The reproductive syndrome and Iris dichotoma
Iris dichotoma flowers, the Vesper Iris, formerly Pardanthopsis, open ‘religiously’ in the afternoon around 4 pm. By late evening, they are already withered. Nonetheless they are beautiful and it is exciting to watch. It makes you wonder – why the short period of flowering?
According with an article from the Journal of Experimental Botany: “flower opening and closure are traits of a reproductive syndrome, as it allows pollen removal/and or pollination”. Although a peculiar species, the vesper iris is not given as an example in the study.
Iris dichotoma – first year flowering from seeds; super easy to grow
Those interested can read about the mechanism of opening and closure, carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal regulation and more here – Flower opening and closure: a review, Wouter G. van Doorn, Uulke van Meeteren.
Note on Vesper
In many Christian denominations, vespers is the name used for the evening prayer service. From Greek ‘hespera’ and Latin ‘vesper’ = evening.
Gorgeous and exotic!
This is the first year my Cypella coelestis is flowering. The blossoms last half a day, if that. It’s difficult to capture a photo–you really have to be on your guard! I’ve read that they will continue blooming throughout the summer, presumably after they are more mature than my plant.
Really interesting, the fact that flower is fleeting (say that in a hurry!) makes it seem even more beautiful.
I wasn’t familiar with Cypella ;) thanks for a new one! – there is quite a resemblance with I. dichotoma.
There are quite a few buds on every stem and they open gradually, so when you look at a large clump (mine isn’t really big) there are flowers every afternoon :)
I’ve learned something new today.. thanks. Sue
The more fleeting, the more precious. Great series of shots!
The wonders of plant world Sue :)
Thanks Tina, it just happened to be outside at that moment…