This is a genus of about 20 species of fibrous-rooted, clump-forming evergreen perennials. They are found in moist, grassy areas and scrub in New Zealand, temperate North and South America, eastern Australia and New Guinea. They grow in slow-growing tufts, producing strap-like, veined leaves that turn orange in cooler weather. The plant has small, white star-shaped flowers, similar to an iris. The flowers are followed by glossy, burnt orange seed heads the size of marbles. The plant thrives in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it will also tolerate both drought and poor soil.