Iris perrieri

It is similar in form to Iris aphylla, but has various differences including, stem branching, spathes, the falls, styles crests and seeds. It has a thick, compact rhizome, that has several branching buds. Like other bearded irises, it grows partially buried, horizontally across the ground. It has green, falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves, that are very heavily ribbed, so much so that they appear corrugated or pleated. They can grow up to between 22 and 28 cm (9 and 11 in) long, and between 2.0 and 2.4 cm wide. They are shorter than Iris aphylla. It has a slender stem or peduncle, that can grow up to between 10 and 30 cm (4 and 12 in) tall. Compared to Iris aphylla, it branches (or pedicels) from the middle of the stem, (on Iris aphylla, it branches close to the base or rhizome,) it very rarely has 2 branches. The stem has green, inflated, spathe (leaf of the flower bud), They are between 3.5 and 6 cm (1 and 2 in) long. They also remain green, after the plant has flowered, unlike some others which turn papery. The large spathe leaf, partially, encases the perianth tube. If the plant does not have a branch, it only has 1 spathe. The stem (and the branch) can hold between 1 and 3 flowers, but normally 2 flowers, blooming between April and May. …

It is found in France, within the department of Savoie, (or Savoy), near the town of Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, and on Mount Dent d'Arclusaz, in the Bauges Mountains. It is found in the Alps. In 2011, it was also found in Italy, in the Maritime Alps, in the Province of Cuneo, in Gesso Valley, near to the town of Valdieri.

It is hardy (in Europe), but may not grow well in areas with wet summers. It prefers to grow in well-drained soils, and in a sunny situation. It is very rarely found in specialised iris nurseries, and often called Iris aphylla. It is a slow growing and takes many years for the plant to create a colony. Aphid Dysaphis tulipae can be found on the plant. A herbarium specimen can be found at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris. It can also be found growing in Rea Botanical Garden Piedmont, in Italy, and in the alpine botanic garden of La Jaysinia in Samoëns, Haute Savoie, France.

Propagation. Irises can generally be propagated by division, or by seed growing.

Hybrids and cultivars. It is thought that the iris could be used in hybridizing, giving better branching, small irises.