RHODODENDRONS - ENVIRONMENT
News: Rhododendrons
carpet Darjeeling, Sikkim Himalayas
What's in the news?
● The
latest publication of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) reveals that the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are
home to more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India.
Key takeaways:
● Darjeeling
and Sikkim Himalayas comprise only 0.3% of India’s geographical area but the
region is home to one-third (34%) of all
Rhododendron types.
● This
highlights the ecological significance of the region as far as an indicator
species like Rhododendron is concerned.
Rhododendrons:
● Rhododendron,
meaning rose tree in Greek, are a diverse genus of about
1,000 species of woody flowering plants in the heath family
(Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage.
● The
flowering season for rhododendrons starts in March and continues till May.
Distribution:
● They
are native to the temperate regions
of Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as to the tropical
regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia.
Habitat:
● They
occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and
broadleaved woodlands, temperate rain forests, and even tropical jungles.
● 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
North Eastern States.
● They
also require a slightly acid
soil to grow well.
Significance:
● It
is considered an indicator species for
climate change.
● 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.
Other Highlights:
● 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.