Higo Japanese iris; Iris ensata
A cultivated variety of Japanese iris (Iris ensata) originally developed in the Higo region (present-day Kumamoto). Known for large, flat, richly colored flowers.
The Higo Japanese iris is a variety that has been cultivated in Kumamoto Prefecture since the Edo period.
When the Higo irises start blooming in the garden, I feel the arrival of the rainy season.
花菖蒲 is the general term for Japanese iris (Iris ensata), while 肥後花菖蒲 refers specifically to the Higo variety known for its large, flat-petaled flowers.
Compound of 肥後 (Higo, an old province name) + 花菖蒲 (Japanese iris). The name reflects its origin in the Higo region.