Khamasom Van now blooms earlier in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, April 19 2023:
Khamasom Van, the large purple flower that resembles a snake, has started blooming early at Tangrei in Ukhrul town this year.
The flower, which blooms best in May, was once endemic to the deep forest of Mathasama in Khamasom village of Ukhrul district.
Now, it has adapted to the climatic conditions of Ukhrul town.
According to a local gardener, M Zimik, at least 3 Khamasom Van plants started budding in the beginning of April and fully bloomed on April 15 .
M Zimik said, while the flowers have bloomed at least 20 days ahead of the usual flowering season, the sizes of the flowers have reduced slightly.
Khamasom Van has a slender stem, bears three broad leaves which give shades to the flower.
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The petals of the flowers are shaped like a "furious snake-head", and the long stigma resembles the tongue of a snake coming out of its mouth.
He said the plants require a lot of water for healthy growth.
The plants thrive well in compost humus.
Regular watering of the plant is needed to keep the soil damp and moist.
More plants are expected to bloom as the flower has now properly adapted to the town environment, he added.
It may be mentioned that the flower was first sighted in Ukhrul in 2017 by a group of "Khamatek trekkers" who were exploring the high altitude region of the deep forest of Mathasama.
The mountainous dense forest region is home to varieties of flora and fauna.
Beds of a species of lily flower similar to Shirui Lily were also found flourishing atop the hills.