Iris ser. Chinenses

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Iris ser. Chinenses is a small group within Iris subg. Limniris. It was first described by Diels in 1930 and later expanded by Lawrence in 1953. Most members come from East Asia and have flat flowers. They resemble small forms of Iris ser. Sibiricae. A distinctive feature is a ridge or crest on the falls (outer petals). They are not hardy outdoors in the UK and should be grown in an alpine house with plenty of water during the growing season. Only Iris minutoaurea has been grown in Britain. A 2009 study by C. A. Wilson found the group to be polyphyletic (not all species share a single common ancestor).