The "Real" Iris tectorum
James Waddick (Mon, 19 May 2003 21:45:05 PDT)

Dear all;
The traditional rumor is that the Japanese imported this
Chinese species centuries ago. Japense women in feudal ages used the
finely ground rhizome to make a very pale make-up (think Geisha).
During a later war period, all farmers were forced to use every inch
of growable land to produce food and it was illegal to waste 'land'
on this plant. The sly women planted this iris in the thatched roofs
of their country homes to make the rhizome available. It was during
this period that European botanical explorers first observed the iris
and thus called it the "Japanese Roof" Iris, although it is neither a
native of Japan or a usual denizen of roofs. This is one reason why
common names are so mis-leading.
Anyway the story may be just rumor, but intriguing.

I have seen literally thousands of plants of this species in
the wild and in cultivation and seen only minor differences in color
from the typical blue-violet. Various named varieties push minor
differences that may be due to cultivation only. 'Burma Form' is one
of these and there are others; 'Freckles' is said to have more and
larger spots. Except for the White form "alba', I don't think any of
these variations amounts to much.
The literature suggest a pink form, but it hasn't been 'seen'
(if it really ever existed) in decades.

Incidentally I tectorum is one of the few (only?) beardless
iris to have a known hybrid with a bearded species. This hybrid is
called 'Paltec' and is 1/2 I pallida. Other supposed hybrids have
been registered, but they seem to be highly speculative too.

I'd love to see or hear of anyone with a truly different I. tectorum.

But it is a very nice iris, widely adaptable and worthy of
most gardens.

Best Jim W.

--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
E-fax 419-781-8594

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