Iris hexagona
| Iris hexagona | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Subfamily: | Iridoideae |
| Tribe: | Irideae |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Subgenus: | Limniris |
| Series: | Series hexagonae |
| Species: | Iris hexagona |
| Binomial name | |
|
Iris hexagona Walter |
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| Synonyms | |
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Iris hexagona is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Limniris and in the Series hexagonae. It is a rhizomatous perennial.
It has the common name of Dixie Iris, (Dixie is a common name for the southeastern United States) and it also occasionally known as 'Carolina iris'. In Florida, it was known as the 'Prairie iris', but this due to a population of Iris hexagona var. savannarum which was later classified as a synonym of Iris savannarum. Most of the I. hexagona population in Florida was Iris savannarum.
The name 'hexagona', refers to the six angled seed head.
The Louisiana Irises and the name of the series of Hexagonae are derived from Iris hexagona, which was published (in Latin) and described by Walter in 'Flora Caroliniana' page 66 in April–June 1788.
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes. This can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. It has a chromosome count: 2n=44 (Riley, 1942) and 2n=44 (Snoad 1952).
Iris hexagona is a name accepted by the RHS.
It is listed as a native plant to be suitable use in landscaping in Georgia.
The rhizomes (thickened roots) of Iris hexagona contain poison. If eaten, it could cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and an elevated temperature. The roots, seeds and plant sap can also cause skin irritation if touched.
Research has also been carried out on the effects of saltwater on the Iris. Normally, saltwater getting into a wetland ecosystem can destroy or damage many native plant populations. Iris hexagona is a salt-sensitive species. The 2-year research found that saltwater affected the iris flowering times by several days, since Iris flowers are only receptive to pollinators for 2 days or less. This could have significant effects on iris colonies. It also means that the iris can be 'stressed' during episodic events (such as tropical storms).
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Wikipedia