Bio Diversity Park

Common Name : Kumaon Iris

Hindi Name : कुमाऊं आइरिस | Scientific Name : Iris kemaonensis
Family : Iridaceae
Uses : The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a cooling potency. They are analgesic and ophthalmic, being used in the treatment of tinnitus, pain in the ears and weakening of the eyesight. The seeds are also used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a heating potency. They are analgesic, anthelmintic and vermifuge. They are used in the treatment of colic pain due to intestinal worms, hot and cold disorders of the stomach and intestines, and pain below the neck and shoulder.
Native: East Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan and western China.
General Description:

It is a rhizomatous geophyte and grows primarily in the subalpine or subarctic biome. It is a perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. Flowers occur on short leafy stems 5-10 cm. Solitary, nearly stemless, lilca or pale purple spotted or botched flowers, appear with young leaves. 'Falls' are obovate, short-stalked, with yellow beard. 'Standards' are elliptic, lilac, incurved above. Flower tube is slender, longer than spathe. It is found in the Himalayas, from Garhwal to NE India at altitudes of 2800-4000 m. Flowering: April-July.