Context:
A recent study highlighted the threat to Rhododendron wattii in Nagaland
Rhododendrons:
- Evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with woody stems and broad, leathery leaves.
- Known for their showy clusters of large, brightly coloured flowers, and many species are popular ornamental plants
- Distribution – Native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as tropical regions of Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
- National flower of Nepal
- Habitat – Found in diverse environments, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, temperate rainforests, and tropical jungles.
- Soil Preference – Require slightly acidic soil for optimal growth.
- Distribution in India – India is home to more than 100 taxa of rhododendrons.
- Known locally as “LaliGuras”
- Pink Rhododendron is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh, while Rhododendron arboreum is the state flower of Nagaland and the official State Tree of Uttarakhand.
- Considered an indicator species for climate change
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants are naturally growing there?
1. Oak
2. Rhododendron
3. Sandalwood
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)