Geosiris aphylla is a species in the flowering plant family Iridaceae, first described in 1894. It is endemic to Madagascar. Geosiris aphylla is sometimes called the earth-iris. It is a small myco-heterotroph lacking chlorophyll and obtaining its nutrients from fungi in the soil. Description Its rhizomes are slender and scaly, and stems are simple or branched. The leaves are alternate, but having no use, are reduced and scale-like (hence the epithet "aphylla," meaning "without leaves"). The flowers are light purple. Range and habitat Geosiris aphylla is native to central and eastern Madagascar. It lives in forest humus in humid lowland and montane forests, between 400 and 1200 meters elevation. References External links Missouri Botanical Garden photo of Geosiris flowers A different picture Iridaceae Parasitic plants Endemic flora of Madagascar Flora of the Madagascar lowland forests Flora of the Madagascar subhumid forests Plants described in 1894 Taxa named by Henri Ernest Baillon