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Common Name:

General Information

Iris decora is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

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[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas - Pakistan to S.W. China.

Habitat

Drier inner valleys, 1800 - 4000 metres[]. Grassy hillsides on plateaux, open stony pastures and cliffs at elevations of 2800 - 3100 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained rich soil in a sunny position[].
Plants are best lifted in October, stores in dry sand in a cool frost-free place over the winter and planted out in March[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
There has been some confusion over the name of this species. Iris decora Wall. should apply to a beardless species with the synonym of Iris nepalensis D.Don., whilst Iris nepalensis Wall. applies to a bearded species with the synonym Iris deflexa Knowle.&Wetc.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is aperient, deobstruent, diuretic and purgative[, ]. It is useful in the treatment of bilious obstructions and is also applied externally to small sores and pimples[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It does not require cold stratification. 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 in late summer. 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.