Iris germanica Linn. (Family - Iridaceae) commonly known as: “Fleur-de-lis or Orris” is a handsome, perennial herb with dark blue or purplish blue flowers. It is widely distributed over central and southern Europe, extending to Africa, and a common garden plant in England. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in the United States, Morocco, and also in Italy, especially in the neighbourhood of Florence, and Verona. Iris root (rhizome) was imported in India from Persia and cultivated in Kashmir. In Homoeopathy, the drug has been mentioned in “Allen’s Encyclopedia Materia Medica” and in “A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica” by Clarke but is not an official drug in any of the homoeopathic pharmacopoeias. The drug is prepared from the fresh rhizome and its use is recommended in the dropsy, and as a cathartic. The pharmacognostic characteristics of Iris germanica have been worked out and are being reported.

          The Greek name ‘Iris’ is probably of Persian origin. The plant is named after the rainbow goddess ‘Iris’ from the beauty and variety of colours in the flowers of the genus. From the ancient times,. Iris stood as a symbol of power and majesty. It was dedicated to Juno and was the origin of the sceptre, the Egyptians placing it on the brow of the Sphinx and on the sceptre of their Kings, the three leaves of its blossoms typifying faith, wisdom and valour.

1. Research Officer (Pharmacognosy).

2. Laboratory Technician

3. Research Officer (Pharmacology), Drug Standardisation Unit (Homoeo), Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Ghaziabad (U.P.).