple color on the
leaf bases -- it would put the final piece in the puzzle and let me give a
tentative identification of the iris. (80% certainty?!)
>Is Gunnar to look ofr a STAIN, which might be drips or something from the
>bloom, or is it a definite color in the leaf?
Some iris plants exhibit a purple color (wash, stain?) on the bottom 1 to 3
inches of the leaf fan. This color is often most apparent in the spring
after growth resumes and fades out after bloom. On other varieties the
color persists and can be seen throughout the growing season. The color is
produced by a sap pigment and may have adaptive value as a natural
fungicide or bactericide. The color intensity varies from a faint purple
stain all the way to a dark wine coloration. (another whole subject and
could be a super research project that could be done with kitchen table
chemistry! Any takers? Although small, AIS does dispense Research Grants)