Stems 1-1.5 m tall, several-branched. Leaves sword-shaped, to 1.6 m long, 5-7 cm wide. Flowers 2-4, lavender to violet, 8-10 cm wide; early spring. Falls obovate, marked deep purple with yellow crest and ruffled margins; standards narrower, spreading obliquely. Style branches pale blue, 3 cm long with fringed crests.

NE India, Bhutan, Tibet, Yunnan.

Source: Cooke, D. (2005). Iridaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.