Shirui lily on Shirui hill

What it is

The Shirui lily grows in the wild only on the upper slopes of the Shirui hills in Ukhrul district, Manipur. It is the state flower. The botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward brought it to scientific notice in the 1940s and named it after his wife, Jean Macklin. The bell-shaped flowers are pale pink to bluish white and open in May and June. To see them you climb a grassy ridge above Shirui village, a walk of a few hours. For the Tangkhul Naga people of the area the lily is a source of pride, and a festival is held around the flowering season.

Before you go

• Go with a local guide from Shirui village.
• Never dig up or pick the lily. It is scarce and protected.
• Check current travel conditions for Manipur before planning.

The flowers you will see

Shirui lilyA rare lily found only in the hills of Manipur, IndiaLilyTall bulb flowers with large, colourful blooms in many gardens and cultures

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Shirui lilyA rare lily found only in the hills of Manipur, India

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