(n) any of various flowering plants of the genus Iberis cultivated for their showy clusters of white to red or purple flowers; native to Mediterranean region
n. (Bot.) An annual plant of the genus Iberis, cultivated in gardens. The name was originally given to the Iberis umbellata, first, discovered in the island of Candia (The Italian name for Crete). It is grown as an ornamental plant, having tufted red, violet, purple, or pink flowers. [ 1913 Webster ]