FoI
Blue Stars Iris
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Blue Stars Iris
P Introduced Photo: P.S. Sivaprasad
Common name: Blue Stars Iris
Botanical name: Aristea ecklonii    Family: Iridaceae (Iris family)
Synonyms: Aristea paniculata, Aristea stipitata

Blue Stars Iris is a spreading evergreen perennial with stiff, upright, grasslike leaves that grow 40-45 cm tall in a tight clump. Flowering stalks covered with dozens of small blue saucer shaped flowers stand above the leaves. Each flower lasts for only one day and is open only in bright light, but the whole inflorescence makes a spectacular display above the grassy foliage. Leaves are broad, sword-shaped, mostly 8-12 mm wide and soft. Flowers are deep blue, tepals 6, mostly 8-10 mm long, style three-lobed. Blue Stars Iris is native to central and southern Africa, also cultivated as a garden plant.

Identification credit: P.S. Sivaprasad Photographed in Eravikulam National park, Distt. Munnar, Kerala.

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