Greek gynandros – hermaphrodite, and Iris, referring to the union of the style and stamens.

Perennial herbs, dormant in summer. Corms globose with grey fibrous tunic. Leaves few, linear, basal. Spathes papery, translucent. Perianth segments free, the outer bent downward, obovate; inner erect, lanceolate, shorter. Stamens free but pressed to style. Style branches petal-like with long 2 lobed crests. Ovary with a long thread-like beak.

9 species in southern Africa and the Mediterranean, sometimes included in Moraea.

Seed.

Small Iris-like flowers.

Goldblatt (1980, 1998).

Source: Cooke, D. (2005). Iridaceae. 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.