Film bud Iris

Description

Iris scariosa is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the mountainsides of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. It has sword-like, or sickle shaped, blue green or grey-green leaves, a short flowering stem, 3 or 4 membranous or semi-transparent flower bud leaves, 2 violet, reddish violet, lilac, blue-purple, or blue flowers in late spring, with yellow or white beards. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It was merged with another similar iris in the region, and Iris glaucescens became a synonym of Iris scariosa, before being divided into two separate species again. Although some sources still call it the main species, despite a slight colour difference. It is similar in form to Iris pumila. It has a yellow-white, thick, fleshy rhizome, that is between 1.2–2.2 cm (0–1 in) in diameter. Under the rhizome are secondary stolon-like roots. On top of the rhizome, are the yellow-white, fibrous remains of last seasons leaves. The creeping habit of the ground covering rhizomes, makes small tufts of plants. It has ensiform (sword-shaped), sub-lanceolate, or falcate (sickle-shaped), blue-grey, or grey-green leaves. They can grow up to between 10–18 cm (4–7 in) long, and between 1 and 1.8 cm wide. They are generally longer than the flowering stem. It has a flowering stem or peduncle, that can grow up to between 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall. It is normally 15 cm (6 in) tall. The stems are leafless. The stem has 3 or 4, thin, lanceolate, spathes (leaves of the flower bud), they are (scarious) membranous, and semi-transparent. They are 4–6 cm (2–2 in) long, and 1.5–2 cm wide. They have a reddish purple, or lilac margins. It has a brown-purple, short perianth tube, which is about 1.5–4 cm long, and slightly flared upward. It also has short pedicels (flower stalks). The stems hold 2, terminal (top of stem) flowers, blooming in mid to late spring, between April to May, or May, or May to June. The unscented, flowers are 3.5–5.5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, come in shades of violet, reddish violet, lilac, blue-purple, or blue. Some sources also refer to rarely, near white or yellow shaded flowers, but these may, however only refer to Iris glaucescens.