Subgenus ''Xiphium'' is a subgenus of
Iris. If considered a separate genus from ''Iris'', it is known as genus ''Xiphion''.
The Latin
specific epithet
In taxonomy, binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system"), also called nomenclature ("two-name naming system") or binary nomenclature, is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, bot ...
''Xiphium'' refers to the
Greek word for sword ''xiphos''.
All species in this subgenus are true
bulb
In botany, a bulb is structurally a short stem with fleshy leaves or leaf basesBell, A.D. 1997. ''Plant form: an illustrated guide to flowering plant morphology''. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. that function as food storage organs duri ...
s, and are native to southwest Europe (southern
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
,
Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...
and southern
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
) and northern Africa.
Mainly known for the garden cultivars known as ''Dutch Iris'', ''Spanish Iris'' and ''English Iris''. They generally flower between early to mid-summer and each stem produces between 1 - 3 flowers.
Most bulbs should be planted in late autumn, 10 cm deep and between 5–10 cm apart.
Section Xiphium
*''
Iris boissieri
''Iris boissieri'' (also known as the yellowbeard iris), is a species in the genus ''Iris'', it is also in the subgenus Xiphium. It is from Europe, mainly Spain and Portugal. It has blue-purple (or deep purple) flowers with a yellow beard.
Desc ...
''
Henriq
*''
Iris filifolia''
Boiss.
*''
Iris juncea
''Iris juncea'' (commonly called the rush iris) is a smooth-bulbed bulbous iris species. The name is derived from 'juncea' from the Greek word meaning 'r