[1][2] The series was first classified by Diels in Die Natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien (Edited by H. G. A. Engler and K. Prantl) in 1930.

It was further expanded by Lawrence in Gentes Herb (written in Dutch) in 1953.

[3][4][5][6] All species in the series, have woody rhizomes and wiry looking roots.

[7] The flowers are similar in form to Dutch Irises,[1][8] having narrow petals.

[7] They tolerate a wide range of conditions (sun or semi-shade, wet or dry).