Scenes of Iris Giganticaerulea
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In LaPlace, Louisiana, Giganticaeruleas Growing in Open Sun and Shaded Swamp |
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LaPlace is 12 miles West from the outskirts of New Orleans on I-10 . It sits at the Southwestern edge of Lake Pontchartrain. Low swampy areas are still common in the vicinity, although giving way to development. These pictures were taken along a shell road through a wet area divided between wooded swamp and open, marsh-like fields. The giganticaeruleas abound in both settings but disappear from the woods as the canopy becomes dense. |
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The wet, open area encourages the formation of massive clumps if irises. |
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The open area above is to the left of the road, and further down it gives way to a narrow band of trees beside the road on the left and a water-filled swamp on the right. The giganticaeruleas grow on both sides of the road where the break lets in light. |
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| On the wooded side of the road, the irises are plentiful where there is ample light. |
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As the shade increases, fewer irises are seen, often small clumps growing at the base of a tree. |
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| Eventually, as the shade increases, the irises disappear altogether, testifying to their light requirements. |
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| The colors of the LaPlace giganticaeruleas fall in the medium blue to blue-purple range. In one year since 2000, a pale blue, near-white form appeared. It was very near the main highway and may have been collected. |
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