Muddymitts said:So Winterberry's revised definition has no value?
It certainly has value to them. If you are looking for a authoritative source for determining which irises fit the Emma Cook pattern (or any other pattern), I don't believe you'll find it because it doesn't exist (as far as I know? If it does, I'd sure like to know about it
)
That absolutely was NOT the intent behind adding the Flower Pattern field to the database here. As I said in another thread, it was just included as a search aid. If you want to find irises in the Emma Cook, or Amoenas, or whatever pattern, "Search by characteristics" tool can help you do that. But, your search results will probably include irises you think shouldn't be on the list and will certainly be missing some that should be on the list. It's inevitable, because iris genetics are too complicated to completely capture with a few checkboxes.
It helps us (or me at least) to keep it all in perspective. I'm one of the ones Tom was talking about who wants to find a box for everything...so I can get my database accurate and have my irises listed properly. But when it comes to iris color pattern definitions it is now apparent that that is just not possible because clear definitions don't exist...and if I'm guessing right they really can't because as soon as you define it someone comes up with new patterns that don't fit the mold. 
