Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

see Iris germanica 'Florentina'

“This species was well know all over the Europe for the quality of its rhizome used as herbal medicine and became the symbol of Florence because it grew numerous even on the walls of the city but, unfortunately, today has almost disappeared from the entire region. Many ancient authors say that even the name Firenze (Fiorenza in ancient times) is due to I.florentina's presence because it grew numerous in the area where the city was built by ancient romans who called Fiorenza the Iris. It was first correctly described by Linnaeus in "Systema Naturae"( 1759) but since XIX sec. many authors have begun to describe it in different ways, so that today there is much confusion in its proper identification.” Giordano Martini, researcher in Bio-Molecular Science (17/01/17)

Nomenclature

Previously grown as Iris 'Florentina' 21/01/2021 AT This was regarded as Iris x germanica 'Florentina'
Plants of the World online, Kew Science http://plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:438598-1 link

Other use

Orris root was used in perfumes

Geographical distribution

  • Asia-Temperate, Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia
  • Asia-Temperate, Arabian Peninsula, Yemen

Iris florentina L.

Family: IRIDACEAE
Genus: Iris
Species: florentina L.
Common names: Florentine Iris
Pharmacopoeia Londinensis name: Iris Florentina
Distribution summary: Temperate Asia
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H5 - Hardy; cold winter
Habitat: Woodland garden, dappled shade.
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Europe & Middle East (J), Pharmacopoeia Londinensis 1618 'Roots' (HSE 2)
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use


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