Monday, February 20, 2012

Algerian Iris (Iris unguicularis)



Iris unguicularis (Iridaceae family) (formaly known as I. stylosa) is often known as Algerian iris (ίριδα) but it is native not only to Algeria but it can be found in northern Africa and eastern Mediterranean as well. The name unguicularis comes from Latin unguis that means claw and refers to the claw-like formation of the style and the branches. It can bloom as early as Christmas and can have consecutive flowering that lasts until Easter. The erratic flowering is a clever way to avoid weather damage as the flowers, in contrary to the buds, are not frost proof. The flowers are purple with yellow and white markings and a very nice aroma.
The flower can practically thrive in every kind of soil and it does not mind beeing neglected, so it can be a perfect choice for "lazy" gardeners.


7 comments:

Joop Zand said...

Nice flower with lovely colors.

Greetings, Joop

Marijke said...

I have to go to a gardencentre and you photographed this beauty in the wild. It's gorgeous.
gr. Marijke

tselos photos -Nature of Roumeli said...

Αν δεν τις μύρισες έχασες !

Dani P. said...

Αυτές είναι οι ίριδες που φωτογράφησα την προηγούμενη εβδομάδα.Ευχαριστώ, έψαχνα το επιστημονικό τους όνομα. Μου αρέσουν !!!

Giga said...

Nie jestem leniwy ogrodnik, a mam te kwiaty w ogródku, bo mi się bardzo podobają :-). Pozdrawiam.*** Δεν είμαι τεμπέλης κηπουρός, και να έχουν αυτά τα λουλούδια στον κήπο, γιατί μου αρέσει πολύ :-). Δικός σου.

Greece's Flora said...

It is trully a beautiful flower and the scent it has ... is so lovely...
unfortunatelly I saw these last year but I hope that this week I will have the chance to see some more!!

CameraCruise said...

Beautiful flower, love Iris!
Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day.
Mette