Iris decora Wall.
A rhizomatous, beardless iris with ribbed, linear leaves and branched or unbranched stems with 1-3 short-lived, slightly flattened, lavender-blue or purple fragrant flowers with an orange crest, in summer. To 30cm. [RHSE].
Horticultural & Botanical History
According to Johnson’s Dictionary Iris nepalensis was introduced to Britain from Nepal in 1823. The description accords with I. decora. This plant, under the name I. nepalensis D.Don, was figured in the Ornamental Flower Garden. [OFG f.256/1854].
‘This plant and Iris nepalensis Botan.Reg. v. 10. n. 818, are the only two species of Iris, which I have found in Nipal. They belong exclusively to that country, and are quite distinct from the European species. The plant described above is the rarest of the two, blossoming in the hot season; whereas the other kind, which is called by the natives Gulsojan and Gulila, produces its flowers in the cold weather, about February, and continues in flower until the end of April.’ [Wallich pl.86/1830].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.245/1845].
Notes
Published Nov 04, 2009 - 04:19 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 05:22 PM
Iris decora Wall. | Wallich pl.86/1830 | BHL
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Himalayas |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Nepal Iris |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Iris Nepalensis |
| Confidence level | medium |
