Rhododendrons in Indian Himalayan Region: Diversity and Conservation

K. Chandra Sekar, Sunil Kumar Srivastava

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DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2010.12017                

Abstract

The genus Rhododendron of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been enumerated in the present paper. A total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties of Rhododendrons recorded in IHR, among these 6 species and one subspecies are reported from Western Himalaya. The maximum concentration of 86% observed in Arunachal Pradesh (75 species). The species of Rhododendrons exhibit significant diversity in habit and broad range of distribution from the altitude of 800-6000 m. and the best range is observed in 3001-3500 m altitudes. In analysis revealed 20 taxa are endemic, 30 are rare, 24 are threatened / endangered, 3 are vulnerable and 47 taxa have to be assessed. The major threats to rhododendrons are deforestation and unsustainable extraction for firewood and incense by local people has been discussed.

Keywords

Rhododendrons, Indian Himalayan Region, Ericaceae, India

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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