Iris palaestina

Iris palestina has 1–1.5 in (25–38 mm) ovoid brown bulbs.[2][3]

Most specimens have up to six leaves,[4] which are 6 in (150 mm) tall at flowering time.[3] They are normally about 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide at the base of the plant.[5] The long, narrow, strap-like leaves have undulate edges[6] with a thin white margin.[2] They are normally shiny green in color,[7] but are glossy on the upper surface.[2]

It has a short stem which is about 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) high.[2]

It has fragrant flowers between January and February.[3] Generally, there are one to three flowers per stem. The flowers are greenish-grey/white,[8][9] but can be yellow-white as well. In southern Israel, some specimens have a slight blue tinge.[2]

The flowers have winged falls. It has a perianth tube around 8–18 cm (3.1–7.1 in) long.[7]

It has oblong capsules and seeds without arils.[2][5]

Iris palaestina near Jerusalem

It is also known as the Palestine iris,[2] and it is known in Hebrew as איריס ארץ-ישראלי (iris eretz Israeli).[4]

Iris palestina was first found in Mesopotamia, part of Syria, and it was first published in Flora Orientalis by Pierre Edmond Boissier in July 1882.[10]

It was originally thought to be a variety of Iris vartanii.[3] It is similar in form to the better known and more decorative Iris planifolia.[8]

Iris palaestina is an accepted name by the Royal Horticultural Society.[11] It was verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service on 4 April 2003, and then updated on 1 December 2004.[12]

It is native to temperate Asia.[12]

It likes open stony soils (with sandstone material)[2] at low altitudes.[5] Normally it is found at coastal sites but is also common within olive groves.[8]

It is hardy to USDA Zone 4.[7]

The iris is not hardy and is generally a poor grower in the UK.[9] It is better grown in a pot under cover in a greenhouse or bulb frame. It should be potted in well-drained, fertile compost and have a summer rest from watering.[6]

It can be found and seen in Tel Aviv University Botanic Garden.[13]

It has been used as a medicinal plant in the Middle East for urinary tract infections by boiling the leaves or the rhizomes in water, similar to the use of Iris pallida.[14]

• Danin, A. (2004). Distribution Atlas of Plants in the Flora Palaestina Area: 404-410. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
• Feinbrun-Dothan, N. (1986). Flora Palaestina 4: 112-137. Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
• Innes, C. (1985). The World of Iridaceae: 1-407. Holly Gare International Ltd., Ashington.
• Post, G.E. (1933). Fl. Syria, Palestine & Sinai 2: 583-604. American Press, Beirut.

• Various images of the plant
• Large close-up image of the flower

Media related to Iris palaestina at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Iris palaestina at Wikispecies