Common name: Kumaon Iris, Kombirei (Manipuri)
Botanical name: Iris kemaonensis Family: Iridaceae (iris family)
This Iris comes from the Himalayas, and is named after the Kumaon
region. 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' obovate, short-stalked, with yellow beard. 'Standards' elliptic,
lilac, incurved above. Flower tube is slender, longer than spathe. Occurs at
an altitude of 2800-4000 m. Flowers from April to July.
Known by the Manipuri name kombirei, Iris flowers have a special
significance in the Manipuri New Year, or the festival of Cherei.
On this day, Iris flowers are given as offering to god.
| Photographed at
Shirui hill, Ukhrul, Manipur. |
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