The Iris Family: Natural History and Classification

The definitive botanical treatment.With more than 75 genera and 2,000 species, the iris family is spread across the globe.Irises and their relatives are lily-like plants related to the orchid and narcissus families, with whom they share a propensity for large, brightly colored, attractive flowers. Many have long lasting flowers--Iris, Gladiolus, and Freesia are among the most important cut-flower crops in the world.The intricate flowers of the iris family are finely adapted for pollination by a variety of animals, including hummingbirds, sunbirds, beetles, butterflies, moths, wasps, and bees. This intimate connection between flower form and pollination biology reveals how the marvelous range of flower colors, shapes, and scents are vital to the lives of the species. The diversity of Iradaceae is illustrated in more than 200 superb photographs supplemented by expert line drawings.A lifetime of work by the world's expert on Iridaceae is distilled in this definitive account. Botanists, ecologists, naturalists, and gardeners will find this an essential reference.

John C. Manning is Senior Specialist Scientist, Compton Herbarium, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch.