Kashmir Mallow

Botanical Name: Lavatera cachemiriana
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

The Kashmir Mallow is an enchanting wildflower native to the serene landscapes of the Western Himalayas, where it blooms with effortless grace. Endemic to Kashmir, this species is admired for its soft, ivy-shaped foliage and its elegant funnel-shaped blossoms. Each flower appears singly and measures between 4 to 8 cm across, displaying a luminous clear pink hue that brightens alpine meadows from midsummer to early autumn.

The petals, obovate to oblong-obovate in form, add to the plant’s delicate beauty and make it a cherished sight in its natural habitat. Its gentle appearance belies its resilience, thriving in the cool, high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas.

By showcasing the Kashmir Mallow in its philatelic series, India Post celebrates not only the visual charm of this endemic flower but also the rich and varied floral heritage of India that flourishes across diverse climatic regions.