Iris domestica
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Iris domestica, commonly known as leopard lily,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> blackberry lily, and leopard flower, is an ornamental plant in the family Iridaceae.<ref name="cabi">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2005, based on molecular DNA sequence evidence, Belamcanda chinensis, the sole species in the genus Belamcanda, was transferred to the genus Iris and renamed Iris domestica.<ref>Goldblatt P, Mabberley DJ (2005) Belamcanda Included in Iris, and the New Combination I. domestica (Iridaceae: Irideae). Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature: Vol. 15, No. 1 pp. 128–132</ref>
Description
A perennial herb, I. domestica may grow to a height of Template:Convert, with its rhizomes in shallow ground, extending horizontally.<ref name=cabi/> It has 3-5-stems and 8–14 leaves per stem growing in a fan, with flowers ascending proximally having orange-red scattered spots of darker pigment, blooming during summer.<ref name=cabi/> The seed pods open in the fall, showing clusters of black, shiny seeds whose resemblance to those of a blackberry gives the plant its common name, "blackberry lily".<ref name=cabi/> The plant is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 5 and is propagated by seeds or division.
In the wild, it grows in grasslands, pastures, forest clearings, meadows, and mountainous regions or shrublands.<ref name=cabi/> Although it has escaped cultivation in many regions, it is not considered to have potential as an invasive species.<ref name=cabi/>
Synonyms
Its synonyms are Epidendrum domesticum L., Vanilla domestica (L.) Druce, Belamcanda punctata Moench, Gemmingia chinensis (L.) Kuntze, Ixia chinensis L., Morea chinensis, and Pardanthus chinensis Ker Gawl.)
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Flower petals
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Seed pod
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Seed pod
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Seed pod
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Distribution
The plant is native to Eastern Asia and has been cultivated worldwide in subtropical and temperate climates.<ref name=cabi/><ref name="kew">Template:Cite web</ref> Due to the ornamental value of its attractive flowers, the plant was distributed to Europe as early as the 18th century and the United States and Caribbean countries in the 19th century.<ref name=cabi/>
Uses
I. domestica is a common ornamental plant in private and public gardens, zoos, and floral displays.<ref name=cabi/> Its flowers provide nectar and pollen to insects and birds.<ref name=cabi/> The plant has been used in traditional medicine.<ref name=cabi/>