| Although
the Iris family (Iridaceae) is only a small family in
Tasmania, with 6 native and 18 introduced species, it is
quite prominent. Some of the native species are very
abundant in their habitats (e.g. Diplarrena spp.)
and some of the introduced species are widespread and
significant weeds.
The leaves of most species are very distinctive. They
are flat and the same on both surfaces, but are split at
the base so that they form a sheath around the stem. They
are typically long and narrow, more or less clustered at
the base of the stems and are often in two rows, so that
the stem plus the leaves take a flattened, fan-like form.
The irises mostly have conspicuous flowers with variously
coloured petals/sepals. All except Isophysis have
inferior ovaries, and the species all have either 2 or 3
stamens.
|
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University of Tasmania
