Iris



The Iris

The Blood Iris (//Iris Sanguinea)// //Alex Smith// This specific specie of Iris, is purple in color, and is one of the more than two hundred species in the Iris genus. Irises are monocots, meaning they have a single cotyledon as part of their embryonic development. They are perrenials that grow from creeping rhizomes or, in drier climates, from bulbs. The word “iris” comes from the Greek word for rainbow, derived from the numerous colors and variations within the genus. Each of the iris species has petals in multiples of three as to distinguish them from dicot plants. There are two types of Iris, bulbous and rhizome irises, depending upon their style of growth. Rhizome irises have thick stems that grow horizontally, either completely or partially underground. They usually have 3-10 sword-shaped leaves that overlap to form flat fans of green foliage. Bulbous irises are usually smaller and grow from bulbs after a period of dormancy. They usually have cylindrical leaves.



**
 * An Iris in the Garden of Mrs. McDonough **
 * By Rebecca Matour **
 * In the early days of May, the people of the Ambler area are given the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Iris flower. The most abundant color in Mrs. McDonough’s garden is purple. They boast a beautiful, royal purple color. The Iris comes from the Greek word meaning “rainbow”. The term comes from the vast variety of the colors and species. Over three hundred different species are categorized under the term // iris. // The beautiful monocots are quite diverse as they are able to take shelter in all sorts of environment. The flower often contains a fruit. The fruit is a capsule and it opens up to show the many seeds it encloses. The people of Ambler as well as people in varying continents enjoy its diversity, their perennial characteristic and symbolic representation of compliment and wisdom.

The Iris Poem //Sean Saunders // 

Oh the lovely irises, much more fun than viruses They’re better-smelling and prettier to boot, My only contention is their missing tap root

If only the iris was a dicot Then everything would be better Oh and if wasn’t hot Then I could wear a sweater

Maybe that seems unrelated But heat makes me perspire If only I was C4 I wouldn’t need transpire.

Back again to the iris Pollinated by the bee Something to do with adaptations But that’s all greek to me.