Iris and some Irids 2009

[Regelian]

Rafa,

very striking flower.  Quite a bit duskier than I. stolonifera.  Did you raise this from seed or aquire it as a plant?  I'm currently trying to collect various regelias but have never seen this species available.  I've found them to be quite strong growers, but the seed is a bit trickier to germinate than the Oncos.

[David Nicholson]

What a great plant, and what a great pic too.

[Rafa]

thank you!

I have this clone fom Archibalds, and it produces seeds so I will send you some. I think it is an easy species to germinate with forced germination, due the big size of the seeds.

[Lesley Cox]

I'm trying to remember all the things I've forgotten about iris structure but I think Joakim may be right Maggi in that the side flower in albicans is the normal "extra" that just about every iris produces after the main bud. Even oncos and junos do it (not sure about retics). The branching on the germanica v. florentina is quite definitely a side branch from the main stem, with its own ration of main and side flowers. Someone will shoot me down about this, and that's fine. I'd rather know the true story. 

Now I think about it, the extra or second bud usually comes from the same spathe (bract) as the original, so your question re the picture above remains valid.

[Rafa]

I think Iris albicans has been collected very few times from type locality in Yemen, and on the other hand Iris florentina has been in Europe since Middle Age, so most probabily all that we saw in Peninsula Iberica, Portugal and Spain is that species.

I received a plant from a friend in Portugal very close to Iris albicans as it has't branched flowers (at beginning) but as it grow the flowers the branch started to be mor separated from the stem, but not so large than in Iris florentina.

I would like to living material to appreciate the differences.

[Regelian]

Rafa,

I had heard that the 'true' I. albicans is probably an ancient hybrid and is actually a triploid, being almost sterile. It's wide distribution is attributed to Muslim tradition of planting it on graves. (Lesley, had you heard this story as well?) I ordered a piece from Paul Christian, which will hopefully bloom this year.  It does display enormous (hybrid?) vigour.  I will try to do a chromosome count on the plant I have and then compare inflorescences with fotos.  Certainly a plant with a fascinating history.  I was hoping to try using it in my aril breeding, but I'm told the chances are poor.  All the more reason to give it a try.  I'll have to keep my eyes open for a florentina and cross check the chromosomes.

I'm using quite a bit of seed from Archibalds this year for forced germination.  Still too early to be sure if I've been successful, as I have had quite a few soft seeds from I. hoogiana.  Might be my technique.  The other species are starting to sprout, but I don't count the chickens while still in the shell!  Let me know when seed may be ripe from lineata.  I've been advised to plant it 'green', to get around germination inhibitors.

[Lesley Cox]

Yes Jamie, I've heard this story and a very nice story it is. I guess it's true enough as well.

While on the subject of seed sowing, I have some very fresh seed of Iris barbatula from my own plant, if anyone would like to try it. If so, PM me privately. It flowers early summer.

[Rafa]

oh! beautiful species!!

My friend Jim Kee has sent me twice this species and I lost it twice!! . It is very rare because other species I grow from same section are almost impossible to kill due bad cares...

Here two species, I don't know the names. I received first one as Iris suaveolens f. yellow, but I think it is somthing similar to I. reichenbachii? comes from Greek Macedonia. The second one is an species that Gerdhard Raschun gave me (thanks again  ) also Balcan Macedonian plant relative to I. reichenbachii.

[Gerhard Raschun]

My shown I. albicans should be right.It is the clone from PC, collected AH 9170.

In my opinion the the bud is on the main stem.

Sorry, I can`t show a pict of I. florentina, my plant ( from the historical collection of the bot. garden Vienna) doesn`t grow well here outside in zone 6b.Iris x germanica `Madonna` and I. x germanica `Macedonia` too. I should put them inside in winter under glass.

Here also some picts of introduced plants on Teneriffa, taken this year in the botanical garden Porto della Cruz and the second pict near Mercedes.The last pict shows branches !!!

Rafa: You are welcome, I have noticed your wishes, you `ll get division of AH9170 and an other clone.

[Gerhard Raschun]

Dear Rafa,

the I. reichenbachii is from Macedonia.I`m surprised about the colouration.In my garden it shows every year more brown colouration on the falls.My plants still rest in the garden, yesterday we have had a snowstorm.

[Maggi Young]

My shown I. albicans should be right.It is the clone from PC, collected AH 9170.

In my opinion the the bud is on the main stem.

Ah! Now I see what is meant.... yes, I see now that the bud on Gerhards pic is a secondary bud on the main stem rather than on a "branch" ....... I was confused before, now I see the light! Thank you

[Rafa]

Thank you Gerdhard,

Really different coloration in my garden. I put it in silice soil, could it be the reason? which type of soil do you use?
It is very beautiful plant with this orange/yellow beard!

[Joakim B]

I just read a Portuguese magazine that told the same story of I albicans being spread by the moors (Arabs) to have on the grave yards.
The ones I have seen seams to vary in size a bit. Maybe due to the water it receives or not?
It was stated that it smells very good and I agree that the ones that is commonly grow smell very good and more than most iris cultivars.
I have not had time to dig up the photo but will do it soon to see that compared to my own  to determine what is generally grown in the Iberian peninsula.

Kind regards
Joakim

[BULBISSIME]

Rafa, Your Iris lineata is another stunning species.
One more never seen before, and very well captured.
I'm very surprised by the difference of flowering time between your are and mine !!
I know you're living in the south, but I remember some recent pictures under the snow,....
Is it hot now ?
Here, even in the south of France, we are about 1/2 weeks late / last year.

[Rafa]

Fred, I live central Spain, Guadarrama Mt. range. It is very cold but also very hot, and generaly dry. It could snow even in May!