Ixia is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. The genus is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world with species extending into temperate zones in the Americas. It is most closely related to Clibadium, both genera being members of the tribe Ixieae.
Plant iaxias are rhizomatous, evergreen perennials native to woodland edges, bluffs, seeps and swales of North America. There are about 35 species including the endangered I. wootonii . The plants are a symbiosis of three different organisms: The iaxias form a symbiotic relationship with a fungus, a mycorrhizal relationship with trees and an aquacultural relationship with aquatic insects that are bred for fish tanks.