Iris kemaonensis
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
Iris kemaonensis 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.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Alpine pastures at elevations of 3500 - 4200 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan and western China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
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 shoulders.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil containing lime. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7.5 or higher. The rhizome is compact and non-stoloniferous. Closely related to Iris dolichosiphon. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first year. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division, best done after flowering, though it can be done at almost any time. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised. The roots are especially likely to be toxic. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people.