Iris Tectorum: The Ultimate Guide

Iris (scientific name: Iris tectorum Maxim.) is a perennial herb of the Iridaceae family and the genus Iris. It is also known by various names such as Lao Gua Suan, Ha Ma Qi, Bian Zhu Hua, Purple Butterfly, Blue Butterfly, and Roof Iris. The rhizome is thick and dichotomously branched; leaves are basal, yellow-green, and broad-sword shaped; the flower stem is smooth, bearing 2–3 green, herbaceous, membranous bracts that are pale and lanceolate or long-ovate; anthers are bright yellow, filaments slender and white; style branches are flat and pale blue; capsules are long-ovate or obovate; seeds are black-brown and pear-shaped. Flowering occurs from April to May, and fruiting from June to August.

Iris tectorum is native to China and mainly distributed in East, Central, Southwest, and Northwest China. It grows on sunny slopes, forest edges, and wet areas along waterways. The species is highly adaptable, preferring warm and sunny climates, with strong cold and drought resistance. It thrives in semi-shaded, moist environments but dislikes waterlogging. It grows best in well-drained, humus-rich soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, or in marshy soil.

Values
The iris has diverse values. Medicinally, its rhizome can treat arthritis, trauma, indigestion, and hepatitis. Ecologically, it is sensitive to fluorides and can serve as an indicator of environmental pollution. Additionally, iris possesses ornamental, edible, and economic value.

Botanical History
Name Origin: The iris has deep cultural roots. The name was inspired by petals shaped like the tail of a kite bird. Its Latin genus name “iris” means “rainbow” in Greek, symbolizing its rich variety of colors.

Morphological Characteristics
The iris is a perennial herb whose base is covered by fibrous remnants of old leaf sheaths.

• Stem: The rhizome is thick, about 1 cm in diameter, with dichotomous branches and short fibrous roots. The smooth flower stem reaches 20–40 cm in height, often with one or two short lateral branches near the top and one to two cauline leaves on the lower part.
• Leaf: Basal, yellow-green, broad-sword shaped, without a distinct midrib, 15–50 cm long and 1.5–3.5 cm wide, gradually tapering at the tip, sheathed at the base with several faint longitudinal veins.
• Flower: Bluish-violet, about 10 cm across. The perianth tube is slender and trumpet-shaped at the top. Outer tepals are round or broadly ovate, 5–6 cm long, with purple-brown markings and a white comb-like crest along the midrib. Inner tepals are elliptical, 4–4.5 cm long with a slender claw. Stamens about 2.5 cm long with bright yellow anthers; style branches flat and pale blue, about 3.5 cm long, ending in square lobes. Ovary spindle-shaped, 1.8–2 cm long.
• Fruit and Seed: Capsule long-ovate or obovate, 5–6 cm long, with six distinct ribs, splitting into three valves when mature. Seeds are pear-shaped and dark brown.

Habitat
The iris grows at altitudes of 600–1500 m on sunny slopes, forest edges, and wetland margins. It is highly adaptable, preferring warmth and sunlight, tolerant of cold and drought, thriving in semi-shade and moist conditions but avoiding waterlogging. The ideal soil is well-drained, rich in humus, and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Main Values

• Medicinal Value: It clears heat and detoxifies, dispels wind and activates blood circulation. It is used to treat sore throat, hepatitis, cystitis, rheumatic pain, inflammation, and fractures. The rhizome helps relieve indigestion, detoxify, and kill parasites, treating arthritis, trauma, indigestion, and hepatitis.
• Ecological Value: Sensitive to fluorides, it can be used to monitor environmental pollution.
• Ornamental Value: The iris has lush green leaves and vigorous growth. In spring and summer, its bluish-violet flowers are elegant and fragrant, large and graceful like dancing butterflies. The oval fruits resemble small green dates, giving the plant high ornamental value. Widely cultivated across China, it is an excellent herbaceous flower for leaf, flower, and fruit display.
• Edible Value: After blooming, the capsule develops and is collected before full maturity. Farmers split it open longitudinally, blanch the shell until about 70 % cooked, cool it, drain, and sun-dry. Dried shells can be soaked and stir-fried with preserved meat.
• Economic Value: The iris is widely used in landscaping, traditional Chinese medicine, cuisine, and floristry, providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth and industrial development.

Cultural Significance

Iris flowers have different meanings in various countries. In Egypt, they symbolize eloquence and strength; in Israel, yellow irises are considered symbols of gold; in China, they stand for love, friendship, great prospects, promising future, and keen insight. Varieties in different colors also carry distinct meanings. Most irises are bluish-violet, resembling graceful butterflies in shape. The French are especially fond of the iris, particularly the blue ones, associating the color with serenity and loyalty. Furthermore, the iris has close ties with religion.