Rhododendron flower | UPSC

Rhododendron flower | Prelims 2020 | UPSC

HEADLINES:

COVID-19 lockdown impacts rhododendron flower collection in Uttarakhand

WHY IN NEWS:

The collection of rhododendron flowers has reduced 60-70 per cent this year because of the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Conservation of Biodiversity:Flora

LEARNING:

For PRELIMS in UPSC rhododendron flower has its own importance ! For example Flowering stages can be asked . Any of its key feature can be put down in MCQ’s.

For MAINS go through the habitat destruction and usage .

ISSUE:

The peak time of flowering is between February and April every year.

GLIMPSE OF RHODODENDRON

Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum), commonly known as burans in Uttarakhand, is the state’s official tree.

The collection of rhododendron flowers is linked to the livelihood of the locals, who sell them either as flowers or processed juice.
The rhododendron is also sought after by the pharmaceutical industry.
At the local level, however, activity is limited only to collecting flowers, the sweet and sour taste of which is the reason for preparing squash, jams, jellies and local brews.

It is a common, refreshing appetizer, is considered a tonic for heart patients and also consumed to prevent high altitude sickness.

Fresh petals are also used to prepare chutney (a kind of paste consumed with other food items).
Rhododendron flowers have religious and cultural values as well.
Its leaves are traditionally used to treat headaches, while its bark is used to get relief from cough and dysentery.
Raw flowers are also a local delicacy.
Rhododendron is found in the eastern to western Himalayan regions and belongs to the Ericaceae family.
The word rhododendron is derived from the Greek word rhodo which means rose and dendron which means tree.

It is a small to moderate height evergreen tree, generally found at an elevation of 1,700-2500 metres.

IASbhai WINDUP:

With a reducing rhododendron tree population in natural forests due to anthropogenic pressure, it is alarming to supply flowers every year without a proper regeneration plan for the species.

SUGGESTED READING : https://www.iasbhai.com/gs-3/

SOURCES:THE HINDU & PIB/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains

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