Orris

This large genus consists of about 300 species of perennials found mainly in northern temperate regions. Most species are in cultivation; they range from rock-garden plants to aquatics. Iris flowers are the origin of the scepter and the fleur-de-lys; the three inner petals represent faith, wisdom, and valor. The genus is named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The use of dried iris root, known as "orris", was recorded in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and remains important in perfumery. Orris contains volatile oil, consisting partly or irone; the oil gives a violet scent that intensifies as the dried rhizome ages. Several different species are grown as sources of orris, including I. pallida (Dalmation iris). Some authorities maintain that I. germanica var. florentina, which is common near Florence, is a separate species (I.florentina), while others regard it as the cultivar 'Florentina". Iris versicolor (blue flag) was one of the most widely used medicinal plants among native N Americans; its importance to the Creek people was such that they grew it near their villages. Blue flag was listed in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia (1820-95) as an emetic and purgative, but it has a far wider range of medicinal applications today.

Stout perennial with a rhizome to 5cm (2in) thick, and fans of sword-shaped, gray-green leaves, to 45cm (18in) long. White, violet-tinged flowers, 8-10cm (3-4in) across, appear on branched stems in early summer.

Common Name:	Orris
Botanical Name:	Iris Germanica var. florentina syn. I.florentina.
Genus:	Iris
Family:	Iridaceae
Cultivation:	Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun (I. germanica var. florentina); rich, moist to wet, acid soil or shallow water in sun (I. versicolor).
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division or offsets in summer. Cultivars may not come true from seed.
Harvest:	Rhizomes are lifted in the late summer and early autumn, and dried for use in decoctions, liquid extracts, and powders.
Native Location:	E. Mediterranean
Height:	60cm-1.2m (2-4ft)
Width:	Indefinite
Hardiness:	Z4-10
Parts Used:	Rhizomes
Properties:	A soothing, aromatic herb that has diuretic and expectorant effects. It is both purgative and anti-diarrheal.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for coughs, mucus and diarrhea. Externally for deep wounds.
Culinary Uses:	Rhizomes are sometimes included in the N African spice mixture, ras el hanout.
Economic Uses:	Added to dental preparations, breath fresheners, and dusting powders. Used as a fixative in perfumery and potpourris. Essential oil is used to flavor soft drinks, gin, and chewing gum, and to enhance fruit flavors.
Warning:	All parts of Iris species, especially rhizomes, are harmful if eaten. Skin irritant and allergen.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg. 244