Evaluation of morphological diversity of wild Iris species in Hatay Province, Türkiye

This study, conducted during the 2019 and 2020 flowering seasons, aimed to characterize the morphological diversity of naturally occurring Iris species in the flora of Hatay province, Türkiye, and to evaluate their potential for use in the ornamental plant sector and as breeding material. Field observations showed that the number of flowers per stem ranged from 4 to 7 in I. pseudacorus , whereas I. kirkwoodiae , I. persica , I. histrio , and I. unguicularis generally produced a single flower per stem. Stem branching was absent in I. kirkwoodiae , I. persica , I. histrio , and I. unguicularis , while I. pseudacorus exhibited an average of three lateral branches. Flower longevity was found to be 4–5 days in I. persica , I. histrio , I. pseudacorus , and I. unguicularis , and 3–4 days in I. kirkwoodiae . The flowering periods were recorded as February-March for I. persica and I. histrio , March-April for I. unguicularis , April-May for I. pseudacorus , and May for I. kirkwoodiae . Multivariate analyses revealed clear morphological differentiation among the examined taxa, particularly for I. pseudacorus and I. kirkwoodiae , while I. persica and I. histrio showed relatively greater morphological proximity. The observed variation highlights the potential value of these populations for conservation, further evaluation, and ornamental plant breeding.