Iris kemaonensis growing near Kuari Pass, above Auli, just outside the outer ring of the Nanda Devi group of mountains.

Kumaon Iris or Iris kemaonensis 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.

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