| Although the
Iris family
(Iridaceae) is only a small family in Tasmania, with 6 native and 18
introduced species prominent family it is quite prominent. Some of
the native species are very abundant in their habitats (e.g.
Diplarrhena spp.) and some of the introduced species are
widespread and significant weeds.
The leaves of most species (except Moraea which have
conventional leaves) 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 bases of the
stems and are often in two rows, so that the stem+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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