1879, Malformed Iris

The Gardeners' Chronicle p86, July 19,1879

Malformed Iris. — I met with a malformation in an Iris to-day, which may be uncommon — it is unique in my experience, and may be worth a record. It occurred in a garden hybrid. The whole flower is arranged in fours instead of threes as it should be. Thus there are four sepals, four petals, four stamens, four styles, and probably four ovaries — this I have not yet assured myself of. The flower is perfectly symmetrical, and seen from above is a perfect cross. It is a decided improvement in a floral point of view, though botanicaily I fancy not to be tolerated [Oh, dear yes ; think of the secrets such a flower may reveal. Eds.] W. H. 0.

For more information on historic Irises visit the Historic Iris Preservation Society at

-- BobPries - 2014-10-01