Iris subg. Scorpiris
Iris persica (Juno persica) in The Botanical Magazine
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Scorpiris
Type species
Iris persica

Iris subg. Scorpiris, commonly called Juno, is a subgenus of Iris, representing the smooth-bulbed bulbous irises. For a while it was an independent genus Juno Tratt. in some classifications.[1][2][3]

There are around 60 different species of Juno irises, making it the largest group of bulbous irises. They generally have thick fleshy storage roots (between a few and to several) under a fleshy-like bulb. Most are native to the Middle East and Central Asia (excluding China). There is a single Mediterranean species, Iris planifolia.[4][5]

All the species are dormant in summer and then grow leaves in mid-winter or early spring.[4]

Many of the bulbs produce scented flowers. Most bulbs are not frost hardy and are best grown in a bulb frame or alpine house.[6]

It consists of a single section, Scorpiris.

Section Scorpiris

Iris palaestina

Hybrids

Several Scorpiris have been crossed by breeders to produce various hybrids.[7] Including;

Between March and April, it has scented, bright sky-blue flowers with ruffled falls, with deeper blue edges. The deep yellow signals are covered with broken, purple lines. The standards are turquoise in colour. The broad style arms are long enough to cover half the falls. It grows to a height of 8 cm (3 in).[8]

Iris 'Warlsind' was created by a Dutch nurseryman called Thomas M. Hoog. It has standards that are pearl streaked with milk-blue. It also has bright yellow lozenges tipped with chocolate brown on its falls. It grows to a height of between 24 and 35 cm (10-14"). It is hardy in the US.[9]

References

  1. ^ Rodionenko, G.I. The genus Iris L.: (questions of morphology, biology evolution and systematics). London: British Iris Society, 1987, 222 p. ISBN 0-901483-30-3
  2. ^ Czerepanov, S. K. Sosudistye Rasteniia SSSR. Leningrad: Nauka, 1981, 509 p. (In Russian)
  3. ^ Cherepanov, S. K. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR). Cambridge University Press, 1995, 516 p. ISBN 0-521-45006-3
  4. ^ a b "Juno irises A-I". www.pacificbulbsociety.org. 30 March 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  5. ^ British Iris Society (1997)A Guide to Species Irises: Their Identification and Cultivation , p. 225, at Google Books
  6. ^ Cassidy, G.E.; Linnegar, S. (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. pp. 145–146. ISBN 0-88192-089-4.
  7. ^ Stebbings, Geoff (1997). The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises. Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p. 75. ISBN 0715305395.
  8. ^ Austin, Claire (2005). Irises: A Gardener's Encyclopedia. Timber Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0881927306. OL 8176432M.
  9. ^ "Pacific Rim Native Plant Nursery". www.hillkeep.ca. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 13 August 2014.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Juno.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Iris.
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