Practical
Plants

Iris kemaonensis

a perennial member of the Iris genus in the family Iridaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Iris
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.45 m
Spread
0.5 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Many plants in this genus are thought to be poisonous if ingested, so caution is advised[7]. The roots are especially likely to be toxic[3]. Plants can cause skin irritations and allergies in some people[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a cooling potency[4]. They are analgesic and ophthalmic, being used in the treatment of tinnitus, pain in the ears and weakening of the eyesight[4]. The seeds are also used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an acrid taste and a heating potency[4]. They are analgesic, anthelmintic and vermifuge[4]. 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[4].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Ophthalmic
Product or use
Vermifuge

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan and western China.
Habitat
Alpine pastures at elevations of 3500 - 4200 metres[5].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil containing lime[6]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7.5 or higher[1]. The rhizome is compact and non-stoloniferous[1]. Closely related to Iris dolichosiphon[5]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[2].

References

  1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  2. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  3. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

  4. Tsarong. Tsewang. J. Tibetan Medicinal Plants Tibetan Medical Publications, India 1994-00-00 ISBN 81-900489-0-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩1↩2

  6. Grey. C. H. Hardy Bulbs. Williams & Norgate. 1938-00-00

    ↩

  7. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

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