THE IRIS FAMILY. 



179 



and in Australia and New Zealand by Patersonia and 

 Libertia. 



Tliey are not very valuable in an economic point of view, 

 except the rhizomes and tubers of some species being used 

 locally in medicine ; a few are eaten as food by the natives of 

 South Africa, but they are of a drastic, purgative nature. All 

 are favourites in gardens for their splendid flowers. 



Orris-root {Iris fiorentind). A native of the South of 

 Europe, and belongs to the group of Iris having thick fleshy 

 rhizomes. It has white or pale blue flowers. The roots have 

 the odour of violets, and furnish the well known Orris-root 

 used in perfumery. 



Fleur de Luce {Iris germanicd). Indigenous to Germany 

 and other parts of Europe. It is the common large blue 

 Iris well known in gardens, and was an heraldic emblem in 

 the arms of the Kings of France. 



The Yellow Iris {Iris Pseud-acorus) and Gladwin or Roast- 

 beef Plant {I. fcetidissima). Two beautiful species, natives 

 of this country, growing in ditches and on the margins of 

 ponds and streams. The seeds of the first are said to have 

 been used as a substitute for colFee. 



Corn Flag {Gladiolus communis). A native of the South 

 of Europe, the more showy species of this genus being G. 

 cardinalis and G. natalensis both from South Africa. Splendid 

 hybrid varieties of these have been raised which are very 

 attractive, and are highly prized by florists as ornaments for 

 the flower garden. 



Safiron {Crocus sativus). A species with blue flowers, 

 native of Southern Europe and Western Asia. It has be- 

 come wild in this country, and at one time was rather ex- 

 tensively cultivated at Saffron Walden. The yellow stigmas 

 of the flower are collected, and form the dye known as 



saffron." The principal quantity is imported from Spain and 

 Barbary. The immense number of plants may be guessed at, 

 it requiring the stigmas of upwards of 4000 flowers to pro- 

 duce a single ounce of saffron. It is well known as a valuable 

 dye, and is also used for colouring cheese. Saffron is spoken 



N 2 



