Systematics and biology of the Cape genus SPARAXIS (Iridaceae)

The South African genus Sparaxis Ker Gawl., a member of tribe Ixieae of subfamily Crocoideae of the Iridaceae, is endemic to the western half of the winter rainfall zone of southern Africa. The genus, described by John Ker Gawler in 1802 for species until then referred in Ixia L. or Gladiolus L., includes 16 species in this monographic account. All species are corm-bearing, seasonal geophytes with horticultural potential.