Iris Family, The

Irises and their relatives are lily-like plants related to the orchid and narcissus families, with whom they share a propensity for large, brightly coloured, attractive flowers. Many have longlasting flowers — Iris, Gladiolus and Freesia are among the most important cut-flower crops in the world. The intricate flowers of the iris family are finely adapted for pollination by a variety of animals, including hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, wasps and bees. This intimate connection between flower form and pollination biology reveals how the marvellous range of flower colours, shapes and scents are vital to the lives of the species. The diversity of Iridaceae is illustrated in more than 200 superb photographs supplemented by expert line drawings. A lifetime of work by the world's expert on Iridaceae is distilled in this definitive account. Botanists, ecologists, naturalists and gardeners will find this an essential reference.