Iris maracandica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial from Uzbekistan, Central Asia. It has short stems, scented spring flowers in shades of yellow.
Iris maracandica is similar in form to Iris bucharica.[2] It has bulb (approx.) 2 cm in diameter, with thickened fusiform roots (spindle-like).[3]
It has falcate shaped leaves, that are 1.5 – 2 cm wide close to the base of the plant.[3] The leaves have a silver edge.[2] It is small species with the Juno genus, growing up to a height of 15–18 cm (6–7 in) tall.[2][4]
It has 1-4 strongly scented flowers per stem, which bloom between March and April.[3][2][4]
The flowers come in a range of shades of yellow, from pale yellow,[4] to soft yellow,[2] and rich-yellow.[5] The perianth tube generally is about 3 – 4.5 cm long.[3] It has falls that have a wide wing and a raised pale yellow crest, the standards are short and deflexed.[6]
It has whitish anthers and pollen.[3]
It was originally published as Juno maracandica by Alexei Vvedenski in 'Sched. Herb. Fl. As. Med. ' No. 662 in 1935.[3] It was then published in 'Fl. Tadzhikskoi 'SSR 2: on page 393 in 1963.[7]
It is named after 'Maracanda' (the Greek name for the city of Samarkand), in Tajikistan.[8]
It was then published as Iris maracandica in 'Botaniska Notiser' Vol 128(2) page 216 in 1975 by Wendlbo.[9]
Iris maracandica is now an accepted name by the RHS.[10]
Iris maracandica is found on the gravelly slopes in foothills of Central Asia.[3][4] Found on the Pamir Mountains,[5] and Nuratau Mountains of Uzbekistan.[6][11]
It can be found near Dzhizak (now Jizzakh), Samarkand and Akrabat (in Uzbekistan).[3]
It can be cultivated outside in well-drained soils, not needing the protection of a bulb frame or alpine house, in the UK.[5]
Iris maracandica is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial from Uzbekistan, Central Asia. It has short stems, scented spring flowers in shades of yellow.
