Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Specific Families and Genera => Iris => Topic started by: Oron Peri on January 31, 2009, 09:51:57 AM

Title: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on January 31, 2009, 09:51:57 AM
A friend just told me he had seen I. atropurpurea in flower yesterday,
I am adding photos i took last year, but next week I'll try to take a photo of the yellow form too.
It is the first Onco to flower in Israel.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on January 31, 2009, 09:58:10 AM
Oron,
So good to see exactly where the species grow naturally - must be pretty sandy - and the other plants which grow in the same area.
Look forward to more.
Pat
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on January 31, 2009, 09:59:40 AM
Yes Pat it grows in  Pure sand
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on January 31, 2009, 10:31:50 AM
Oron,
Fantatstic to see them in situ !
What a plant !!!
You're really lucky to have this beauties near your home .
Thank's for sharing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on January 31, 2009, 11:41:15 AM
Today I visited several locations that are 5 kilometers from my house (lucky me 8)) to see if the Iris atropurpurea has started to flower.
And it definitely  has started! :D

Oron, are those photos from Natania?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on January 31, 2009, 11:47:13 AM
Hi Miriam,
Great clumps and some nice brown ones!!!
Yes my photos were taken in Poleg, are there yellow forms near you?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on January 31, 2009, 11:54:17 AM
Hi Oron,

Those pictures were taken in the hill of Humra and there is an orange form there, but I did not see it today.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on January 31, 2009, 12:36:59 PM
Breathtaking  :) :o :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on January 31, 2009, 06:26:23 PM
Just great!  :o
Thanks Oron and Miriam!

@Miriam is the soil in this habitat also sand? I am a bit surprised about seeing Urginea next to Iris atropurpurea.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on January 31, 2009, 08:46:24 PM
Hans,
This habitat is located 3.5 kilometers from the sea, on a low hill made out of Eolianite (Kurkar in Hebrew) and the soil above is a coarse sand with a bit of red loam-well drained soil.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on January 31, 2009, 11:22:42 PM
Oron and Marian,
Is there a chance that this season as you post photos of the different species that you also say what the soil is like that they grow in- maybe the nearby plants too? - location too if you don't mind the world knowing - this is the internet where these messages can be found by a google seach as I found out when looking up something recently.
Pat
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on January 31, 2009, 11:27:58 PM
Oron and Marian,
Is there a chance that this season as you post photos of the different species that you also say what the soil is like that they grow in- maybe the nearby plants too? - location too if you don't mind the world knowing - this is the internet where these messages can be found by a google seach as I found out when looking up something recently.
Pat

I agree with Pat, it is good to know what sort of soil and conditions these plants are growing in in the wild, but I would be anxious about much detail being given about their whereabouts...... these and so many of the other plants and bulbs discussed in this Forum are subject to CITES restrictions, over and above any local regulations about conservation and it would be a bad thing if any of these glorious plants were to be put at risk by disclosing their locations.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on January 31, 2009, 11:47:26 PM
Maggi,
You are absolutely right!
Even in Israel, we don't reveal the exact locations of the rare species and forms on public forums for the safety of these Irises.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on February 01, 2009, 12:43:27 AM
How wise you are, Miriam, to be cautious..... I was shown, only recently, references to  newspapers/websites, where there are reports of  well-known seed-seller V. Pilous  having been detained  last Spring in Turkey with many hundreds of rare Iris species in his possession, all dug from the wild .... and claiming they were for a migraine cure  :o :P
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on February 01, 2009, 09:14:37 AM
Miriam and Oron,
Good to see that exact sites are not disclosed. Maybe just, eg at 200m growing on .......sand/soil in the vicinity of ..... or SW Israel etc
If you are not likely to be suspected of interfering with the irises is there a chance of letting us know how deep down the rhizomes are growing. Do they want to be not far from the surface or do they dig themselves down deeper to a more even temperature in the sand/soil?  You probably know this already anyway.

I try to place a good layer of course gravel over my rhizomes - most have about 2" of gravel above them at least but I would like to add more gravel. Just wondering what the irises do in their native habitat. The more information the better prepared we are to be able to grow them successfully - hence no valuable seed wasted. By the way there is a good article in the new British Iris Society 2008 Iris Yearbook about how junos and oncos are successfuly grown in Cornwall.

As I type this I am reminded of a friend who thought she would sprinkle some water saving crystals around some old rose clumps on the roadside (this was summer and in the same district where someone was lighting fires) and she later had a visit from the police as to what she was up to.
Pat
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on February 01, 2009, 11:10:37 AM
Pat,

I'll give you the information as species come to flower, about depth of rhizomes and type of soil.
As said earlier it would be wiser not to give exact locations since some species are allready risking  extinction.

Iris atropurpurea is the only species to grow on the Mediterranean coast line in some cases as shown in my photos some 200mt from the sea but some colonies are as far as a few km  inland.

All colonies grow in sandy soils, young plants/clumps are at the depth of 5-10 cm older clumps up to 20 cm deep. I don't think they dig themselves down so much as it is the sand it self that coveres them more and more each year by new sand added with the help of wind and currents from the Nile.

Three of the species grow in sandy soils I. atropurpurea, I. mariae, I. petrana [syn. I hieruchamensis].


Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ashley on February 01, 2009, 11:26:00 AM
How wise you are, Miriam, to be cautious..... I was shown, only recently, references to  newspapers/websites, where there are reports of a well-known seed-seller having been detained  last Spring in Turkey with many hundreds of rare Iris species in his possession, all dug from the wild .... and claiming they were for a migraine cure  :o :P

Maggi,

I think most of us would be determined not to deal knowingly with such individuals.  Can you name them here, or at least PM those who want to share the information?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on February 01, 2009, 11:28:45 AM
Maggi

I also would like a PM if you think it appropriate
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 01, 2009, 11:39:52 AM
So would I Maggi if it's not too much trouble.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on February 01, 2009, 02:03:19 PM
I will PM you....... actually, I will email you with the links and translations.


Edit by M:   see Post below: Re: Oncos 2009
« Reply #29 on: February 02, 2009, 03:01:08 PM » for links to articles about plant theft.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on February 01, 2009, 04:07:39 PM
It is a pleasure to see these Iris growing happy in their natural inhabits, thank you Miriam and Oron!!
I can't wait to see yellow forms!!

Note: I will invite to dinner the first one who post it!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ashley on February 01, 2009, 06:47:55 PM
I will PM you....... actually, I will email you with the links and translations.

Thanks Maggi.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on February 01, 2009, 07:52:53 PM
Miriam and Oron, could you please tell something about virused plants in nature, are they common between sane plants or can they just spotted in less perfect sites ?

I ask this because two years ago I received an virused Iris atrofusca with Idea to get seed of it and destroy it afterwards (certainly seperated from all my other plants). Last year it was a very poor plant and looked extremly ill (and did not flower), but this year it looks quite well and I think especially if it would grow in the ground it would hardly possible to recognize it is badly virused. ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on February 01, 2009, 09:36:44 PM
Hans, it is very rare to see virused plants in the nature and those virused plants are getting ill every year and they will die eventually. The plants that are likely to get virus, are usually suffering from stress cause by unfit growing conditions.

About your Iris atrofusca, probably it suffers from leaves-diseases and not virus as it looks well now...
It is hard to distinguish between virus and leaves-diseases, but to be sure you have to wait until bloom and see if the flower is striped.
Recently, I was witness to a similar situation. We (me and an expert to Oncos) have noticed an ill Onco that was healthy last year. So we did an experiment and we cut its bad looking leaves off and it now looks perfectly healthy!
We did that with some other ill Oncos, and those who were virused, have not had healty leaves and looked bad as before.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on February 01, 2009, 10:09:41 PM
Oron, Miriam, thank you for showing these  beautiful pictures of I. atropurpurea.
I really love it that you both are showing the surrounding of the plant habitats.
This tells so much about the plants likings.
Really some plants to dream of growing here, because we garden in pure sandy soils.
 :-\ ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on February 01, 2009, 10:18:10 PM
Hans, could it be a regelia sepcies?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on February 01, 2009, 10:47:54 PM
Thanks Miriam , I will keep the plant until it flowers (or even more... ;)) - and then I also will see if it is a Regelia  ;)

Rafa you are right the coloration is something strange and remembers Regelia or even Iris aphylla - but Rhizomes and the time when it sprouts show it is an Onco and last but not least I received it from a very reliable query ( to which of sure I would send it back if it was  not correct labeled...  ;D)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on February 02, 2009, 12:45:36 AM
Again thanks Oron and Mariam for your expertise. I have not heard of leaf disease before.
Pat
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Ezeiza on February 02, 2009, 02:15:58 PM
Hi:

     An aphid attack produces distortion and decoloration in the leaves but aphids also spread virus.  A big problem is that growers usually fertilize a lot and this masks virus mosaic that is most evident at leaf tips as the plants are sprouting. Later on, the foliage turns a deeper green and mosaic is no longer visible.

    As our Israeli friends can tell us, such soils n the Middle East has little if any organic matter, hence low nitrogen and high contents of other elements proper of desertic soils.

    The information on "bulb" depth is invaluable as the effort plants make in adjusting themselves to the level they prefer is usually minimized.

Regards
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Joakim B on February 02, 2009, 03:01:08 PM
I must say that I am impressed with the lovely plants so thanks for showing.

Regarding wild collected plants
 I think it is valid to put the links to the article here about someone in the trade being caught with wild collected plants.
SRGC does not claim anything about this person. It is the magazine that claims and it is valuable so that people do not buy from wild collected material.
People should not be able to claim ignorance when ordering wild collected plants from that seller later.
Next time the seller might not be caught and can sell with profit to cover the fee he will have to pay for the plants he was caught with!
The seller can easily get his own version here if he likes so I think it is better to help stop wild collected plants to be sold by spreading the information. Here an hunger for plants can be started by seeing lovely plants but if people here also is warned about a seller than they will not quench the hunger with wild collected plants.
I think there is other wise a very lax attitude to buying wild collected plants amongst some gardeners (not necessarily members of the forum or members of SRGC) as long as one does not know for certain that they are wild collected.

I think the firmest of attitudes must be taken when it is wild collecting at this scale.
Kind regards
Joakim

http://anadoluekspres.com/haber_detay.asp?haberID=385
http://www.haberk.com/haber/20440/bitki-kacakcisi-doktor-cikti-haberi/
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on February 02, 2009, 03:43:03 PM
I would be very interested in a brief translation of these articles please?  The only name that stands out in the text is Dr Vlastimil Pilous ... a famous name, but I cannot tell if he is the accused or the accuser and that is a very unfair impression?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2009, 03:50:53 PM
Pilous is the person named as being caught with the bulbs, Cliff Here are two different translations I have received....

"Geologist from Czech Republik has been cought in Hasandağı by gendarmeria in act digging plants to bring his country.
According the acquirement information, The Taşpınar Gendarmerie Center by appraising an informing  have  cought one person  with his spade while digging plants around Uzartı on hill side of Hasandağı. The person who has been brought to the Taşpınar Gendarmerie Center was Geologist Dr. Vlastimil Pilous from Czech Republik.
Provincial Department of Agriculture  with  Provincial Department of environment and forestry analysed 454 plants of Dr. Vlastimil Pilous.
After analysis the plants, Thay have seen these 454 plants in two specieses are endangered and forbidden to sortie out of country. They were Iris sp. from bulbous plants.
 Dr. Vlastimil Pilous, in his evidence, He will bring these plants to Czech Republik for using for medical. He will make dry the plants to make tea and use for insomniac problems.
He comes to Turkey since 2001  to research and collect plants.  This time Dr. Vlastimil Pilous enter to Turkey 03.04.08. To find these iris sp. which lives around volcanic mountains, he come to Hatay, Antalya and then Hasandağı which is in Aksaray.
They imposed a fine to Dr. Vlastimil Pilous. environment law number 2872 clause 9/F. This clause aims to care plants and animals which are very rare and endangered. It is forbidden to illegal traffik. In the contrary case fine 23 thousand 112 turkish lira. Because of plant pirade, They give to Dr. Vlastimil Pilous 23 thousand 112 turkish lira
( = 11 thousand 500 hundred euros prx.) If he pay this many in one month, he will pay only 17 thousand 334 turkis lira (=8 thousand 500 hundred euros prx.) In case of not paying this amount it will forbidden to enter Turkey anymore.  After this process, Geologist Dr. Vlastimil Pilous get on the bus and left from Aksaray."
http://anadoluekspres.com/haber_detay.asp?haberID=385


and:
"A Czech geologist  has been caught in Hasandağı by the Tukish gendarmerie in the act of digging up plants to bring back to  his country.
According to reports, The Taşpınar Gendarmerie have  caught one person  with his spade while digging plants around Uzartı on a hillside near Hasandağı.  The person in question is Geologist Dr. Vlastimil Pilous from  The Czech Republic.
 The provincial Department of Agriculture  and it’s sister  Department of  the environment and forestry analysed 454 plants in the posession of Dr.Pilous.
After analysis, They have examined 454 plants which turned out to be  two species  of  Iris , both of which are endangered and forbidden to be taken out of country. They were aparently bulbous species .
 Dr. Pilous, claimed that he was taking the plants back to the Czech Republic for medicinal purposes, and that he intended to dry the plants to make tea for treating his problems with insomnia .
He has visited Turkey since 2001  to ‘research’ and collect plants.  This time Dr Pilous entered Turkey on the 3rd of April 2008. To search for  these iris species, which inhabit volcanic mountains, he visited Hatay, Antalya and then Hasandağı which is in Aksaray.
They imposed a fine on Dr. Pilous. under environment law number 2872 clause 9/F. This clause aims to protect plants and animals which are very rare and endangered. It is  illegal to traffic any such material . In this controversial case, They imposed a fine of  23 thousand 112 turkish lira ( = 11 thousand 500 hundred euros prx.) on Pilous. because of plant smuggling. BUT,
 if he pays  within one month, he will only have to pay 17 thousand 334 turkis lira (=8 thousand 500 hundred euros prx.) If he fails to pay either amount, he will be forbidden to enter Turkey ever again.  After this process,  Dr. Pilous is said to have left Aksaray by bus."

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on February 02, 2009, 04:02:41 PM
Many thanks, Maggi ... I won't deny I am shocked ....
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 02, 2009, 04:07:04 PM
Many thanks, Maggi ... I won't deny I am shocked ....

Same here Cliff !!!  :(
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: biodiversite on February 02, 2009, 08:08:15 PM
Arf, I think we are numerous here to have bought to V. Pilous during years. Sure, he indicated the plants were from nature, but as others : how to know precisely if the first plants were from nature but seedlings and vegetative multiplication are made in nursery, or if all the plants were digging up...

Moreover, we have to know that all our plants are finally came from nature, "peu ou prou" as we say in french, somewhat as "few or a lot". And I think CITES laws protect seeds too, so all the system of collecting in natura is vicious...

As for tortoises, we have to recognize that fact, and do not seem to be surprised. The unique solution now is permitted by the internet and its forums I think : we have to exchange our ways of culture in order to avoid to loose plants, to multiply these plants scrupulously, avoiding for example hybridization, and to give them around.

Sorry for my english : I tried to translate what I think but I'm not able to deliver precisely details  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2009, 08:16:27 PM
Bio, I think we can understand you well enough. :D

 Yes, we must do all we can to propagate our plants and  share them with others so that many gardens may know the delight of these gems from nature.

It is a fact that if no-one had ever made a plant collection, then our gardens would only have those species to be found in our own countries and I think we would all be sorry if that were the case..... there is here however the question of international and local laws and we must do all we can to uphold these and that is of course, the stance of the SRGC.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on February 02, 2009, 11:06:16 PM
Arf,


??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 03, 2009, 11:27:09 AM
Arf,


??

You coul translate by : Arghhhhh !! or Oups !! or (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Surpris/machoire2.gif) or (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Surpris/3d-surpris-non.gif) or whatever you want  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on February 03, 2009, 12:02:04 PM
Arf,


??

You coul translate by : Arghhhhh !! or Oups !! or (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Surpris/machoire2.gif) or (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Surpris/3d-surpris-non.gif) or whatever you want  ;D

Fred

I thought you meant Art i.e. me, and I could not think why.  Now I understand  ;D

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Joakim B on February 03, 2009, 12:50:32 PM
Thanks for the translation Maggi.
One plant for propagation is one thing but 454 is too much to claim anything else than massive wild collection of plants to sell.
It is good to make things clear so that people understand that these plants came direct from nature to their garden and not through seed collection or vegitative propagation. Trying to keep the plants pure might be difficult through seeds in a garden but one might try and also to grow them well enough to have divisions. 
All the best
Joakim
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on February 15, 2009, 01:50:01 PM
Some photos from today's trip:
This population of Iris atropurpurea is located in a remote place and quite unaccessible. This population is very diverse in colors and forms.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 15, 2009, 03:14:10 PM
stunning pictures of awesome plants Miriam !!
Thanks a lot for showing them.... and there goes my sympathy for tractor drivers  >:(
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on February 15, 2009, 05:20:50 PM
EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on February 15, 2009, 05:23:20 PM
Miriam

Stunning oncos

Is the land suitable for growing crops.  I wonder what the tractor was doing in such a remote area.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on February 15, 2009, 07:13:36 PM
Near by these Irises, there is a sewage purification station and some pipes were placed there...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on February 15, 2009, 09:28:02 PM
Great Pics, Miriam! :o - thanks for showing them -
very sad what happend to the yellow and orange ones :'(
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on February 15, 2009, 11:47:04 PM
How safe is this area if it is near a purification site - more developement to the site in future?? - overflow at the wrong time of the year. Is there any way that this site could be made safer from future damage?
Stunning photos Miriam and thank you so much for sharing them.
Pat
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on February 16, 2009, 05:49:14 PM
Pat,

I don't think there are plans to build there in the future...and there isn't a problem of overflow.
This was reported to the authorities and hope they will do something about it.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 17, 2009, 11:07:22 PM
Wonderfull plants Miriam !
The problems between plants, animal and Homo sapiens are always the same, everywhere in the world !
That's why conservation, exchanges and multiplication are very important.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 04, 2009, 08:14:20 PM
Actually in flower - Iris camillae
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 04, 2009, 09:17:00 PM
 :o :o :o

Words fail me Hans !!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 04, 2009, 10:04:42 PM
Wow is that what a well grown Iris camillae is supposed to look like! :o The standards of my clone did not show that strong height.
Well done Hans.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ashley on March 04, 2009, 11:46:17 PM
Oh that's stunning Hans :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on March 05, 2009, 05:37:10 AM
Words fail me too, Hans.
 our clone here in Australia is not as wonderful as your's .
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on March 05, 2009, 02:44:47 PM
Hans

That is a wonderful plant - how many more treasures to you have to show us  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 05, 2009, 04:35:49 PM
I'm going to stop reading this thread, all the drooling is making my chin sore ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 05, 2009, 04:42:29 PM
Do as I do, David.... read with a towel tied round your face, as though you had mumps.....  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 05, 2009, 05:00:57 PM
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 06, 2009, 08:21:48 AM
I can see it in front of me...  ::) ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 06, 2009, 10:40:25 AM
I can see it in front of me...  ::) ::)

Oh, sorry, Luc  :-[ I was tryingto help David..... you're not put off your food, are you?  :-\ :(
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 06, 2009, 10:43:57 AM
I can see it in front of me...  ::) ::)

Oh, sorry, Luc  :-[ I was tryingto help David..... you're not put off your food, are you?  :-\ :(

Don't worry Maggi - look at my avatar.  It takes more than that to put me off my food...  ;D ;) :-\
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 06, 2009, 10:56:16 AM
Thanks for the comments - hope my few seedlings will be able to flower next year to crosspolinate them to get seeds.

That is a wonderful plant - how many more treasures to you have to show us  :)
Arthur, this something I am not sure about.
This is a forum which is observed by many people - something I do not want is to wake desires in other growers which could animate collectors to dig out large quantities just for commercial benefit - traded plants or seeds should come from cultivated stocks.
So maybe I will show for example some of the species which are propagated by Janis Ruksans, floralpin etc. or some I received as gifts from other responsible growers.
In my opinion it cannot be said any of this species is an easy one in cultivation - even not in my conditions.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on March 06, 2009, 11:01:37 AM
Hans

I agree with your comments.  You have shown us that with determination it is possible to grow some really wonderful plants, that can be obtained from trusted sellers.

I know it is possible to grow some, if not all, from seed, and there has been excellent advice on how to maximise the percentage germination, and how to grow them on.

I hope,though, that you have several 'common' Iris still to show us  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 07, 2009, 08:59:58 PM
Not really very "common" is Iris nigricans, which started to bloom today - this so called "Black-Iris" it is the national flower of Jordania - a quite tricky species - I nearly lost this clone because of softrot last year  - of something over 20 fans I could save only 3.  :-[ ::). It is in any case a spectacular species which can be found sporadically in trade.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on March 07, 2009, 09:03:27 PM
Spectacular Iris - glad you were able to save some  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: maggiepie on March 07, 2009, 09:55:53 PM
Do as I do, David.... read with a towel tied round your face, as though you had mumps.....  ;D

I thought my mother was the only person on the planet who did that!!!! :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 07, 2009, 10:32:38 PM
Do as I do, David.... read with a towel tied round your face, as though you had mumps.....  ;D

I thought my mother was the only person on the planet who did that!!!! :o
Fine woman, your Mother, I won't hear a word against her!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 07, 2009, 10:58:10 PM
Great to see you saved this clone and managed to flower it Hans
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 08, 2009, 07:03:23 PM
What a cracker Hans !  It looks like a giant flower !  :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 08, 2009, 07:30:33 PM
Wonderfull Pic and flower hans !
The colour and texture are really fantastic !
I've this sp. since last autumn and I hope to get some flower, but you're very early in your are, lucky man !
How did you solve tho softrot trouble ?? Fongicide ?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 08, 2009, 10:16:23 PM
Hans, you are a Master!!!
It is not an easy task to grow  species  originated in  semidesert and desert climate.
Bravo
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 09, 2009, 08:04:10 AM
Thanks :D - it is really a stunning diva and I am glad to be able to grow it here.  :)

@Fred - Soft Rot is caused by bacteria (Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora) so a fungicid should not help - until now it only affected my plants short time before they started to flower - the only possibilty I see is to lift the clump, divide it and cut out the infected parts generously (often not easy as the Rhizomes are often very compact)- you will lose the flowers but with a bit of luck you save the clone and have also multiplied it. Very important is to sterilize the scalpel (or knife) after every cut. After all this procedure I treat the cut surface with a fungizid and charcoalpowder.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 09, 2009, 08:13:14 AM
Thank's Hans, I didn't translate softrot the right way !
I know Erwinia  >:( as I've already lost plants because of this pest !!!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 09, 2009, 08:25:10 AM
I have been told normal antibiotics could help - have not tried it yet (and hope this will not be necessary to soon ;))
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 09, 2009, 09:01:52 AM
You'er right hans,
Streptomycin is efficient against bacterias, but not allowed in France for commercial cultures ( May be allowed in Spain ? )
I never tried it, nevertheless, why not try it if necessary ?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 09, 2009, 10:18:55 AM
Hans,
do you have other clones of I. nigricans and can make a cross pollination?

This seems to be a common problem with the arils, as they are rarely self-fertile.  A pollen-exchange board for Iris in general may be usefull in perpetuating some of these otherwise rare and endangered species.

I was lucky enough to get some seed from the ASI this year from wild collected I. lortetii and I. haynei, plus I have some from Archibalds.  Although Cologne is anything but good for arils, my balcony is southfacing and completely roofed, so I am hoping I can maintain a few species in pots.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 09, 2009, 11:21:41 AM
Iris mariae usually starts to flower around mid March but it seems we are not going to see it this year dew to the terrible drought,  last week the area where it grows received some good rains but it might be too late to bring it into flower.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 09, 2009, 11:31:01 AM
Yes Jamie, I am growing a second clone of this species and I collected the pollen of the first flower to pollinate the second one (which will be open in a few days) - before trying to obtain a new species I always prefer a second clone of one species I grow allready.
A pollenexchange is a fine thing to keep a species in cultivation but does not make sense for possible reintroductions  in its habitat if you do not know from where the plants are orginated or even worse if they could be contaminated by another species.
I think it will not be easy to keep this wintergrowing species alive in cologne - easier are for sure the more northern species (like Iris iberica elegantissima) as their growingcycle is similar to yours.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 09, 2009, 11:35:33 AM
 :o Wow Oron - what a breathtaking beauty!  :o
The clone I grow of this species flowered two years ago the last time - it is not so nice bicoloured form ::) - but I am glad it is growing :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 09, 2009, 11:46:28 AM
Here is a wider view of it's habitat, in the northern part of the Negev desert.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 09, 2009, 11:48:31 AM
Oron, could it be you are a bit sadist... :o ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 09, 2009, 11:53:23 AM
Look who is talking... ;)
I havnt recovered  yet from some of your Junos.... ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 09, 2009, 12:45:34 PM
Hans,

quite right, with trying to maintain particular populations ex-situ.  I suppose one could keep meticulous records, but the reality is information is often lost.  Still better than loosing the species altogether, and most of the named species are most likely sub-species in reality.  Doesn't change the fact that, when lost, they are gone in their wild form.

On the topic of conservation, though, maintaining stabile populations of species (as currently understood) would certainly relieve much of the pressure for collecting from the wild.  Still, I personally believe collection is less threatening than the state of war in many of their habitats, plus human expansion.  Both are much more dificult to control for the plantsman!

I didn't realize that the southern forms were truly Winter growers. I had thought this was more of an opportunistic event.  I do have good success with many South African Winter species, even in the open garden, as Cologne is very warm for its latitude (Zone 8 ), just very wet.  Of course, this last Winter was the coldest I've experienced in the City, with temps dropping to -15°C for a few nights.  I did loose some Pelargoniums, but many of my Homeria and related actually seemd to benefit, with seed germinating very well.  Clearly, there is a great deal to understand about many of these niche species.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 09, 2009, 01:13:47 PM
Beautiful photos Hans and Oron! :o :-X

Today in my garden-Bareket, an Oncocyclus hybrid with a huge flower (15 cm).
Pretty but there is nothing to compare to the pure species.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 09, 2009, 02:51:57 PM
Congratulations to all for this fantastic pictures :o
Oron, very interesting pictures in wild inhabit, extreme conditions for this species.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 09, 2009, 06:17:05 PM
Iris petrana is in bloom not far from I mariae in the eastern part of the Negev desert and Jordan. 
Both species grow in similar habitats.
Mostly very dark flowers but there is some variation.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 09, 2009, 06:27:11 PM
Thanks Rafa,
You are right these are extreme conditions and for that, home to many beautiful bulbous plants.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Gerdk on March 09, 2009, 06:54:02 PM
What a sensational plant - Iris mariae  ( Reply # 76) - and what a photo!
It looks like painted!

Thanks for showing this outstanding beauty!

Gerd
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 09, 2009, 07:00:32 PM
Oron - Really awsome plants and pictures !!!!   :o :o :o
They're incredibly beautiful and definitely ungrowable in rainy Belgium  :'(

Thanks for letting us taste anyway !  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 09, 2009, 07:26:08 PM
I'm sure some with think I'm playing the heretic, but the two species, I. petrana and I. mariae are extremely similar.  Anyone know why they are not considered sub-species?  How far apart are they geographically?  Are their morphologies that distinct?

I particularly like the differences one sees in the beards and signals amongst the petrana series.  The last shot shows a specimen with an almost red-gold signal.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 10, 2009, 09:56:27 AM
Some stunning plants!
That sand must get awfully hot in summer - so the rhizomes must be fairly deep to protect the rhizomes.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 10, 2009, 10:23:02 AM
@Oron - again great pics! :D

@Miriam - real beautiful Hybrid -do you know which species are involved ? -  something like a cross of Iris lortetii/samariae and I. mariae?

@Jamie – I know nobody in Germany who has success in growing or even propagating israeli Onco species neither protected in the glasshouse nor outside – there have been many in introductions  – but there is nothing left.  If there should be any plants actually these will be a recent introduction.  I think not far away from you, in Gladbeck lives a professional grower and breeder  (H. Mathes) who could give you more information as he grew a lot of species (in a glasshouse).
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 10, 2009, 10:31:19 AM
Hans,

Harald and I are well aquainted and I am growing many of his experimental hybrids.  The only other grower I know in Germany that has success with oncos is Joseph Mayr, but he is mainly growing the Iranian and Turkish species.  And with apparent great success.  He has quite a few wonderful clones of I. meda, I. sari, I. barnumae and I. bostrensis.  I think I. jordana is the only southern grower and then, that is a border species.

Admittedly, I am aiming at creating hybrids that will handle our weather, but maintaining some of the species is important to me.  Other than the challenge, keeping captive populations may be their only long-term survival.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on March 10, 2009, 10:46:23 AM
Oron

Many many thanks for showing the Iris in their very harsh conditions - stunning  :)

Miriam

I agree with you that species are best, but I certainly like your hybrid plant  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 10, 2009, 12:24:21 PM
What else to add ?
except thank's again to everybody to show us such rare , endangered and wonderfull plants !!!
Oron, I really love pants in their natural habit, that's my favorite pictures !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on March 10, 2009, 12:38:04 PM
Oron ,
 I am flat on my back , bowled over by all that beauty of those Israeli Oncos, thank you
 soo much for sharing it .
    Otto.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 10, 2009, 12:54:01 PM

@Miriam - real beautiful Hybrid -do you know which species are involved ? -  something like a cross of Iris lortetii/samariae and I. mariae?


you are correct, the exact species involved are:
I. samariae X (I. mariae x I. hermona). it's a sterile hybrid and It is used mainly for the commercial business of cutting flowers and export them abroad. I personally don't like to see flowers in a vase, I prefer them outside in the garden or in the nature.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 10, 2009, 04:53:05 PM
Thank you all, there are few more species on the way....

Otto, that wasn't my intention... ;)
Happy Birthday,
All the best,
oron
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 11, 2009, 02:00:50 PM
another species
 Iris sari
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 11, 2009, 02:05:14 PM
Rafa,

what an amazing beard it has!  :o  I've never seen such a dark clone.  Do you have others?

Your fotos are crystal clear.  Just wonderful.  Thanks for sharing these.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 11, 2009, 02:21:03 PM
Yes, it is darker and half size comparing with this another clone (picture from last year)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 11, 2009, 04:16:15 PM
Stunning! :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 11, 2009, 09:15:06 PM
Simply the best  ;D
Really wondefull picture and flowers, as usual.
Do they produce seeds ?? ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 12, 2009, 10:32:52 AM
Thank you friends,

The second one is a clone that J. Lonsdale gave me two years ago and produce seeds.

I received two clones last year from my friend Hans Achilles and Kurt Vickery, so I hope they produces seeds as well.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 12, 2009, 02:08:42 PM
Rafa - really stunning I. sari! :o

Here a result of open pollinated Oncos is in flower - very nice - but something I want to avoid (so open pollinating is forbidden for my plants 8))
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 12, 2009, 02:17:28 PM
Hans  - I suggest you give the poor thing away...  ;D ;D  I know a good address...  :-X ;)

Without further joking - I do find it a wonderful flower Hans !  Remarkable colours - it seems to enjoy life !


Rafa,
Your sari are absolutely wonderful !  Thanks for showing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2009, 03:38:38 PM
Hans  - I suggest you give the poor thing away...  ;D ;D  I know a good address...  :-X ;)

Without further joking - I do find it a wonderful flower Hans !  Remarkable colours - it seems to enjoy life !


Rafa,
Your sari are absolutely wonderful !  Thanks for showing !

Luc, you are so kind to offer a good home to the poor orphan! ;D 


I love  all the  Iris pages.... it is like seeing Haute Couture!  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 12, 2009, 03:54:32 PM

Luc, you are so kind to offer a good home to the poor orphan! ;D 


I love  all the  Iris pages.... it is like seeing Haute Couture!  8)

I know Maggi - I'm too kind ... everybody says so...  ::) :-X
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 12, 2009, 07:12:41 PM
Iris bismarckiana-my favorite Israeli Onco species  :D
This species grows in the north of Israel and what is unique about this species (and what is distinguishing it from Iris hermona) is that it creates big clumps (up to 2.5 meters in diameter and even more!), but every fan of leaves is pretty remote from the other fans in the same clone.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 12, 2009, 07:41:07 PM
They are absolutely wonderful Miriam !
Stunning plants !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 12, 2009, 08:50:59 PM
Miriam,

that is fascinating! I've never seen any mention of this rhizomatous open-clumping in I. bismarckiana.  I've learned something new! ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on March 12, 2009, 10:03:24 PM
Iris bismarckiana-my favorite Israeli Onco species  :D
This species grows in the north of Israel and what is unique about this species (and what is distinguishing it from Iris hermona) is that it creates big clumps (up to 2.5 meters in diameter and even more!), but every fan of leaves is pretty remote from the other fans in the same clone.
Miriam, that sounds almost like a weed.. 8) for a difficult plant in culture.
Beautiful pictures of all these Irises during the last week(s).
Can only dream of them I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on March 13, 2009, 07:23:23 AM
Hans -your forbidden onco hybrid is still very beautyful ,don't dispose of it.
Miriam -I bismarckiana could be my favourite Israeli onco too , after > mariae and
lortetii -if this "noxious weed' should become a nuisance for you ,please deport
some to Australia !
       Otto.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 13, 2009, 09:04:51 AM
Another lot of stunning photos Miriam. So lovely to see them photos of all.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 13, 2009, 09:33:40 AM
Miriam for how long time has the plants been growing to make a 2.5 meter diameter? 10 of years or closer to 100?
I have no idea but that may influence the "weedeness" of it.
Are these Israeli plants in wider cultivation or just grown in nature?
I have truly enjoyed the plants but I bet that they are a million tims nicer live when seen in nature. 8)
Since I most likely never will I am happy to see them through the help of You all.


Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 13, 2009, 01:53:45 PM
Thanks for your nice comments...the pictures are not from my garden, but in the nature.
it takes about 8-10 years to make a clump of 2.5 meters in diameter.
As it is a difficult plant to cultivate (as many Oncos), it is not common in culture (also because it is a protected plant by the law).
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 13, 2009, 02:44:46 PM
Miriam

I would say much much more than 8-10 years.

Natural germination of this species [like most Onco.] is 2-3 years folowing 3-5 years to the first bloom.
Only after this phase plants would start to make a small clump. considering the relatively short growing season it would need a life time to make a 2.5 meters in diameter.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 13, 2009, 03:05:11 PM
Oron,
I meant that it takes 8-10 years from a mature plant already in flowering size.
I saw yesterday in an experimental field a 1.7 m in diameter clump and it took 5 years to get to this size from a single mature plant.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 14, 2009, 02:22:06 AM
Oh good my arils are increasing as they are designed to do - fairly slowly. Even though most aril species are protected, as is Iris bismarkiana seed, can it be exchanged between botanic gardens? If someone from outside of the native country wanted seed is there any legal way that they might get a couple. This sounds as if I am trying to get seed but the reason behind the question is genuine even though yes of course I would like to grow it. It is a queston that has been on my mind for a long time. I was able to get seed of some Israeli aril species from David Shahak in the late 80' and into the 90's. eg. atropurpurea, haynei, hermona and mariae. They would be protected wouldn't they?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 14, 2009, 02:55:45 PM
Hans, look at this
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 14, 2009, 04:26:09 PM
Wow Rafa :o - yes this plant is something familiar to me... 8)

Miriam great pics - i thought I. bismarckiana would be a shyer flowering species.

Hans -your forbidden onco hybrid is still very beautyful ,don't dispose of it.
Certainly I will keep them - this are beautiful strong plants -about 80cm high - and they remember me to pollinate my others by hand ... ;)

Here a second Iris nigricans (clone) is open.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 14, 2009, 08:07:40 PM
Really dark Hans, the clone I grow stopped grow due soft root this year, like many others due I haven't notice several leak in the bulbframe...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 15, 2009, 03:23:58 PM
 :-\
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 15, 2009, 09:57:03 PM
Rafa,
you should try Streptomycin !
Wunderfull plants Miriam, Hans and Ori, and very early !
I still only have leaves....
But the wethar is getting better, so I hope growth will really start !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 15, 2009, 10:24:44 PM
Miriam great pics - i thought I. bismarckiana would be a shyer flowering species.

It's true, this species uses its energy mainly for vegetative reproduction, instead of producing flowers and seeds.
According to a research done recently, only 12% of the flowers of this species will produce seeds (and not many in each capsule).
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 15, 2009, 10:27:38 PM
Miriam great pics - i thought I. bismarckiana would be a shyer flowering species.

It's true, this species uses its energy mainly for vegetative reproduction, instead of producing flowers and seeds.
According to a research done recently, only 12% of the flowers of this species will produce seeds (and not many in each capsule).


Pity  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 15, 2009, 10:40:31 PM
Pity  :'( :'( :'(

Efforts are being taking place in order to help this species to pruduce more seeds by hand-pollination ,and now 90% of the flowers are setting seeds.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 16, 2009, 09:10:52 AM
Hello Miriam, thanks for this information !
Do you know how this is done - is there someone who walks in the morning through the plants with collected pollen of the same population? - As I know the stigma desiccates quickly (and even more in your warmer area) - so the fertile timespan should be quite short.
Thinking in the almost selfsterlity of Oncos and the behaviour of this species to form larger patches of  single clones the before mentioned 12% of natural seed set is not so bad...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 16, 2009, 02:58:26 PM
It is a project done thanks to the collaboration of students from nearby schools and universities together with the Nature-Parks Authority. They collected the pollen of some strong healthy plants in the same population and hand-pollinated all the flowers.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 17, 2009, 09:01:30 AM
Miriam,
How wonderful that you are getting young people involved. They will be the future of their threatened species.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 18, 2009, 07:43:54 PM
Wonderful picts of the rarest oncos here  :D

late, but here is my first onco this year.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 18, 2009, 10:07:52 PM
Never seen it !
Is it a species ?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 18, 2009, 10:57:17 PM
Gerhard what a beard!!! Never seen one that size before - I guess the signal is part of the size too.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 19, 2009, 09:14:57 AM

late, but here is my first onco this year.



This is quite a "first" Gerhard !  Stunning flower !!  :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 19, 2009, 03:28:34 PM
 :o Very interesting  spec., Gerhard- and not a bad one to start with - I am looking  forward to see your Iris iberica. :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 19, 2009, 03:58:18 PM
Iris camillae - very floriferous this year...  8) ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 19, 2009, 04:02:33 PM
woooowwwww  :o :o :o :o

Hans, I remember you showing it last year as well, but it seems to have done very well since then !!!
Definitely one of my favourites !  Marvelous !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 19, 2009, 08:14:38 PM
Hans,

what a masterpiece of colour, form and light!  A truly magnificent species.  Will you have seed available?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 19, 2009, 08:36:20 PM
It rates very highly in the 'drool' factor Hans! ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 09:19:11 PM
Glubp!   :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 20, 2009, 08:12:51 AM
It rates very highly in the 'drool' factor Hans! ;D

Perhaps I should I distribute bibs... ::) ;D ;)

It is a really a beautiful sight but (in my experience) after such a floriferous year the plants normally collapse and will need a time to recuperate :-\
As I have only one floweringsized clone I hardly will get any seed, even if I selfed every flower - with  something of luck I will get perhaps a total of 5 seeds.

Luc - last year I.camillae was shown by a very skilled grower -  not me. ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 20, 2009, 08:28:02 AM

Luc - last year I.camillae was shown by a very skilled grower -  not me. ;)

Oops  ::)
Allow me to say that I consider modesty as a very nice character trait Hans, but here it is totally misplaced...  ;D ;)

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 20, 2009, 11:07:45 AM

Luc - last year I.camillae was shown by a very skilled grower -  not me. ;)

Oops  ::)
Allow me to say that I consider modesty as a very nice character trait Hans, but here it is totally misplaced...  ;D ;)


   Indeed , Luc, I agree that the skills shown by these Iris growers is remarkable and to be much admired. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 20, 2009, 06:39:14 PM
Hans, your plant is wonderfull, as picture, especially grown in your rockery !
Congratulations  :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 20, 2009, 09:24:14 PM
Hans what a beautifully flowering clump - so well grown - must like its site.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 21, 2009, 11:22:02 AM
Early this morning i went to visit a few colonies of I. hynei and I . bismarckiana not far from where i Live.
I . hynei bloom is disappointing this year dew to the drought, there where very few flowers.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 21, 2009, 11:39:26 AM
Luckily, I live just a few Km from this amazing colony of I. bismarckiana.
 I love particularly the red spotted ones...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 21, 2009, 12:57:02 PM
FANTASTIC Oron !!!  :o :o :o
Please send us more so wonderfull pic !!!
Thank you very much for sharing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 21, 2009, 05:07:21 PM
WOW Oron- the red spotted I. bismarckiana is astonishing :o

Today I also went to visit some locations of Oncos in the Negev desert in the south of Israel.
And here is what I have found: Iris atrofusca.
Iris petrana is still not in flower, there are some buds about to open, but the show will be poor compared to last year.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: WimB on March 21, 2009, 05:34:01 PM
Oron and Miriam,

very beautiful plants, really stunning.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 21, 2009, 06:51:19 PM
Thank you Oron and Miriam for posting pics of these beautiful plants.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 21, 2009, 06:51:53 PM
Oron and Miriam, thanks for showing this superb pictures of this Oncos in their natural habitat!
Oron, I agree - the red spotted bismarckiana is fantastic (and again it looks I. bismarckiana is much more floriferous as I thought... 8)).
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on March 22, 2009, 10:04:24 AM
Oron and Miriam

Many thanks - it is so good to see the plants growing in their natural environment.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on March 23, 2009, 09:30:04 AM
Oron and Miriam
I can only be another echo - but also congratulate you both on the superb photos. I have never seen the red spotted bismarckiana before. The blue sky behind the flowers was particularly striking. And my arils are staying underground for the time being. No rain for so long. As I have recently dug a few rhizomes and distributed them to growers here in Australia I have noticed new increase on many though.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 23, 2009, 09:41:18 AM
Thanks for the wonderful pictures Miriam and Oron !  :D
For me this is a totally new world you're showing us !  :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on March 24, 2009, 06:27:47 AM
It rates very highly in the 'drool' factor Hans! ;D
Perhaps I should I distribute bibs... ::) ;D ;)
Not drooling, but I'm definitely gob-smacked! These iris are just fabulous! Thank you, Hans, Oron and Miriam!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 03, 2009, 02:07:40 PM
Hello,
Two forms of Iris iberica subsp. lycotis.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 03, 2009, 05:29:38 PM
My chin has just got better and now you've started me drooling again Rafa. Wonderful pics.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 03, 2009, 07:26:11 PM
another two
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 03, 2009, 08:14:19 PM
Rafa - these are incredible !  :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 03, 2009, 09:36:19 PM
Rafa,

wonderful blossoms.  Is the first forma atrata?  What about the second, would that simply fall under paradoxa?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paddy Tobin on April 03, 2009, 09:40:28 PM
Rafa,

They are exquisite.

Paddy
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 03, 2009, 10:13:46 PM
I think so Paddy, this form was also called 'Sevan', 'Prasil'... our friend Zhirair from Armenia told us there are darker forms in many other places in Armenia.
The second one is subsp. choschab, from Azerbaijan.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 03, 2009, 11:45:56 PM
Wow Rafa wonderful plants ! :o
Great to see them ...
(and glad to see you had a sunny day ;D - so may be wheather will be better here tomorrow... 8))
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Eric Locke on April 04, 2009, 12:10:56 AM

Great plants Rafa   :) :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 04, 2009, 10:01:57 AM
Rafa what wonderful oncos. Thanks for sharing images.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 04, 2009, 05:14:44 PM
An Iris paradoxa from Janis

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 04, 2009, 10:33:57 PM
Such wonderful Iris.... thank you, Rafa!
 I hope you all noticed, in the picture of   Iris-lycotis---Iran-Azerbajan-Khoi  on the previous page, that there is a human hand at the edge of the photo which reveals the size if the flower to be LARGE!!!  8) 8)
 

Hans, please send sunshine.... ours  has gone again :'(

 
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 05, 2009, 10:54:18 AM
Beautiful pictures everyone.  I'm finally catching up on the Iris section.... and Oh what a treat!!

Thanks for taking the time to photograph and share your pics.  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 05, 2009, 01:52:16 PM
Several pics from the nature, in the northern part of Israel:
Iris lortetii- endemic to the eastern Galilee. In Hebrew it is called "Iris Hadur", meaning “Elegant Iris” and indeed some consider it as the most beautiful Oncocyclus Iris in Israel.
Iris hermona-grows in the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon. Flowers are very large about 15 cm in diameter.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 05, 2009, 03:51:36 PM
Bravo bravo and more Bravo!!!  :o It is really nice to see these species growing happy in the nature.
here another 3 Oncos,
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 05, 2009, 04:18:35 PM
Wow !!!  :o :o

Stunning pictures Miriam and Rafa !
Unbelievable flowers !

Thanks for showing !


[attach=1]
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 05, 2009, 09:16:53 PM
Iris lortetti is a bride! A wedding cake, a fluff of pink cloud  :D My favourite iris. I've never actually SEEN it of course, only pictures but if I ever do, I shall prostrate myself and worship it.

Its surroundings look amazingly like my lawn, a field of clover and other weeds. Perhaps it would LIKE to be here. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 05, 2009, 09:26:08 PM
Miriam and Rafa - thanks a lot for showing this outstanding plants!
Iris lortetii in its habitat is just stunning.
Rafa, which diameter has the flower of Iris susiana?


Maggi - has sun arrived? we will get scottish wheather here the next days...  ;)::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 05, 2009, 09:34:48 PM
A little sun, Hans, but also cold wind still.... can you do better, please?  ::)
 I am freezing while I dream of Iris lortetii which is one of the most exquisite flowers I can imagine.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Armin on April 05, 2009, 09:41:24 PM
missed this beautiful treat 8) :o ;D
Thanks for the wunderful Onco images.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 05, 2009, 09:57:35 PM
Hans it has arround 9cm diameter, very similar size to Iris lycotis (pink clone)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 05, 2009, 10:07:50 PM
Several pics from the nature, in the northern part of Israel:
Iris lortetii- endemic to the eastern Galilee. In Hebrew it is called "Iris Hadur", meaning “Elegant Iris” and indeed some consider it as the most beautiful Oncocyclus Iris in Israel.
Iris hermona-grows in the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon. Flowers are very large about 15 cm in diameter.
Thank you for showing these beautiful Iris Miriam!
I love the "habitat" pictures, which always gives some insight where plants like to grow!
Now, when I am writing this, it makes me curious how the same place looks in three or four months.
Do you have pictures??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 06, 2009, 02:44:53 AM
Yes Luit seeing the same sites at different times of the year would be good.

Miriam and Rafa thank you so much.
Rafa why the dual name?
The following quote is from the BIS Species Group book A Guide to Species Irises Their indentification and cultivation

Iris basaltica Dinsmore
"This species is reported by S A Chaudhary to be in danger of extinction. It was also recorded in the past from Krak des Chevaliers. P. Mouterde regards this species as the probable source of the cultivaed I. susiana L."

By the way Shaukat Chaudhary lives in Sydney nowadays
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 06, 2009, 10:20:20 AM
Miriam and Rafa,

Wow!!!  :o :o :o :o  Breathtaking, particularly that Iris lortetii.  It looks like someone has painted it.  And the wonderful iberica ssp elegantissima..... aaaaaaaah!  Beautiful!! 8)  Thank you!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on April 06, 2009, 10:24:54 AM
Miriam and Rafa

Many many thanks for posting such wonderful oncos.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 06, 2009, 10:54:25 AM
Miriam, Rafa,

many thanks for the in-situ shots and especially the close-ups.  Rafa, I find this helps in understanding the mophology of the various forms.

I am currently attempting to germinate seed of I. lortetii.  It will certainly be worth the effort.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 06, 2009, 11:06:26 AM
I received this plant as Iris susiana but I am not sure which name is more correct to use Iris susiana L. or Iris basaltica Dinsm.. If it is the same species, the correct name should be the older name Iris susiana L.. Well, like with Narcissus genus, this is the problem of make botany from cultivated plants in the garden.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 06, 2009, 12:26:03 PM
Miriam , Rafa,  Oron , Hans ,
 we are so fortunate to have you and many others on the Forum to share with us
all those beautyful and exotic plants, most of which we would neverin our gardens
or meet in their native habitats, thank you so much .
 I lortetii reigns supreme in beauty , but then many others come close .
Pat -I once grew I. basaltica in the early 1960's, but not for long -seed came from
 Pere Mouterde in Beirut[Universite Saint Joseph ], what a sombre beauty.
 Is Shaukat Chaudary still interested in Iris ?Sydney would not be suitable to grow
Oncos successfuly .
        Otto.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 06, 2009, 01:00:24 PM
Thanks Otto.
Yes,  Mr Shaukat Chaudhary is still interested in Iris and I think he has a look in this forum from time to time ... ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 06, 2009, 06:04:59 PM
Thank you all.
In reality, these Irises are even more beautiful than in the pictures...

Luit,
In three or four months, the majority will be dry there, as we have no rain during summer and very high temperatures.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 06, 2009, 06:26:45 PM
Luit,
In three or four months, the majority will be dry there, as we have no rain during summer and very high temperatures.

Miriam, I understand that quite well, but whenever you are there and carry your camera.??
But I realise we will not see much green, it would be interesting though.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 06, 2009, 10:43:27 PM
Miriam, Rafa,
nothing else to add except once more : MERCI ET BRAVO !
Wonderfull pic and plants of such splendid genera !!!
waiting for new ones...  ;D ;D ;D and again, and again  ;D :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 07, 2009, 12:18:48 AM
I suggest that some photos be taken with the sun shining through the dotting and veining - these can be truly amazing.
This is when I really marvel at Mother Nature.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 09, 2009, 05:15:50 PM
I will try this effect  Pat ;)
Another one
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 09, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Miriam and Rafa,
These are stunning photos, it seems Oncos really do well in Spain, or is it The expert growers? ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 09, 2009, 06:27:47 PM
Rafa, is it Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii?
It is pretty similar to Iris basaltica...as far as I can see, in Iris basaltica the dotting and veining are more heavier and darker.
But, I have seen some pictures of Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii that are really the same as Iris basaltica.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 09, 2009, 08:44:23 PM
Well Oron, you know 8)... Yes! we are expert growers why not HAH  ;D ;)

You are absolutely right Miriam, the plant I grow of Iris susiana is very very close to Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii but not like this plant, It is very close to Hans's clones of Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii, indeed, they are exactly the same plant even in measures! both have 11cm diameter. The plant I grow is rescued from old french gardens, labeled as Iris susiana, from Turkey. Hans's Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii is also from Turkey so maybe Iris susiana is just a bigger lineage of plants of this species.

Iris basaltica is even more big arround 15cm diameter.

I think DNA analysis are needed for most of onco Iris....

In the picture Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii at left and I. susiana at right.



Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 10, 2009, 12:38:50 AM
Thankyou so much Rafa for those comparison photos - that is most helpful in seeing differences.
I would be very interested to know what old French garden - just for the records of ASI as Iris susiana is just about "like hen's teeth" to find nowadays.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 10, 2009, 10:53:06 AM
Amazing flowers Rafa  :o (once again !  ;D ;) )
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 11:22:15 AM
Beautiful flowers, as always.  I am still trying to work out exactly when to start watering the onco/reglio Iris types..... is it once the leaves start shooting?  I have managed to muddle Iris dardanus through a number of years (mostly by dumb luck I think  ;D) and have grown Iris atropurpurea and Iris jordana successfully from seed somehow.  This is the first year I have left these really dry over summer, and they are all looking quite good and just starting to shoot leaves.  The Iris dardanus in particular is looking better than it has in the last few years, in fact it has multiplied.  But.... should I commence watering as soon as the leaves start emerging, or should I wait a bit longer?

If the moderators feel that this should be in a separate topic, or in the "problem" area then feel free to move it.

Thanks in anticipation.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 11, 2009, 01:23:02 PM
This is the only hybrid I grow between Iris paradoxa subsp. paradoxa and Iris iberica subsp. iberica. a gift from J. Lonsdale, thank you John!. ;)

Paul, I think you should wait more time, as little leaves usually means very few new roots and maybe they won't be able to managed excesive moisture until the rhizome make bigger radical system.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 11, 2009, 10:02:21 PM
Rafa,

Thanks.  The leaves on dardanus (the most advanced at this stage) are about an inch high.  I'm about to repot them anyway, so I will check out the roots at that point.  That will also give them a little moisture from the potting mix, without making them at all wet.  I had hoped to repot them a little earlier, but it never happened.  ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 11, 2009, 11:57:38 PM
Wow Rafa, never have seen a picture of this hybrid before - nice one!

...the plant I grow of Iris susiana is very very close to Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii but not like this plant, It is very close to Hans's clones of Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii, indeed, they are exactly the same plant even in measures!

All this species of the susiana-complex are very close and it is very difficult to separate them because many are told to be quite variable in its habitat - here are two actual pictures of the plant Rafa mentioned. I received it as Iris kirkwoodii - but Brian Mathew mentioned for turkey also an I.sp.aff. sofarana...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 12, 2009, 02:04:29 PM
A nice view from today - two Iris paradoxa forms flowering together with Cyclamen persicum.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 12, 2009, 06:50:04 PM
Very nice group of species!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 12, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Hans and Rafa,
Your kirkwoodii are really extraordinary, probably a good candidate to be the King of all Oncos!!! :o :o
Congratulations.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 12, 2009, 11:38:39 PM
Superb Hans!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 13, 2009, 08:27:41 AM
Hans you certainly have some pretty special oncos - thanks again for sharing. Yes that I. kirkwoodii is superb.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 13, 2009, 12:43:44 PM
Hans , wonderful flowers on your kirkwoodii ssp. k., just the right size !!!
 also admiring your 2 forms of i. paradoxa -looks as if they are growing through
 concrete ?or is this a stonewall behind them?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 13, 2009, 09:34:29 PM
Thanks for your comments -
Oron i think there are a lot of candidates for king of all Oncos - starting with Iris mariae, Iris lortetii, Iris iberica ssp. elegantissima, Iris meda...(to be continued)  ::) - I would not know which three Oncos I would take with me on a lonely island... 8)
Otto - you are right - in the back(south) there is a wall, which give the Oncos a light shadow to prevent this site for the northern species becomes to hot in summer.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: biodiversite on April 14, 2009, 11:22:42 AM
Hi everybody, and thank you for such amazing plants.
Here in south-east France, the season begins with hybrids :

'Zizah', classic and of unknow parentage

and my own Iris sari x kirkwoodii (seedling of 1993 : at that time, I didn't know oncos are strictly allogames...) [I've just put pictures of the parentage here http://plantes-passion.forumactif.fr/les-iris-f21/oncocyclus-2009-t3052.htm#33230 ]
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 14, 2009, 12:05:51 PM
Biodiversite,

Great pics.  Love the colour combination in the first one, and that fantastic veining in the second ones.  Great stuff!!  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 14, 2009, 03:06:28 PM
Elles sont superbes Bio !!  :o
Stunning flowers !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 14, 2009, 07:45:49 PM
Very nice indeed Bio.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 14, 2009, 09:56:15 PM
Bio, your hybrid is really wonderfull !
Seems to be a true species !!!
Regarding 'ZIZAH', I'm a bit afraid about the veining on the flowers....... Virus ?? or normal ??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 15, 2009, 03:30:49 PM
Iris sari ssp. manissadjanii is flowering in the bulb frame, from Turkey.
Seems to be smaller than the type.

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm52.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=520&u=11843503)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm53.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=521&u=11843503)

As rafa is my Light master  ;) , I'll try to use the poor sunlight for my pictures  .
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Armin on April 15, 2009, 03:33:11 PM
Fred,
super shots of your Iris sari ssp. manissadjanii !
Very elegant :o 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 15, 2009, 03:34:26 PM
Awesome Fred !!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 15, 2009, 05:41:22 PM
Really stunning-both pics and plant! :o
It is not looking so small in your pics  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 15, 2009, 11:59:32 PM
Fred what amazing photos - can you please let us know how you did it? How did you do the black b/g?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 16, 2009, 12:24:07 AM
Pat, I only put a black tissue in the background !!
Very simple and efficient  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 16, 2009, 12:06:50 PM
And again, Fred.  Beautiful pictures!! 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 16, 2009, 02:38:09 PM
Bio and Fred the plants and the pics are superb  :o - it is very interesting to see Iris kirkwoodii is so dominant in a cross with Iris sari!
Maybe Fred and Rafa could give a fotographic classes for srgc? ;)

Regarding 'ZIZAH', I'm a bit afraid about the veining on the flowers....... Virus ?? or normal ??
I think it is normal ZIZAH shows a strange veining and it is said this is something genetical - but if this is normal, how will a virused Zizah look alike?
Some time ago I had some virused Arilbreds which looked similar in flower and showed a mosaic pattern when growth started, later the leaves were completly green. ::)

Some from Spain:
Iris iberica ssp. lycotis and Iris barnumae
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 16, 2009, 02:59:24 PM
Splendid hans !!
I never got flower from Iris barnumae, so it's very nice to see such nice closeup
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 16, 2009, 03:04:52 PM
Wunderschön Hans !!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 16, 2009, 07:26:48 PM
The chin's sore again Hans ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on April 16, 2009, 08:06:53 PM
Wow Rafa, never have seen a picture of this hybrid before - nice one!

...the plant I grow of Iris susiana is very very close to Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii but not like this plant, It is very close to Hans's clones of Iris kirkwoodii subsp. kirkwoodii, indeed, they are exactly the same plant even in measures!

All this species of the susiana-complex are very close and it is very difficult to separate them because many are told to be quite variable in its habitat - here are two actual pictures of the plant Rafa mentioned. I received it as Iris kirkwoodii - but Brian Mathew mentioned for turkey also an I.sp.aff. sofarana...

Wow, Hans, what an exceptional beauty!!! I am knocked down by its magical beauty. I systematically watch this wonderful Onco section, but this time couldn't resist not to leave a comment. Baravo! Bravo! I am 'devastated' and think I am not going to sleep this night.

Iris paradoxa forms are nice! I hope that someday I will also see the other variation with yeallow standarts and brown falls, which originates from Iran. Currently I don't remember the name of this forma. It seems that it is not known in culture. Never heard anybody growing it.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 16, 2009, 10:14:49 PM
Zhirair, I may be mis-remembering (the Search isn't working for me again) but some time ago there were pictures of what I think was called I. paradoxa ssp (or var) mirabilis. It was a lovely red/yellow/orange/white combination and looked absolutely stunning. Is this the one you mean? It was on show at an AGS show I think and I believe Jim and Jenny Archibald had offered seed of it previously.

(Later - Found a couple of pics in "SRGC Aberdeen Show 17/5/08, but these aren't the one's I was thinking of. Incidentally, Saxifraga bulleyana on that thread is surely Androsace bulleyana?)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on April 17, 2009, 06:34:43 AM
Lesley,
You're right. It is iris paradoxa f. mirabilis.
I still don't take a risk to grow oncos from seeds. naturally it takes several years for the seeds to germinate, you know. As to the other methods (for example embrio), I am not experienced, but I think I should try it one time.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 17, 2009, 11:42:26 PM
I suscribe the words from my friend Zhirair, excelent pictures and very good looking plants, specially to me Iris sari ssp. manissadjanii that I lost last year  :-\ >:( and very nice close up of I. barnumae.

I think I grow Iris paradoxa subsp. mirabilis. I received some seeds from J. J. Archibalds some years ago, and I germinated 8 with forced germination. After very bad lucky by several attacks of slugs and bidrs I only kept alive one (I think as they were mixed with other species), so I hope it will bloom in few years.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 19, 2009, 12:19:33 PM
OK, the season has started in Cologne.  These two are new this Spring and in clay pots on the balcony.

Tadzhiki Bandit is a tetraploid oncoregelia or regeliocyclus, depending on your point of view, bred by Ransom in the South of France.  Very robust, short, at 30cm with a 7x8cm flower.  Yes, that fine outline effect in the fotos is real, not an artifact, although digital does make it a bit more pronounced.  I am most pleased with this subtle beauty.

The second is a clone of I. stolonifera, raised from seed at Paul Christian.  The only one to bloom as of yet, so let's see if they are all distinct.  I took an 'inside' shot to show the extra three beards which give this section the name of Hexapogon (6-beards).  I've tried some backlighting effects, which dramatize the flower, but do tend to change the colouring a bit, but you get the idea.  Mother nature will blow you away, just give her a moment! :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 19, 2009, 01:18:40 PM
Jamie,

Beautiful, and beautiful pictures too!!  The shots from the top almost look like kaleidoscopes.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 19, 2009, 05:45:13 PM
Great Jamie !!
Wonderfull plants and pics !!
Iris stolonifera is very well captured  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 20, 2009, 09:05:10 AM
I can only add my praise Jamie !
Wonderfull flowers superbly photographed !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 20, 2009, 12:09:41 PM
Jamie - what a wonderful colourcombination in I . stolonifera clone 3 , I have not seen before -phantastisch schoen !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 20, 2009, 09:00:03 PM
Thanks, friends!  These are the first arils I've brought to bloom on my own and I am truly fascinated at their intricate beauty. A few more are to come, still in bud and I hope to capture them during the next week or two.  I'm busy collecting pollen for crosses.  My aim is the old wish of a gardenable aril type.  I am working mainly with intermediates and dwarfs (pumila-types) to build up a fertile family.  One of the reasons I am currently doing karyotypes on possible parents; to get a grip on what is happening in wide crosses.  Not to waffle on, but the genus Iris is absolutely fascinating on a genetic level.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 20, 2009, 10:26:14 PM
Jamie, thanks for showing this fine pictures, your Iris stolonifera is really interesting! As Otto, I also cannot remember to have seen one as yours.

Here most Oncos are over - one of the last is Iris iberica ssp. lycotis (grown from Jim and Jenny Archibald seeds) - in difference to central europe here easier to grow than Iris iberica ssp. elegantissima.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 21, 2009, 01:18:41 AM
WONDERFULL clump hans !!!
As flowers are over, I hope seeds are coming !!  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 21, 2009, 08:33:41 AM
Thanks Fred - I hope I will get some seed of the plants - it does not look to bad 8) ;) - even of some selfed plants (of species I grow just a single clone) I should get (very) few...  :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 21, 2009, 12:21:44 PM
Beautiful picture Hans. 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on April 21, 2009, 01:32:04 PM
Hans,
your iris lycotis is just superb! I have no wods!

I also noticed that iris elegantissima is somewhat difficult in culktivation comparing to ohter armenian onco irises.
I made a such experiment - planted some samples of each Armenian onco species in humus rich soil with good drainage to see how they will perform.
All felt O.K. and developed normally except iris elegantissima (5 out of 10 rotted). In my opinion the easiest one is iris paradoxa, which can grow succesfully in regular soil provided good drainage and sunny position.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 21, 2009, 03:08:43 PM
Gorgeous I. iberica ssp lycotis Hans !!
Stunning flower !  :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 21, 2009, 05:52:52 PM
Well done Hans, have you got data collection of these plants?
Zhirair, you are right Iris paradoxa is very adaptable plant, and resistant against moist, but Iris iberica specially elegantissima is very exigent in their soil and moisture conditions. Nobody better than you could reproduce their natural conditions as you have seen them in the wild.
I don't recommend to us humus in any onco, regelia or juno iris, just soil from the country mixed with gravel to have a good drainage. Also I use in most of oncos, clay-limestone soil and black acid soil for regelia.


Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: biodiversite on April 21, 2009, 08:22:46 PM
Hans, your strain of Iris lycotis is fantastic ; mine plant is less beautiful...

And thank you, your Iris kirkwoodii is flowering now in my garden  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on April 21, 2009, 10:25:03 PM
Rafa,

I don't accuratly reproduce onco's natural conditions, but something closer. I plant them in ordinary clay soil in very sunny location and they all do well. The only dangerous things that can cause harm and be a reason of fungal deaceses are weeds. So I am very careful and remove all weeds systematically.

Relating planting oncos in humus rich soil, you know I like to experiment and I learned a lot due to my experiments and tests. I am just very curious about to see what onco species can resist such kind of soils and how they will perform.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Viola on April 23, 2009, 09:45:20 AM
Iris sprengerii in my garden.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 23, 2009, 10:45:51 AM
Karl, fine photos of a fine plant, thanks!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 23, 2009, 02:14:15 PM
Wonderfull plant and pics Karl !
Great to see this species, and thank's !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 23, 2009, 02:16:50 PM
Karl,
your I. sprengeri is simply beautiful !
Do you really grow it in the garden unprotected ??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 23, 2009, 05:44:10 PM
And thank you, your Iris kirkwoodii is flowering now in my garden  ;)
Wow :o- I am surprised it came in flower! Looks you care it very well. ;)

Karl your sprengerii is such a fine species and I am very glad you show it, thanks a lot - I am growing this species several years now but until now it did not bloom.

Zhirair Iris paradoxa may be the easiest of the armenian species - but as I had to recognice just today also this one can get get soft rot (even if I do not use any humus for Oncos ;)) - hope to be able to save it... :P

Actually an Iris sari is in flower here.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 23, 2009, 05:49:31 PM
Gorgeous !!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Viola on April 23, 2009, 06:26:02 PM
Thank everyone.

Hans and Luc
I care for her in my garden since 2001. She is from planted freely in very permeable substratum (pumice stone, quartz sand, loamy earth and a little gravel) protectedly in the box. From March by the end of May I keep her damp easily, I then cover her up to the next year in March. A water gift is not necessarily over 9 months since a little humidity always penetrates with us from the outside. The plant flourishes almost every year. Also I have some plants I got too wet as her lost years ago in the late fall.
This one plants grows in Kapadokien at Aksaray on big pumice stone stockpiles.

Karl
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 23, 2009, 09:55:04 PM
More wonderful oncos, no wonder they are a "holy grail" for iris lovers. Thank you everyone for your beautiful pictures.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 24, 2009, 03:32:11 PM
Bio, the iris X Zizah you gave me last year is flowering now, with the same color and veins...
Strange color, not my favourite one because I really prefer species, but still nice !
By the way, I'm testing a new photographic system to improve depth of field with macro lenses on full frame camera, and it's not working too bad.
Here are the pictures, but the effect is more impressive on original large files.


Here is the standard pic at f13 :

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm57.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=535&u=11843503)

and cropping :

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm58.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=536&u=11843503)

And the new pic, also f13 :

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_x10.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=534&u=11843503)

and cropping :

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_x11.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=537&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 24, 2009, 03:40:25 PM
Fred !  Are you trying to demoralize us ???  :-[  ;)

Stunning images  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 24, 2009, 03:52:02 PM
Not at all Luc  ::) :o
I just want to share with the SRGC community  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 24, 2009, 04:22:00 PM
Wow, Fred, great results.... I can appreciate the difference even at these smaller sized pix on my machine. I bet they'd look fantastic  projected on a big screen  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Pauli on April 25, 2009, 07:11:39 AM
Hello,

here a picture of my paradoxa, the only Onco that is really growing well!

If somebody wants to exchange Oncos, I should have 2 or 3 spares in June!

All the best from Austria!

Herbert
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 25, 2009, 01:14:38 PM
Fred !  Are you trying to demoralize us ???  :-[  ;)

Stunning images  :o :o :o
Fred -certainly stunning images but "croping"  ??? when I enlarged one the following appeared on my screen : report this as offensive adult content      :-X
 
 Surely you wanted to say cropping ,
        Otto
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 25, 2009, 04:05:36 PM
Of course otto !  :-[ :-[

I'm sorry and have corrected it !!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 25, 2009, 10:03:47 PM
Iris sofarana ssp. kasruwana , from Lebanon, is just open . It also could be the original old Iris susiana.

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_s12.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=539&u=11843503) (http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_s13.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=540&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 25, 2009, 10:50:55 PM
Wonderful Onco again Fred! :D - I showed my seedlings your pic as stimulus ;D

A plant for which it was quite worth to wait for it until today: 
Iris gatesii - It is said to be the largest Onco species – here the measures of this topmodel:
total height about 90cm, flowerheight/diameter 20/14 cm.

For comparison of the size you can see (faded) Iris iberica ssp lycotis (Reply #232) on the right side of the second picture – and for sure even this one is not one of the smaller Oncos.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 25, 2009, 11:18:58 PM
A fabulous plant Hans. Hope it doesn't have its head shot off, poking it above the parapet there. ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 25, 2009, 11:35:36 PM
 ;D - seems it did not read Brian Mathews "The Iris" - it should stay lower... ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 26, 2009, 05:16:44 AM
Fred,

That last pic is just gorgeous!! :o :o :o :o

Hans,

Spectacular.  Very, very nice clump too.  I can understand why people go to so much trouble to collect and coddle these Iris in just the right conditions.  The flowers are just unbelievable.  :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 26, 2009, 07:52:38 AM
What a giant plant Hans !!
And so soft colours; wonderfull clump -> the best growing conditions ; how many years to obtain such a clump Hans ??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 26, 2009, 08:48:28 AM
Fantastic plants Fred and Hans :o

Hans i think your iris is just trying to climb that wall and escape... ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 26, 2009, 09:17:33 AM
I wonder if it could excape, and walk a few kilometers...  ;D to Vienne  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 26, 2009, 09:40:42 AM
Exceptional, Hans,

the fahl, stone-blue toning gives it an etherial note.  Is this one of the latest blooming oncos?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 26, 2009, 01:17:23 PM
Just stunning Fred and Hans!

;D - seems it did not read Brian Mathews "The Iris" - it should stay lower... ;)

I think it wants to have a look at the wonderful view beyond the wall  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on April 26, 2009, 02:36:00 PM
Fred and Hans , just when thought I had seen the most beautyful of the Oncos , I'll have to change my mind again ,after seeing your spectacular 2 species .
  Seems a few people want I gatesii to climb your wall, Hans, and find a refuge somewhere else - maybe a long trip and holiday in Australia and New-Zealand would suit them?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 26, 2009, 03:15:18 PM
Otto, unfortunatly, Onco are very bad swimmers  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 26, 2009, 05:00:04 PM
Fred, i totally agree with you that they will not make it as far as Australia and NZ but I'm sure they can float with the currents across the Mediterranean sea. ::) ;D
Not to mention I. sofrana ssp. kasruwana from Lebanon that can easily walk here even with its eyes closed...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 26, 2009, 05:18:59 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 26, 2009, 06:16:42 PM
Wow, so many nice comments :D 
I am very sorry to tell you this particular plant has decided to stay here (especially after discovering how beautiful is this area  - and how deep it is on the other side of the wall  8) ;D)

I think this the latest Onco flowering with me - I am not growing it for a very long time - this plant may be planted there 2007 as small plant with perhaps three shoots.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 27, 2009, 04:16:04 AM
Otto, unfortunatly, Onco are very bad swimmers  ;D ;D

Haven't you heard of air travel? :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 27, 2009, 06:43:19 AM
(http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Anges_et_d%E9mons/3d-ange-3.gif)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 27, 2009, 08:20:05 AM
This marvelous show started on page one and has'nt ceased to amaze me - now page 19 !  :D
Thanks to all contributors !  Awesome plants and pictures !  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 27, 2009, 03:24:58 PM
;D - seems it did not read Brian Mathews "The Iris" - it should stay lower... ;)

I think it wants to have a look at the wonderful view beyond the wall  ;D ;)

Here the view it has ;D -
I am surprised they are still ok, as first we had very stormy weather and last night heavy rainfall. It might be my last picture of this Iris section this year, but I hope to see some more captures of the growers in the north,  west (including the peninsula iberica 8)) and east...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 27, 2009, 03:41:06 PM
Many thank's Hans  ;D
Now I can understand why they want to stay at home  8) :o
Good to learn this clump is only a few years old... growing conditions must have been very good  ;)
Thank's again to share all this pics
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 28, 2009, 08:18:57 AM
Going into your Summersleep now Hans ??  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 28, 2009, 08:33:17 AM
Here are two blossoms of the regelia hybrid 'Afrosiab'.  A cross of the regelia I. stolonifera and the TB 'Mary Francis'.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on April 28, 2009, 09:45:41 AM
I go away for a few days! What amazingly beautiful shots from all of you. Glad you have shown some photos large Fred as it really shows the exquisiteness of these irises.
After a lonely 3ml on the rain chart from the beginning of the year we finally had 65ml over the last few days. This has certainly shot the irises into growth. Lots of new green leaves appearing -always means I can breath easier on many of the rarer ones. NOw I can plant out the oncos seedlings that have germinated. I gently teased away the gravel from above Iris susiana and there is nice healthy looking new growth so far - just a bit yellow from lack of light.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 28, 2009, 10:43:55 AM
Quote
Glad you have shown some photos large Fred as it really shows the exquisiteness of these irises.
In case of confusion.... A reminder that the small, thumbnail size photos shown in posts can be ENLARGED   by clicking on them!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 28, 2009, 06:16:13 PM
Today I went to Samaria, to find some rare plants that grow only in that region.
One of these is I. loretii var. samariae, a stunning small variant of the species.
These are only 25cm tall but really breathtaking, the last Onco. to flower in this area.
Luckily for these, they grow in an area which is not safe to travel and so they are undisturbed by people.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 28, 2009, 06:22:24 PM
Magnificent, Oron!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 28, 2009, 06:33:48 PM
Thank's Oron, these are STUNNING AGAIN !!!
We may be should think about some book to share all of this jewels with wild pics, growing tips, growing pics....  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 28, 2009, 07:49:01 PM
Here are some pics from J. Mayr's collection. All these Oncos experienced a severe winter in an alpine house with temperatures as low as
-16C° and continues frost for 2 1/2 months. Enjoy them!
Iris...
assadiana
kirkwoodii ssp. calcarea
barnumae
kirkwoodii ssp. calcarea
elegantissima
damascena
bortiensis
barnumae
meda
elegantissima ssp. lycotis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on April 28, 2009, 07:54:23 PM
Some more pics from my friend's garden.
Onco natural hybrids lycotis x paradoxa
Iris elegantissima
Iris elegantissima
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 28, 2009, 08:06:40 PM
Wonderfull xerophytic plants and bulbs collection !!!
I bought him some plants last year.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on April 28, 2009, 08:45:28 PM
Wonderfull xerophytic pants

Sorry Fred ... I know you didn't mean it, but 'xerophytic pants' would be a wonderful invention for potty-training infants!!!   :D

Magnificent collection of images, Hans ... please congratulate your extremely green-fingered friend.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 28, 2009, 10:58:59 PM
Thank's Cliff !
I always have some typing errors with my keyboard  >:( ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ashley on April 28, 2009, 11:30:11 PM
Thank you Oron and Hans; wonderful pictures, superb plants :o 

Hans, can you describe briefly your friend's extremely successful growing conditions and method? 
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 12:24:09 AM
Just when I thought it was all over for this year, these incredible pictures. The lortettii v. samariae to die for!!! and Hans, Herr Mayr's are amazing too. I know he sends some to Australia and I've heard good things about them. Can't thanks you gentlemen enough for today's incredible show.

Of course I have a new one as well. :) A seedling 1cm high this morning from I. iberica elegantissima, from Kew. Not worth a photo yet ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on April 29, 2009, 01:14:11 AM
Thanks so much for showing us these treasures! :o
And, Hans, thank your friend for allowing you to share them with us - his dedication to growing them is seen in the construction needed to grow them to such perfection.
cheers
fermi
P.S. Oron, that's definitely a good Samaritan ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 29, 2009, 08:03:32 AM
Wow!  Wow!  Wow!  WOW!  Such a collection!!  And that wonderful samariae, and such a small grower.  Truly beautiful!!

Thank you for all the wonderful pictures everyone.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 29, 2009, 08:12:53 AM
Going into your Summersleep now Hans ??  ;D

Not summersleep - sunbathe at the beach... ;D ;)


Oron the pictures are just breathtaking! Wonderful variant!

Hans, thanks for showing this pictures - I did not expect some of the shown plants are able to resist so low temperatures in winter for such a long time!
Especially Iris iberica ssp elegantissima is stunning - it flowered here sometimes but never so rich as the shown ones and it is, I think because of the local climatical conditions, one of the more complicate to grow here.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 03:33:23 PM
Is this the right place? Iris stolonifera 'Brown Standard' in the garden.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: xthomasx on April 29, 2009, 04:22:56 PM

Shalom Oron,

Wonderful photos!

Where have you been? Elon Moreh or Itamar? I've been in both places but only never at flowering time  :-\ 

Thomas.



Today I went to Samaria, to find some rare plants that grow only in that region.
One of these is I. loretii var. samariae, a stunning small variant of the species.
These are only 25cm tall but really breathtaking, the last Onco. to flower in this area.
Luckily for these, they grow in an area which is not safe to travel and so they are undisturbed by people.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 29, 2009, 04:36:37 PM
Is this the right place? Iris stolonifera 'Brown Standard' in the garden.

 errrrr, ummmmmm, it's a Regelia section, isn't it?  ???
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 05:12:26 PM
Is this the right place? Iris stolonifera 'Brown Standard' in the garden.

 errrrr, ummmmmm, it's a Regelia section, isn't it?  ???
:-[ Does it have to be banished elsewhere?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 29, 2009, 06:42:31 PM
A dark form of Iris paradoxa is flowering now, very old one from Avon bulbs.

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_p10.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=544&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 06:52:37 PM
Flowering today in the rock garden.  I thought it might be an onco, but:-[ sorry to say its label was lost a while ago. Anyone help with an id?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Armin on April 29, 2009, 07:07:33 PM
Super images from fantastic irises.
I. elegantissima, I. paradoxa  :o :o :o

Simon,
it is a real beauty but I can't help with the identification...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 29, 2009, 07:21:28 PM
Thanks for all these beautiful photos!

Welcome to the forum Thomas :)

Simon,
This is an arilbred with Iris stolonifera (Regelia) involved .
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 07:57:31 PM
Thanks Armin and Miriam.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 29, 2009, 08:06:11 PM
Simon, I also think it's an aril bread but can't help ou as I'm really not specialized in hybrids.

I hope somebody will give you're beauty a name  :P
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 08:50:00 PM
Flowering today in the rock garden.  I thought it might be an onco, but:-[ sorry to say its label was lost a while ago. Anyone help with an id?
Looking back through my records, and searching pics on the net, I think it could be 'Vera Olivia'. Does anyone  else know this plant?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 29, 2009, 08:57:58 PM
Simon,

I think your arilbred is Vera-Olivia, a cross with the regelia 'Vera' and a SDB.  As Miriam noted, I. stolonifera is in the heritage. Vera is stolonifera x korolkowii, an old hybrid from Van Tubergen.

As a complex hybrid, it is largely infertile, but I would certainly try it with a TB.  The chromosome count should be 11-11-8-12 (42 chr.)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 29, 2009, 08:59:25 PM
What an amazing series of photos !
I thought the season was over ????  ::)

Great show everyone !
Thanks a lot for sharing these beauties !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 29, 2009, 09:11:28 PM
Simon,

our posts crossed in the ether.  At least we know you did have the plant, therfore we now know for sure that it is 'Vera-Olivia'.  I am very impressed with Ransom's hybrids.  They are quite strong growers and increase well for me.  Also, pretty wet-tolerant.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 29, 2009, 10:00:05 PM
Thanks for the help Jamie. Miriam and Armin suggesting it was Arilbred helped me track it down more easily from my records and then on the net.
Previously I had kept it in a position where it could be covered from too much wet in summer and winter- with the rest of my Oncocyclus/Regelia type irises. When this bed was dismantled (because of the voles) I had lots of broken and disconnected pieces of rhizome I couldn't be sure about so I planted them in various parts of the rock garden. This one seems to have been quite happy so far.
At the moment I only have dwarf bearded irises flowering, but I will have a go with some crosses just because  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 10:58:33 PM
Simon, we'll certainly let your regelias in here :) as they, with oncos come under a collective heading of "Arils." Contrary to what some may think of my taste in hybrids, I DO like your 'Vera-Olivia' very much. With that blue and yellow colouring it could be a logo for our local rugby team. ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 11:01:28 PM
A dark form of Iris paradoxa is flowering now, very old one from Avon bulbs.

I thought this was one of Rafa's superb paintings. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 30, 2009, 05:52:08 AM
Fred,

That pic of paradoxa is breathtaking!!  As Lesley  says, it looks like a painting!!!  :o :o

Simon,

That stolonifera 'Brown Standard' is a great colour isn't it?  Wow!  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 30, 2009, 07:23:41 AM
I love these unusual colours in the iris flowers- I could certainly get addicted if my wallet was bigger ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 30, 2009, 07:44:37 AM
Simon,

I wonder if your I. stolonifera 'Brown Standard' was one of the parents in 'Afrosiab'.  It is amazing the amount of influence the I. stolonifera parent has had in this hybrid.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 30, 2009, 12:23:56 PM
That is a beauty Jamie. Any idea what the other parent (s) may have been?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 30, 2009, 02:30:50 PM

Shalom Oron,
Wonderful photos!
Where have you been? Elon Moreh or Itamar? I've been in both places but only never at flowering time  :-\ 
Thomas.

Hello Thomas and welcome to the forum.

The photos I have sent earlier are from a new small  population discovered only recently.
We do not give the exact location  for the obvious reason to protect the colony from being lifted out....sorry.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 30, 2009, 08:08:07 PM
Simon,

the other parent was the tall bearded 'Mary Frances', a medium blue self.  There are quite a few similar crosses currently being made (by myself, amongst others) with tetraploid regelias, such as I. stolonifera and I. hoogiana, crossed with tetraploid tall beardeds.  The idea is to create a fertile family of tetraploids that would have the best qualities of both groups.  I am, also, working on crosses with tetraploid arils and pumila-type beardeds to create a smaller race with similar qualities.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on April 30, 2009, 08:14:09 PM
That sounds interesting Jamie. I am new to all this- are all the different groups interfertile? Do dwarf bearded  irises cross just as well with Regelias and Oncos?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 30, 2009, 10:41:40 PM
Simon,

unfortunately, it is not that simple with the genus Iris.  Mind you, it is a fascinating challenge to create interfertile hybrids, but most of the bearded iris are not interfertile beyond one generation.  If you want, I can explain this more thoroughly through a personal post, but the basics are that we have various chromosome configurations that are only partly compatable.  Not all Iris are diploids, many are tetraploids and of these, some belong to a group know as amphidiploids.  What this essentially means is, diploids may have 8, 10, 11 or 12 pairs of chromosomes, while the tetraploids twice as many.  The amphidiploids are the fascinating part, as the wild forms represent ancient natural hybrids between incompatable parents that have somehow doubled their chromosomes, thus becoming fertile.

An example is I. chamaeiris, which has 40 chromosomes, made up of two sets of different diploid chromosomes.  The theory is that a dwarf diploid, with n=8 as a basic chromosome configuration, crossed with a n=12 species and formed a 20 chromosome hybrid, which would typically be infertile.  Mother nature wasn't finished, here, and the chromosomes doubled to 40. (there are a few other paths to this result)  This gave a configuration of 8-8-12-12 chromosomes, which, due to the balanced pairs of 8 and 12 chromsomes, could perform a successful meiosis, which creates the eggs and pollen.  The hybrids stabilized to a new species and continues reproducing.   (I have over simplified this a bit, to keep the theory clear)

With the arils, oncocyclus have n=10 (2n= 20 chromosomes) and regelia has n=11 (2n = 22 chromosomes).  Interestingly, they will cross on the diploid level and produce fertile off-spring, despite the uneven chromosome pairs.  An oncoregelia typically has 21 chromosomes in the first generation.  Further generations seem to loose the extra chromosome and often stabilize at 20 chromosomes.  What actually happens is not well understood.

The aril-breds are hybrids with arils and other bearded forms.  They may be crosses with SBD or TB and the fertile ones are artificial amphidiploids in most cases, with 44 chromosomes (10-10-12-12).

This all sound like a lot of rules that need to be understood, which of course helps, but it is the exceptions that make things an interesting challenge.  Most SBD hybrids are actually amphidiploids of 40 chromosomes, such as I. chamaeiris.  When they are crossed with a tetraploid onco or regelia, they will tend to produce infertile offspring due to a chromosome imbalance.  There are exceptions, however, which are again poorly understood, but a good reason to try crosses, regardless of how hopeless they may appear on paper.

I hope this lay some groundwork for you.  If you have questions, please let me know.  I'll make a valliant attept to explain what I understand. A cool website to visit is http://www.smcallister.com/ from Sharon McAllister.  Lots of interesting info and pretty pictures, as well!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 01, 2009, 12:14:37 AM
Jamie one of the seedlings that I planted out yesterday was a cross: Iris pseudopumila x Iris samariae hybrid (yellow form). It did not show any aril on the seed so I am wondering if the bees might have got there first. Will be interesting to see what eventuates - one seedling germinated out of the 17 seeds in the pots. Just after the first opening atumn rains and when I think that we should have followup rain is when I plant out new seedlings. The soil is still warm and they have a chance to grow on a bit. As we don't have severe winters they newly planted seedlings seem to cope well.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 01, 2009, 09:35:55 AM
Pat,

actually, as the seed parent is non-aril, seed will not have an aril.  Their development is part of the morphology of the seed parent.  I suspect the off-spring will be difficult to breed with, as they will now have 18 chromosomes (10 aril and 8 SDB), but I am never one to give up.  It will be exciting to see what comes of it.  I'm always amazed at the influence the arils stamp on their hybrids.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 01, 2009, 04:54:41 PM
Here are two more arils that bloomed today.  The first is another clone of I. stolonifera from seed, about 2 weeks later thean clone 3.  The second is a seedling from Harold Mathes, an interesting cross between the regelia hybrid Vera and two different MTB, then crossed together.  Rather tall, 3-4 buds (1 branch), large flower and lightly fragrant.

stolonifera Clone 1
(Vera x Radiant Apogee) X (Vera x Heather Hawk) Mathes
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 01, 2009, 06:20:44 PM
That's a lovely fall on the second iris, Jamie  :)
Have you any idea on how long it will be from seed to flower for this kind of hybrid?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 01, 2009, 08:05:35 PM
Simon,

as with most Iris, germination is the key.  Once germinated, seedlings may bloom in the next season, but typically 2 years or more.  If one sows the seed directly as it is ripe and a bit green, it will generallly germinate in a few days to weeks, which gives one a jump.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 01, 2009, 09:18:06 PM
Thanks again, Jamie. I had 3 germinations of onco hybrids in a seed bed- the seed was very old- but they have 3 and 4 leaves already- to be honest I was shocked with how quickly the put on so much growth!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 01, 2009, 09:42:52 PM
Jamie, your stoloniferas are like jewels !!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 02, 2009, 07:55:17 PM
Fred,  thanks, I have to agree with you.  It is my favourite specie.  I am collecting as many clones as I can get my hands on.

Attached is another seedling from Harold Mathes.  This is a F2 cross of a branched aril seedling X Vanity.  An attempt to get the tangerine factor into the aril lines.  It is a pretty flower, but we obviously are not near our goal! ;D ;D :(.  What I find interesting is the intense yellow of the column and the lime-gold beard.  I have crossed it with 'Pink Pele' to reinforce the tangerine factor, assuming it is there.  I, also, tried its pollen on I stolonifera, to see if it takes.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 02, 2009, 08:13:50 PM
Harold Mathes. 
Harald Mathes  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 02, 2009, 09:54:40 PM
yeah, yeah. Just don't tell him I mis-spelled his name! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 03, 2009, 12:56:55 AM
Last one for me in the bulb frame, Iris iberica ssp. lycotis Iris acutiloba ssp. lineolata

Many thank's hans, I think I was a bit tired yesterday.... wrong name !!  :-[ :-[ ::)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_i11.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=546&u=11843503)

 :'(  one year more to wait for new flowers ....
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 03, 2009, 09:42:40 AM
:'(  one year more to wait for new flowers ....

I hear, ya!  Lovely foto of a very pretty flower, by the way
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 03, 2009, 09:49:33 AM
Hello Fred,
again a wonderful picture of a stunning plant!
Maybe you do not have to wait to long to see your next Onco in flower as you never know when season is over - just yesterday I found some more buds here... :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 03, 2009, 12:44:40 PM
Fred,

What a beautiful picture!!  Lovely! 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on May 03, 2009, 01:10:07 PM
This is the perfection Fred, a botanical jewel pictured very clear, with a good composition, light, depth of field, with true colors and contrast backgroud. I love this kind of studio pictures because you can see all the characters very clear, although nothing comparing to take pictures in the wild!!  :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 03, 2009, 05:18:27 PM
Last one for me in the bulb frame, Iris iberica ssp. lycotis Iris acutiloba ssp. lineolata
 :'(  one year more to wait for new flowers ....
What a beauty Fred  :o
And to think you are going to see it again in only 12 months ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 04, 2009, 08:00:28 AM
I heard this morning that when a NZ rose friend stayed with a couple in the South East of South Australia in 2006 that the wife was growing Iris susiana. I hope to talk to the lady who might be growing this iris this evening. Seems that it would be too wet and cold down there but we can live in hope.
I will let you know what eventuates
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 04, 2009, 08:36:46 AM
Pat, that IS exciting!  Of course, we mussn't count our oncos before they germinate. ;D ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 04, 2009, 12:06:21 PM
Well yes Jamie.
The lady rang this evening and she thinks it was a blue and brown and can not remember dotting and veining but she has offered me one of her three plants that are in her garden.
I am not holding my breath that it will be correct as you would think she would remember the dotting and veining.
It came from someone who had grown it for years up at Balaklava which is north of here. I do know there was a clone up in that direction years ago until an old lady went into  a nursing home.
The lady has about 30 different coloured nerines and likes to collect rarer bulbs as well as grows roses. I will send her a parcel of a few aril hybrids and some Iris lactea seed in return.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 04, 2009, 01:10:39 PM
Fingers crossed Pat, that it is the right thing.  So valuable to find stuff like that.  Sounds like a nice Nerine collection as well.  I wonder what other rarer things she grows? 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on May 04, 2009, 05:07:37 PM
Some more pics of Josef Mayr's collection.

These are pictures of color variations of Iris acutiloba ssp. lineolata

Josef cultivates all his oncos in 80% unwashed quarz sand with about 20% of friable loam added. During the period the oncos are in growth, he fertilizes 3 times with a high potash fertilizer, like tomato fertilizer. All plants grow in an alpine house or in a cold frame, because our sommers are too wet.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 04, 2009, 06:57:29 PM
Hans, Herr Mayr is obviously a very skillful gardener.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 04, 2009, 09:35:23 PM
Pat, if you're thinking of sending aril rhizomes to NZ, DON'T. They will be destroyed on entry unless your friend has a permit to import, the rhizomes were inspected in full growth prior to export, inspected again and treated for a number od pathogens immediately prior to export and they will have to go into a registered quarantine facility for 12 months. All this could cost the recipient several thousand dollars. Iris lactea is permitted as seed (declare it on the envelope) but seed of hybrids must have the names of the species involved on the package and if any of those are not on the Bio Index, the seed will be destroyed.

Having said that, Iris susiana was certainly growing in NZ up to 3 or 4 years ago, the true species, from imports made in the 1950s and continued without a break, but rather precariously. NZIS has kept an eye on the most recent planting, in the Hakataramea Valley I think, inland South Canterbury, and in the hands of a single grower. The climate there is very hot, dry summer and cold winter. I've not seen a plant of susiana since about 1965 I think. I remember once when the Sth Canty Iris group had a display in shop windows in town, the then grower, a Mrs Dunn whose husband was a jeweller, picked half a dozen stems and displayed them in a deep and wide sterling silver trophy cup. They were magnificent.

Would you email me privately Pat, with the name of this person? I may be able to give you a little more information.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 05, 2009, 08:16:35 AM
Hans - thanks for showing this fine plants - specially first one is delicate - i supose the narrow leaves in the background are of an other plant - they would be extremly narrow for an Onco.
The red one looks like a hybrid between Iris barnumae f. protonyma and Iris acutiloba ssp. lineolata. Colour and general shape of I. barnumae f. protonyma but narrower and slightly veined Falls similar to I.a.ssp. l. - a beautiful plant!

Pat hope you will find a "correct" Iris susiana.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 05, 2009, 10:05:12 PM
I had my wires crossed, thought it was the wife of the NZ friend who was growing susiana. Not.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 06, 2009, 12:37:11 AM
Lesley would you be able to contact the NZ lady and get a closeup and clump photo of her Iris susiana. Gwenda might already have one.
Would be good to post it on here to see what others think.
I will be too late for bloom time when I arrive in November.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 06, 2009, 01:22:55 AM
I'll do my best.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: johanneshoeller on May 06, 2009, 12:37:22 PM
Here are two pictures of Iris antilibanotica with color variation (Joesf Mayr's collection). Blossoms have a diameter of 14 centimeters.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 06, 2009, 02:41:20 PM
Flowering today. Reidentified for the first time this year.

 Iris 'Antiope'
 Iris 'Orion'
 Iris stolonifera Sina Dark
 Iris x stolonifera Vera
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 06, 2009, 02:57:26 PM
Very good plants Simon !!
The last one looks like the true species !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 06, 2009, 05:15:04 PM
Thanks, Fred.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 06, 2009, 06:16:39 PM
Simon,

I agree with Fred, I think that is the species I. stolonifera.  The hybrid 'Vera' has a much bluer beard and no pale areas on the stands.  I wish my 'Antiope' bloomed this year.  Slugs got the spike! >:( >:(  And where did you find 'Orion'?  Great looking cultivar.  I've been trying to collect the few extant Van Tubergen-Hoog clones.  Good to know this one is still around.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 06, 2009, 06:23:02 PM
Thanks Jamie- I have amended my database.  :)
Orion came from Janis a few years ago.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 06, 2009, 09:31:32 PM
Here is what I have as 'Vera.' Is it correct?

[attachthumb=1]
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 06, 2009, 10:24:24 PM
Out of interest Jamie, do you know the parentage of 'Orion'?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 06, 2009, 10:29:17 PM
Lesley,

yes, that is most definitely 'Vera'.

Simon,  unfortunately, there is no parentage noted for the cultivar.  I will ask around and see if someone may have an idea.  From the look of it, I. korolkowii is most likely one of them.  If we knew the chromsome count, that would help.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 06, 2009, 10:50:45 PM
If we knew the chromsome count, that would help.
Jamie, I think you will count 21 8) ;)




Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 06, 2009, 10:58:05 PM
Hans,

assuming it is a primary hybrid, you are most likely correct, but it could be a cross with a korolkowi hybrid and I. hoogiana, which would explain the dark signal-like area on the falls.  Even a primary with hoogiana would give either 33 or 44 chromosomes.  No reason to discount it as a pure regelia hybrid, or do you see something there?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 06, 2009, 11:09:23 PM
A wonderful form of Iris acutiloba ssp lineolata i received last year from a scandinavian grower, - I was surprised when I noted the bud a few days ago and even more when I saw the flower today - it is a  fine small/dwarf form with very dark standards- so I want thank here the giver very much again for this stunning plant!  :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 06, 2009, 11:15:52 PM
WONDERFULL hans  :o :o
Stunning small plant !!!This dwarf froms are allways very nice with their big flowers !!
Thank's for sharing hans, but when will your Onco stop flowering ???? ;D :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 06, 2009, 11:21:03 PM
Jamie, as I remember most of the older Tubergen Cultivars were primary hybrids and he mostly used Iris korolkowi (22 Chromosomes) with an Onco (20 Chromosomes) - not knowing the correct parentage in my opinion it could be for example  I.k + I.iberica elegantissima (similar "Dardanus") but i do not know it exactly-  Elm Jensen studied this complex very well - do not think this is a pure Regeliahybrid.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 06, 2009, 11:22:15 PM
Thank's for sharing hans, but when will your Onco stop flowering ???? ;D :D
It is not the last one... 8) ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 06, 2009, 11:30:59 PM
Super !!!  :P
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 07, 2009, 06:37:49 AM
Simon,

the concensus on the Aril robin is korolkowi x an onco, probably an iberica, for 'Orion', as this cross was often remade by Van Tubergen. 'Dardanus' is most likely the same cross.

Hans,  I take it you already read this on the robin.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: John Mitchell on May 07, 2009, 07:28:58 AM
Hi Hans was your plant collected from Iran as we have two clones one very similar and one that is even smaller
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 07, 2009, 07:47:41 AM
Thanks Jamie and Hans- always good to know what genes are hiding in there.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 07, 2009, 09:34:51 AM
@Jamie, there was a very good article about Tubergens Regeliocyclus in the ASI Yearbook 2006 or 2007  ;) - ´Orion`is very similar to 'Dardanus`I grew.

@John, you are absolutly right about its origin!
 I am really fascinated how such a small plant can produce such a large flower - hope you will post a picture of your even smaller one.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on May 07, 2009, 09:55:56 AM
A wonderful form of Iris acutiloba ssp lineolata i received last year from a scandinavian grower, - I was surprised when I noted the bud a few days ago and even more when I saw the flower today - it is a  fine small/dwarf form with very dark standards- so I want thank here the giver very much again for this stunning plant!  :D

Stunning little gem Hans !!!  :o
This one can't look over your wall..  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 07, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
Flowering today- Iris korolkowii (?)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 07, 2009, 07:10:33 PM
It's lovely Simon. If you don't have Mathew's 'The Iris' let me know and I'll post what he has to say about it unless one of the experts is able to say more.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 07, 2009, 07:14:36 PM
The plant look's really very small for I. korolkowii var. violacea, but it could be culture treatment....
anyway, very nice flower  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on May 07, 2009, 07:22:49 PM
I think it is Iris paradoxa x Iris korolkowii, beautiful plant
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 07, 2009, 07:35:57 PM
Fred and Rafa, I was surprised when it decided to flower, some of the plants had a bad year last year, as they were undermined by voles looking for bulbs. I have had I.korolkowii and korolkowii violacea in the past and wasn't sure if it was one of these.
Thanks David, I don't have that book.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 07, 2009, 07:52:37 PM
Simon, will PM you.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 08, 2009, 12:46:42 AM
A right little Bobby Dazzler! ;D (Where does that come from anyone?)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 08, 2009, 01:41:14 AM
great colour combination.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 08, 2009, 01:47:20 AM
Lesley,

After a bit of snooping...... came up with a couple of different things that the term 'bobby dazzler' refers to.....

One explanation for the origin of the term is given in 'A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English' by Eric Partridge:

    In the heyday of Cycling Clubs the police would lie in wait for their dusk return. Those without lights got in the middle, those with the new fangled very bright acetylene lamps rode on the outside, their lamps were the Bobby Dazzlers.

(in case you aren't aware, bobby is a slang term in the UK for a policeman.)

To be honest that sounds a little far fetched to me, and the entry is marked se non è vero, è bene trovato so draw your own conclusions.

The term was featured by Australia's ABC Classic FM on its Word of the Day slot with a somewhat more credible explanation.. bobby derived from "bobbish", an 18th century word for healthy or spritely and dazzler coming from the idea of someone being dazzlingly beautiful.


And also...

Bobby-dazzler means something striking or excellent. The earliest citation in the full Oxford English Dictionary for bobby-dazzler is 1866, and is interesting in itself. It says: what a Lancashire man would call a regular bobby-dazzler, a Cornishman would call a regular morgan rattler. (Morgan rattler is a strange one well have to leave for another day.) So, where does this expression bobby-dazzler come from, and how come dazzling is a property particularly belonging to Robert (rather than, say, John or Paul or George)? The verb to dazzle came into English in 15th century and seems to come from an Old Norse word meaning to confound or confuse. This rapidly came to mean to bewilder, confound or confuse the eyes or the vision. Anyone so attractive as to do so came to be called a dazzler a word that turns up around 1800. On the other hand, behind bobby (used as an adjective) is an 18th century word bobbish meaning in good health, in good spirits, in good humour. So anyone who is both sparkling with good health and good humour, and attractive to the eye, is a bobby-dazzler.


Definitely not authoritative info, but some info none-the-less.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 08, 2009, 08:32:47 AM
Hello Simon, did you ever grow the RC Thor?
It looks a bit like Thor, even it is extremly short and the standards may be a bit dark. I suppose the falls today are not off standing anymore?
Certainly it also could be a hybrid like Rafa mentioned - it would be a nice surprise to get such a beauty. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 08, 2009, 08:39:21 AM
I'm not sure to understand all of your explanations, but I like this expresssion  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rob on May 08, 2009, 10:26:43 PM
Claire Austin hardy plants had a couple of arilbred iris in their display at the Malvern Show today. They were inside a marquee so the light was terrible and the colours may not be true, but it gives an idea of what they looked like.

Arilbred 'Onlooker'
Arilbred 'Turkish Heart' seedling
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 09, 2009, 11:25:16 AM
Hello Simon, did you ever grow the RC Thor?
It looks a bit like Thor, even it is extremly short and the standards may be a bit dark. I suppose the falls today are not off standing anymore?
Certainly it also could be a hybrid like Rafa mentioned - it would be a nice surprise to get such a beauty. :)
Thanks, Hans- yes I have grown 'Thor' in the past. I checked just now and the fall has fallen it is almost folded back double to show a very black beard. I will try to get another pic later.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 09, 2009, 12:20:53 PM
Rob,

Great colouration and markings to them.  Impressive!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: John Mitchell on May 09, 2009, 01:19:28 PM
Claire Austin hardy plants had a couple of arilbred iris in their display at the Malvern Show today. They were inside a marquee so the light was terrible and the colours may not be true, but it gives an idea of what they looked like.

Arilbred 'Onlooker'
Arilbred 'Turkish Heart' seedling

Rob stunning plants and picture i agree the colours are amazing
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Pauli on May 09, 2009, 06:24:11 PM
The last of my few Oncos:
2 different barnumae and acutiloba.

All the best from Linz, European cultural capital 2009

Herbert
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 09, 2009, 07:11:39 PM
Another pic of the Iris 'korolkowii' from 2 angles showing the folded fall and beard. Also another Iris stolonifera (I think) it looks very different to the other two I have posted already in being much paler.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 09, 2009, 09:16:21 PM
Simon,

your 'korolkowii' really looks more like 'Thor'.  It is closer to iberica ssp iberica than korolkowii, IMO.

The stolonifera is quite different, but most likely the species, although I am beginning to think there are quite a few less than pure stolonifera strains running about.  Bees will do all sorts of things, if you let them.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 09, 2009, 11:31:23 PM
Simon,
for sure your I. korolkowii does have iris paradoxa as one parent !!
very very good flower !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 10, 2009, 12:21:42 AM
Pauli and Simon,

Love your pics.  Thanks.  That korolkowii (or whatever it is) is just great. 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 13, 2009, 06:08:32 PM
Flowering today- again help woul be appreciated  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 13, 2009, 07:40:55 PM
Hello Simon - yours is similar to a Regeliocyclus I grew as Orion (received from Janis) -
 here an old picture:
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 13, 2009, 08:40:41 PM
Thanks again, Hans  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 13, 2009, 10:12:33 PM
Oh, lovely, just lovely. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 13, 2009, 11:45:49 PM
Yesterday the supposed Iris susiana arrived in the post from the lady in the South East of South Australia.
As you can see it does not look like an onco to me - but I do wonder what it might be.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 13, 2009, 11:48:58 PM
Simon lovely angle of your photo - so symetrical and great form
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 14, 2009, 12:10:04 AM
Yours may not even be an iris Pat! But perhaps something like 'Gerald Darby' or 'Holden Clough.' Not susiana. ???
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on May 14, 2009, 10:01:51 PM
I think it is Spuriae species...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 14, 2009, 11:47:29 PM
I have planted the "Rowley iris" into a gravel bed so I will wait and observe.
Pity it was not Iris susiana but I did have my doubts as the South East of South Australia is a lot wetter than here.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 15, 2009, 02:24:17 AM
Simon,

Your unknown (possibly 'Orion') is a beautiful form and colour.  Thanks for showing us.

Pat,

I'm with Lesley..... are you even sure it is an Iris? ???  Spuria is about all I could think of, but even that doesn't look right.  Looks to be a very heavily spreading type judging by the rhizomes, but they don't look to me like spuria rhizomes either?  Good luck, whatever it is.  Maybe they just got susiana and spuria mixed up?  They're "sort of" similar names.  :-\
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on May 15, 2009, 03:04:21 AM
Yes I did have that thought Paul - that susiana and spuria are slightly similar both start and finished with the same letter!
Pat
It is the waiting game now.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 15, 2009, 03:16:10 AM
the u and the i, both sounding the same in the name, also probably add to the possibilities.  Keep us posted on how it goes. 8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 15, 2009, 07:36:19 PM
Thanks- it was a beauty, but the rain finished the flower  :(
Another I.stolonifera (I think) for today.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 17, 2009, 12:29:45 PM
Flowering today- one of the first Irises of this type I ever bought- maybe 10 years ago- Iris 'Vera'
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 17, 2009, 12:49:58 PM
Fascinating colour combination, Simon.  Strange, but works very well.  Would fit well in my collection of strange and unusual things.  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Sinchets on May 17, 2009, 02:06:50 PM
Thanks, Paul. Your collection sounds very much like mine.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on June 02, 2009, 01:03:08 PM
Onco iris season has ended in many places, but here in our area because of late spring it has just started.

I know that what I am going to show, will interest many of you, as this onco iris is not spread culture - iris grossheimii, which impressed me a lot. A very rare even in its locality. It somewhat resemles iris acutiloba, but in difference to it has rounded petals.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on June 02, 2009, 01:39:41 PM
Zhirair, thank you for introducing us to this lovely Iris grossheimii and for showing the similar I. acutiloba to compare.
 Very pretty rarity. Is the height about 25 to 30 cms?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on June 02, 2009, 01:47:01 PM
Maggi,
you're right; the height is about 25-30 cm, but it can be taller as well depending on year and the climate.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 02, 2009, 01:49:36 PM
Wonderful pix Zhirair !  :o :o
Very nice species - unknown to me anyway.
Thanks for showing it !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on June 02, 2009, 01:51:24 PM
Maggi,
you're right; the height is about 25-30 cm, but it can be taller as well depending on year and the climate.
Thank you, Zhirair. So the flower is large for the size of the plant..... I like that!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on June 02, 2009, 07:43:28 PM
Thanks Zhirair for showing us this rare species that is hardly seen.
It is thought that Iris grossheimii is a natural hybrid between Iris acutiloba and Iris iberica subsp.lycotis. Are these two species growing near by?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 02, 2009, 07:45:43 PM
Many thank's Zhirair for this nice sp. also unknown for me .
Hope seeds will be available... one day  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 02, 2009, 08:12:18 PM
Thank you Zhirair, I'm not likely ever to see this species except on this wonderful Forum.. A lovely species.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 03, 2009, 12:40:02 AM
Again thankyou Zhirair for showing this rare beauty. Is there much in the way of conservation reserves or measures at all in Armenia to protect these irises? It is so good to see these irises growing in their natural habitat.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 03, 2009, 01:09:50 AM
Beautiful, Zhirair.  Great pics.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on June 03, 2009, 06:36:01 AM
Thanks Zhirair for showing us this rare species that is hardly seen.
It is thought that Iris grossheimii is a natural hybrid between Iris acutiloba and Iris iberica subsp.lycotis. Are these two species growing near by?

Pleased to hear your comments.
Mariam,
I expected that somebody would ask me this question. No, I don't think that iris grossheimii is a natural hybrid between mentioned species. Iris grossheimii grows in far south of the country near the border with Iran and is very are. Unlike other oncos, you walk around 2 hours to find 2 or 3 plants. It grows in 2 localities and the spisimens are quite uniform. Iris lycotis doen't grow in this region; but iris acutiloba grows, but quite far away.

Pat, I regret to say this, but in Armenia the governmnet doesn't so far take measures to protect nature. Maybe we have more serious prolems to solve, I don't know.
I remember when we were in the locality of tulipa florenskyi 1000 of plants were digged out intentionally for a special purpose. It was a horrible scene. I suppose that was done by pirates, as the local population only collects flowers for bouquests (20-25 plants), but doesn't dig them.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on June 05, 2009, 06:32:31 AM
more pics

iris grossheimii
iris iberica ssp. lycitis (quite a dark form)

A question for specialists with good experience: beacuse of systematic heavy rains some of my oncos developed pale brown spots on the leaves. I am very concerned. I checked the rhizomes and they seem to be O.K., but the pale brown spots gradually expand on the leaves. What kind of desease it could be. Mightl it effect rhizomes as well? It resembles tulip fire. If you look attentively at the iris lycotis photo, you can notice the decease on its leaves.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 05, 2009, 09:09:10 AM
Zhirair,
I have the same problems when the weather is cold and damp like now. The leaves were looking great until this past week which has been cold and damp. This happens every year and does not seem to effect the rhizomes at all.
Even the arils growing in all gravel except for the tips of their roots have the same sort of leaves in winter.
It would be lovely to have the leaves looking great at the same time as the plants are flowering but it does not happen here much at all. Arils in their natural habitat have great leaves it seems from photos seen.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 05, 2009, 09:10:55 AM
Are these arils that you are showing us flowering now?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Boyed on June 05, 2009, 01:23:08 PM
Dear Pat,

Thanks a lot for your comments on the decease. It's a releaf on my heart! I was very concerned about it and thought that the rot could affect the rhizomes as well and finally I might loose my irises.

Those onco species generally flower here in our area during the first decade of May, but because of late spring their blooming was set back, and this year they strated to flower just at the beginning of June.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 05, 2009, 11:53:00 PM
Zhirair,
I will take a photo later today of the leaves here and you can compare - in case  I am wrong. Just try to keep the drainage as free draining as is possible.
It is always this time of the year that I wish I had the means to limit the rain falling onto the beds
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 06, 2009, 10:04:57 AM
I will show you some of the patches as they look today -the white gravel one is the one that has gravel nearly to the tips of their roots.
The others have a mix of gravel and our dark brown clay loam soil. The closeup is in a raised bed but with the clay loam soil mix.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 07, 2009, 09:56:39 PM
Here are some pics to illustrate variation in Iris sofarana ssp. kasruwana, in a same place.

I think the differences between I. sofarana and ssp. kasruwana are not really clear nor evident ... and more genetic studies could help identification.

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm67.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=583&u=11843503)  (http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm68.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=584&u=11843503)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm69.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=585&u=11843503) (http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm70.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=586&u=11843503)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm71.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=587&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 07, 2009, 11:25:54 PM
What smashing flowers Fred. Are these out now? The oncos have had a really long - and glorious - season this year.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 08, 2009, 12:28:47 AM
Fred your amazing photos certainly show the different spotting and veining patterns well. Thanks for showing us.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 08, 2009, 12:45:49 AM
Beautiful pics as always Fred.  Great stuff.  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 08, 2009, 06:34:53 AM
Thank's  ;)
Leslley, they were out 10 days ago.
I'll show you some other species later.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on June 08, 2009, 07:33:46 AM
WOOOW :o :o
Have you been in Lebanon and you didn't tell us? :P ::) ;D
Please show us more photos!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on June 08, 2009, 08:54:26 AM
What great pictures!!! :o

Zhirair - thanks for showing Iris grossheimii -  pictures of this species are very rare and I had no idea how it should look like - it is something similar to the plant in Reply #356.

Fred, your pictures are (as usual) superb - I did not know there is so much variation in this ssp - easily this could thought to be 3 different species... ::)
I have no doubt you enjoyed the trip and hope you will show some more pics of it (not necessary only Oncos ;) ) :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 08, 2009, 03:33:04 PM
Many Thank's !

As I don't have a lot of time now, I'm posting every 2 days on this trip in our French forum, but names are Latin  ;D

Have a look...
http://plantes-passion.forumactif.fr/les-milieux-naturels-f26/le-liban-et-la-syrie-t3296.htm

And I'll try to post other pics in the SRGC forum in the next days
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 08, 2009, 04:14:36 PM
I had a look in your French Forum Fred !  Beautiful images !!!  Stunning plants - an area not often covered here !
I'm sure we will all wait (im)paitiently for your further posts !
thanks a million !!  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 08, 2009, 05:40:40 PM
You're to kind  ;)

So,  2 pics of the beautifull Iris cedretii, growing in the mountains, at about 1800 m

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm76.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=592&u=11843503)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm77.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=593&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on June 08, 2009, 06:07:41 PM
Wonderful colour on I. cedretii, Fred, was this one clone or a population?  It looks like a loose clump, maybe stoloniferous.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 08, 2009, 06:24:20 PM
Jamie, I. cedretii are quite regular in the all locations.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 09, 2009, 04:01:19 AM
Wow, Fred.  Both glorious!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on June 09, 2009, 10:51:51 AM
Zhirair and Fred, thank you very much for this valuable photographic document.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 09, 2009, 04:58:38 PM
Let's go to the Libano-syrian mountains, with Iris antilibanotica, growing at 2000m+

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_a10.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=596&u=11843503)

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/eos5dm80.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=597&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on June 09, 2009, 11:25:42 PM
 :o :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 09, 2009, 11:35:41 PM
Fred what can I say but  :o :o :o
Thank you thank you thank you for giving us the elevation and general site as well - good to know.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 10, 2009, 08:22:56 AM
I'm running out of words Fred...

Maybe "magnifique" will do ??  ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on June 10, 2009, 09:19:15 AM
I'm running out of words Fred...

Maybe "magnifique" will do ??  ::)

Likewise! ;D So wonderful to see these pics!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on June 10, 2009, 01:08:38 PM
Fred, thanks for showing this wonderful plants!
It has to be breathtaking to see them in their habitat - seeing your pictures inspire me with awe thinking this plants are resisting for thousands of years such harsh enviromental conditions.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on June 12, 2009, 10:56:36 AM
Thought I would just show the difference that a couple of months and rain can do to alter the look of the aril patches

and the same patches in the background of the green shot
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on June 12, 2009, 05:42:29 PM
Fred,

Really exiting, I Haven't thought these species are in bloom so late, superb photos... i should really apply for another pasport... in order to see these beauties in the wild ;)
There is very little documentation from Syria and Lebanon and so your photos are of great value!!!
Well Done.


Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on June 12, 2009, 06:56:22 PM
Thank's oron  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arilnut on August 16, 2009, 10:52:28 PM
Hello all.  Some on this forum already know me but I might as well introduce myself to all.
I am John Baumfalk and I live in southcentral Kansas  USA zone 6(?). I am in the Species Preservation
group of the Aril Society International. Pat T., Rafa, Hans A., Jamie V., and Panayoti already know of me.
I have been growing Aril species for 5 or 6 years now and have been really ramping up my collection
the last 3 years. I also have side interests in many other bulbous and herbaceous flowers. I
like to grow the rare and unusual plants. Especially if they are a challenge, and beautiful.  I use
the forced germination method on the Aril iris seed and it works very well.  I'll put the list of
my Aril species in this post and later a list of other things I grow.

Regards
John :)

Including seedlings and orders still to come in I now have the following.
Acutiloba-2 clones, atrofusca-2 clones, atropurpurea-2 clones, barnumae-4 clones, elegantissima-6 clones, gatesii-2 clones, kirkwoodii-3 clones,
kirkwoodii ssp. calcarea- 4 clones, lycotis- 3 clones, mariae- 2 clones, meda-1 clone, nectarifera-1 clone, nigricans-1 clone, paradoxa f. atrata-1 clone,
paradoxa f. choschab-2 clones, paradoxa f. paradoxa- 7 clones, petrana- 6 clones, sari-2 clones, sari f. manissadjanii- 1 clone,
sofarana ssp. kasruwana-2 clones, sprengeri- 1 clone, urmiensis- 4 clones, westii-1 clone.

Then in Regelias I have these.   
Hoogiana, hoogiana Alba, hoogiana Late Amethyst, hoogiana Blue Mount, hoogiana Deep Purple, hoogiana Purple Dawn,  korolkowii,
korolkowii Violacea, stolonifera, stolonifera White Flag, and 1 korolkowii seedling from Archibald seed.
I also have the psammiris mandschurica.

Here is the list of seedlings from this year
atrofusca - 2                                           And from last years germination
atropurpurea - 1                                      barnumae - 1 This had some increase when moved
barnumae - 2                                       elegantissima - 1  this was showing good increase when I moved it in early July
choschab - 2                                          paradoxa - 4     
elegantissima - 1                                    sofarana  kasruwana - 2    one had increase and both look good.
kirkwoodii - 3
kirkwoodii calcarea - 4
lycotis - 1
mariae - 1
meda - 1
paradoxa - 2
petrana - 8
sari - 1
urmiensis - 4
Mayr Iran sp. - 3
Pilous's onco sp. - 3
acutiloba lineolata  X choschab - 4
Dardanus X choschab - 1
I.scariosa - 5 ,
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on August 16, 2009, 11:10:36 PM
Hello John,

what a list !!  :o

Please can you tell us more about your cultivations methods
thank's,

Fred
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on August 16, 2009, 11:20:07 PM
John,

Welcome to being active on the forums.  ;D  Nice to see you up here as well.  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on August 16, 2009, 11:43:33 PM
Welcome to this forum John. You certainly have a wonderful list of oncos and regelias. I trust that they will all increase and remain healthy and well for you.
I was interested to read in the 1904 book The Book of the Iris by R. Irwin Lynch in a chapter written by Henry Ewbank - The Cultivation of Oncocyclus Irises about his methods of growing his irises. He thought he had all aspects covered until his gardener used liquid manure on all his beds. He gradually lost ALL his stock. As a man of means he was able to replenish his collection. The book is a good read and still very valid.
The book can be found here:
http://www.archive.org/stream/bookofiris00lyncrich#page/n13/mode/2up

You just click on the pages to turn them
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on August 17, 2009, 10:24:05 AM
Hey, John,

welcome aboard!  You'll love this forum, there are members with amazing collections, as well as those that actually live amongst these beauties.  Read back through this thread to see some wonderful fotos (if you already haven't!).

Ciao für now,
j.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on August 17, 2009, 10:28:31 AM
A very warm welcome to the forum John !!  :D
I'm sure you will enjoy it here among so many fellow enthousiasts !

We can never get too many pictures of these glorious Iris !!  ;)

Look forward to your pictures !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on August 17, 2009, 04:15:48 PM
Hello John,
fine you found your way to this fantastic forum! :D

Back from holiday I was surprised to find some Oncoseedlings which were already 15 cm high while all the other Oncos are still dormant. It seems their pot was to near to the plants which were watered by my neighbour. ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 17, 2009, 08:14:07 PM
Is it OK to talk about Regelias here?

I have only Iris hoogiana which I am trying in a pot in the greenhouse(with my climate it really would be a waste of time ((and money!)) outside. I bought a bulb last year and although it put up a couple of half-hearted leaves I really thought I would have lost it. I re-potted the few Junos I grow today and whilst I was at it I tipped out I hoogiana just to see if there was anything left and I was pleasantly surprised. The old bulb was quite firm and had formed a second with a third very small one on the end of a stolon. Now Im hooked!! ;D

Last year I gave my bulb a little water in September and then kept it dry and re-started watering again in February. Am I doing this right please?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on August 17, 2009, 09:24:44 PM
David,

I carry on about Regelias here all the time!

As to I. hoogiana, you seem to be doing the right things.  I find it is best to think of arils as cool-growers, that is to say, they want it dry when it is hot.  As the season cools down, they start into growth and will take quite a bit of water during their growth period.  After flowering, they will either carry their seed pods, or die back in anticipation of the coming heat.  Although I have only been growing them for a short while, they seem to respond best to excellent drainage, ample sun and a meagre soil low in organics.  The watering thing has more to do with their growth cycles.  If they are not actively growing, water will quickly rot them, just as when they are blooming and it gets very hot,  they do not want a lot of water, rather just enough to keep them going.  For the species, the entire growth cycle is pretty short, about 3 months for most followed by decline into their rest period.  In general, they are a group of Iris where less is more.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on August 17, 2009, 09:39:19 PM
  In general, they are a group of Iris where less is more.

I like your expression ! exact definition of Onco growing  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 18, 2009, 07:47:53 PM
Jamie, many thanks, it is good to know I'm on the right lines.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on August 19, 2009, 12:08:34 AM
And David this is what a bed can look like in the middle of summer
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on August 19, 2009, 12:12:16 AM
And now to add the photo and press the right spot.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 19, 2009, 10:04:42 AM
Pat, I couldn't get a bed that dry if I dug up the floor of the dining room ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 19, 2009, 08:14:25 PM
Anyone growing Iris goniocarpa?  I bought a bulb from Buried Treasure (Rannveig Wallis) and am in the process of finding out more about it. I didn't know it was in Section Pseudoregelia, I should have checked before I ordered it. Now, how do I grow it please?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 19, 2009, 10:03:49 PM
You are fortunate to have the true I. goniocarpa David, as I'm sure it will be, from that source. My attemps have all turned out to be something else. I do have I. hookeriana however, another pseudoregelia and not to be confused with I. hookeri or I. setosa var hookeri, and it is quite easy to grow here in full sun in an open, well drained place with quite deep soil (as it happens). It gets no extra water other than what falls from the sky so you may need to enhance your drainage if growing it outside. It flowers somewhat sparsely I'd have to say but does give me a few leopard spotted, stemless blooms each year (a purple leopard) and then dies down totally for winter. I've just had one seed pod in 5 years and that gave me 8 seedlings.

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 20, 2009, 09:02:24 PM
Is it on your approved species list Lesley-if so, and provided I don't kill, it the first offset is yours.

I think I shall grow it under glass and maybe treat it like I intend to treat Iris hoogiana. Dry until September, then a little water to stimulate root growth, dry again until February, and then water again. Right! Wrong?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on August 20, 2009, 09:59:32 PM
David,

from what little I could find about I. goniocarpa, it will take more moisture than the oncocyclus and regelia iris.  It grow high in the mountains and will probably respond well to alpine culture.  Excellent drainage, stony, but nutrient rich soils, very dry Summer, followed by moist Winters and wet Springs.  Should be fully hardy.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 20, 2009, 10:03:51 PM
That is sweet of you David but alas, it is not on our permitted list. Even if it were, an offset would be impossible, only seed. So thank you, but no thank you.

I think Jamie is right, and it could be grown as an alpine rather than as an iris, if you see what I mean. I believe its habitat is with gentians, primulas and meconopsis etc. Perhaps a stony scree type place with plenty humus.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on August 21, 2009, 07:53:09 PM
Thanks Lesley and Jamie. I think I shall still pot grow it but I will subject it to the same regime I use for those of my Crocuses that like a dry summer.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 02, 2009, 08:11:39 PM
Can some one help with the identification of this oncocyclus iris. Picture is taken this spring in Umm Qais, in the north of Jordan.
I think it is Iris atrofusca, but I am not sure.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on November 02, 2009, 09:03:09 PM
Hendrik,

I'm no expert, but it may be I. nigricans or even I. petrana.  Both are found in Jordan, while I. atrofusca is listed from Israel.  All of these species are closely related, as with I. atropurpurea, I. jordana and I. haynei.  I tend to think they represent a super-species that has been seperated and is now verging on full speciation.  mind you, I have never had these plants for my eyes to compare, only fotos.

Hopefully, someone more aquainted with this species group will comment.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on November 02, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
It is Iris haynei var.jordana or in its other name Iris jordana.
It grows also in Israel in the other side of the border south east of the Kinnereth.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 02, 2009, 09:32:28 PM
Hendrick,

Beautiful picture.  You can see how satiny the petals are.  I can only hope my seedling of Iris jordana looks as good as that if/when it flowers in the future. :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on November 02, 2009, 09:43:58 PM
Hendrik, I agree completly with Miriam  :) (even if I had to google first where Umm Qais is ;)) - Iris atrofusca is similar but occurs in a different habitat (desert) much more in the south (sometimes both are lumped together), same for Iris nigricans and Iris petrana.
Really beautiful plant!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 03, 2009, 07:22:14 PM
Truly magnificent and wonderful for us to see an onco out of season for both northerners and southerners. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 03, 2009, 07:36:00 PM
It is Iris haynei var.jordana or in its other name Iris jordana.
It grows also in Israel in the other side of the border south east of the Kinnereth.


Thank you all for your help.
Now what more background information.
When I visited the archaeological site of Umm Qais in Jordan,  I saw in the restroom big clumps of Iris jordana (thank you Myriam for the right name!); the plants were collected by the local people.
Plants were not dug out, but really pulled out of the soil practically without roots.
In the first picture you can see me inspecting the roots! Luckily were the local people very friendly and brought me to the site were they have collected the iris.
Only 5 plants were left, all the others were pulled out! So pity!!! :'(  :'( :'(
The picture I send you early was one of the most beautiful remaining plants.
I have tried to explain them that what they are doing was wrong and that they must respect their native plants. I hope they understand it and think about it. Conservation = education!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on November 03, 2009, 09:17:46 PM
How utterly wasteful and shocking.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on November 03, 2009, 10:59:15 PM
Crasy !!
What a pity !!!  :o :( >:( >:( ???
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on November 04, 2009, 12:28:02 AM
I thought this species was protected in Jordan, and like in Israel with their Royal Iris, also they were very aware of its value...
Well Hendrik, you told me this some time ago but seeing this pathetic restroom now I can imagine very well your first reaction....

Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 04, 2009, 01:01:52 AM
Dreadful!!  :o :o  I am guessing that they just threw them out when they finished flowering as well?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on November 04, 2009, 01:15:13 PM
Thanks for this pictures even it is a very sad sight. :-\

As flowering fans die (whether they produce seeds or not) – and I hope this were the only ones which were removed, maybe the effects are not so disastrous as it looks like and the left  plants/rhizomes may recuperate - if this practice is not yearly repeated.  ::)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 04, 2009, 08:21:38 PM
Of course everybody finds this very pity! Maybe we need to understand why such things happen...

Jordan people are really poor. Words like “conservation” and “respect for nature” are not  important in their struggle for live. The country is maybe for 90 % bare, a rocky desert.
Population increase and the pressure on nature is huge. Except some nature reserves as Dana, Ajlun, … the rest of the irises are obliged to live between roads, houses and fields.
Herewith a picture of a typical landscape of Jordan where irises have to grow. In such place I found Iris nigricans in the surrounding of Al-Karak, growing under the pines (unfortunately they were not in flower).

Jordan people know that the Iris nigricans is their national flower and they love them very much. It’s very easy to talk about conservation if you live in the West but if you are poor and not well developed, I can understand that you pick such beautiful flowers to bring some colour in your live.
 
Do you not agree with me that Oncocyclus are the victims of their own eternal beauty?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 04, 2009, 08:51:27 PM
Hendrick,

I suppose to me, if you're picking something beautiful you don't just rip it out of the ground, but rather break it off.  That way it is there next year.  I'm not disturbed by them picking their flowers to bring colour.... I do the same from my garden..... but it is the pulling them out so that they aren't there next year that I think is the shock that everyone has expressed.  A good way to have no colour the next year.  :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 04, 2009, 08:52:00 PM
After the philosophical part now a few pictures of the region where Iris petrana grows.

It is almost a fairytale that I found these non flowering patches nearby Petra. Probably they found me...

Enjoy! ;) ;D :P
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 04, 2009, 10:55:32 PM
Heendrick,

If you took the fence area out of the first picture it almost looks like an alien landscape.  A very desolate appearance.  Congratulations on finding them.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 05, 2009, 07:03:59 PM
Thank you Hendrik for these very telling pictures. You are right that the oncos are the victims of their own beauty and while we, now, in the west readily condemn the Jordanians for pulling their plants, it should be remembered that we in the west made the plants desirable in the first place and were responsible - still are - for the removal and destruction of perhaps millions of plants of Iris and countless others. The whole concept of conservation is a relatively recent one and we need to remember that comparatively rich societies are well able to set aside land and educate their citizenry to preseve and conserve. We shouldn't blame the poorer peoples for taking advantage of what they have, no matter how much we may deplore their practices.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 05, 2009, 07:06:49 PM
Two other things strike me from your pictures Hendrik. The foliage of the oncos is superbly healthy. No sign of fungal lesion or streaks such as are almost always on cultivated plants, and looking at the trees lining that bleak road, I think there must be some mighty winds sweep across the plain there. Ar the tree pines?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 05, 2009, 07:11:33 PM
Thank you Lesley for your wise words!
Herewith a little present from Turkey.
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on November 05, 2009, 07:18:06 PM
Thanks a lot for the picture of the oncos and the landscape they belong to!
Lesley I agree completly with you, I could not word it better (even not in german ::) ;))

Wow Hendrik - another great shot! Thanks again.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on November 05, 2009, 07:24:32 PM
Fantastic again Hendrick  :o :o :o :o
please have a look on my new post in this iris section  ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 05, 2009, 07:43:01 PM
Lesley, Hans, Fred,
Yes the trees are pines, look at the needles around the plant (I guess Iris nigricans), but the soil is chalky!
Yellow blotches and strikes = virus infection. The disease is transported by aphids. There is no cure. When we swap virus infected plants, we spread the disease to other (healthy) collections.
Hans, herewith some other pictures with a little more landscape; sorry for my presence, but I was too exhausted to disappear after a long walk upon the hill ...
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 05, 2009, 07:53:37 PM
Hendrik, thank you for this beautiful gift. If it were in my neighbour's garden I would probably kill for it but since it's in Turkey, I'm happy just to see the picture. :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on November 05, 2009, 09:19:13 PM
Hendrick, the flower looks so small (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Rires/lol2.gif)

thank's for sharing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 05, 2009, 09:44:58 PM
Hendrick, the flower looks so small (http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Rires/lol2.gif)

thank's for sharing !

I don't remember me this plant; probably it's the composition of the picture (myself too big).
The onco's on this site were all very large as you can see on next photo (huge flower, practically at ground level).
We drive 6000 km during this trip (from Istanbul to the border with Iran and back), but I can only say:
I never saw in nature such beautiful plant as Iris elegantissima; it's really, really every effort worth.
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on November 05, 2009, 10:08:41 PM
wonderfull picture Hendrick,

I'd love to do it !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 05, 2009, 11:16:40 PM
Hendrick,

Excellent pictures!!  That last one of elegantissima (and the one you posted in that topic) are just glorious. This is my "Holy Grail" Iris, the one that got me interested in them when I saw it first in a book many years ago.  I too have bought and killed it, and hope to grow it successfully one of these decades.  ;D  For now I can just enjoy the wonderful pics that people post here of it.  8)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on November 06, 2009, 09:09:42 AM
Superb pictures Hendrik !!!!  :o :o
Thanks very much for sharing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on November 06, 2009, 11:53:21 AM
Superb pictures Hendrik !!!!  :o :o
Thanks very much for sharing !

I agree with Luc, superb and really interesting and happy to see the result of your searches  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on November 06, 2009, 04:17:45 PM
Fantastic pictures Hendrik!
Hope to see many more... :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on November 06, 2009, 09:52:32 PM
I don't remember me this plant; probably it's the composition of the picture (myself too big).
The onco's on this site were all very large as you can see on next photo (huge flower, practically at ground level).
We drive 6000 km during this trip (from Istanbul to the border with Iran and back), but I can only say:
I never saw in nature such beautiful plant as Iris elegantissima; it's really, really every effort worth.
Hendrik

Hendrik,

Wonderful and precious pictures in situ  :o
 

Which other Oncos' species have you seen in your trip to Turkey?
I would like to see more pictures  ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on November 08, 2009, 07:48:57 PM
Myriam,
We found Iris lycotis, but not in flower. From Iris sari only 1 flowering plant.
Have found other irises like Iris schachtii and Iris taochia.
During our trip we have encountered the best botanists of the word, those who find everything (like my friend says):
sheeps and goats.
Good evening
Enjoy the pictures
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on November 08, 2009, 09:25:04 PM
Many thanks again for these marvelous pictures!
You know, goats and sheeps help in preserving and maintaining the Irises ,and I will explain:
They eat the weeds around the Irises and by doing that they clear the space for the Irises to grow (notice that Oncos grow in the wild in open areas and with not many weeds around them). The weeds literally "suffocate" the Oncos.
Unless sheeps, goats or fires which burn the weeds and not the rhizomes under the ground, the vegetation would become dense and high, and the Oncos eventually will disappear.
The problem occurs when there is a drought and there are very few annual plants, so the goats turn to the Irises and can cause them a severe damage. Normally they would prefer to eat weeds over the Irises.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on November 09, 2009, 07:16:12 PM
Hendrik, what a lucky man!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arilnut on December 07, 2009, 01:22:27 AM
Here is the parentage of Zizah'

John

ZIZAH  OGB+  (Lois Rich, R. 1982).  Sdlg. R76-3C.  AB, 15" (38 cm), E.  S. light orchid, veined deeper; beige gold midrib, styles and style crests; F. tan brown, flecked maroon; indefinite maroon red signal; brown beard.  R72-19F: (R64-1C: ((Artemis x I. lortetii) x Judean Cream) x I. pumila,  'Rozaliae-Prodan') X R74-125G: (Quinta x (R69-128 x Welcome Reward)). Melrose Gardens, 1983. 
 


Hi everybody, and thank you for such amazing plants.
Here in south-east France, the season begins with hybrids :

'Zizah', classic and of unknow parentage

and my own Iris sari x kirkwoodii (seedling of 1993 : at that time, I didn't know oncos are strictly allogames...) [I've just put pictures of the parentage here http://plantes-passion.forumactif.fr/les-iris-f21/oncocyclus-2009-t3052.htm#33230 ]
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arilnut on December 07, 2009, 02:23:09 AM
Jamie,Hans, all.  I believe Vera is stolonifera X korolkowii.

John B


Hans,

assuming it is a primary hybrid, you are most likely correct, but it could be a cross with a korolkowi hybrid and I. hoogiana, which would explain the dark signal-like area on the falls.  Even a primary with hoogiana would give either 33 or 44 chromosomes.  No reason to discount it as a pure regelia hybrid, or do you see something there?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arilnut on December 07, 2009, 02:39:13 AM
Hello Zhirair. The forced germination method works very well with the Onco's. I have 30+ that came back this fall
from germinating last spring.  Right now I have 1 paradoxa f. atrata 1 inch tall from cutting on October 2 and
1 acutiloba lineolata just poking up from cutting in November. Tonight I will pot out 2 atrofusca and
3 kirkwoodii from the fridge.

John B


Lesley,
You're right. It is iris paradoxa f. mirabilis.
I still don't take a risk to grow oncos from seeds. naturally it takes several years for the seeds to germinate, you know. As to the other methods (for example embrio), I am not experienced, but I think I should try it one time.


Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 07, 2009, 05:57:45 AM
Many thank's John, for the parentage of ZIZAH !
I'll send it to my friend Biodiversité, He'll be very happy to get it, like me  :)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 07, 2009, 05:41:07 PM
This one marvellous Iris I got under name I. iberica elegantissima. It was collected by ARGI expedition in Syria. It looks very different friom my other ibericas, but I'm not very clever in onco-iris taxonomy. Would be gratefull for your help in correct identification.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on December 07, 2009, 05:54:01 PM
I agree with you, Janis, it doesn't resemble I. iberica elegantissima, which is a bi-colour blossom.  Also, there is no clearly defined signal, typical for all I. iberica types.  I would think it was I. kirkwoodii or related, which are from Syria.

I'm sure someone can be more exact.  Miriam, Oron, Hans, Rafa?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 07, 2009, 06:02:14 PM
Image captured at an AGS Show ...
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 07, 2009, 06:09:16 PM
For sure it seems to be I. kirkwoddii, and not I. iberica ssp elegantissima
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 07, 2009, 07:28:59 PM
Jamie and Fred,
Many thanks!
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 07, 2009, 07:38:50 PM
Ranunculus, your iberica ssp elegantissima is also not the standard form !
Never seen such a color before, may be from special locality or hybrid ???
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 07, 2009, 07:42:01 PM
I just got last Curtis' Botanical Magazine where two new Irises are described, between them one belongs to onco irises - it is new subspecies of  Iris acutiloba  - subsp. longitepala. A year ago I was in Iran and our group found this plant, so I'm lucky having its pictures which show some minor variability - just in shape and color of signal blotch.
Flowers of this beautiful plant is surprisingly large and from fast driving bus window at first moment I thought that its flowers are peaces of polyethylene bags rubbish on low roadside shrubs. Few km later we had another stop where our group guide saw this iris a year before. Now we found only very large field with a lot of small halls - all irises were dug out! Export of planting material and seeds from Iran is hardly forbidden and such huge amount can't be hided in baggage, but Iran is famous for its corruption level, too.
Janis  
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 07, 2009, 07:43:17 PM
Ranunculus, your iberica ssp elegantissima is also not the standard form !
Never seen such a color before, may be from special locality or hybrid ???
I think it is flashlight or artificial light effect on color.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 07, 2009, 07:58:03 PM
Wonderfull plants Janis !
I can't understand how somebody could dig up all plants from an area  ??? :( >:( and completly destroy a wild place !!!
Regarding the iberica ssp elegantissima, I don't think it's only a pisture problem !

have a look on the standard form in our french forum http://plantes-passion.forumactif.fr/les-iris-f21/oncocyclus-2009-t3052-30.htm
The standards should be white....
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 07, 2009, 08:15:49 PM
Hi Fred and Janis,
The image was captured at an AGS Show at least five or six years ago and was probably the first time that I had seen this gem ... the plant received a First prize at the show and the judges didn't query the label (but this is not at all unusual)!   :D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on December 07, 2009, 08:56:47 PM
You can find quite a few fotos of various oncos, including both I. iberica and I. kirkwoodii at the following site.

http://www.dionysia.de/
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 07, 2009, 09:07:54 PM
That is a super site Jamie, alas the plants are forbidden to me. Marcus Harvey in Tasmania has imported some from him though not with huge success I believe. It was very good to see some which are rarely able to be viewwed like II. antilibanotica and polakii.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 06:33:36 AM
Myriam,
We found Iris lycotis, but not in flower. From Iris sari only 1 flowering plant.
Hendrik

Rik, Myriam,
This is just the same plant of Iris iberica lycotis about which Rik reports but pictured by me 5 years ago.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 08, 2009, 06:52:30 AM
Another wonderfull clump,... and pic janis !
I think you still have a lot of (unburied) treasures to show us  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 07:48:07 AM
Another wonderfull clump,... and pic janis !
I think you still have a lot of (unburied) treasures to show us  ;D ;)

Those 2 pictures of Iris iberica elegantissima are made in 2005 on very steep slope on roadside to Ispir in Turkey.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on December 08, 2009, 10:22:59 AM
Gorgeous, particularly the second one, Janis.  Absolute beauties!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 08, 2009, 10:36:39 AM
 :o :o :o :o Here is the true species !!
Great great great Janis !

more and more !
This is one species which does'nt like me  :'( :'( although one of my favourite ones
I still have problem to grow it.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on December 08, 2009, 10:54:25 AM
Myriam,
We found Iris lycotis, but not in flower. From Iris sari only 1 flowering plant.
Hendrik

Rik, Myriam,
This is just the same plant of Iris iberica lycotis about which Rik reports but pictured by me 5 years ago.
Janis

Janis

A very fine clump.  Which country were you in?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 11:10:45 AM

Rik, Myriam,
This is just the same plant of Iris iberica lycotis about which Rik reports but pictured by me 5 years ago.
Janis





A very fine clump.  Which country were you in?




It is pictured in Turkey, 16 km before Yuksekova.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on December 08, 2009, 12:58:33 PM
Janis
Amazing species and places, thanks for shering these photos.
the lycotis clump is stunning.

Do you know if the three species you have shown are under snow in winter?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 02:44:00 PM
Janis
Amazing species and places, thanks for shering these photos.
the lycotis clump is stunning.

Do you know if the three species you have shown are under snow in winter?

I don't know it, but as longitepala was pictured at altitude 1545 m, iberica LST-236 - 1980 m - I think both must be covered by snow in winter. Unfortunately for lycotis I forgot to take coordinates and altitude... ???
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 02:55:19 PM
The attached pictures are of Iris meda, made in Iran. They definitely are covered by snow in winter, there were plenty of snow in more shaded spots and in depressions Puschkinia scilloides only started blooming. In my notebook are written: Pass before Takht-e Soleyman, still some snow on N slopes, quite nude stony openings. 2620 m.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 08, 2009, 03:01:08 PM
No more voice.....
Thank's again Janis for sharing !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 03:03:08 PM
Do you know if the three species you have shown are under snow in winter?

By Google Earth altitude at lycotis spot is 1800-1900 m - so it certainly is covered by snow in winter, but in summer all those three spots are very dry and hot.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on December 08, 2009, 03:17:25 PM
Beautiful I. meda, Janis. Is this form in cultivation?  The dark clones are partcularly stunning.  I have but one seedling of the species coming along.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 03:57:42 PM
Beautiful I. meda, Janis. Was it possible to collect?  The dark clones are partcularly stunning.  I have but one seedling of the species coming along.
I more liked that on top picture and I think that I took small offset of it.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on December 08, 2009, 06:44:19 PM
Beautiful I. meda, Janis. Was it possible to collect?  The dark clones are partcularly stunning.  I have but one seedling of the species coming along.
I more liked that on top picture and I think that I took small offset of it.
Janis

Indeed Janis, top picture is marvellous!
But second one is beautiful too.
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on December 08, 2009, 06:59:17 PM
This one marvellous Iris I got under name I. iberica elegantissima. It was collected by ARGI expedition in Syria. It looks very different friom my other ibericas, but I'm not very clever in onco-iris taxonomy. Would be gratefull for your help in correct identification.
Janis
Hi Janis,
I think in Syria you haven't Iris iberica elegantissima; in Syria grows kirkwoodii (2 ssp.), damascena and basaltica (your plant must be one of this tree); in Syria you can find too bostrensis, antilibanotica, swensoniana, assadiana and auranitica, but these are different and easier to recognise.
If you know the location I can give you maybe the correct name...
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 08, 2009, 07:33:07 PM
Rik, Myriam,
This is just the same plant of Iris iberica lycotis about which Rik reports but pictured by me 5 years ago.
Janis
To see such a plant in its natural habitat must be like visiting God in heaven!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 09, 2009, 05:50:17 AM
This one marvellous Iris I got under name I. iberica elegantissima. It was collected by ARGI expedition in Syria. It looks very different friom my other ibericas, but I'm not very clever in onco-iris taxonomy. Would be gratefull for your help in correct identification.
Janis
Hi Janis,
I think in Syria you haven't Iris iberica elegantissima; in Syria grows kirkwoodii (2 ssp.), damascena and basaltica (your plant must be one of this tree); in Syria you can find too bostrensis, antilibanotica, swensoniana, assadiana and auranitica, but these are different and easier to recognise.
If you know the location I can give you maybe the correct name...
Hendrik

It is not collected by me, I never was in Syria. It is from ARGI expedition financed by American Iris Society to explore Syrian Irises and this one is the single one which alived with me. It was first blooming of it after introduction in 2004 (?). This year I replanted 3 small rhizomes.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 10, 2009, 07:58:39 AM
Here I'm showing some pictures of Iris iberica elegantissima pictured in wild and in my nursery ('Pearl of Ararat'). Quite different are form distributed many, many years ago by Van Tubergen. Some years ago I had large stock of it but after very unfavourable winter lost almost all stock - now I have only 3 plants. That winter many of Onco's died. On last picture Koen from Belgium picturing irises near Muradiye in Turkey.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 10, 2009, 08:16:08 AM
They really are stunning plants Janis !!  Beautiful !

Can't recognize him from the photo, but I suppose that is Koen Van Poucke on the last picture ??
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on December 10, 2009, 08:56:24 AM
Janis,

interesting that you bring this up, the van Tubergen clone.  In my eyes it looks suspiciously like a hybrid with I. korolkowii!  The veining is all wrong for I. elegantissima and the falls are much too narrow.  The first time I saw it I thought 'mislabeled plant'.

The fotos are superb!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on December 10, 2009, 09:42:52 AM
great to see Iris iberica elegantissima in the nature. The picture of Iris iberica subsp. iberica is also fantastic, do you have any picture in his natural ihabit?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul Ravenhill on December 10, 2009, 10:49:37 AM
I thought you might like to see some picture when I went to Turkey in 2006, I hope you enjoy.


Iris iberica elegantissima.
Iris iberica elegantissima group
Iris barnumae forma uruiensis
Iris parodoxa.


 pictures are large....use scroll arrows to view
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 10, 2009, 10:52:22 AM
We do love to see them Paul !!!  They are marvelous !
Breathtaking pictures !
Thanks a lot for posting
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: ranunculus on December 10, 2009, 10:58:24 AM
Wonderful images, Paul ... location please?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul Ravenhill on December 10, 2009, 11:26:17 AM
Thanks Cliff & Luc,
The Iris iberica picture was taken south east of Erzurum
and the Iris parodoxa & barnumae were about 150 km south east of van.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 10, 2009, 12:14:59 PM
Janis,

interesting that you bring this up, the van Tubergen clone.  In my eyes it looks suspiciously like a hybrid with I. korolkowii!  The veining is all wrong for I. elegantissima and the falls are much too narrow.  The first time I saw it I thought 'mislabeled plant'.

The fotos are superb!
I suppose that you are right, it really looks as hybrid with korolkowii. Van Tubergen company was famous for many unusual hybrids and for introduction of a lot of new plants. Pity tjhat many were lost later. So conserved by Michael Hoog now followed by his son Antoine in France.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 10, 2009, 12:19:13 PM
I thought you mite like to see some picture when I went to Turkey in 2006, I hope you enjoy.
Never before saw barnumae urmiensis in flower. Fantastic flower! My trip in its district was too late (or spring was too early ;D). I have only small seedlings of it which didn't reach flowering size at present.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul Ravenhill on December 10, 2009, 12:53:30 PM
I've added somemore this time I've changed the picture size.
Janis we saw Iris barnumae urumiensis close to the border with Iran

Iris iberica elegantissima dark veined.jpg
Iris barnumae urumensis clump.jpg
Iris barnumae urumensis goup.jpg
Iris sari.jpg
Iris sari 2.jpg
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: art600 on December 10, 2009, 12:56:34 PM
Paul

Thanks for the additional postings.  I have never been lucky to see oncos, other than elegantissima and paradoxa in Turkey - not bad I know, but the urumiensis clump is spectacular, and beats anything I saw in Iran.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 10, 2009, 02:07:21 PM
Wonderfull pictures Paul and Janis again !!!
This wild pic are simply stuning, and definitly more beutifull than those we can take in culture !
I'd love to see them, and I think Turkey will be a next trip project  :P
Thank's again for sharing.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul Ravenhill on December 10, 2009, 02:17:59 PM
Thanks Fred,
I would love to go back, lots more to see
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on December 10, 2009, 02:54:55 PM
Beautiful pictures of beautiful plants Paul, thanks for posting them.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Rafa on December 10, 2009, 04:22:52 PM
I am very grateful Paul, it might be a real pleasure to take pictures in these conditions, 24h is not enough in a day!!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on December 10, 2009, 04:44:33 PM
Paul and Janis these are  Superb photos, :o :o
 also for me it is the first time to  see these species in their natural habitat, makes one feel like throwing every thing apart and travel....

Paul can i ask at what date you have taken the photos.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul Ravenhill on December 10, 2009, 04:51:24 PM
Oron, the photos were taken late may to early June 06,
I'm glad so many people our enjoying my pictures. ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hendrik Van Bogaert on December 10, 2009, 06:37:23 PM
They really are stunning plants Janis !!  Beautiful !

Can't recognize him from the photo, but I suppose that is Koen Van Poucke on the last picture ??

Yes Luc, it's Koen Van Poucke
Hendrik
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 10, 2009, 08:15:48 PM
I've added somemore this time I've changed the picture size.
Janis we saw Iris barnumae urumiensis close to the border with Iran,
Yes Paul, this June I went specially to Iranian border behind Yuksekova where urumiensis grow, but as I wrote earlier - spring was very early and all irises were out of flowers. And - after each 5 km there were checkpoints registering passports, not problematic, but too uncomfortable so we turned back before reaching of known localities.
Once more - thanks for beautiful pictures and nice that you joined forum.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 10, 2009, 08:21:40 PM
Fantastic pictures every one, of the most magnificent irises. I warmly thank their posters. :D I always think of some white cloth when I see I. iberica ssp elegantissima. Snow-white lawn perhaps, over rich brocade. So very sumptuous.

I hope Koen didn't take a step backward after taking his pictures, or if he did, that he managed to throw the camera up onto the bank as he fell! ;D
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on December 11, 2009, 02:08:14 AM
Stunning pics Paul and Janis.  Is there a bad pic of elegantissima anywhere?  If so, I don't think I've ever seen one.  ;D  I love the first, larger, photos that you posted Paul,although I realise that others can have problems with the size.  There is just so much detail in them.

Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 11, 2009, 07:39:06 AM
Continuing showing of Onco irises in wild now I'm showing you Iris barnumae barnumae. Pictures are made in Turkey, not far from Van few days before destroying of all population. Some years later in place of those onco's we found new wide highway.

Another species - Iris paradoxa typica is pictured in cultivation. There are two forms originally collected in Armenia, one is so named Prasil form from surroundings of lake Sevan (I hear that there are no more paradoxa's foundable), others are from near village Archut. I never was there at Iris blooming time and so those are pictures from my nursery.

As last today is garden hybrid (not my) between I. paradoxa and I. iberica (or vice verse - I don't know which one is seed parent).

Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 11, 2009, 08:03:20 AM
I love the paradoxa dark form.
Great janis !
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: arillady on December 11, 2009, 09:32:20 AM
Paul and Janis,
Thank you so much for posting these amazing photos of the holy grail of irises.
I will certainly one day get to some of these sites. Lets be positive!!!! I will I will
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on December 11, 2009, 09:55:04 AM
Great pictures Janis !!!  All equally beautiful - but still the Paradoxa's are my favourites !!! Wonderful !  :o :o
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on December 11, 2009, 10:22:50 AM
Janis,

The Archut paradoxa is striking!  So dark, with with the fine contrasts.  Spectacular!

Actually, I must comment on the glorious buds in that last hybrid picture.  Amazing to think that that flower emerges from those buds.  Beautiful!!

Thanks so much for the pics.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Miriam on December 11, 2009, 04:38:32 PM
Janis and Paul,
I envy you for seeing these jewls in their natural habitat!
Thank you for sharing these pictures with us.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Regelian on December 11, 2009, 07:14:08 PM
Paul, Janis,

I can only echo the previous comments....wonderful!  One can learn so much from such fotos.  Like many others,I find the I. paradoxa forma atrata is simply spectacular.  Were most of the other plants in the immediate area similar, or were lighter coloured forms also common.
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 12, 2009, 08:16:18 AM
I never saw I paradoxa atrata in wild, so I can judge only by specimens grown in my nursery which I got from my Armenian friends and they are very uniform. Today I'm showing Iris paradoxa form chosab. Those all are pictured E from lake Van. BATM - not far from Chosab castle, JRRK - just near Czug pass. As you can see - plants are quite uniform, but rarely are forms with more intensively striped standarts (mostly just such are pictured). On last picture Henrik Zetterlund looking for best view.
Janis
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Paul T on December 12, 2009, 09:37:20 AM
The veining is just amazing.  And what a pretty blue flower in your last one.  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on December 13, 2009, 10:36:44 AM
Very interesting to see how individual they are in the wild !
No big clump ?
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 14, 2009, 04:36:34 AM
The veining is just amazing.  And what a pretty blue flower in your last one.  ;D ;)
And quite a prostrate form! ;D It's more upright in it's native Sweden.
Thanks for the amazing pics, Janis and Paul R.
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Hans A. on December 28, 2009, 02:22:55 PM
Janis and Paul - found your amazing pictures recently - thank you very much for sharing them - really glorious plants!
Title: Re: Oncos 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on December 28, 2009, 02:37:33 PM
I paradoxa atrata in wild - extraordinarily beautiful veining adorning this gorgeous wild iris, a fabulous sight, thank you for showing these great photos.
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