Shirui Lily is a rare and endangered plant species that grows only on top of Shirui Kashong ( Shirui hills ) located about 2835m above sea level at Shirui village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. Shirui Lily is locally known as Kashong Timrawon which is in Tangkhul dialect and the scientific name of Shirui Lily is Lilium mackliniae .

The flower is in pale mauve color, has pale bluish pink petals and bell-shaped which hangs downward. The plant consists of many leaves which are elliptical in shape and can grow up to 3 feet in height. A single plant can bloom as many as 7 flowers.

The ideal ecosystem for shirui lily is temperate forest where the annual rainfall measures around 2000 mm, and the temperature ranges from 0° C to 23° C. During the summer, the climate is typically wet and chilly, while the winter season is dry. The ground beneath the Shirui lily is adorned with a dense layer of humus composed of decomposed organic matter that provides vital nutrients to the plant. The soil in which the Shirui lily grows is reddish as a result of the underlying ultramafic rocks that are naturally exposed in the surrounding areas. These unique geological features contribute to the plant's exceptional growth and remarkable beauty.

The Shirui lily was first discovered by one British Frank Kingdon Ward , and it was his diligent efforts that brought this extraordinary flower to the world's attention. In 1948, the Royal Horticultural Society in London recognized the exquisite beauty of the Shirui lily by crowning it as the most beautiful flower at the prestigious Chelsea International Flower Show. This accolade brought global attention to the rarity and unique characteristics of the Shirui lily, elevating it to a symbol of pride for the people of Manipur and conservationists around the world.

Shirui Lily is the state flower of Manipur which was recognized in 1989. The Shirui lily's unique characteristics and beauty have made it an icon for Manipur and it is celebrated annually at the Shirui Lily Festival held in Ukhrul district. The festival is a showcase of the rich culture and traditions of Manipur, highlighting the state's stunning natural beauty, diverse cuisine, and traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can witness the blooming of the Shirui lily and participate in various cultural programs, sports events, and local festivities.

The Shirui lily is a captivating and unassuming flower, with a simple yet charming appearance. Despite its striking appeal, the Shirui lily remains humble and reserved, shying away from the limelight and preferring to thrive in its natural habitat. It is this unassuming quality that makes the Shirui lily all the more enchanting, as it embodies the essence of grace and elegance in its own unique way. The enchanting Shirui Lily blooms only once a year and its peak season is mid-May to first week of June .

The shirui lily is unique for it refuses to grow anywhere except its natural habitat - the shirui hills. Despite various attempts to cultivate the Shirui lily outside its native habitat, the flower has shown an apparent reluctance to thrive and sustain itself elsewhere indicating its unique and inextricable bond with the Shirui hills. The Shirui lily's elusive nature has only added to its mystique and allure, making it a prized possession for those fortunate enough to witness its beauty in its natural home.

Horamwon

The conclusion of the shirui lily blooming season is marked by the emergence of another breathtaking flower that blankets the hills with its pure white sepals. This, another beauty of Shirui hills is locally known as Horamwon which blooms from mid of June till mid of August.

Shirui Kashong, the habitat of the majestic Shirui lily, is a treasure trove of diverse flora and fauna. It is home to various animals, migratory birds, medicinal plants and herbs, and orchids. In addition, Shirui Kashong serves as the primary water source for the inhabitants of Ukhrul town. However, the habitat has undergone significant ecological changes that have impacted the Shirui lily's natural environment and that of other species.

Unfortunately, the flower's popularity has led to tourists and visitors unknowingly or recklessly plucking or uprooting the plants, further endangering the already threatened species. To combat this, the villagers have implemented measures to safeguard this rare flower. They have formed vigilante groups that patrol the hills, monitoring the tourists and visitors to ensure they do not harm the lily or its habitat. In addition, the villagers have implemented planting measures to propagate and protect the Shirui lily. These measures aim to ensure the preservation of this precious flower for future generations and to promote responsible tourism that does not harm the natural ecosystem.

A youth holding clumps of mud embedded with Shirui Lily seeds for plantation

Protecting the Shirui Lily is not only a responsibility of the villagers but of all individuals who value the preservation of nature's beauty and biodiversity. It is crucial that we recognize the impact of our actions and make conscious efforts to protect and conserve this rare flower. As tourists and visitors, we must act responsibly and refrain from plucking or uprooting the plants, and instead, admire their beauty from a distance. Government and non-government organizations should also work together to implement measures to protect the natural habitat of the Shirui Lily and promote sustainable tourism. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations can also witness the mesmerizing beauty of this flower and the rich biodiversity it represents.

Shirui Lily festival 2023 is coming up! Go and meet this enchanting lily.

Click here to know more about the festival.