2003, then updated 2 December 2004 It is listed in the Encyclopedia of Life, and in the Catalogue of Life. Distribution and habitat It is native to temperate Asia. Range It is found in the Syrian Desert, near Ayn al-Baydah, Al-Qaryatayn and Al-Hafar, to the west of Palmyra. It is listed as endemic plant of Syria, along with 200 other vascular plants including Iris auranitica (another Oncoyclus section iris), Teucrium coniortodes, Allium pseudophanerantherum, Allium birkinshawii, Ajuga chasmophila, Echium pabotii, Astragalus qatmensis, Astragalus roessleri, Centaurea trachonitica, Salsola zenobiae, Senecio delbesianus, Thymus alfredae, Vicia kalakhensis, Onobrychis gaillardotii, and Alyssum antilibanoticum. Habitat It grows in the chalky hills, and gravel plains of the desert. They can be found at an altitude of } above sea level. Conservation It was listed as a 'rare' plant species in Iraq in 1991, along with two other Oncoyclus section irises, Iris gatesii (also rare) and Iris heylandiana listed as 'Endangered'. Cultivation 'Oncocyclus Section' Irises are easier to grow than 'Regelia Section' Irises, but should be preferably grown under glass (in frames), to protect the irises from excess moisture (especially during winter times) and also to ensure the (shallow planted) rhizomes get the best temperatures during the growing season. They can be grown in pots (especially in deep ones known as 'long toms'), but they need re-potting, every 2 years and extra feeding. Watering is one of the most critical aspects of iris cultivation. The growth starts in October and carefully watering starts, water should never be poured directly on the rhizomes. Propagation Irises can generally be propagated by division, or by seed growing. Seedlings, if germinated, may grow into a mature plant within 3–4 years, seedings are best grown also in frames or alpine houses. Toxicity Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), and if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also, handling the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. References Sources Mathew, B. The Iris. 1981 (Iris) 44. External links assadiana Plants described in 1975 Garden plants Flora of Syria