Dietes is a small perennial rhizomatous genus in the Iridaceae family with about 6 accepted species. Common names include Wood Iris, Fortnight Lily, African Iris, Japanese Iris and Butterfly Iris, each of which may be used differently in different regions for one or more of the species within the genus. Most of the species are from tropical and South Africa, but there is one, Dietes robinsoniana, that originates on Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia. These evergreen plants have long, sword-shaped leaves and white or yellow flowers with three large outer segments. The flowers are similar to Moraea and Iris. South African indigenous species are drought tolerant but will produce luxuriant plants with good watering. Because of this property they are often used in city landscaping. The genus name comes from the Greek words di, meaning two, and etes, which means an associate. It literally means having two relatives and refers to the relationship between this genus and Moraea and Iris.

Dietes iridioides grows to 60cm in height. It is evergreen and has big white flowers with blue styles from spring to autumn. This is a shade loving plant.