Greek Ixia – a genus in the Iridaceae, lirion – lily, referring to the plant’s resemblance to that iridaceous plant.

Perennial, herb, corm bulb-like. Leaves basal and along stem, linear. Flowers radially symmetrical, stalked, individual flower stalks not articulated. Inflorescence a few flowered corymb. Tepals 3+3, several-nerved, free or fused. Stamens 3+3, attached to floral tube or tepal bases. Ovary inferior, ovoid-elongate. Fruit a capsule. Seeds black.

3 species from Egypt to China.

Traub (1942).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Ixioliriaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.