like the rest of iridaceae, the members of the subfamily have the typical sword-shaped leaves. the rootstock is usually a corm. the blooms which sometimes have scent are collected in inflorescence and contain six tepals. the nectar is produced mostly in the base of the bloom from the glands of the ovary, which is where the flower forms a tube-like end. in some species there is no such end and the plant only provides pollen to pollinating insects.