Iris nigricans explained

Iris nigricans is a flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is the national flower of Jordan.^[1] The flowers are blackish-purple and 12- in diameter, and the plants are 35cm (14inches) tall with recurved leaves. It needs direct sun and sharp drainage.^[2] It is endemic to Jordan and is an endangered species.

There are 8 other irises native to Jordan, and most of these are also endangered. The species bearing black flowers are sometimes confused with Iris nigricans.^[3]

• Iris vartanii - Vartanii Iris - light blue flowers - extinct in Jordan
• Iris atrofusca - Jil'ad Iris - black flowers - endangered
• Iris atropurpurea - Purple Iris - black flowers - cultivated but vulnerable in the wild
• Iris petrana - Petra Iris - black flowers
• Iris germanica - German Iris - purple flowers
• Iris postii - Post Iris - purple flowers
• Iris edomensis - Edom iris - white flowers with black spots - endangered
• Iris aucheri - Desert Iris - various colors

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wildlife and Vegetation . Government of Jordan . kinghussein.gov.jo. 2015-05-10.
2. http://www.rareplants.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=3080{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
3. Web site: Flora of Jordan.