Isophysis
Isophysis is a genus of herbaceous, perennial and rhizomatous plants in the Iris family (Iridaceae). A monotypic genus formerly known as Hewardia, it contains a single species,[3] Isophysis tasmanica, endemic to the mountains of Western Tasmania growing in heathland on sandy soils. It has grass-like foliage and star-like dark red-purple or yellow flowers with reflexed tepals. A characteristic feature of this species is its superior ovary, which distinguishes it from any other member of Iridaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek words iso, meaning "equal", and physis, meaning "bladder".[4]
Isophysis | |
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Isophysis tasmanica, Mount Eliza, Southwest National Park | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Iridaceae |
Subfamily: | Isophysidoideae Thorne & Reveal |
Genus: | Isophysis T.Moore[1] |
Species: | I. tasmanica |
Binomial name | |
Isophysis tasmanica | |
Synonyms | |
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The former genus name Hewardia is used as a landmark name in Tasmania's southwest wilderness such as Hewardia Ridge on Mt. Picton located near Pineapple flats, named after the Pineapple Grass.
References
- Proc. Linn. Soc. London 2: 212 (1853).
- Bot. Not. 127: 107 (1974).
- Royal Horticultural Society, Kew. A detailed checklist for genus Isophysis.
- Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2008). The Iris Family: Natural History & Classification. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. pp. 91–93. ISBN 978-0-88192-897-6.
External links
- Image of Isophysis tasmanica
- Image of Isophysis tasmanica from Australian Plant Image Index
- Data related to Isophysis at Wikispecies