Iris nigricans

Iris nigricans is a flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is the national flower of Jordan. The flowers are blackish-purple and 12 - 15 cm in diameter, and the plants are 35 cm tall with recurved leaves. It needs direct sun and sharp drainage. It is endemic to Jordan and is an endangered species.

There are 8 other irises native to Jordan, and most of these are also endangered. The species bearing black flowers are sometimes confused with Iris nigricans.
 * Iris vartanii - Vartanii Iris - light blue flowers - extinct in Jordan
 * Iris atrofusca - Jil'ad Iris - black flowers - endangered
 * Iris atropurpurea - Purple Iris - black flowers - cultivated but vulnerable in the wild
 * Iris petrana - Petra Iris - black flowers
 * Iris germanica - German Iris - purple flowers
 * Iris postii - Post Iris - purple flowers
 * Iris edomensis - Edom iris - white flowers with black spots - endangered
 * Iris aucheri - Desert Iris - various colors