Lilium mackliniae

Flower They blossom in Spring specifically May 15 - June 5. The plants are .3-.91m (1–3 ft) in height with 1-7 flowers per plant. It has pale blue-pink petals, but when observed through a microscope has seven colors. ==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. The seeds need to be covered with compost about 5 mm deep and need to be in a cool, but well-lit space. Artificial heat can prevent germination and they only germinate in the spring after they have been chilled or frozen in the winter. 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. ==Use==

The lily has medicinal properties which is used in treating skin and stomach problems. ==History==

Mythical origin It was believed that the plant can only be grown on the tops of the Shirui Hill as the British attempted to move it, but it wasn't working. Also, the Ukhrul Village believe that a princess lived on the hill with her lover Shirui and after she died, she still waits for him and the flower comes from the soil she is buried from. Another legend is that the daughter of goddess Philava named Lily protects these hills. The third story is that the two lovers jumped from the cliffs to their death and thus came the flower. The flower is called Kashong Timrawon traditionally and is believed to represent kindness, protection, prosperity, and a happy life. The discovery received the Prestigious Merit Prize in 1948 by Royal Horticultural Society Flower. As such there have been multiple efforts made in order to help revitalize the flower. First in 1982, The Siroi National Park was established and covered an area of .41 km2 of where the lily naturally grows. On 13 October 2013, Shajin Jinks, the head of the Department of Environment and Heritage of Goa, led an expedition to the Shiroi Hills to raise awareness to protect this endangered heritage. The Shirui Lily Festival has been started in May 2017, for the first time in history, to increase awareness of the rare flower and its value to the world. The festival is going to be celebrated every year in Ukhrul town as well as Shirui village in Manipur. The Shirui Lily festival returned to Manipur on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after a two-year hiatus caused by the protracted conflict in the state. This marked the first significant tourism festival hosted by the state since the conflict began in May 2023, making safety concerns and elaborate security arrangements an integral part of this year's preparations. ==References==