Kolpakovski's Blueflag

Iridodictyum Kolpakovski

Status: VU. A species with a reducing range and population. It deserves attention as an early-flowering plant for squares and parks that does not require watering.

Description. A perennial early spring plant. The bulb is oval, 1 - 1.5 cm thick, with light brown fibrous tunics. Stems are 8 - 20 cm tall, single-flowered, leafless. There are three basal leaves, covered at the base by a common membranous sheath. The flower is purple, 4-6 cm long. The outer tepals have a light purple reflex and a white spot, while the inner ones are oblong-lanceolate. The crest is yellow. The fruit is a multi-seeded, three-celled, ribbed capsule that opens with three valves.

Biological features. Blooms in III-IV; fruits in V-VI. Reproduction is by seeds.

Distribution general and in the country. Western and Northern Tien Shan (Eastern Uzbekistan, Southern Kazakhstan, Northern Kyrgyzstan). In Kyrgyzstan - the foothills of the Talas and Kyrgyz ranges; the indication of its presence in the Fergana range needs verification.

Habitat. Loess, fine-soil, stony slopes of the foothills and lower mountain belt. Xeromesophytic ephemeroid.

Population. Limited. Habitats have significantly decreased around populated areas and recreation zones.

Limiting factors. Massively collected by people for bouquets, bulbs are dug up.

Cultivation. Grows well in cultivation. In Bishkek, it blooms in the first half of April.

Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the Kazakh SSR (1981), Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR (1985).

Recommended conservation measures. Assess stocks. Rationally use pastures, organize a botanical reserve in areas with the highest concentration of the species. A complete ban on the collection and sale of flowers is necessary.

Kolpakovski’s Blueflag

Kolpakovski’s Blueflag
Iridodictyum kolpakowskianum (Regel) Rodionenko
(Iris kolpakowskiana Regel)
Status: VU. It is a species with a reducing area, ornamental early-flowering plant, xerophilous ephemeroid. It is spread in piedmonts in Western and Northern Tien Shan and populates silty-soil, loess, and stony slopes. The number in nature is limited and decreasing. Flowering period: March - April; fruiting in May - June; propagation is generative (by seeds), well grows in culture. The species is included in the Red Book of adjacent Kazakhstan in 1981. Limiting factors: massive collection of flowers (with bulbs) for bouquets by people, especially near settlements. Recommended protection measures: to estimate stock in nature, to optimize the usage of pasturable lands, to create a botanical wildlife area in locality with abundant population, to prohibit flower collection/trade.