The genus Ixia consists of a number of cormous plants native to South Africa from the Iridaceae family and Ixioideae subfamily. Some of them are known as the corn lily. Some distinctive traits include: sword-like leaves, and long wiry stems with star-shaped flowers. It usually prefers well-drained soil. They have a specific but not very intense fragrance of vegetables. That is why it is often visited by many insects such as bees.

Ixia recondita is a rare and range-restricted South African endemic species found in the Western Cape province, ranging from the southern base of the Leeurivierberg west of Swellendam growing amongst fynbos in stony places in kloofs on south-facing slopes. At the start of spring it produces gorgeous light pink flowers with darker centers.