THE HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION AND TAXONOMY OF THE GENUS IRIS L.

Iris is a plant known to man since ancient times, which does not lose popularity even today. This is evidenced by various images of the iris flower, both ancient and modern, and the variety of legends about the origin of its name and a significant amount of scientific research and created cultivars. Many writers and poets, artists and musicians dedicated their works to iris. The work summarizes literary data about this amazing plant: interesting facts about the name, myths and legends, symbolism. Historical and modern aspects of introduction, taxonomy, selection and other scientific research are considered. The main work on promoting iris plants and registering cultivars at the international level is carried out by the American Iris Society (AIS), founded back in 1919. The American Iris Society has developed a garden classification that is used throughout the world and includes Bearded and Unbearded irises. The history of the introduction and taxonomy of the genus Iris in our country is inextricably linked with the name of G.I. Rodionenko. Currently, many research centres, botanical gardens and other scientific and educational organizations are engaged in introduction and selection research with representatives of the genus Iris. The basis of most genetic collections are Bearded Irises cultivars. However, in recent years the trend has changed, the number of studies with Unbearded Irises has increased, and a large number of cultivars have been created.