Isophysis

Life-forms

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Monocots
Ordo: Asparagales

Familia: Iridaceae
Subfamilia: Isophysidoideae
Genus: Isophysis
Species: I. tasmanica
Name

Isophysis T.Moore

Type species: Isophysis tasmanica T.Moore, Proc. Linn. Soc. London 2:212 (1853)
Synonymy

Hewardia Hook., Hooker's Icones Pl. 9: t.858 (1851) nom. illeg.

References

Proc. Linn. Soc. London 2:212 (1853)

Isophysis is a genus of herbaceous, perennial and rhizomatous plants in the Iris family (Iridaceae). A monotypic genus formerly known as Hewardia, it contains a single species,[3] Isophysis tasmanica, endemic to the mountains of Western Tasmania growing in heathland on sandy soils. It has grass-like foliage and star-like dark red-purple or yellow flowers with reflexed tepals. A characteristic feature of this species is its superior ovary, which distinguishes it from any other member of Iridaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek words iso, meaning "equal", and physis, meaning "bladder".[4]

The former genus name Hewardia is used as a landmark name in Tasmania's southwest wilderness such as Hewardia Ridge on Mt. Picton located near Pineapple flats, named after the Pineapple Grass.
References

Bot. Not. 127: 107 (1974).
Proc. Linn. Soc. London 2: 212 (1853).
Royal Horticultural Society, Kew. A detailed checklist for genus Isophysis.
Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2008). The Iris Family: Natural History & Classification. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. pp. 91–93. ISBN 978-0-88192-897-6.