Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons

Subject: Environment

Section: Biodiversity

Context: Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are home to more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India, reveals the latest publication of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).

More on the News:

• Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas home to one-third (34%) of all Rhododendron types comprise only 0.3% of India’s geographical area but the region is. This highlights the ecological significance of the region as far as an indicator species like Rhododendron is concerned.
• They are facing a high threat due to anthropological pressures and climate change, according to scientists. The Rhododendron edgeworthii, with white campanulate flowers, recorded a huge habitat decline in both Darjeeling and Sikkim. Rhododendron niveum, with big purple flowers, found in the Lachung area of north Sikkim is facing threats due to rampant constructions.
• Rhododendrons are indicator species as far as climate change is concerned and have a prominent place in the botanical history of the country.

Rhododendron

• They are native to many regions of the world, including Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
• Rhododendron is a large genus of flowering plants and is found mainly in Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas and Nilgiris. Some plants of Rhododendron are evergreen and some are deciduous in nature.
• The species is found in varied habitats from subtropical forests to alpine shrubs, rhododendrons range from dwarf shrubs to large trees.
• The cold, moist slopes and deep valleys of the eastern Himalayas form a conducive habitat for the luxuriant growth of Rhododendron species and rich diversity in the North Eastern States.
• The species has been designated as the State tree of Uttarakhand and its blooming in the Garhwal Himalayas is celebrated as ‘Phool Sankranti’, a festival of flowers.
• Rhododendrons are popular ornamental plants and are often grown in gardens and parks.
• They have been used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. In some regions, the bark, leaves, and flowers of these plants are used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, headache, and inflammation.