Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris or the German bearded iris. It is of hybrid origin. Varieties include I. × g. var. florentina.
Description
Iris × germanica grows up to 120 cm (47 in) high and 30 cm (12 in) wide. The roots can go up to 10 cm (3.9 in) deep and it is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms mid to late spring. Hundreds of cultivars exist representing nearly every colour from jet black to sparkling whites and red. Some cultivars are known to re-bloom in the autumn (fall).
It is known to produce the isoflavone irilone, and several analytical studies have been made from the rhizomes.
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.
It has had its chromosome counted several times; 2n=44, Banerji & Chaudhuri, 1972; 2n=28, Mao 1986; 2n=44 Sopova 1982; 2n=44, Váchová & Feráková, 1986 and 2n=44, Lovka, 1995.
