1. Anemone obtusiloba (Wind flower)
Anemone or windflower is a perennial herb; with white to
deep blue flowers measuring 2-5cm. While the flower often has five petals and
the leaves are deeply three lobed and further divided into segments with
toothed edges. This lovely flower adores the valleys, meadows, grazing grounds
and mountain trails of Himachal Pradesh from the early May to July.
2. Berberis aristata (Himalayan Barberry) (Kashmal)
2. Berberis aristata (Himalayan Barberry) (Kashmal)
Elevation: 1600-3000 meters
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| Berberis aristata (Kashmal) |
This medium-sized shrub about 2-3m is widely branched bearing cluster of yellow
flowers. After long winters in the Himalayas the plant blooms from late
February to March and the clustered purple berries appear in the month of
June. However the flowering and fruit is altitude dependent.
Tri-toothed thorns, yellow branches and elliptic leaves with spines at the
edges are the adaption of the plant against animals. The plant prefers sunny
exposed valleys and is widely spread in Himachal Pradesh.
Locally the bush is used as a hedge around the terraces, the
berry is quiet common among school going kids and birds. The plant is good
source for dye and tannin. The plant is also vitally important in the Ayurvedic
form of medicine, curing urinary problems, contains an alkaloid Berberine that allow
it to act in anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic.
3. Cotoneaster microphyllus (Bhedda, Zhunjuru)
Elevation: 1600-3600 meters
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Cotoneaster microphyllus (Bhedda, Zhunjuru)
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Growing mainly on the exposed rock surfaces this low
multi-branched evergreen shrub forms mats and penetrates its roots through the
crevices of rocks. The leaves are small and elliptic in shape with dark green
mucilage covered leaves. The ripe fruit is red in color and favorite of birds.
Mainly grazed by the Sheppard flocks, in some parts of Himachal the branches are used in basket making.
4. R. Brunonii (Himalayan Musk rose)
Elevation: 1200-2700 meters
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R. Brunonii (Himalayan Musk rose)
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Right from the month of May, this lovely Himalayan
Wildflower invigorates the surroundings with its fragrance. A tough bush
resembling other roses with tiger toothed prickles and small clusters of white
flowers bearing five petals.
Commonly found growing along with Himalayan barberry and
mainly used as a hedge around the terraces in upper Himachal Pradesh.
5. Bergenia ciliata (The Wax Flower)
Elevation: 1800-3800 meters
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Bergenia ciliata (The Wax Flower)
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Growing on shady and moist rock and craggy cliffs Bergenia
is easily identified by its white or pinkish cluster of flowers on a thick
leafless stalk. The elliptic mucilage laden leaves with their bristly margins
clings to the ground.
A vitally important plant in the ayurvedic form of medicine juice
or powder of the whole plant is used urinary troubles; relieve earaches. The
root is used as a tonic in the treatment of fevers, diarrhea, pulmonary
infections, asthma and urinary problems. The root of this plant has a high
reputation in indigenous systems of medicine for dissolving stones in the
kidneys.
6. Geranium wallichianum (Cranesbill) Ratijari
Elevation: 2300-3500 meters
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| Geranium wallichianum (Cranesbill) Ratijari |
With the onset of monsoons (Late June), in Himachal Geranium family adores the forest and the trails shrubbery. The palmately leaves are divided into 3-5 lobes and toothed around the outer edges. The flowers are deep pink and purple blue. With a wide range of flowers, Geranium family is identified by its flowers, as each petal have dark rays originating from the base.
The name cranesbill originates from the long beaked fruit
resembling a crane’s bill. The fruit contains seeds, when ripe they are thrown
outside with a great force.
The roots of the plant are used to cure headaches and
rheumatic pains.
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