Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae)
The exquisite Shirui lily, a rare Indian botanical gem, is exclusively indigenous to the pristine upper regions of the Shirui hill ranges nestled within the Ukhrul district of Manipur, India. Flourishing at remarkable elevations ranging from 1,730 to 2,590 meters (5,680 to 8,500 feet) above sea level, this unique species of lily graces the summit of the Shirui hills in Manipur and remains irreplaceable, as it cannot be successfully transplanted or cultivated anywhere else on our planet.
Identification and Discoverer
Jean and Frank Kingdon-Ward discovered the Shirui lily in 1946.
Flower
The beautiful Shirui lily is known to bloom during the spring season, precisely from May 15 to June 5. These plants stand at a height of 1 to 3 feet, and each plant can have anywhere from 1 to 7 lovely flowers. Although they may appear to have pale blue-pink petals at first glance, when you examine them under a microscope, you’ll discover a remarkable secret – these petals actually display seven different colors! On the inside, they are mostly ivory but can occasionally take on a delicate pale pink hue as well.
Cultivation
The flowers can be cultivated in various ways. They grow well in humus soil that remains moist and is sheltered from direct summer sunlight. They can be grown as bulbs and seeds. They can be grown in small pots and then repotted or planted outside. This is because the area in which they are from, Ukhrul, has wet summers and cold, dry winters.
Shirui Lily Festival
Shirui Lily Festival is celebrated in honour of the state flower, Shirui Lily. The celebration is during the peak blooming season of the lily, a rare and endangered flower that can only be found in Manipur.
The Challenges to Shirui lily
The habitat of the lily is threatened with the intensive tourist activities which are especially organized during the blossoming period of the lily. The dumping of waste, plastic, plucking of flowers and uprooting has threatened the sustenance of the species.