the "hexagonae" series name is derived from the first louisiana iris species to inhabit the series, "iris hexagona". the name "louisiana iris" comes from the naturalist and artist john james audubon. in the 1821, a louisiana flag ("iris fulva") was painted by his assistant joseph mason, then audubon added his pair of parula warblers. he then used the term 'louisiana flag' to describe the painting.