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 stenophylla, synonymously known as Ixia fucata var. filifolia, is a range-restricted South African endemic species found in the Western Cape province ranging from the Western Hex River, Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains around Worcester. Found growing amongst fynbos on rocky north-facing slopes, and occasionally south-facing sandstone slopes. During spring it bears showy white flowers with dark maroon nectar guides.