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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

22/02/23 08:33 AM IST

RHODODENDRONS

In News
  • The 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).
Major Findings
  • The publication, titled Rhododendrons of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya — An Illustrated Account, lists 45 taxa of rhododendrons (36 species, one subspecies, two variety and seven natural hybrids).
  • There are 132 taxa (80 species, 25 subspecies and 27 varieties) of rhododendrons found in India.
  • Of the 45 taxa recorded in the publication, 24 are found in the Darjeeling Himalayas and 44 in the Sikkim Himalayas.
  • 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.
  • Rhododendron niveum, with big purple flowers, found in the Lachung area of north Sikkim is facing threats from rampant construction.
Rhododendron
  • Rhododendron, meaning rose tree in Greek, is considered an indicator species for climate change.
  • The flowering season for rhododendrons starts in March and continues till May.
  • However, recently, flowering was found to begin as early as in January for some species. This is an indication that those areas are getting warmer. The phenology of rhododendrons can be an important indicator of climate change.
  • Rhododendrons have a prominent place in the country’s botanical history. They were first recorded by Captain Hardwick in Jammu and Kashmir in 1776 where he spotted Rhododendron arboreum.
  • The genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae) is represented by about 80 species in India.
  • It is distributed mainly in different regions and altitudes of Himalayas with a greater concentration in the eastern Himalayas.
  • It is the largest genus of the family Ericaceae as well as among one of the largest flowering plant genera in Asia (Cullen and Chamberlain, 1978).
Source- The Hindu

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