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Japanese Iris
Iris ensata var. ensata
γγγ·γ§γ¦γ
A Japanese native perennial that adorns waterside and wetland areas in early summer. Extensively bred as ornamental iris since the Edo period, with thousands of cultivars in existence. The falls have a yellow signal line at the base.
Identification Points
- βFalls (outer tepals) have a yellow line signal but no reticulate pattern
- βLeaf midrib is raised/prominent
- βPrefers waterside and wetland habitats; grows in wetter conditions than Iris sanguinea
Habitat
Wetlands, waterside areas, pond margins, and iris gardens
Season
JuneβJuly (flowers)
3D Specimen Model
Kyushu University, Shikano Lab (CC0)
View on SketchfabβMorphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Parallel
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf shape
Linear
Growth form
Herb
Petal count
3 petals
Petal fusion
Free
Flowering season
Summer
Habitat
Wetland
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Plant sex
Hermaphrodite
Phylogenetic Positionγ’γ€γ‘η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Asparagales > Iridaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (from about 80 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
The iris family has flower forms specialized for insect pollination, having evolved a complex structure where tepals and stigmatic lobes are fused.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification