Iris Glossary

Terms describing iris

• Amoena  White standards with falls of different color.

• Beard Thick bushy hairs on the upper part of each of the three lower petals (falls).

• Bicolor Standards and falls are different colors.

• Bitone Standards and falls are different shades of the same color

• Branch Lateral extension of the main bloom stem that produces additional flowers.

• Flare Fall having an outward horizontal curve.

• Falls Three downward curving lower petals (sepals) of the flower.

• Form Structure or position of the petals that determines a flower's overall shape.

• Horns Long pointed growths protruding upward from the ends of the beards.

• Haft The upper part of falls that connects to rest of flower; shoulders next to beards.

• Increase New fans growing from the side of the rhizome.

• Lace Very frilled or crimped serrations on the outer edges of the petals.

• Plicata Dotted, stippled or stitched edge of colors on a light background

• Rhizome Thick bulb-like underground stem having roots and leaves.

• Ruffles Bouncy, wavy or rolling form applied to the petals.

• Signal A spot pattern of different color on the falls just below the beard.

• Self Standards and falls are the same color.

• Spath Leaf-like covering over the base of the flower (ovary).

• Spoons Horned-like growths with small petaloids protruding from beards.

• Stalk Tall stiff stem that terminates in flowers.

• Stamen Small match-like protrusion just beneath stylearms; flower's male reproductive part producing powdery pollen.

• Standards Three upward arching petals of the flower.

• Stigma Lip-like growth near end of the stylearms; flower's female reproductive organ.

• Stylearms Small stiff segments in flower's center shielding the base of the falls; holds female reproductive organ (stigma).

• Substance Thickness of the petals; stiffness that determines durability of petal.

• Texture Surface sheen or finish of the petals (e. g.: velvety, satiny)