Iris kemaonensis aka Kumon Iris

Iris kemaonensis is a perennial in the iris family, Iridaceae. Its native range runs from the Himalaya to south-central China and northern Myanmar. Records include Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and parts of northern India. It grows in alpine pastures within this mountain range. Reported sites lie at 11,480–13,780 feet [3,500–4,200 metres] above sea level. Kew places it in subalpine or subarctic climates. This is a mountain plant, though the supplied sources give no garden hardiness zone.

The plant grows from a rhizome beneath the ground. This rhizome stays compact and does not send out stolons. Plants For A Future gives its size as about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall and wide. It flowers from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant can also set seed through self-fertilisation. The supplied species accounts give no flower colour or detailed leaf description. They also give no account of the fruit beyond references to seeds.

In cultivation, it needs a sunny site with soil that drains well. Plants For A Future also lists tolerance of light shade. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, with lime in the soil. The stated preferred pH starts near 6 and extends above 7.5. It can grow in very alkaline ground. Soil may be dry or moist, and established plants can withstand drought. The source lists cultivated beds as a garden setting. Its compact rhizome keeps its growth form distinct from stolon-forming plants. Plants For A Future does not flag it as a weed risk.

Growers can raise new plants from seed or divide clumps. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once ripe. Sow stored seed early in the year. Keep young plants under cover for their first year. Move them outside in late spring or early summer. Divide clumps after flowering, and shelter small divisions until they root well. No edible use is recorded. Tibetan medicine uses the flowers for ear pain and failing sight. It uses the seeds for worm-related gut pain and other pain complaints. These are records of traditional use, not proof of safe or effective treatment.