Rhododendrons present in Sikkim and Darjeeling. Photo: Special Arrangement
Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are dwelling to greater than one-third of all kinds of rhododendrons present in India, reveals the newest publication of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). The publication titled ‘ Rhododendrons of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalaya- An Illustrated Account’ lists 45 taxa of rhododendrons (36 species, 1 subspecies, 1 selection, and seven pure hybrids).
There are 132 taxa (80 species, 25 subspecies and 27 varieties) of rhododendrons present in India. Of the 45 taxa recorded within the publication, 24 are discovered within the Darjeeling Himalayas and 44 within the Sikkim Himalayas.
The Botanical Survey of India in 2017 printed Rhododendron of North East India: A Pictorial Handbook, suggesting that there are 132 taxa (80 species, 25 subspecies and 27 varieties). Photo: Special Arrangement
“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,” Rajib Gogoi, scientist and Regional Head of BSI in Sikkim and the lead creator of the publication, informed The Hindu.
Of the 45 taxa documented by BSI, 5 are dealing with a excessive menace on account of anthropological pressures and local weather change, in accordance with scientists. The Rhododendron edgeworthii, with white campanulate flowers, recorded an enormous habitat decline in each Darjeeling and Sikkim. Rhododendron niveum, with huge purple flowers, present in Lachung space of north Sikkim is dealing with threats on account of rampant constructions. Rhododendron baileyi, Rhododendron lindleyi and Rhododendron maddenii are additionally threatened.
Rhododendron, which means rose tree in Greek, is taken into account an indicator species for local weather change. The BSI in 2017 printed Rhododendron of North East India: A Pictorial Handbook, suggesting that there are 132 taxa (80 species, 25 subspecies and 27 varieties). According to A. A. Mao, Director of BSI and fellow creator of the publication, the flowering season for rhododendrons begins in March and continues until May. However, not too long ago, flowering was discovered to start as early as in January for some species. “This is an indication that those areas are getting warmer and the phenology of rhododendrons can be an important indicator of climate change,” he added.
The first Rhododendron species from northeast India — Rhododendron dalhousiae — was reported from Sikkim by Joseph D. Hooker in 1848 in his ebook The Rhododendrons of Sikkim Himalaya. Photo: Special Arrangement
It additionally has a distinguished place within the nation’s botanical historical past. Rhododendrons have been first recorded by Captain Hardwick in Jammu and Kashmir in 1776 the place he noticed the Rhododendron arboreum. However, it was a go to by the British botanist Joseph D. Hooker to Sikkim between 1848 and 1850 that exposed the rhododendron wealth of the Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas.
“Joseph D. Hooker during his expedition to Darjeeling and Sikkim discovered 22 species of Rhododendrons. During that period paintings of Rhododendrons were commissioned to identify these species. Where these publications came before the western world, not only were botanists amazed by the beauty and variety of these flowering plants but the phenomenon led to a boost in botanical exploration in the country,” Mr. Gogoi mentioned.
Mr. Mao added that the primary species of Rhododendron from northeast India — Rhododendron dalhousiae — was reported from Sikkim by Hooker in 1848 in his ebook The Rhododendrons of Sikkim Himalaya. This publication nearly 160 years in the past made these flowers very talked-about within the western world and resulted in horticulture increase in Europe.
Of the 45 taxa of Rhododendrons documented by Botanical Survey of India, 5 are dealing with a excessive menace on account of anthropological pressures and local weather change, in accordance with scientists. Photo: Special Arrangement
“The publication has a number of historical references to the contribution of British botanists Joseph D. Hooker and David G. Long as well Indian botanists and researchers S.T. Lachungpa, U.C. Pradhan and K.C. Pradhan among others. These people played a crucial role in discovery and identification of Rhododendrons in Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas,” he mentioned.
Mr. Mao identified that the publication has numerous pictorial references of rhododendron habitats by the years. The different authors of the publication embody scientists and researchers Norbu Sherpa, Samuel Rai and Subrata Gupta.
British botanists Joseph D. Hooker and David G. Long as effectively Indian botanists and researchers S.T. Lachungpa, U.C. Pradhan and Okay.C. Pradhan performed a vital function in discovery and identification of Rhododendrons in Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. Photo: Special Arrangement
The authors are engaged on a ebook on rhododendron, with which they hope to achieve not simply researchers however the comman man too, in an try to advertise eco-tourism from a conservative perspective.
The publication lists seven pure hybrids within the area and the authors mentioned their presence is a reminder that Sikkim Himayalyan area is a dwelling laboratory of evolution and speciation so far as rhododendrons are involved.
