Famous Flowers of Uttarakhand

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Introduction

Situated in the lofty ranges of the Himalayas, lies a paradise called Uttarakhand rich with the bounty of creation. Because of the diverse weather and altitude, a vast array of flowers blooms all over the place. This part of India known as “Devbhoomi” has very deep historical background and variety of amazing flowers. Let us take you through some of the popular flowers and plants in this area which improve upon its beauty.

From being distinct in soil quality and climate variations, it is important to note that Uttarakhand state situated in India is well known for being home to numerous types of indigenous flowers. In the state of UK, there are immense cultural, ecological and artistic values imbedded on them. Its natural settings of Uttarakhand have confirmed the existence and importance of these diverse attractive flowers.

Uttarakhand’s Sacred Floral Heritage

High-altitude regions of Uttarakhand have an important cultural and religious significance in terms of flowers. Any of these are linked to fables or old fictitious tales with mystical powers ascribed to them. The appearance of these flowers adds a sense of awe and worship in the landscape by their fragile qualities as well as distinctive blooming patterns.

When pilgrims and worshippers go on their way to holy places they usually come across these sacred flowers which serve as divine beauty icons and blessings. One of the outstanding sites in Uttarakhand is the changing of its meadows into richly coloured carpets during the blossoming period. In this regard, the state’s valleys and hillsides become home to different kinds of flowers that constitute a highly diverse ecosystem.

Uttarakhand has abundance of flora and fauna, but the most striking is that of the flora. An insight to the captivating flowers in Uttarakhand:

Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata)

The Brahma Kamal, also known by its scientific name Saussurea obvallata. Brahma Kamal flower is the most worshipped in the Himalayas. At 3,300 to 4,600 meters above sea level, it offers an excellent example of high alpine vegetation. Two high-altitude spots where an abundance of flowers flourish during the monsoon are Hemkund Sahib and Flowers Valley. The Nanda Devi Temple is gifted by Brahma Kamal’s blossoms. A postage stamp honouring this flower was released by the Indian Postal Department. An ancient story about the birth of Ganesha related to Brahma Kamal is.

At Parvati’s command, Brahma created Brahma Kamal, who helped Shiva place an elephant’s head atop Ganesha’s body. Shiva was showered with water by a Brahma Kamal when he fastened the head of an elephant to Ganesha’s body. This is the reason this lotus is considered the flower of life-restoring gods. According to modern science, the flower possesses a wide range of medical qualities. For a very long time, people have believed that anyone who witnesses this unusual flower bloom will have had all of their dreams come true. It blooms for only a few hours in the late evening, making it difficult to watch.

Burans (Rhododendron arboretum)

Burans, also known by its scientific name Rhododendron arboretum, are a tiny tree or evergreen shrub that has a striking display of vivid red blooms. It is Uttarakhand’s official tree. The Greek words “Rhodo,” which means “rose,” and “dendron,” which means “tree,” are the source of the generic name Rhododendron. It is also referred to in the Uttarakhand local dialect as “Burans,” “Buras,” or “Barah-ke-phool.” In Uttarakhand, burans bloom during the months of January to March. Many locations around the hill state are home to the vivid red bloom. Villagers pick the flower and squeeze the juice out of its petals during flowering season.

Generally supplied as processed squash, buransh juice is thought to possess strong therapeutic effects. It is sold extensively both within and outside of the state. Burans are found throughout North India’s Himalayan region. The red blooms of the Burans tree are used to make squash, jams, jellies, and locally brewed wine. It is said that they have a taste which is both sweet and sour. For ages, in Uttarakhand especially where they find their way into traditional medicinal formulations, spiritual rites and local merriments, Rhododendron flowers’ use has been special. Occasionally flowers of Buransh serve as temple offerings to various gods; at times their petals transform into garlands or they get used as adornments during celebrations.

Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata)

The Blue Poppy flower is commonly known as the “Queen of Himalayan Flowers.” Although it is common, the medicinal usage of this plant in Uttarakhand is not as common in Tibetan. This is a well-known treatment used in Tibetan medicine to treat problems related to the head. Among the Himalayan high-altitude flowers, this one holds a special and enjoyable place. During the monsoon season, these blooms are frequently spotted on the Hemkunt Sahib slope. These delicate blue blooms stay abundant throughout the majority of the moraine section of the Badrinath trip, which leads to Hemkund Sahib and Bhyundar khal.

There are 40 species of blue poppies worldwide, including 20 in India under the genus MECONOPSIS Vig. The word “poppy” is derived from the Greek word “mecon.” MECONOPSIS ACULEATA is another name for blue poppies; the word “aculeata” refers to the thorny characteristics of the plant. The entire plant contains narcotic-like substances, and its roots are known to be poisonous. June into September is the ideal time of year for flowering and fruiting. It grows in all of the GHNP valleys at an elevation of 3000–4200 meters, in rock crevices and among boulders in alpine zones. This herb has tonic properties.

Cobra Lily (Arisaema consanguineum)

Arisaema consanguineum, also known as the Himalayan cobra lily, is a type of flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family of lilies. It is a tuberous perennial native to the Himalayas and Indochina. One deciduous leaf with several radial leaflets is carried on a single, one-meter (3.3-foot)-tall stalk. One species that closely resembles a cobra hood is Wallich’s Cobra Lily. The plants can reach a height of 30 cm, and they have one or two enormous, trilobed, yellowish-green leaves.

The dark purple, oblong-ovate spathe, often known as the cobra hood, is clearly striped with white or purple, features a nettled pattern in the upper portion, and is 1-4 cm long at the tip, resembling a constricted tail. With a long, thread-like appendage that is 8–20 cm long, the spadix has a thick base. Often, the stem and stalk of leaves have brown spots. Altitudes of 2,400–3,600 meters are home to Wallich’s Cobra Lily in the Himalayas, extending from Kashmir to Southeast Tibet.

Aconitum heterophyllum (Ativisha in Ayurveda)

Aconitum heterophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aconitum. It is also known by the names atish, atis, patis, ativish, and atvika. It is a component of Ayurvedic and other traditional Indian medical systems. The flower is available in Himalayan and Alpine regions, as well as in Jammu & Kashmir, Nepal, and Pakistan at elevations between 2500 and 3500 meters. Aconitum Heterophyllum wall, also known as attivisha, is a popular Ayurvedic herb with significant medicinal benefits within the Ranunculaceae family. Many ayurvedic remedies use the plant’s roots in one way or another; hence a review of the numerous studies done on the chemistry and pharmacology of the plant has been attempted.

The Himalayan monkshood perennial herb is distinguished by its coarsely serrated but otherwise entire leaves and its greenish-purple blossoms with noticeable darker veins. It is 1-4 feet tall. Large ovate, tiny ovate or linear bracts that enclose the lower portion of the flower and fruit are typically found on 2.5–3 cm across flowers that are typically in loose, spike-like clusters. They are circular, have a hood, and are wider than long. The 4–8 cm, ovate–heart–shaped to rounded leaves have broad, rounded teeth, with the higher ones stem-clasping. Long-stalked, deeply lobed leaves are the lowest. Plants can occasionally have smaller sizes at higher altitudes. The seed pods are 1.6–1.8 cm long, hairy, and straight.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand’s flowers form an essential part of its cultural and ecological fabric and they have an incredible beauty. These flowers add to the beauty of the surroundings with their attractive appearance during different seasons; either as flowers laden with mystic stories at sacred sites or when they carpet the valley in wild hues of red, yellow or purple signifying their deep meaning representing the life forms in these places.

They are esteemed in religion and local custom, and are a key to the state heritage. If we appreciate Uttarakhand’s captivating flora, then it is vital for us to back up conservation efforts aimed at protecting these natural treasures. For those who are interested in either spiritual satisfaction or the beauty of nature, there is no way one can forget the flowers found at Uttarakhand because they offer an indelible harmonious atmosphere.

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