Sikkim Rhododendron Notebook

Standing out amidst the Himalayan slopes, owing to its vibrant hue, the Rhododendron has about 90 species in India, of which thirty are found in the tiny state of Sikkim. Since none of the rhododendron flowers are fragrant, it is only by the power of their beauty that they are able to attract swarms of bees and butterflies. Rhododendron forests provide a habitat for many wildlife species, including the local avian population found only in this region, thus helping sustain biodiversity. Deforestation and unsustainable extraction for firewood, along with an increase in the inflow of tourists have become major threats to this plant. Rhododendron Niveum has been declared as the state tree of Sikkim. Niveum is a shrub or small tree with leathery leaves that are oblanceolate to elliptic adorning flowers which are magenta to lilac.