Iris marsh: the flower of the rainbow goddess Iris

The Latin name of this plant Iris pseudacorus is translated as iris false-ayr, in our region is better known as iris marsh. Such a name is given not by accident - its main habitat is the swampy river floodplains and the banks of water bodies. In addition, the seeds of the plant are spread by water, which allows it to easily grow new territories without problems. Long since these tender flowers symbolized the spiritual sublimity, they were represented by artists, they were composed of poems and songs, and to give them at all times was accepted only by loved ones.

Mysterious origin

The image of the flower is found on ancient frescoes, it was grown in palaces, from it bouquets were made to decorate festive tables. According to one of the legends, the iris marsh was born in Southeast Asia. Birds, insects and animals liked the exceptional beauty of the unusual flower, they subsequently spread plant seeds all over the world. In ancient Greece, iris was associated with Irid, the goddess of the rainbow, who informed people of the will of the gods with the help of a plant. According to the myth, spilled rain drops on the ground gave rise to a flower.

Interesting story

Rarely, what plant can boast such a rich past event. The iris flower is depicted on the coat of arms of Florence, because the name of the city - "blooming" - is directly connected with the fields of white irises that surrounded it in the past. The roots of this plant Contain the essential oil used in perfumes today, as in the distant past. There is a West European myth about the King of the Franks, Clovis Mieroving, who managed to withdraw his troops from the trap near the Rhine, noticing the iris of the marsh on the other shore (the thickets of the plant testified to shallow water). The Royal Army successfully moved to the opposite shore and as a result not only escaped, but also won over the enemy. Iris became the emblem of the king and a symbol of his power. It was also depicted on the coat of arms of Louis VII and for a long time was a symbol of the French kingdom.

Honor and Respect

At present, iris marsh is also popular, as in former times. Its image can be seen on the emblem of New Orleans, it also serves as a symbol of the Canadian province of Quebec. Special veneration for this flower is observed in the countries of the East. Since ancient times in Japan, irises have been used to decorate gardens. In the Land of the Rising Sun, and today there is a holiday of irises in the calendar, which is celebrated on May 5.

Breeding irises

In the wild, there are about 100 varieties of this plant. But new varieties are also brought out by man. The first who managed to do this, was Professor of Cambridge University M. Foster. Nowadays scientists who have made a significant contribution to the selection of iris are given a special medal named after Foster. The cultivation of this plant has also become popular in Russia. Iris, whose flowers can now be seen in almost all the gardens, are popularly called the cockerel or the tangent. When decorating parks or gardens, where there are reservoirs, this plant will be the most successful option. It is quite shade-resistant, it grows excellent and always looks beautiful. And most importantly, for which he is respected by all landscape designers, is that iris can grow without a change in one place for many years.