388 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



120. (Fig. 121.) IRIS. Iris. Blueflag. 

 Fl. ex. 60. 



Blue flag, water flag, E. Amerikanischer Schwertel, Verschieden- 

 farbige Schwertlilie, G. Rhizome d'iris varie, flambe variee, Glaieul 

 bleu, Fr. 



The rhizomes of Iris versicolor L., Iridaceae. 



Rather light brown. 



Odor of fenugreek. 



Sweetish, astringent, somewhat pungent. 



Epidermis of suberized cells. Hypodermal cell thick-walled. 

 Parenchyma cells somewhat elongated. Many of the hypodermal 

 and parenchyma cells filled with a deep brown resin. Mostly porous 

 ducts; some reticulate and spiral. 



Iris virginica and 7. verna are related plants and have similar 

 properties. 



