Iris is a genus of flowers that has many varieties. Iris germanica var. florentina or Iris Florentina, commonly called Orris, a genus of flowers that has many varieties, belongs to the Iridaceae family, reaches a height of one metre and flowers between May and June. The flower grows in Europe and in particular in Italy, France and Spain.

The most common varieties include:

• Iris pallida subsp. pallida
• Iris germanica
• Iris nigricans
• Iris planifolia

What it is used for and where

Medical

The roots of Iris Florentina contain many interesting components (1) including triterpenoids and isoflavonoid glycosides whose aglycones have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against human promyelocytic leukaemia HL-60 cells, a subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia, due to their antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties. Polyphenols in the roots give this extract antioxidant activity.

Cosmetics

The roots are used as an ingredient for perfumes in concentrations normally ranging from 2% to 8%, while for aromatherapy the maximum concentration used is 3%. The root is used in dried form and fragmented into sachets for perfuming linen and rooms.

Food

The peeled rhizomes can be used as flavourings in desserts, baked goods and ice cream.

The oil from the rhizome of Iris pallida is used in the confectionery industry to flavour chewing gum, candies and beverages as well as an ingredient in many brands of gin.

Read more:

Iris florentina studies

References__________________________________________________________

(1) Yokosuka A, Koyama Y, Mimaki Y. Chemical Constituents of the Underground Parts of Iris florentina and their Cytotoxic Activity. Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jun;10(6):955-8.