THE PHYTOCHEMICAL RICHNESS OF THE IRIDACEAE AND ITS SYSTEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

Just as the family Iridaceae is abundant in its morphological and anatomical diversity, so is it rich in its secondary metabolites. Many varied phytochemicals have been described from the family. Isoflavones, first recorded in Iris florentina, have recently been detected in Iris pseudopumila. Almost all common classes of flavonoid are present, while the rarer biflavonoids characterise Isophysis and Patersonia. The anthocyanins in flowers are generally distinctive at the generic level. Quinonoid and xanthone pigments have systematically interesting distribution patterns. Distinctive chemicals in Iris rhizome oils and in Crocus styles are useful economically. Yet other phytochemicals such as nonprotein amino acids and special storage carbohydrates have restricted distribution patterns.