Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica
Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica is a plant subspecies in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus [Iris subg. Iris|Iris (plant)|Iris]. It is a subspecies of Iris aphylla. It is a rhizomatous perennial, from the Carpathian Mountains and Pannonian Basin. Found within the countries of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Italy. It has curved, pointed, thin leaves, slender stem, several large flowers in shades of purple, or dark purple, or violet-blue.
It is a rare plant, that is protected by environmental law in the various countries of Europe.
Description
Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica is very similar in form to Iris aphylla but it is slightly shorter than Iris germanica, but which it is very closely related.It has short, tuberous rhizome, that is 18–22 mm in diameter.
It has basal leaves, that are curved, acuminate and 1–3 cm wide. They are slightly smaller than Iris aphylla, and shorter than the flowering stem. They have 5–6 ribs, and curve outwards.
It has a slender stem, that can grow up to between tall,
The stem has green, membranous, spathes, which have a reddish edge.
The stems hold 1–5 terminal flowers, blooming between March and May or between May and June. It can often the second bloom time between August and September.
The flower bud leans slightly before flowering in Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica as compared to Iris aphylla, in which the stem is straight.
The large flowers, come in shades of purple, or dark purple, or violet-blue.
Like other irises, it has 2 pairs of petals, 3 large sepals, known as the 'falls' and 3 inner, smaller petals, known as the 'standards'. The falls are ovate and elongated, and 2–3 cm wide. In the centre of the petal, white beards with orange tops. The standards are elongated an ovoid, and 3 cm wide.
After the iris has flowered, it produces a capsule, that is triangular, capsule, which is 4–5 mm long and 3 mm wide. The capsule contains elongated ovoid seeds.
Genetics
In 2010, a cytotype study was carried out on Iris aphylla, using karyotype and AFLP data analysis. It concluded that Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica was a separate species to Iris aphylla.In 2014, a study was carried out on the foliage and rhizomes of the iris, it found several constituents and terpenoids, including phenylacetaldehyde, eugenol, and lauric acid.
As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.
It has been counted twice, 2n=48 in 1983, by Murín A. & Májovský J., Karyological study of Slovakian flora IV. – Acta Fac. Rerum Nat. Univ. Comen., Bot. 30: 1–16.
Also 2n=44 in 1990 by Zakharjeva, O. I., Numeri Chromosomatum Magnoliophytorum Florae URSS, Aceraceae—Menyanthaceae. Nauka, Leninopoli.
Taxonomy
It has the common names of Hungarian leafless iris, or Hungarian Iris, or Iris steppe.The Latin subspecies specific epithet hungarica refers to Hungary, where the iris was originally found.
It was first published and described as Iris hungarica by Waldstein & Kitaibel in 'Descriptiones et icônes plantarum rariorum Hungáriáé' Vol.3 page 251 between 1806 and 1812. In 1909, Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica was published by Gustav Hegi in 'Ill Fl. Mitteleur' Vol.2 page 289. Both were then de-classified as a synonyms of Iris aphylla. Later, Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica was re-classified as a subspecies of Iris aphylla.
It has not been verified by United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service, as of 2 September 2015.
It has not been recognized as a subspecies by Plant list, as of 4 September 2015.
It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life.
Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica is an accepted name by the RHS.
Distribution and habitat
Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica is native to south east Europe.Range
It is found in the Carpathian Mountains, on the Pontic–Caspian steppe, and Pannonian Basin. Also along the foothills of the river Bodrog.Within the countries of Hungary,, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Italy.
It is not found in the Czech Republic.
It is listed in a checklist of Vascular Flora in Italy, with Iris albicans, Iris bicapitata, Iris foetidissima, Iris germanica, Iris marsica, Iris pallida, Iris planifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Iris pseudopumila, Iris relicta, Iris revoluta ''Iris setina, Iris sibirica and Iris xiphium''.
Habitat
It grows on the steppe grasslands and meadows,, in rocky meadows,, and at the edge of the forest clearings.They can be found at an altitude of up to above sea level.
Conservation
It was listed on the European Red List of Vascular Plants as Data Deficient in 2011.It is listed as 'Vulnerable' on Red List of vascular plants of the Carpathian part of Slovakia in 2014.
It is listed in the Berne Convention, Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, and the Romanian Government Emergency Ordinance no 236/2000, Annex 3b.
In Romania, it is classed as 'Vulnerable', and is including on a list of protected plants. Since 2002 and 2007, there were 5 confirmed locations in Romania. It is also found within the Bicaz Gorges Haghimas National Park.
In Slovakia, it is classed as 'critically endangered' CR, and it is protected within Slovak Paradise National Park, alongside other at risk species including buxbaumia viridis, Cypripedium calceolus, Ligularia sibirica, Pulsatilla subslavica, Pulsatilla slavica and Adenophora lilifolia. It is also protected within National nature reserve in Dreveník, near Žehra, approximately 60 species are classified as endangered including, Alpine aster, Carpathian harebell, Pontic dragonhead, European columbine, Snowdrop windflower, Manchurian monk's-hood, Turk's cap lily, St. Lucie cherry, Yellow Monkshood, Bladdernut and Edelweiss.
In the Cherkasy region of Ukraine, it is listed in the Red Book as rare and endangered species with Stipa capillata L.. It is also found within the meadows of Sofiyivsky Park.
In Hungary, it is protected by law.
It is threatened due to habitat loss. From infrastructure development, forestry practices. Also loss by invading dominant species such as robinia and pinus species.
Cultivation
It is hardy to Zone 4.It prefers to grow in well-drained soils, in a sunny situation.
It can tolerate dry situations, if planted in humus rich soils.
Propagation
It can be propagated by division of the rhizomes or by seed growing.In the wild the seed are spread by the wind.