Iridaceae is a family of plants in order Asparagales, taking its name from the irises, meaning rainbow, referring to its many colours. There are 66 accepted genera with a total of c. 2244 species worldwide. It includes a number of other well known cultivated plants, such as freesias, gladioli and crocuses.The family name is based on the genus Iris, the largest and best known genus in Europe. This genus dates from 1753, when it was coined by Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus. Its name derives from the Greek goddess, Iris, who carried messages from Olympus to earth along a rainbow, whose colours were seen by Linnaeus in the multi-hued petals of many of the species. Learn more about Iris
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Iris Species Videos
View All Iris Videos
Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Beachhead Iri ( videos) | Iris setosa | Not Available |
Blood Iri ( videos) | Iris sanguinea | Not Available |
Douglas Iri ( videos) | Iris douglasiana | Not Available |
Harlequin Blueflag (2 videos) | Iris versicolor | Not Available |
Paleyellow Iri ( videos) | Iris pseudacorus | Not Available |
Siberian Iri ( videos) | Iris sibirica | Not Available |
Spanish Flag (0 videos) | Gonioplectrus hispanus | Least concern |