Iris schachtii is a plant species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus Iris. It is a rhizomatousperennial, from central Anatolia, in Turkey. It has small, thin grey-green leaves, a short stem with 1–3 branches, which are normally, covered with a green leaf with purple staining. It has 2 or more fragrant flowers in late spring, which come in shades of yellow or purple, or violet and yellow,. It has a yellow or white with yellow-tips beard. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions, but prefers regions with dry, hot summers.
Description
Similar in form to Iris attica, or Iris imbricata. It may also be related to Iris taochia but it is smaller, with different leaves. It has nodular, fibrous and well branched rhizomes. That creep across the soil to create small clumps of plants. It has small, thin leaves, with are narrow. The herbaceous, or semi-herbaceous leaves, are grey-green, glaucous, and can grow up to long, and between 1.5 cm wide. They are ensiform, crescent-shaped, or lanceolate. They have parallel venation. It has a short stem or peduncle, that can grow up to between tall. It has 1–3 short branches, which can be hidden by the bracts. The stem has a short, semi-sheathing leaf, and 1 stem leaf, the branches have partially inflated spathes, which are long, and generally green with purple staining. They are transparent or membranous on the edges. The stems hold several flowers, between 1 and 3, but normally 2 or more. In spring, in April, or between May and June. The flowers normally open in a sequence. The large flowers, are in diameter, come in shades of yellow or purple, or violet and yellow. Including greenish yellow, mid-yellow, yellow, white, off-white and yellow/brown bi-tones. The fragranced flowers, are similar in form to Iris germanica flowers. Like other irises, Iris schachtii has 2 pairs of petals, 3 large sepals, known as the 'falls' and 3 inner, smaller petals, known as the 'standards'. The dark veined, or brown veined, falls are obovate or obtuse shaped, up to long and 2.5 cm wide. In the middle of the falls, is a row of short hairs called the 'beard', which is yellow, or white with yellow-tips. It often is similar to the petal colour. It has broadly elliptic-obtuse shaped standards, that narrow abruptly, they are similar in shape to nautilus shells. It has a broad, smooth and 1.5 cm long ovary and a perianth tube that is 1.5–3 cm long. After the iris has flowered, it produces a seed capsule that has not been described.
Biochemistry
In 1989, a karyological study was carried out on 4 iris species in Turkey; including Iris junonia Schott et Kotschy ex Schott, Iris purpureobractea B. Matthew et T.Baytop, Iris taochia Woronow ex Grossh., and Iris schachtii. It found the chromosome counts of the iris species. The chromosome count of 2n=48. In 2014, a new technique of in vitro plant tissue culture was carried out on Iris sari and Iris schachtii. As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings, but Iris schachtii is a tetraploid, with a count of 2n=48, by Koca, 1989.
It is an endemic of Turkey. Found in central Anatolia, from the plateau east of Ankara, and between Kayseri and Malatya, of Turkey. Including being found near Salt Lake. One source mentions the range goes as far as the Balkans.
On the steppes near Ankara, it grows with Beypazari milkvetch, dark blue bottle, and steppe thyme.
Conservation
Iris sari and Iris schachtii are assessed as 'least concern' within in the Red Data Book of Turkish Plants, due to the widespread population. Although, this assessment could be changed due to the amount of plants being collected from the wild, for ornamental plants. IUCN Status: Unassessed
Cultivation
Like the other species from Turkey Ii. junonia and purpureobractea, this is a relative newcomer to cultivation. It is hardy, standing temperatures down to −20oC. It prefers to grow in well drained, limestone soils, in full sun. Preferring dry, hot summers. It can be grown in a rock garden, alpine garden or trough. In the UK, it is best grown in bulb frame.
Propagation
Irises can generally be propagated by division, or by seed growing.
Hybrids and cultivars
No known hybrids are found, but it has the potential to create fertile offspring when crossed with Iris pumila and regelia section irises.
Toxicity
Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous, and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
