Family: Iridaceae
Common name: iris family [Zomlefer, pp. 273-280]
Diversity: Worldwide: 70 genera; 1,800 species
U.S.: 5 genera
PNW (Hitchcock & Cronquist): 2 genera
Flower -- Vegetative Features -- Economic Importance -- Flower Images-- Web Sites


Flower
Sexuality: bisexual
Symmetry: actinomorphic or zygomorphic
Inflorescence: cyme or solitary
Calyx (sepals): 3, united below into tube with corolla, may resemble petals (=tepals)
Corolla (petals): 3, united below into tube with sepals
Androecium: 3, opposite outer perianths
Gynoecium: 3 united carpels, inferior ovary (=epigynous), axile placentation, three branched style (=trifid), style petaloid in Iris
Fruit: capsule
Other features:


Vegetative Features
Leaves: alternate, simple, basal and sheathing, often arranged in two overlapping ranks or rows (=equitant)
Life-history: perennial
Habit: herbs, with underground storage organs (corms, rhizomes, and bulbs)
Distribution & Ecology: temperate and tropical
Some Northwest Genera: Iris, iris
Sisyrinchium, grass widow


Economic Importance
Crops: Crocus sativus, safron taken from style (dye, spice)
Ornamentals: garden ornamentals
Crocus, crocus
Gladiolus, gladiolas
Weedy and pest species:


Examples Iridaceae Iris
Iridaceae Iris
Iridaceae Sisyrinchium
click on the genus name for a flower image



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