Tasmanian purple-star

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, 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...