FLORA ANP THALIA. 65 



PURPLE IRIS. 



(Iris subbijiora.) 



This beautiful and showy plant is a native of 

 Portugal, flowering in !May ; and from its height, the 

 size of its blossoms, and the richness of its colours, 

 it adds much to the splendour of the flower-garden, 

 particularly in shady situations. 



There are fifty-one species of Iris ; from one of 

 which is taken the beautiful perfume called orris 

 root The plant from wliich this is taken is a native 

 of Italy, and was cultivated in England by Gerrard, 

 in 1596 ; but the roots of the orris produced in this 

 country, have neither the odour nor the other quali- 

 ties of those from warmer chmates. 



Class, Thiaxdkia. Order, Mo>-octma. 



