Fruits of Iris foetidissima

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Fruits of Iris foetidissima, the stinking Iris, also known as the Gladwin or stinking Gladdon. The picture shows a plant growing in a garden in the UK in late November. The bright orange berries are attached to the wrinkled and dry husks of the pods in which they developed. I foetidissima is native to the UK and Europe. In cultivation it is useful for its ability to withstand very poor and dry soils. The flowers are drab in colour but beautifully marked, and the foliage is of dull green. The name foetidissima refers to the smell produced when the leaves are crushed. The garden value of the plant rests on its persistent berries, which remain on the plant for many weeks during winter, even as indoor decoration. One horticultural disadvantage is that the seeds germinate freely, so that the plant will spread throughout a garden if left unchecked

DR JEREMY BURGESS / Science Source

SS2CT67213_20200909