"Purple butterflies" bring a dash of color to the dark green forest on an alpine mountain in Shangri La, southwest China's Yunnan Province. But if you take a closer look, you'll know that these creatures are Iris bulleyana Dykes, a classic Iris species from western China.

Iris bulleyana Dykes or Iris bulleyana, also known as Bulley's Iris, is a perennial herb that can be found on meadows or hillsides near streams. It blossoms between June and July, and the special shape of its petals gives it a great value as an ornamental plant.

(Video and cover image by CGTN)

China's Flora Tour

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest, China boasts an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.

Read More:

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-China's Flora Tour: Flora of China is facing a challenge

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-An 'early spring' hidden in the summer of Shangri-La

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-Hidden treasures of tertiary relict plant

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-Don't judge a flower by its look

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-A purple medusa living on the rocky mountain slopes

China's Flora Tour: Yunnan-Touch the sky, the colorful poppy in the Himalayas

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)