Iridescence an new novelty Iris type.

What is iridescence?

• Iridescence is a surface feature. We are all familiar with the iridescence of a peacock feather. Essentially a black structure that catches the light to reflect off it's surface predominantly greans and blues. Meriam Webster defines iridescence as " a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales)
• So what does this have to do with iris? The most striking example in the iridaceae is probably in the genus Moraea. Moraea villosa pictured to the right has two iridescent spot in its signal. The area is black in color but the surface of the signal has an iridescence that is bright blue. Certain scarab type ground beetles are often very iridescent also. It is believed that the Moraea is copying the beetle so that the males will fly to the flower and try to mate with it but causing pollination. Several species of moeaeas's show this iridescence in a variety of colors including red. One can easily imagine breeding for larger signal until one had a totally iridescence flower. Maybe this is another pathway to a truly red iris. Think about the iridescence red of a ruby throated hummingbird.

So where do we find iridescence in the Genus Iris? There is more out there then most people realize. First lets think about the various surface phenomenon recorded in Irises. One sometimes hears that petals are "diamond dusted". Surely this is a surface effect shining back little points of light. We also hear of petals being opalescent. Opalescence is a form of iridescence where white light is the predominant color being reflected. Other surface phenomenon include metallic surfaces. When searching for possible breeding candidates to produce iridescence perhaps Irises exhibiting these traits should be considered.

If we search for "metallic" a little SDB comes up "Mulberry Metallic'. It is said to have a metallic sheen. Like many iridescent plants and animals its background color is dark which tends to show of the metallic more. Is this verging on iridescence? I believe there are many irises that show small patches of iridescence that are not recognized as such. On close inspection of an arilbred Iris some years ago at convention, I felt that I saw distinctly an iridescence patch of green down in its throat. But unless one was looking for such it went unnoticed because the overall flower was comprised of many lighter colors of cream and tan. Many many years ago I believe I saw a Pacific Coast native iris with a striking blue iridescent spot. Unfortunately my plant only bloomed once and died and I do not remember the variety. But ever since that experience I have been looking for iridescent signals.

Many Aril irises are noted for their metallic sheens. Iris stolonifera often has what appears to be a light blue wash over its falls that almost seems iridescent. I remember a David Shahak oncocyclus that Had a signal t hat was a bright red orange and I think iridescent. Unfortunately written descriptions of iris seldom go into enough detail as to mention whether there is iridescent or any other surface feature. I hope that others might come forth with examples so that I could stop feeling like maybe I am just hallucinating.