Iris lactea lactea

Description

Iris lactea(Synonyms: Iris graeberiana) is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Limniris. and the series Ensatae, it is the only species in the series. The Japanese water iris, Iris ensata, is actually in series Laevigatae. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from central Asia, with pale blue or violet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. Iris lactea has a thick creeping rhizome, that is covered in reddish purple fibres. It grows to a height of between, 3–50 cm (1–18 in), with a 10–30 cm (4–12 in) flowering stem. It has 2–4 flowers per stem, blooming between April and June, or May and August in the UK. The violet scented flowers, can last for 2–3 weeks, and measure about 5–7.5 cm in diameter. It has lanceolate (lance-shaped), green spathes, measuring 4.5–10 x 0.8–1.6 cm. The flowers come in a range of shades from pale blue to violet, white or yellow. It has dark standards, delicate white falls, which are striated with blue, red-purple or violet. It has flower stalks (pedicel) measure about 4–7 cm long, with a very short perianth tube (3 mm), 2.5–3.2 cm stamens and yellow anthers. The leaves are linear, mostly ribbed, greyish green, rising from the base of the plant. They are between 14–70 cm long and between 3–7 mm wide. It fruits (makes seeds) between June and September (after flowering), the seed capsule is narrow and cylindrical in shape, with 6 ribs running along the side of the capsule, which ends in a beak-like point. The capsule measures 6.5–7.5 × 1–1.4 cm. The fruiting stems are unequal, ranging from 4–10 cm. Inside the capsule, are maroon-brown seeds which are pyriform (pear shaped). Iris lactea comes from wide range of areas. It is native to temperate and tropical regions of Asia. It is commonly known in the UK as the 'white flowered iris' or in the US as 'milky iris'. It is known as 'nomajiris', in Sweden. In Ladakhi of Tibet, it is known as 'Tesmamentok', meaning pale purple flower. The Latin specific epithet Lactea means milky color, hence the common name 'milky iris'. In China, it is written as in Chinese script and known as 'bai hua ma lin' in Pidgin in China. It also known as Ma Lin or Malan flower. It was first published and described by Pallas in 'Reise Russ. Reich' (Reise durch Verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs – translated as 'Travel through various provinces of the Russian Empire') in 1776.