General Informations
Iris domestica, commonly known as leopard lily, blackberry lily, is an ornamental plant in the Iridaceae family. In 2005, based on molecular DNA sequence evidence, Belamcanda chinensis, the sole species in the genus Belamcanda, was transferred to the genus Iris and renamed Iris domestica. Other synonyms are Epidendrum domesticum L., Vanilla domestica Druce, Belamcanda punctata Moench, Gemmingia chinensis Kuntze, Ixia chinensis L., Morea chinensis, and Pardanthus chinensis Ker Gawl.
The leopard lily is a flowering perennial of Chinese origin, and is locally used in Chinese villages for its medicinal values. Currently, studies are underway to investigate its apparent potential against prostate cancer. The dried rhizome has long been used in East Asia to treat throat troubles, asthma, swollen liver and spleen, gonorrhea, malaria, and arrow poisoning. The herb is a principal ingredient in a lung support formula to reduce inflammation (heat) and fight viral infection
