Class and Order. Triandria Monogynia. Generic Character. Cor. 6-petala, inÆqualis, petalis alternis geniculato-patentibus. Stigmata petaliformia cucullato-bilabiata. Thunb. Diss. de Iride. Specific Character and Synonyms. IRIS sambucina barbata, foliis ensiformibus glabris erectis brevioribus scapo multifloro, petalis deflexis planis. Linn. Syst. Vegetab, ed. 14. Murr. Thunb. loc. cit. n. 10. Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 1. p. 69. IRIS latifolia germanica, sambuci odore. Bauh. Pin. 31. IRIS Camerarii sive purpurea versicolor major. The greater variable coloured purple Flower-de-Luce. Park. Par. p. 181. No 187. No187. This species of Iris, said to be a native of the South of Europe, derives its name from the smell of its flowers, which very much resembles that of elder in bloom. It is one of the tallest and handsomest of the genus, in a rich moist soil acquiring the height of three feet or more; it is therefore more proper for the shrubbery than the flower-garden. It flowers about the latter end of May, and is readily increased by parting its roots in autumn. The Iris of Parkinson, referred to in the synonyms, accords so exactly with our plant, in every circumstance but smell, which is not mentioned, that we have no doubt but it was cultivated in our gardens in his time. |