IRIS VARIEGATA. 



Variegated Iris. 



Class and Order. — Triandria Monogynia. 

 Syn. Iris Variegata. Curt. Bot. Mag. pi. IG. 



Root tuberose, cespitose, — leaves radical, clasping the stem, ensiform, nerved, 

 unequal, — stem branched,^ — flov^^er growing between two membranous 

 green bractes, ovate, lanceolate, — tube greenish, — corolla six petals, 

 three outer segments reflexed, oblong, obtuse, beautifully striated, and 

 fringed at the base with glandular hairs, — three inner ones yellow, 

 erect, margins undulate, — stamens three, filaments adhering to the base 

 of the reflexed petals, apex bifid, — anthers oblong, — style slender, — 

 stigma divided into three parts. 



This species of Iris, though so long since introduced as the jear 

 1597 is not frequently seen in our herbaceous collections. It is a plant 

 of low giowth, sometimes not exceeding a foot in height, though this 

 varies according to the soil in which it is planted, a moist situation in- 

 creasing its luxuriance both in flower and foliage. It is a native of 

 Hungary, and is perfectly hardy, not requiring any particular treat- 

 ment, and may be increased by separating the roots in Autumn, — 

 flowers in May, and grows best in a stifl^^ cold soil. This is a very 

 beautiful genus, and affords many ornamental species. 



I. 



PI. 26. 



