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belamcanda

Scientific Name: Belamcanda

Family: Iridaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Blackberry Lily (Iris domestica, formerly Belamcanda chinensis)

The plant commonly known as Blackberry Lily has an interesting botanical history. Once classified as Belamcanda chinensis in its own genus, Belamcanda, molecular DNA evidence led to its reclassification within the Iris genus. Therefore, its current accepted scientific name is Iris domestica.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has rhizomatous roots.
  • The plant produces seed pods containing berry-like seeds.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has rhizomatous roots.
  • The plant produces seed pods containing berry-like seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Current Scientific Name: Iris domestica
  • Former Scientific Name: Belamcanda chinensis
  • Family: Iridaceae (Iris family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.
    • Gemmingia chinensis (L.) Kuntze
    • Ixia chinensis L.
    • Belamcanda punctata Moench.
    • Pardanthus chinensis

Common Names

  • Blackberry Lily
  • Leopard Lily
  • She Gan (in Pinyin)
  • Leopard Flower
  • Chinese Ixia

Description

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to approximately 1 meter (3ft 3in) tall and 0.3 meters (1ft) wide.
  • Forms a low clump of green, sword-shaped leaves.
  • Flowers in the summer. The flowers are orange with purple spots. Some varieties produce yellow flowers.
  • Produces tan, pear-shaped seed pods in the fall that contain shiny black seeds, resembling blackberries, hence the common name.
  • Has rhizomatous roots and iris-like fans of foliage.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Asia.
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun.
  • Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer.
  • Tolerates drought and some salt and will grow in dry to moist soil but prefers well-drained.

Cultivation

  • Propagate by seed in a cold frame in spring.
  • Most commonly grown plant of the species, the only one cultivated.

Quirky Facts

  • Thomas Jefferson called it "Chinese Ixia."
  • Neither a blackberry nor a lily.

Traditional Uses

  • Has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Further Information

  • NC State University
  • Plant Delights Nursery: plantdelights.com
  • Hallson Gardens