Iridaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) perennial plants with showy flowers, alternate 2-ranked leaves that are folded lengthwise so only the undersurface is visible, and a horizontal (rhizome) or vertical (corm or bulb) underground stem.

The flowers are regular and each has one or two bracts beneath it. Petals and sepals appear similar, 3 each. Stamens and carpels each 3; style branches sometimes expanded and resemble petals (in Irises). Ovary located at base of flower, usually beneath the sepals and petals. Fruit a capsule with 3 chambers.

Simple 2-ranked leaves with smooth edges, parallel veins, sheaths wrapped around the base of the stem; stipules lacking.