Family: Iridaceae
Author: Ker Gawl.
Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 28: t. 1123 (1808)
Year: 1808
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Iris
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. Romania, Siberia to Korea and E. Himalaya
Description
The Purple-bract iris, scientifically known as Iris ruthenica, is a captivating member of the Iridaceae family. This perennial plant boasts a rich history, having first been documented by Ker Gawl. in the Botanical Magazine in 1808, where it was detailed in volume 28, plate 1123.
This iris is predominantly found across a diverse geographical range, extending from Central Romania and stretching eastward across Siberia to Korea, and reaching the heights of the Eastern Himalayas. Such a widespread distribution indicates the plant’s remarkable adaptability to different climates and terrains.
Characterized by its striking purple bracts, the Purple-bract iris stands out in any garden or natural setting. These bracts, which are specialized leaves associated with the flower stalk, enhance the visual appeal of the blooms, making them particularly attractive to both gardening enthusiasts and botanists.
As a member of the Iridaceae family, Iris ruthenica shares many features with its relatives, including the sword-like foliage and the intricate structure of its flowers. Typically blooming in the late spring to early summer, this iris contributes a burst of color and elegance wherever it is planted.
In summary, the Purple-bract iris is a botanically significant and visually stunning species. Its extensive distribution from Romania to the Eastern Himalayas underscores its ecological versatility and beauty, making it a prized specimen among irises.
Common Names
Eng: purple-bract iris
Swe: ungersk iris
En: Purple-bract iris
Zh: Zi bao yuan wei, 紫苞鸢尾
Ko: 솔붓꽃
Fa: زنبق روسی
Ro: Stânjenel mic de munte
Sv: Ungersk iris
Synonyms
- Joniris ruthenica ((Ker Gawl.) Klatt)
- Limniris ruthenica ((Ker Gawl.) Fuss)
- Iris ruthenica var. typica (Maxim.)
- Xiphion ruthenicum ((Ker Gawl.) Alef.)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Romania (native)
- Tuva (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken May 22, 2022 by Vinci Salvatore (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:439055-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7970134)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris ruthenica Ker Gawl.)