Iris versicolor
Iris versicolor
Iris versicolor, also known as the blue flag, harlequin blueflag, larger blue flag, northern blue flag, and poison flag, is a species of Iris native to North America where it is common in sedge meadows, marshes, and along streambanks and shores.
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Iris versicolor is /ˈaɪrɪs vɜːrsɪˈkʌlər/.
Etymology
The genus name Iris is derived from the Greek goddess Iris, who was the personification of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods. The species epithet versicolor means 'variously coloured' and is derived from the Latin words 'versus' meaning 'turning' and 'color'.
Description
Iris versicolor is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10–80 cm high. It has 2–3 cm wide leaves that are sword-shaped. The flowers are usually blue, purple or violet, but can also be white or yellow. They are 6–7 cm in diameter and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Medicinal Uses
Iris versicolor is used in herbal medicine for its purported benefits. It is used as a diuretic, laxative, and treatment for a variety of ailments including skin diseases, rheumatism, and syphilis. However, it should be noted that these uses have not been scientifically proven and the plant is toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iris versicolor
- Wikipedia's article - Iris versicolor
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