Family: Iridaceae
Author: (L.) Goldblatt & Mabb.
Bibliography: Novon 15: 129 (2005)
Year: 2005
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Iris
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Himalaya to Japan and Philippines
Description
Leopard flower, scientifically known as Iris domestica, is a fascinating plant that graces gardens and natural landscapes with its striking appearance and resilience. This member of the Iridaceae family is celebrated for its unique and colorful blooms that resemble the exotic spots of a leopard, which is how it earned its common name.
Native to a widespread region that spans from the Himalayas to Japan and extends to the Philippines, the leopard flower thrives in a range of climates and environments. It boasts a sturdy adaptability that allows it to flourish in various conditions, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
One of the most remarkable features of Iris domestica is its eye-catching flowers, which bloom during the warmer months. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of its petals are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators, contributing to the plant’s ecological value. Each flower is typically orange or yellow with distinct, dark red spots, creating a leopard-like appearance that is unmistakable and admired by plant enthusiasts.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the leopard flower holds historical and botanical significance. The species has been acknowledged in scientific literature, notably documented in Novon in 2005 by the author duo Goldblatt and Mabb. This formal classification highlights the plant’s established place within the botanical community and contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in the regions it inhabits.
Cultivating Iris domestica is relatively straightforward, as it requires minimal maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought, reflecting its origins in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. This hardiness, combined with its ornamental beauty, ensures that the leopard flower remains a cherished choice for gardeners seeking a splash of vibrant, natural beauty in their landscapes.
Whether appreciated for its striking flowers, its place in botanical history, or its robust nature, Iris domestica continues to capture the interest and admiration of plant lovers around the world.
Common Names
Eng: belamcanda, blackberry lily, blackberry-lily, leopard-lily, shenan
Deu: leopardenblume
Fra: iris tigre
Swe: leopardblomma
Spa: maravilla, mariposa
En: Leopard Flower, Shenan, Belamcanda, Blackberry lily, Blackberry-lily, Leopard-lily
Fr: Iris tigré, Iris tigre
De: Leopardenblume
Es: Maravilla, Mariposa
Sv: Leopardblomma
: Leopard flower
Synonyms
- Pardanthus chinensis ((L.) Ker Gawl.)
- Moraea chinensis ((L.) Thunb.)
- Belamcanda chinensis var. taiwanensis (S.S.Ying)
- Ixia ensifolia (Noronha)
- Ixia chinensis (L.)
- Ferraria crocea (Salisb.)
- Belamcanda chinensis ((L.) Redouté)
- Belamcanda chinensis var. curtata (Makino)
- Epidendrum domesticum (L.)
- Belamcanda flabellata (Grey)
- Belamcanda punctata (Moench)
- Belamcanda chinensis f. flava (Makino)
- Belamcanda pampaninii (H.Lév.)
- Belamcanda chinensis f. vulgaris (Makino)
- Gemmingia chinensis f. rubriflora (Makino)
- Moraea guttata ((Stokes) Stokes)
- Gemmingia chinensis f. aureoflora (Makino)
- Gemmingia chinensis ((L.) Kuntze)
- Bermudiana guttata (Stokes)
- Pardanthus sinensis (Van Houtte)
- Pardanthus nepalensis (Sweet)
- Vanilla domestica ((L.) Druce)
Distribution
- Bangladesh (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Iowa (introduced)
- Kansas (introduced)
- Kentucky (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- Nebraska (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Oklahoma (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- South Dakota (introduced)
- Tennessee (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 24, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Renau Vallés María Lidón (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2021 by ??? 囧 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Karen Gianninoto (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Lulu Khumairoh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2020 by Penny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Flores Fernández de Bobadilla Cesáreo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 7, 2021 by Santiago Clemente (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2020 by Campos Cinto Juliana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Thomas Retz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Jardim Mundo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Vladimír Valach (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Thomas Retz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (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)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5298546)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60438342-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iris domestica (L.) Goldblatt & Mabb.)