Saussurea simpsoniana

Fen Kamal is a very curious looking woolly haired high altitude plant which looks like a hairy, woolly mound. When it flowers, the purple flower-heads in a domed cluster, appear exposed above the wool. This feature distinguishes it from Kasturi Kamal. Otherwise it is a very variable plant and can be confused with some related species. Stems grow 5-8 cm high, with the leaves nearly fully concealed in the protective wool. It can also be found growing to 15 cm high, with the leave visible. Leaves are linear-lanceshaped, up to 10 cm, but generally shorter, coarse toothed or shallowly lobed, covered with woolly hairs. Phen Kamal is found in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Sikkim, at altitudes of 3800-5600 m. Flowering: July-October.