Iris Tenax. 'Tovueu-rureapep Iris. 
Class and Order. 
TrianpriA Monoeynia, 
( Nat. Ord.—Irwex. ) 
Generic Character. 
Cor. 6-partita : laciniis alternis reflexis. Stigmata petali- 
formia. — 
Specific Character and Synonyms. 
Iris tenax ; imberbis, foliis lineari-ensiformibus tenacissimis 
cauli unifloro subequalibus, corolla tubo brevissimo, 
ovario longipedunculato nudo, petalis exterioribus obo- 
vatis acuminatis venosis, stigmatibus bilobis abbrevia- 
tis. Lindl. 
Iris tenax. Dougl. Journ. ined. Lindl. Bot. Reg. t. 1218. 
This interesting plant is stated by its discoverer in the 
work just referred to, to be a common plant in North Cali- 
fornia, and along the coast of New Georgia, in dry soils or 
open parts of woods, flowering in April and May, the same 
season that it does with us when kept in a cool frame. 
Mr. Dovetas gave it the appropriate appellation of tenax, 
because the native tribes about the Anguilac River make a 
fine cord from the fibres of the leaves, of which they weave 
their fishing-nets, a purpose to which it is admirably suited 
on account of its buoyancy, strength, and durability, Snares 
are made of it for deer and bears, of such strength, that 
one not thicker than a sixteen-thread line is sufficient to 
strangle the great stag of California, (Cervus Alces,) one of 
the most powerful animals of its tribe. 
It has been recommended for cultivation by Professor 
Linptey in England, (where it proves perfectly hardy,) as 
better suited to our climate than the famous New Zealand 
Flax. The Glasgow Garden is indebted to the London 
Horticultural 
