This is a group of just a few species, from the eastern Himalaya to Japan, characterised by a comb-like structure on the falls. The species in one of the series that make up the section, notably Iris japonica, are not completely hardy in the UK, but the other series, consisting of Iris milesii and Iris tectorum, are completely hardy. All have lots of flowers and are good garden plants.

Iris tectorum has large pale purple flowers with darker markings. Its name indicates an association with roofs, and many years ago it was often found growing on thatched roofs in China and Japan.