IRIS, or FLOWER-DE-LUCE, a genus of plants of the natural order iridem, 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 numerous, chiefly natives of temperate climates. The YELLOW this, or CORN FLAG (I. a well-known native of moist grounds in all parts of Britain, 'often Spreading over tt considerable extent of land, and conspicuous even at a distance by its tall leaves and large deep-yellow flow ers. The STINKING bus (I. fcetidissima) is very abundant in some of the southern parts of England, but does not extend far north. It has livid purple flowers. The leaves have a very disagreeable smell. The s. of Europe produces a greater number of species, as also does North America. The flowers of most of the species are beautiful, Some of them have received much attention from florists, particularly I a-iphiuns, sometimes called SPANISH IRIS; I. xlphioides, or Exotasn Inns; and I. Germanic, or Commos
all corm-rooted species, and all European. Many fine varieties have been produced. The PERSIAN IRIS (/: Per8iCa), the IRIS (I. tuberosa), and the CHALCEDO NIAN (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 Hol land. Many other species are of frequent occurrence in flower-gardens.—The fresh root stocks of I. pseudaeorus are very acrid, as are those of many other species. Those of I. Florentine, I. paida. and I. Germanica are orris root (q.v.). Those of I. dickotoma are aten in Siberia; those of I edulis at the cape of Good Hope.