XVI International Botanical Congess

Comparative analysis of morphological, biological and phytogeographical characters reveals 16 iris species in Armenia. The subgenus Iris is represented by sections Pogoniris (I.imbricata, I.furcata, I.pumila) and Oncocyclus (I.iberica, I.elegantissima, I.lycotis, I.paradoxa, I.grossheimii, I.lineolata), but the subgen. Limniiris and Hermodactyloides by I.sibirica, I.musulmanica, I.prilipkoana, I.reticulata. From the sect. Juno (subgen. Scorpiris) I. caucasica, I.pseudocaucasica and I.atropatana grow. There are distinct morphological and biological differences among the related species of Oncocyclus and Juno. Besides traditional diagnostic features other constant as shape, diameter and thickness of arilloids, shape and size of leaves post anthesin, the funiform, fleshy or swollen storage roots, etc. were found. The allopatric area of distribution of the species are distinguished.