Forward: This is probably one of the better prewar write ups on the gardens and iris of Japan, with major focus on Iris ensata, Hanashōbu.
Reprinted from: THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY, No. 40; 3-48. July 1931
THE IRIS OF JAPAN
by GEORGE M. REED

The term Japanese Iris is commonly applied to a special group of these plants which had its tremendous horticultural development in Japan. Varieties have been produced in great number, varying in size and shape of the flower parts as well as range of color. Many of the varieties are described as single, in which there are three large sepals or falls, and three small more or less erect petals or standards. There are other varieties which are spoken of as double, in which the standards have enlarged and assumed the same position and color as the falls.
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