Iris illyrica
| Iris illyrica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Illyrian Iris (Iris illyrica) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Species: | I. illyrica |
| Binomial name | |
| Iris illyrica Tomm. | |
The Illyrian Iris (Iris illyrica) is a perennial plant from the iris family (Iridaceae), that grows up to 40 cm in height. According to the IOPI (International Organization for Plant Information) the status of this plant is still unresolved; it is often treated as a subspecies of the Dalmatian Iris (I. pallida).[1] It has been now classified as a synonym of 'Iris pallida subsp. illyrica' (Tomm. ex Vis.) K.Richt. [2]
Its flowering period is May and June. Its best planting position is in full sun. The soil requirements are dry or average moist, fertile well drained soil. It is suitable in border and rock gardens. This plant produces seeds rarely. It produces usually ten seeds that ripen out in autumn.
Its native range consists of much of the ancient region Illyria, for which it is named, and includes modern Dalmatia (Croatia), Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and parts of Serbia and Macedonia, where it can be found growing wild.
The Illyrians (and later the Romans) considered Iris illyrica to have medicinal properties. These included the healing of boils and relief of headaches. The plant was also believed able to induce abortion. Parts were used in the ancient world as an anti-perspirant and for the manufacture of perfumes.[3]
References
- ↑ Irises: a gardener's encyclopedia by Claire Austin, page 133
- ↑ "Iris pallida subsp. illyrica (Tomm. ex Vis.) K.Richt". theplantlist.org. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ Wilkes, J. The Illyrians. Cambridge: Blackwell, 1992. 221.
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