Iris palaestina (sometimes Iris palestina) is a species in the genus Iris in the subgenus Scorpiris. It is a bulbousperennial from Asia, including the Palestine region (Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Jordan), Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. It has long, narrow, strap-like leaves, and a short stem. The early blooming, fragrant flowers are greenish-grey/white or yellow-white.
Description
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 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]
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]
