Iris subg. Xiphium
Close-up image of Iris xiphium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Xiphium
(Miller) Spach
Species

See text

Subgenus Xiphium is a subgenus of Iris. If considered a separate genus from Iris, it is known as genus Xiphion.

The Latin specific epithet Xiphium refers to the Greek word for sword xiphos.[1]

All species in this subgenus are true bulbs, and are native to southwest Europe (southern Spain, Portugal and southern France) and northern Africa.[2]

Mainly known for the garden cultivars known as Dutch Iris, Spanish Iris and English Iris. They generally flower between early to mid-summer and each stem produces between 1 - 3 flowers. Most bulbs should be planted in late autumn, 10 cm deep and between 5–10 cm apart.[3]

Section Xiphium

Horticultural hybrids

References

  1. ^ Stearn, William (1972). A Gardenerer's Dictionary of Plant Names. London: Cassell. p. 334. ISBN 0304937215.
  2. ^ Joyce, David. The Garden Plant Selector.
  3. ^ Cassidy, G.E.; Linnegar, S. (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. pp. 144–145. ISBN 0-88192-089-4.
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