I have these growing in a slightly swampy area of an old coral. Can you help me narrow down what kind they are, in general if not specific. I know they have been there for the last 30 years, and I'm guessing it's closer to 80, based on the age of other bulb/tubers in the general area.
Thanks.
Here it is before being picked. They are very short, in shade, and smaller than my outspread hand.
That is a Louisiana iris (LA).
They have long rhizomes that are segmented - like a looooong brown caterpillar.
It may be the LA 'Dorothea K Williamson' by Williamson in 1918. Here's the link to it in the plant files:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/106115/
Here it one from my garden: Ann Chowning (LA) another beauty - the picture does not catch the play of colors in the petals.
hespiris
Thanks, Hespiris, I think you nailed it! I had been searching through hundreds, and couldn't find anything with that rich velvety purple. It may look a bit simplistic, but it's lines are elegant like Japanese artwork. Definitely time-tested, as these have been ignored for decades, and still come back strong without taking over.
Sincerely, LJ
