[2] It has glaucous,[3] or bluish green,[4] or grey-green leaves,[7] that are generally linear or ensiform (sword shaped).

[2][4][6][9][10] The stems also have 2 or 3 spathes (leaves of the flower bud), which are keeled,[2] green, oblong or lanceolate (shaped) and 6.3 cm (2 in) long.

[3][5] The fragrant,[4] flowers bloom in spring,[7] between April and May (in Europe and the UK),[2][4] but in June (in Russia).

[3][5] It also has a yellowish green style, which has small narrow, crests[2] and is 2.3 cm long.

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.

[15] The Latin specific epithet darwasica refers to Darvaz mountains (between Tajikistan and Afghanistan), where the iris is found.

[3][5][16][17] It was described from specimens found in Turkestan,[3] on 'Mount Ala-kisryak', east of the Lulyab mountains.

[5][17][19] It is found in the former region of USSR,[2][7][8][11] (of Turkestan),[9][10] now known as Tajikistan, and also in northern Afghanistan.

[22] In 2012, it was listed as 'Davraz iris' in the Red Data book of Tajikistan,[13][23] as a 'declining' species.

[14] It is endangered due to the effects of collecting flowers and economic activity in Tajikistan.

[2][8] A specimen was tested for hardiness at Leningrad Botanical Garden in Russia.

[5] On 3 April 1998, a postage stamp of Tajikistan was issued with an illustration of the iris.