Iris kemaonensis
| Iris kemaonensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Iris kemaonensis
Propagation: 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.
Cultivation: Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil containing lime[1]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7.5 or higher[2].
The rhizome is compact and non-stoloniferous[2].
Closely related to Iris dolichosiphon[3].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[4].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan and western China.
Habitat: Alpine pastures at elevations of 3500 - 4200 metres[3].
Medicinal: The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a cooling potency[5]. They are analgesic and ophthalmic, being used in the treatment of tinnitus, pain in the ears and weakening of the eyesight[5].
The seeds are also used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a heating potency[5]. They are analgesic, anthelmintic and vermifuge[5]. 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[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[6]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[7].
Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[7].
Links
References
- ↑ Grey, Charles. Hardy Bulbs. Williams & Norgate, 1938.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Tsarong, Tsewang. Tibetan Medicinal Plants. Tibetan Medical Publications, 1994.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.