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Iris

As Fall colours begin to warm the landscape, I looked back to all the spring flowers I hadn't posted!

 

The multi-coloured iris takes its name from the Greek word for rainbow. There are about 300 species. In ancient Greek mythology the goddess Iris carried messages from the gods on Mount Olympus, traveling along a rainbow. The 18th century botanist Linnaeus was inspired to name the species on observing its multi-hued petals.

 

Some species are pollinated by bees, others by birds and still others by butterflies. The plant is the source of orrisroot, used in the making of perfume and potpourri

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Uploaded on October 10, 2014
Taken on November 19, 2013