Rhododendron Flower of Many Colours Many Uses

By Our Correspondent

If there is one flower that colours Himalayas it is “Rhododendron”. The bright coloured flowering tree is recognised for its economic, geographical, and ecological significance in different states of Himalayas in a varied way. Rhododendron is designated as the state tree of Uttarakhand and Sikkim. In Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland, it is the state flower.

In   the   Himalayas, the vibrant blossoms of rhododendron signal the arrival of spring. The  Japfu Peak in  Kohima boasts the distinction of being home to the tallest rhododendron tree in the world. The enchanting Rhododendron, locally known as ‘Burans/ Buransh,’ adorns this Himalayan region with varying pink, red, and occasionally white hues.

Rhododendron is a very large genus of about 1,024  species of woody plants with bright flowers. They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are  native  to the  Himalayan  region. It thrives in alpine and temperate climates. But at the same time this stunning purple/ mauve variety, Rhododendron, found in certain European countries and the UK, threatens biodiversity as it is invasive and toxic.

Besides its beauty Rhododendrons have immense utility and economic potential in sustainable livelihoods. Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission actively supports and encourages the Buransh  value  chain in the food processing industry by engaging farmers and local people mostly women. The petals of Buransh  flowers, or the species Rhododendron, are widely used in the production of squash, jellies, jams,  and pickles. The  blooming of Buransh in the valleys of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh during  March-April sees active engagement from both men and women in  the  harvest of these blossoms.

Some Rhododendrons are edible too. After the flowers are collected, they undergo sun- drying. The petals are also used in tea, pakoras and a variety of other recipes. Rhododendrons also have massive potential in detox products, and its edible portions can be used to prepare detox water. In Rishikesh and other parts of Uttarakhand, many hotels and resorts offer Buransh sharbat as a refreshing welcome drink,  providing direct support to the local livelihoods that depend on cultivating and utilizing these remarkable flowers.

In some regions, beautiful non-toxic rhododendron flowers are used in making incense, candles, and essential oils, making their applications relevant to the aroma industry. In short Rhododendrons is a flower of all colours and all uses. Forest departments are exploring the economic potential of these flowers by strengthening forest- based livelihoods. The  flower  has immense potential in food processing and alternate agricultural, forest-based livelihoods, empowering self-help groups and farmers, particularly women.

Rhododendron has the potential to create floral tourism opportunities taking after Japan’s cherry blossom tourism industry which has been followed in Meghalaya and other North Eastern states. In Kausani, Uttarakhand, the Buransh  Mahotsav is organised annually, celebrating Uttarakhand’s rich folklore.