Genomes of Iris

Chat gpt answer to

• What irises have had their genome analyzed?

Genome sequencing in Iris is still relatively sparse compared to many crop plants, but several species do have sequenced genomes (either full nuclear genomes or plastid genomes). Here’s a clear breakdown.

🌱 Irises with whole (nuclear) genome assemblies

These are the most complete and informative genome analyses:

*Iris pallida*

One of the first large, high-quality nuclear genome assemblies (~10 Gb) Pub Med

*Iris domestica*

Chromosome-level genome assembly (very high quality) with functional gene studies Science Direct. December 1, 2025

*Iris sibirica*

*Iris virginica*

Complete genome sequences published (assembled from Illumina data) [[ ][Biodiversity Genomes, March 2023]=

👉 These are currently among the best genomic references for the genus.

🌿 Irises with plastid (chloroplast) genomes

Plastid genomes are much smaller and were sequenced earlier and more widely:

• Iris lactea var. chinensis Taylor and Francis online April 26 2012
• Iris japonica PubMed October 2022
• Iris confusa Taylor and Francis online October 2022
• Iris gatesii Claremont Scholarship, Carol Wilson
• Iris sanguinea

Among the earliest plastid genomes sequenced in Iris

Iris orchioides

Complete plastid genome with comparison across ~20 species

~14 Korean-native Iris species (various taxa) Pub Med, October 25, 2020

Plastid genomes sequenced for phylogenetic work

👉 Plastid genomes are commonly used for:

phylogeny

species identification

evolutionary studies

🌸 Irises with transcriptomes (partial genome-level data) Not full genomes, but still important:

Iris atropurpurea

Transcriptome (expressed genes) sequenced for developmental and evolutionary studies

🧠 Big picture The genus Iris has ~300 species, but only a small fraction have full nuclear genomes

Many more species have:

plastid genomes

transcriptomes

Large genome sizes (often very big and repetitive) have slowed sequencing efforts.

✔️ Summary Fully sequenced nuclear genomes (key species):

Iris pallida

Iris domestica

Iris sibirica

Iris virginica

Plastid genomes (many species):

Iris gatesii, Iris sanguinea, Iris orchioides, + ~14 Korean species

Partial datasets:

Iris atropurpurea (transcriptome)

If you want, I can list all Iris species with any genomic data in GenBank or break it down by subgenus (e.g., bearded vs. beardless irises).

Several species within the genus Iris have had their nuclear (whole-genome) or organellar (chloroplast/plastid) genomes sequenced and analyzed to aid in phylogenetic mapping, pharmaceutical research, and horticulture.Whole-Genome Assemblies (Nuclear DNA)Due to the large, highly repetitive nature of Iris genomes (ranging anywhere from 2 to 30 Gbp), comprehensive whole-genome sequencing has historically been limited. However, a few key species have successful whole or draft nuclear genome assemblies

Iris pallida (Dalmatian Iris): Genetically mapped using PacBio long-read sequencing, revealing a massive 10.04-Gbp assembly. This reference genome, published in a Gigabyte Journal study, helps researchers study the valuable secondary metabolites used in fragrances and drug discovery.

Iris domestica (Blackberry Lily / Leopard Lily): A high-quality, chromosome-level haplotype-resolved genome assembly was constructed for this plant. Detailed in a ScienceDirect publication, the analysis isolates the specific genes (IdIFS) responsible for the biosynthesis of therapeutic compounds. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214514125002739

Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris): Its complete nuclear sequence was published alongside other ornamental species to help map the evolution of the genus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10019338/

Iris virginica (Virginia Iris): Sequenced via Illumina short-read technology to serve as an evolutionary and genomic baseline for North American irises. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10019338/

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-- BobPries - 17 Mar 2026