Iris, or FLOWER-DE-LUCE, a numerous genus of plants of the natural order Iridæa, having the three outer segments of the perianth reflexed, the three inner arched inwards, and three petal-like stigmas covering the stamens. The species are widely spread over the northern hemisphere. The Yellow Iris or Corn Flag (I. pseudacorus) is abundant throughout Britain, and is readily distinguished from the Stinking Iris (I. fœtidissima) by its larger and bright yellow flowers. The latter has violet-blue or rarely pale yellowish-white flowers, and the leaves smell disagreeably when bruised. The flowers of most of the species are beautiful. Some of them have received much attention from florists, particularly I. xiphium, sometimes called Spanish
Iris; I. xiphioides or English Iris; and I. germanica or Common Iris, all European species.
a, seeds.
Many fine varieties have been produced. The Persian Iris (I. persica), the Snake's-head Iris (I. tuberosa), and the Chalcedonian Iris (I. susiana) are also much esteemed. The Persian Iris is delightfully fragrant. The roots of all these species are annually exported in considerable quantities from Holland. Many other species are of frequent occurrence in flower-gardens.—The fresh root-stocks of I. pseudacorus are very acrid, as are those of many other species. Those of I. florentina, I. pallida, and I. germanica are Orris Root (q.v.). Those of I. dichotoma are eaten in Siberia; those of I. edulis at the Cape of Good Hope.