Kashmir Inula is a rather stout erect plant
with very large handsome golden-yellow flower-heads 10-12.5 cm across,
much larger than those of
Showy Inula. Ray florets are numerous,
up to 5 cm long. Leaves are large, elliptic-lanceshaped. Lower leaves
are elliptic-blunt, 15-25 cm, with an equally long winged leaf-stalk.
Upper stem leaves are elliptic, up to 20 cm, with enlarged
stem-clasping base. The stem is unbranched 1-2 ft tall. Kashmir Inula is found in the Himalayas, from Pakistan to Kashmir, at
altitudes of 2100-4000 m. It is common and prominent in Kashmir.
Flowering: July-September.
Medicinal uses:
The plant is disinfectant. It is also considered to be poisonous. The
root has been used to adulterate the roots of Saussurea lappa. It
contains 3% of an alkaloid that produces a fall in blood pressure and
stimulates tone and peristaltic movements in the intestines.
Identification credit: Gurcharan Singh
Photographed in Doda & Apharwat, J&K.
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The flower labeled Kashmir Inula is ...