Perennial from the Primulaceae family, described relatively recently, native to Iran where it occupies limestone cliffs and rocky walls at high altitude. It is named after the Iranian botanist Khatami and remains little spread in specialized collections, making it one of the most sought-after species by enthusiasts of the genus.
It forms a compact and dense cushion, with slow growth, composed of very small tight rosettes bearing tiny, oval, slightly glandular, dark green leaves. The cushion remains low, only a few centimeters in diameter on young plants in cultivation, and gradually takes on a hemispherical shape with age.
The flowers, borne individually at or slightly above the cushion on thin pedicels, feature five well-spaced petals of bright lilac-pink to true lilac, with a very distinct bright yellow central eye that enhances the contrast. The lilac hue, cooler and more bluish than in other species of the genus, is one of its most immediate distinctive characteristics.
In its natural habitat, flowering probably extends from April to June. In cultivation, it generally occurs in March-April.
As with the entire genus, cultivation requires a very mineral and perfectly drained substrate, strict protection against winter moisture, and good ventilation. Cold alpine greenhouse or ventilated frame, in unglazed terracotta pot.