Family Tree
- Sisyrinchiums are members of the Iridaceae Family. There are approximately 250 species of
which all except five are endemic to the North, Central and South American mainland. The five
exceptions are: S. hibernicum (Eire); S. pulchellum (Australia); S. groenlandicum (Greenland);
S. acre (Hawaii) and S. galapagense (Galapagos Islands). It is believed that Sisyrinchiums originated in
South America and gradually moved northward. This would explain why the South American
species are more varied and colourful than the North American species.
In recent years, certain species have been re-classified as other genera, for example,
S. douglasii, S. junceum and S. filifolium are now classified as Olsynium (following research undertaken by
Peter Goldblatt, Paula Rudall and James Henrich). Sisyrinchium striatum, on the other hand, has
been re-classified as Phaiophleps nigricans. The new name of the variegated form, Phaiophleps nigricans "Aunt May', does not now have the same ring to it! In recognition of these re-classifications, and my interest in related genera, Olsynium, Phaiophleps and Solenomelus have
been added to my Sisyrinchium National Collection.
The Collection
- I started collecting Sisyrinchiums about twelve years ago when I purchased (the then)
Sisyrinchium striatum and Sisyrinchium 'Biscuitella' from the nearby National Trust Garden of Coleton Fishacre near Kingswear. I was so fascinated with these plants that whenever I saw a different species I purchased it. In my quest to find out more about this genus, I wrote to the NCCPG in the hope that they could give me the name of the National Collection Holder. In reply the NCCPG advised me that there was no National Collection and to let them know if I was interested in being the Holder.
The Collection has increased to about 160 unique plants, consisting of approximately 100 species; 20 hybrids and the remainder being what we have named "U.F.O.s" (Unidentified Flowering Objects). Identification is one of the biggest problems as there is a lack of information available to help
readily identify the various species, particularly those of South America. We have managed to
identify a number of species, but is is a difficult task. To aid the identification process, any
information we do manage to obtain is added to a spreadsheet we have constructed recording all
relevant information.
We have built up the Collection by writing literally hundreds of letters to various universities;
botanical gardens and individuals. The response rate has been very poor, though the few who
have replied have been very generous with their help. Among the fascinating species so far
obtained are:
- Sisyrinchium acre - a rare golden-yellow flowered species from Hawaii which has suffered as the
islands have been developed. Apparently the juice from the root used to be used by the natives
for tattooing as it leaves an indelible blue stain, but I haven't tested this out for myself;
- Sisyrinchium groenlandicum - this is another rare species which is found in only two remote
locations in Greenland. This has proved to be a difficult species to germinate as only one plant
has so far been produced. The flower is recorded as being bright blue or whitish-blue;
- Sisyrinchium funereum - a tall species 50 to 60 cm, with pale blue flowers which is found only in
the Death Valley Area on the state line of California and Nevada. There are now thought to be only
six remaining populations. Despite our best efforts, it has not produced any seeds to date;
- Sisyrinchium macrocephalum - a tall species, approximately 60 cm, from South America. It
produces clusters of large golden-yellow flowers throughout the summer months. A very
spectacular plant, the flower heads remind us of a Bird of Paradise flower.
Cultivation
- We grow the plants in pots and in the garden. Their main requirement is good drainage
particularly if grown in pots as there is a tendency for some species (for example, Sisyrinchium macrocarpum) to develop such long roots that the drainage holes become blocked causing the
plants to drown. As a matter of interest, S. macrocarpum tends to be happier grown in
the garden than in pots.
Where we grow plants in pots we use a gritty compost and repot them every other year. At the repotting stage we remove the old rhizome and dead roots as this seems to benefit the plant, a technique we have developed.
Many of the plants in the garden are natives of South America, but they appear to be hardy. Last year, for instance, S. macrocephalum survived a flood, frost and (rare for South Devon) snow, yet still produced its normal abundance of flowers.
Of the species generally available, I would recommend the following:
- Sisyrinchium macropcarpum - from Argentina, a species up to about 20 cm tall which has large
golden-yellow flowers with brown markings;
- Sisyrinchium iridifolium - from Brazil and Chile, a taller species, with creamy white flowers which
have maroon centres and veining with a yellow eye.
The Future
- Unfortunately the habitat of Sisyrinchiums in certain areas are being destroyed, in South America
this is so that sugar cane can be produced. We are therefore very keen to try and obtain further
species so that they can be conserved before they are lost forever. We will therefore continue to
write our letters and keep our fingers crossed that we will be successful.
A plant we would dearly like to obtain is Sisyrinchium macrocephalum ssp. giganteum, a
species from Parana, Brazil which is supposed to reach up to a height of 1.70 metres(5 feet 8
inches) tall, which is hard to visualize.
So if you are, or someone you know is, collecting Sisyrinchium seed I would
be very grateful to hear from you.
Rita Heaton
46 Manor Drive
Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot
Devon TQ12 5HD U.K.
Collecting Sisyrinchiums