Mystique of Jordan’s Black Iris: Beauty, Growth, and Endemic Rarity

Iris nigricans, a perennial herbaceous plant, grows at altitudes between 700-900 meters, needing over 8 hours of sunlight daily, and cannot withstand low temperatures, dampness, and frost, which can affect its growth.

It is only found in Jordan, making it an endemic species and the national flower of Jordan. The plant stands at 35 centimeters tall, with stout rhizomes roughly 1 centimeter in diameter and thin, short roots.

The leaves are basal, yellow-green, and about 7-9 centimeters wide. The flower, resembling an orchid in shape, has a deep purple color close to black, and is 12-15 centimeters in diameter.

It has six petals, three of which droop externally while three stand upright internally, all glossy and displaying the deepest black with dark, velvety spots, shimmering in the desert wind.

I. Growth and Distribution

Jordan has eight rare species of irises, three of which have deep violet to chocolate colors that can easily be confused with Iris nigricans:

Gilded Iris

Scientific name: Iris atrofusca
This species has a similar structure to Iris nigricans, with a deep chocolate color. It grows on the Pella Mountains.

Purple Iris

Scientific name: Iris atropurpurea
Its color is deep purple.

Petra Iris

Scientific name: Iris petrana
Its color is deep black-red.

The Black Iris grows at altitudes between 700-900 meters. Jordan is one of the ten countries suffering from severe water scarcity worldwide.

The annual rainfall in the western mountains and Jordan River Valley ranges between 380-630 millimeters, while the eastern desert region has harsh climates, significant temperature differences between day and night, and high winds carrying much sand, with annual precipitation less than 50 millimeters.

The Black Iris requires well-drained sandy soil, over 8 hours of sunlight daily, and cannot withstand low temperatures, dampness, and frost. Its bulbs do not require water during the long summer, lying dormant in the soil, and start to stem after the rainy season in early spring.

Given Jordan’s direct sunlight and sandy soil which is good for quick drainage, this species has adapted to the harsh local environment. It is only found in Jordan, making it an endemic species of Jordan.

II. Morphology and Characteristics

The Black Iris is a perennial herbaceous plant, standing about 35 cm tall. The base of the plant is surrounded by the membranous leaf sheath and fibers of old leaves. The rhizomes are robust, bifurcating, with a diameter of about 1 cm, extending diagonally.

The rootlets are finer and shorter. The leaves are basal, yellow-green in color, slightly curved, broader at the middle, broadsword-shaped, and approximately 7-9 cm wide. The leaf apex tapers or slightly tapers, the base is sheathed, with several inconspicuous longitudinal veins.

The flower stem is smooth, with 2-3 green, herbaceous bracts, with membranous, pale margins, lanceolate or elongated oval in shape, each containing 1-2 flowers.

The flowers resemble orchids, deep purple, almost black in color, with a diameter of 12-15 cm. The pedicels are very short; the perianth tube is slender, about 3 cm long, swelling into a bell shape at the top.

The outer perianth segments are round or broad ovate, 5-6 cm long, about 4 cm wide, slightly concave at the top, claw-shaped at the base, the midvein has irregular comb-like appendages, forming irregularly fringed splits.

The inner perianth segments are oval, 4.5-5 cm long, about 3 cm wide, spreading flat when the flower blooms, suddenly narrowing at the claw.

There are 6 petals, 3 outside and 3 inside standing upright. They are glossy, each petal displaying the deepest black, with dark velvet spots, shimmering in the desert wind. The petals have texture, clear lines, and delicate transparent textures.

III. Propagation Methods

Propagation can be achieved through division or seeding.

Division can be done after flowering in spring or in autumn, generally after 2-4 years of planting. When dividing the rhizomes, ensure each piece has 2-3 adventitious buds.

Seeds should be sown immediately after maturation, and seedlings need 2-3 years to bloom. Planting distances should be 45-60 cm, and the planting depth should be about 7-8 cm. Forced cultivation can also be conducted.

IV. Value and Others

The Black Iris holds immense ornamental value. Every year, as the rainy season ends in March or April, the deep purple, nearly black irises bloom everywhere in Jordan, becoming a sight for tourists from all countries to admire.