What do you call an iris with no name? You decide

Kelly Oakes, reporter (Image: Lendon Porter)

Ever fancied naming a plant after yourself? Or perhaps you'd prefer to immortalise a beloved pet? Well, either way, now's your chance.

The naming rights for this newly discovered iris from the genus Hesperantha are up for grabs in an online auction. Proceeds will go to charities that aim to protect its critically endangered habitat in the Overberg region of South Africa.

The plant flowers late in the year, at the beginning of the dry season, when the vegetation surrounding it is dry and brown. Even its own leaves are more or less dry when it flowers - the only signs of life are the iris's buds and bright pink flower. It blooms early in the morning, closing its petals again by early afternoon, perhaps to avoid the harsh sun or unwanted insect visitors.

(Image: Odette Curtis)

Don't go overboard with name ideas, though: the exact form of the species name will have to conform to botanical nomenclature rules, though the "essence" of the winning bidder's choice will be retained. The auction will close on 31st October this year, so get your thinking cap on.

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/22249978/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Cblogs0Cshortsharpscience0C20A120C0A80Cwhat0Edo0Eyou0Ecall0Ean0Eiris0Ewith0Bhtml0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm

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