Re: classifications
- Subject: Re: [sibrob] classifications
- From: J*@aol.com
- Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 08:59:08 EST
Sergey, In the iris societies around the world, the bearded irises are the
most popular. Their AIS class definitions (TB, BB, SDB, MTB, IB, MDB)) are
the least tied to taxonomy (taxonomic classifications) of all of the classes.
For instance I. pallida and I. variegata genes are found in both the MTB and
the TB classes and by extension in the BB, SDB and IB classes. I. pumila is
found in MDB, SDB and IB classes. Other species are spread throughout the
bearded classes. The criteria for defining these bearded classes is height
of stalk, size of bloom, and bloom season. Aril classes are also of mixed
heritage. Their classes and awards have minimum aril content as the
underlying requirement for inclusion. Given this fluid system it is
reasonable that another class (SPEC) be created that focuses on species
characteristics how ever they are interpreted. There are people who wanted
these characteristics to be encouraged and they brought their concerns to AIS
which gave them the authority to do something about it. They chose to
include all species in the SPEC class including those which might also be
covered by other classes, but where they were unlikely to be recognized.
I don't mean to be in the position of defending the AIS system - I didn't
design it and it is probably not the system I would have chosen if anyone
asked me. I can see your point and have some sympathy with your desires, but
this is the system that we have. Like any system it has strengths and
weaknesses. It was created to recognize and reward hybridizing and its
beautiful products, not to buttress taxonomy which has its own purposes,
logic, and problems (ensata, Ensatae - need I say more??). While there are
scientists among us, we're mostly iris lovers getting together to talk about
our loves and show them off. Marty
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