Commemorating the Rev.W. Herbert (1778–1847).

Perennial herbs with bulbs. Leaves basal, few, pleated. Spathe green, 1 flowered. Flowers radially symmetrical, each lasting 1 day. Perianth segments free, clawless, the inner very small and bearing nectaries. Stamens with thick filaments joined into a tube. Style branches 3, opposite the stamens, linear with a forked tip beyond which the yellow anther projects. Capsule opening by pores at top.

6 species in S & N America.

Seed.

Bulbs with pleated leaves; 3 large blue outer perianth segments.

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.