PROCEEDINGS International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India (29th April 2010)

Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim

June 2010 PROCEEDINGS International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE

Editors Anil Mainra, Hemant K. Badola and Bharti Mohanty

Editorial Advisory Board Shri S.T. Lachungpa, India; Prof. Wolfgang Spethmann, Germany; Shri K.C. Pradhan, India; Mr. M.S. Viraraghavan, India; Prof. Lau Trass, Netherlands; Dr A.R.K. Sastry, India

Published by Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Citation: Mainra, A., Badola, H.K. and Mohanty, B. (eds) 2010. Proceeding, International Conference, Rhododendrons: Conservation and Sustainable Use, Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok- Sikkim, India. Printed at CONCEPT, Siliguri, India. P. 100

(The contents, photographs and any published materials in all technical papers, abstracts and presentations are sole responsibility of the authors) Contents Page From the desk of the convener 5 Objectives of the International conference 6 Inaugural session 7 Inaugural Address by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim 11 Address: Shri Bhim Dhungel, Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Tourism, Mines and Geology and 16 Science & Technology Keynote address by Shri K C Pradhan, Former Chief Secretary, GoS 19 Address: Shri S T Lachungpa, PCCF-cum-Secretary, FEWMD, GoS 22 Welcome Address: Dr. Anil Mainra, Addl. PCCF & Convener, FEWMD, GoS 25 Programme 28 Technical Papers 30 Rhododendrons in Germany and the German Rhododendron gene bank - W. Spethmann, G. 31 Michaelis and H. Schepker Diversity, distribution and conservation of Indian Rhododendrons: Some aspects - A.R.K. Sastry 36

Finnish experience on Himalayan rhododendrons: climate responses - O. Jussila, K. Theqvist1 42 and A. Väinölä Phenology and climate responses in Himalayan rhododendrons - H.K. Badola 48 Rhododendron conservation and the protection of the habitat: Perspectives from a south Indian 60 tropical mountain eco-system - M.S. Viraraghavan Rhododendrons in the Netherlands and Belgium - L. Traas 64 Assessment of endangered status and conservation initiatives on the rhododendrons from the 67 Sikkim Himalaya - K.K. Singh and L.K. Rai Abstracts 82 Conservation of selected rhododendron species, and New Zealand hybrids in New Zealand – 83 2010: Aotearoa- Land of the long white cloud - K. Millar Growing Rhododendron species in Sweden - B. Aldén 85 About some rhododendron species, variants and hybrids in Sikkim - H. Eiberg 86 Selected Presentation 87 Wild rhododendrons of Bhutan - R. Pradhan 88 Action Plan and Strategies 93

PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

From the desk of the Convener…

Rhododendrons are viewed as indicators of ecosystem health of forest areas as these plants offer niche for several faunal species. Interestingly buds of rhododendrons being highly sensitive to climate variations can be taken as easy to handle tools for monitoring global warming. Sikkim, having 38 species of rhododendrons out of 80 found in India, is organizing International Rhododendron Festival 2010 and as a part of this year’s long celebration, an international conference on “Rhododendrons: conservation and sustainable use” was organized at Saramsa Garden, Gangtok, Sikkim on 29th April 2010, where over 130 forest managers, experts and scientists shared a common platform to deliberate on strategies required for conservation and sustainable use of rhododendrons and prepared an action plan required in Indian scenario with emphasis on Sikkim rhododendrons.

This document is an edited version of the conference proceedings, which includes technical papers and an action plan. I hope that this document would prove useful for the conservation and sustainable use of rhododendrons in Himalaya and elsewhere in the world.

Dr. Anil Mainra ©dechen lachungpa Addl. PCCF

5 Objectives of the workshop

Rhododendrons have fascinated people managers to sit together in a common for centuries and represent about 960 forum to interact and share their expert species growing worldwide. Majority of ideas on various issues, concerns the genetic variations of rhododendrons and policies on rhododendrons of the is confined to southeastern Asia, world, with particular reference to extending from northwest Himalayas Sikkim Himalaya. In the International (Nepal, Sikkim, eastern Tibet, Bhutan, Year of Biodiversity 2010 and Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh, north Myanmar Tourism Year 2010, the Government of and west and central China), and Sikkim has organized the International subsequently southward. Of around 80 Rhododendron Festival in April 2010, species of rhododendrons in India, 38 of which International Conference on species are reported from Sikkim. ‘Rhododendrons: Conservation and Rhododendrons have a great role in Sustainable Use’ was a major event. ecological stability of ecosystems, Objectives as indicators of forest health, and for their phenological sensitivity to Owing to individual habitat niches, the climatic change. However over past dynamics of ecological behaviour of few decades, natural populations have different species of rhododendrons offer declined worldwide due to natural major challenges for their conservation, and anthropogenic pressures. Any management, scientific study, and sustainable use, including aesthetic strengthening potential gene resource value of rhododendrons for tourism base for posterity, both in-situ and ex- would be possible by scientific situ. The conference intended to seek conservation and management of inputs and share views on the following natural populations. Sikkim is one of broad areas, specifically restricted to the perfect examples of practicing rhododendron conservation: biodiversity conservation programmes with over 31% geographical area coverage under protected area network • Diversity and distribution including one Biosphere Reserve and • Habitat diversity and ecological eight wildlife sanctuaries, of which adaptation two are exclusively designated for the • Phenological behaviour and climatic conservation of rhododendrons, viz. relationships Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (43 • Sustainable use and future potential sq. km) and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (104 sq. km) • Field oriented ex-situ conservation • Eco-tourism potential Realizing the enormous conservation potential of rhododendrons, need • Education, awareness and peoples’ has emerged for experts, scientists, participation practitioners, policy makers and forest • Role of policies and acts

6 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference Inaugural session

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Inaugural Address by the Chief Guest Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling

steemed delegates from to determine the richness of the different countries attending this rhododendron species in Sikkim Erare conference, experts and Himalayas and also reinforce its resources persons working in the area aesthetic values that blend into the of biodiversity conservation, Hon’ble overall living experience of the beautiful speaker, Deputy Speaker and the people of Sikkim. other members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Officials, distinguished I am very glad to see experts, scientists, guests, esteemed member of media policy maker and forest managers from fraternity and friends different part of the country and the world sitting together in a common It gives me immense pleasure to forum with a common theme to interact attend the inaugural functions of and share their expert findings on the International Rhododendron various issues, concerns and policies Conference, one of the rare occasions on rhododendron of the world with

11 particular reference to North Eastern resource the rhododendrons. The Himalayas and Sikkim. It is only in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, conference of kind that new ideas are which is soon expected to be the part of created, discussed and the distilled ‘Man and Biosphere Reserve’ network wisdom is recorded in the form of action of UNESCO, supports immensely rich plan which form the foundation stones depositories of rhododendrons. for deciding the future course of action with a view to conserve this important In fact, the, level of environmental natural resources. awareness among our people is very high because of their proximity to Over past few decades, anthropogenic nature and their age old belief in nature and natural calamity has threatened the as their local deity. The people of Sikkim natural population of rhododendrons revere the third highest mountain peak widely. The Himalayan State is not Khangchendzonga as their local deity exception to this. Here I am happy to and worship the various natural features share that the State of Sikkim has been like natural lake, tree and mountain able to conserve the rhododendron peaks, rivers and hot springs. This has species. The government’s role and intimately linked our way of life with approaches used for conservation of the existing nature making significant biological diversity in Sikkim have been impact upon our lifestyle and also our eco-friendly and has proved immensely livelihood pattern. beneficial over many decades. I fully agree with the idea that sustainable use And in the midst of scientific community of biodiversity including rhododendrons and nature lovers, I would like to inform is possible by scientific conservation that we formulated many new and and management in nature. I can innovative conservation measures since say that Sikkim is one of the most the early 1990s. Many of them were ideal cases of practicing biodiversity hard decisions, politically unpleasant conservation program with over 30 decision tantamount to unsettling the percent geographical area coverage business-as-usual mindset of some under protected network. section of people. Facing upfront all the perceived risks, the state I feel that the conservation of government has successfully adopted rhododendron within natural habitat many conservation measures including is the best approach and the state blanket bans, mass afforestation drive, government has been successful in Smriti Bans concept, Green Mission as maintaining the natural habitation of the long- term strategy for the conservation floral species. In Sikkim, we have one of biological diversity. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve and seven wildlife sanctuaries with As part of the policy and green initiatives each of them having rhododendron in undertaken by the State Government, I their pristine state. Two of them namely seek your permission to recount some Singba Rhododendron sanctuary and of them hereunder: Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary are fully devoted to conservation of one l In 1995 banned green felling in of the most beautiful wild genetic forests

12 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference l Legislation banned the use of non- l To reduce dependence of village on biodegradable materials like plastic, firewood and forest resource, Free poly-bags, Bio- medical/chemical LPG connection for people below waste in 1997. poverty line and economically l In 1998 imposed ban on Grazing weaker section of society are being in reserved forest areas, plantation provided since 15th 2002. areas and water sources areas. l Sikkim ranked highest on India’s l In the year 1998 the state award Green Protection Index (0.903) by “Rajya Van Samrakshan Evam the protection its natural resources Paryavaryan Puraskar” was as per Green indicators 2004. constituted. l Sikkim Green Mission 2006 l On 5th june1999 launched launched to integrate people with “Smriti Van “program “ A people’s Nature & invoke Mass support for programme” in all four district at the causes. Panchayat/block/village level to l Eco-club, Green funds created in bring people close to nature and the numbers of schools & colleges. this programme has been taken up in all the Gram Panchayat units. l The state Government has decided l Introduced Compulsory that every family shall have four Environment Education for school dustbins for disposal of different in 2000 kinds of waste materials. l Ban smoking in public places, sale l We have imposed ban on the consumption of pan parag and use of Diclofenac, the chemical gutka in 2001. responsible for death and show extinction of vultures from our l Abandoned and closed the Rathang landscape. By effectively banning Chhu Hydro Electric Project in this anti-inflammatory drug, we West and Firing Range “G” in North are contributing towards arresting Sikkim. death cases of the bird family and l To preserve the Heritage and fragile that of vultures. ecology, notified in 2001 sacred l peaks, caves, rocks, lakes, chhorten, Ban of killing of wildlife and aquatic and hot spring and banned scaling animals has been imposed by the of important peaks including Mt. government. Khangchendzonga (8586 m) for l Foundations stone of Sidkeong mountaineering expeditions, etc. Tulku Bird Park at Rabdentse laid l Conservation of unique terrestrial during the inauguration of Forest & aquatic eco-system of wetlands/ Centenary Celebration. lakes by prohibiting commercial l A unique programme named ‘Ten activities. Minutes to Earth’ was launched in l A state Biodiversity Park at Tendong 2009. More than 625000 seedlings first of its kind was created in 2001. were planted in 10 minutes.

13 As early as 1998, the Centre for Science In these connections, all our guests and Environment, New Delhi voted have see how we seek to promote Sikkim’s Chief Minister as the Greenest and harness our Nature as sustainable Chief Minister of India. And as early as sources of livelihood for our people. 1995, we declared the year 95-96 as Evidently, we are promoting eco- “Harit Kranti” year and period 2000- friendly tourism duly linking it with 2010 as “Harit Kranti Dashak” for green our culture, tradition, faith and belief. Sikkim forestry, with free distribution of As one of the eighteen Biodiversity seedling and related green incentives Hotspots, Sikkim offers wide range o in the state. Respected participants, all opportunity to promote eco-tourism, this at a time, when urgency on issue of culture tourism, nature tourism, home nature conservation and issue like global stay and as far as concept like Ekanth- warming was not adequately reflected bas deep into the forest! and addressed in world forums. That means, on our own, we played the I am confident that the deliberation of catalyst in terms of generating mass today addressing the conservation and environmental awareness among our sustainable use will be a great success. people duly recording over two percent I am sure that the conference will go increases in forest cover on ground a long way in shaping new directions from 43.95% in 1993-94 to 46.28 at present. to this important subject area and hope that the action plan that will emerge will In our bid to augment per acre yield, act as the guiding light for conservation we have exploited our land through use and protection of Rhododendrons of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, to revert the whole process Flowers hold special place both in and regain soil fertility, we have the oriental philosophy and western call upon our people to use organic mythology. Many different species of manure in their fields that will also flowers, according to their properties, fetch competitive price for their local have been associated with a wide range produce. In fact, we have set a long- of human emotions, conditions, events term mission to make Sikkim chemical and ideas. Flowers have always been free and pesticide free and make it into our treasured wealth a part of our living a total organic State by 2015. experience which grows in the wild, My endeavor has been to promote a blooms in the tree tops and adorns our balanced growth in Sikkim by duly landscape in careless abundance. Above preserving everything original in Nature all, Rhododendrons is our State Flower and bringing in the best practices and this makes the whole feeling all of modern development instrument the more intimate .Flower, since time available in the world. This also means immemorial, has inspired philosophers, bringing in paradigm shift in people’s poets, lovers, politicians and general mindset and the way of life to harness admirers both for its physical beauty the natural resources on sustainable and aesthetic imagination. The poet manner and diversity people’s john Keats has famously sang and I profession into service sector quote:

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“A thing of beauty is a joy forever; I extend my best of wishes to all the guests from the state, country Its loveliness increases; and abroad for the success of this it will never, conference to enrich the working Pass into nothingness.” experience in nature conservation and forge a collective commitment to save the mother earth from whenever we While we take resources in the immortal are, whatever we do and whichever lines, I feel privileged to provide way we can. Natural ambience in Sikkim to all our distinguished guests for their personal Welcoming the distinguished guests to growth- and nature that joy forever our place once again and wishing the as sublime though that increase every conference a grand success. passing day. Thank you all and Jai Hind.

15 Address by Shri Bhim Dhungel Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Tourism, Mines and Geology and Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim

Honourable speaker, Sikkim State other government officials, members of Legislative Assembly, Hon’ble Ministers, media fraternity, distinguished guests, Hon’ble Members of Sikkim Legislative ladies and gentlemen. Assembly, respected Shri KC Pradhan, Hon’ble Zilla Adhyaksha, distinguished The celebration has begun. This unique delegates from various countries Rhododendron festival has already all over the world, JFMC and EDC commenced getting inaugurated Presidents and members, esteemed by His Excellency the Governor of members of public, Chief Secretary and Sikkim in Singba, Lachung on 25th

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April. The International Rhododendron request your cooperation to the august Conference is an integral part of the audience present here to protect the Festival factoring in the latest scientific wide spectrum of species, in this case studies on different aspects of this of rhododendrons. important genus of the plant kingdom. His Excellency Shri M.K. Narayanan I want to encourage both scientists during the inaugural function at Phuni, and friends of Rhododendron to Lachung mentioned divine reasons avoid pollution of soils and water for hosting the function and for his resources. Rhododendron is one of the inaugurating the festival. His Excellency subjects of research for the benefit further stated that the HCM, Sikkim of carefully planned forestry and has international thinking and he has horticultural activities. The Significance capacity to lead the other states in the of rhododendrons for biodiversity domain of Biodiversity conservation, conservation is distinct. Rhododendrons protection and conservation of forest form dominating species all along the cool areas, ecotourism development. temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zones in the Sikkim Himalayas. It supports Holding this international conference a wide range of plants and animals in the beatific environs of Sikkim, and, if disturbed, can degrade habitats which is truly the Kindergarten of that threaten associated biodiversity. rhododendrons, has its own importance It provides food preserve for a wide and flavour. I am glad to see here range of birds at an altitudinal gradient. representatives from the gene centers On the occasion of this conference a of various countries working in the comprehensive bibliography of the domain of Rhododendron propagation genus Rhododendron could be realized and research. The conference will deal and presented at the conference. with systematics and biology of the genus Rhododendron. The sub topics of Efforts for conservation and the conference are very pertinent and management of rhododendrons must they broadly cover the relevant aspects drive from a set of clear objectives, of this genus of the plant kingdom. I mechanism for action, and commitment am sure during the group exercises from all stakeholders. Thus, all of us in very useful inferences will emerge as a the state have to take concerted efforts result of intensive cerebral activities. to protect, conserve and develop the natural resources in a sustainable As a Minister of Forests, Environment, manner. The high ecological sensitivity Wildlife Management & Tourism, I of our state should be kept in mind while know very well about the importance taking any developmental interventions. of supplying new plants to the market, The fragile Himalayan ecosystem has to offer something special. That’s what to be preserved. In the domain of gene makes the economy strong. That’s what technology Breeding work, especially arouses the interest of plant lovers and resistance breeding is of great Rhododendron enthusiasts. Concurrent importance for the environment, but I with this the laws concerning protection do believe that economic considerations of wildlife and plants must be respected. must not result in developments which I want to take this opportunity to at some stage drift out of control. This

17 would not be in the interest of species beyond control like volcanic eruptions protection and wild plant development. in Greenland and its associated air These are few pointers for discussions traffic disruptions. I also congratulate during the conference. the Organizing Committee for taking initiatives to organize this International I would conclude with my profound Rhododendron Conference 2010 in congratulations to the Forest, the beautiful state of Sikkim. The Environment and Wildlife Management conference, I am sure will go a long Department for its continued concerted way in augmenting the rhododendron efforts to preserve the ecology and research and information sharing and I environment of the state and for hope we will come out with a Conference holding this conference. I thank the prescription for the world community esteemed guests from all over the helping them to know this genus of the world who could make it to participate plant kingdom better. in today’s conference and also to those who could not make it due to situations Thank you.

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Keynote address by Shri K C Pradhan Former Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim

Historically, the Sikkim rhododendrons Himalaya in 1849, well illustrated by came to limelight with the advent of JD Walter Hood Fitch, abruptly brought Hooker’s visit to Sikkim in 1848. During Sikkim into the limelight. Ever since the two years of his sojourn in the Sikkim has been synonymous with Sikkim Himalaya he encountered 24 rhododendrons in the world of plants. rhododendron species new to science. This led to the creation of two breeds This major discovery, unrivalled in the of plant fanatics: one the breeder and annuals of rhododendrons, followed the other the plant explorer. The 19th by the publication of the monumental century England agog with the industrial book titled Rhododendrons of Sikkim revolution wealthy entrepreneurs

19 passionately involved in gardening sent concerned.. In the process the adjoining out dare devil plant hunters to all corners countries like Norway, Denmark, The of the Himalayas as far as Yunnan Netherlands and Germany came in. and further east in search of exquisite Sadly the volcanic eruption in Iceland species in the genus. By the turn of the played havoc and most of the delegates century some 100 species came to light had sadly to forego their visit which and by now it has touched over 400 they were looking forward to so species with China alone claiming over anxiously. Those who did venture to 300 species. This is besides some 300 attend had harrowing tales to tell of species of Azaleas and over 400 species their travels- driving miles to reach in Vireyas- both of which botanically fall the nearest airport fit to operate and within the broad family of plant genus- the hassle they had to undergo in the rhododendron. On the other, a host every connecting flight. Some missed of people were well engaged in breeding the deadline. But ultimately many of to create new hybrids with desired plant them made it and it was a rare sight to shapes and sizes with magnificient see flags of many European countries flowers well suited to varied landscapes. flying high with perfect mountain If R. arboreum and R. griffithianum background with rhododendrons at from Sikkim gave flower truss size and their ever best all round. In reality colours, it was R. yakusimanum from the rhododendron flowering was the the Far East that gave desired plant best in our living memory. It was also forms. Despite all these discoveries, good see that the age-old tradition Sikkim is still looked upon as the real of ushering in any event in the Valley home that initially sparked the minds with offering of prayers to the deity at of gardeners in landscaping gardens Chuba Lhakhang in the Dombang Valley and parks in the temperate regions of is well adhered to. Many may ask why the world. It is befitting that the State some international experts could not be Government of Sikkim thought it fit to invited. Yes I did try but in vain. The hold the Rhododendron Festival at an usual answer was six months was too international level to showcase not only short a notice to attend as they were its floral wealth but also its political will committed elsewhere. All for good, to conserve this prized heritage in its after all it was a Festival and not an natural habitats in this International occasion for very serious debates and Year of Biodiversity. presentation of some research works When I was asked to invite delegates of little relevance for the occasion from abroad, my immediate thought when the idea itself was conservation went to Scandinavian countries with rhododendrons as an eco-tourism Sweden and Finland which had strong product. The way the area was flooded ties with Lachung and Lachen and the with tourists with over 500 cars plying Missionaries from these countries were every day for a whole week with acute instrumental to bring a semblance of accommodation problems, the purpose development in keeping with the unique for the present was well served. But it traditions at a time when the whole of has also thrown lessons and challenges Sikkim was still in its infancy as far as on how to cope with problems in the any developmental programme was future years and at the same time

20 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference conserve the area’s ecologically fragile well conducted and the theme ecosystem. Rhododendrons Conservation and The delegates from both, within the Sustainable Use well conceived of country and abroad went back home with the delegates enthusiastically quite mesmerized with Sikkim’s participating and throwing new ideas traditional hospitality and the and much food for thought. Above all rhododendrons did welcome them with meeting people of diverse cultures all their glamour - making them our and professions, yet bonded by one best ambassadors. The hard work put single passion- love of rhododendrons- in by the band of Forest officials over created conditions to make new friends the year and the exquisite souvenirs to pursue varied goals with ever greater brought out by the Department and zeal in the days and years ahead. the Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts were well appreciated. Thank you The daylong Conference was

21 Address by Shri S T Lachungpa PCCF-cum-Secretary Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim

Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Little had we realized that this effort Chamling, Hon’ble Speaker, Hon’ble would culminate in an International Ministers, Hon’ble Members of Sikkim Rhododendron Festival, as a part of a year Legislative Assembly, Hon’ble MLAs, long celebration of International Year of Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshyas and Biodiversity and Sikkim Year of Tourism Upadhyakshyas, International and 2010; and bring so many of you together National Delegates, Chief Secretary, to participate and deliberate upon this Director General of Police, Secretaries & magnificent group of plants, in its original Heads of Departments, Officials, Press home – Sikkim. & Media, Members of TAAS, Anglers Association of Sikkim, University & School The pioneering efforts of Rai Saheb Bhim Teachers & Students, Public & Panchayats Bahadur Pradhan, Mr. Tse Ten Tashi, and Rhododendron lovers and friends, Mr. Britt and Jean Smith who today are I take great pride in welcoming you all to not longer with us, has been carried this International Rhododendron Festival forth through the diligent efforts of Mr. in Sikkim, the home of parents of many of Keshab C. Pradhan who, by helping your magnificent hybrids that have long establish the Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker since outnumbered our species. Exactly Chapter of the American Rhododendron two decades ago, my friend Udai Chandra Society has played a key role in bringing Pradhan and I wrote and published Rhododendron Groups to our Sikkim Sikkim-Himalayan Rhododendrons. Himalaya.

22 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

This is the first time that Sikkim and its very elegant paintings. He distributed people are making an organized effort seeds collected during his trip to gardens to have an International Rhododendron in England, Scotland and Wales where Festival to remind the world of the they are still to be found today. We added original habitat of this group of Himalayan three more species, R. leptocarpum, plants and most importantly how it R. micromeres and R. sikkimense has taken a central stage in unfolding later. Since then, a young Swedish Sikkim’s biodiversity to the world of botanist from Gothenburg Botanical eco-tourism. The Government as a Garden has recorded another species in whole is involved in the conservation of Yumthang, a dwarf yellow Rhododendron these magnificent plants in their native mekongenense. habitat. Institutes like the Botanical Survey of India and Govind Ballabh Pant This brings the number of Sikkim Institute of Himalayan Environment and Rhododendrons since Sir Joseph Hooker Development, Sikkim Circle have been to 38. I feel that there might be more assisting the Government of Sikkim’s species yet to be discovered. Many efforts so that these wonderful plants and beautiful forms and varieties also exist their habitats can survive in their near that are a hybridizer’s dream and we original state for future generations. hope serious work in this direction will be undertaken by our young Rhododendron Himalayan Rhododendron history began enthusiasts in the future. In fact during with the visit of Captain Hardwicke to this International Rhododendron Festival the Siwalik Mountains of Kashmir in itself, just a couple of days ago, I have 1796 where he encountered our “Lali recorded yet another beautiful dark pink Gurans” Rhododendron arboreum. It variety of Rhododendron in Shingba was described by Sir James Smith in Rhododendron Sanctuary. Another yet Exotic Botany in 1805. Dr. Nathaniel to be studied and named species! Surely Wallich introduced the seeds of this there is a lot of natural hybridizing going species in 1827 to England and interest on here that warrants further study. in Himalayan Rhododendrons developed. It was Dr. Carl Linnaeus who described It was my grandfather Karma Yougyal, the genus Rhododendron in 1837 in Block Officer of the Forest Dept. who Genera Plantarum from the prestigious observed in the ‘60s, the unusual sighting Gothenburg Botanical Garden. of Himalayan Alder, our ‘Utis’ tree in the Sir Joseph Hooker’s monumental journey high altitude Lachung Valley. to the Sikkim Himalaya between 1848 This tree is a pioneer species which fast and 1850 truly opened the treasure trove colonizes landslide areas in the lower of Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons. In the course of his travels in the Sikkim warmer altitudes. In Lachung, the Himalayas he gathered and described 34 Larch tree Larix, is the pioneer species. species and detailed 43 species from the However, in recent times, we have noticed Indian Region. the Larix being fast overtaken by the Utis tree. It is an obvious sign of warming His beautiful monograph, Rhododendrons of the climate here. Another unusual of Sikkim-Himalaya till today, remains observation is responsible for us all sitting unparalleled in its exhaustive details and here today.

23 I have observed since the last seven Masses of flowering Rhodos, the young odd years, the peak flowering of vibrant Silver Fir Forests, carpets of Rhododendrons is usually around 10- Primulas and other ground flora, grazing 15th May. Since the last few years, there yaks and their calves, are opportunities has been very little snowfall, almost no along with angling for brown and rainbow avalanches. Temperatures seemed to trout, mountain biking, photography, be on the rise. We therefore decided to local cuisine and cultural extravaganza, pre-pone this Rhodofest by about 15-20 bird watching, the heritage collection of days. And how appropriate this has been, photographs on permanent exhibition at many of you all saw for yourselves. This Yumthang, etc. that you have witnessed th lucky shifting of the date to 25 April has in the last couple of days, or would be proved to become the new peak flowering visiting to enjoy in the days to come, season. Perhaps this is another proof of are today providing tourists and native global warming. And we have all shared people with ample opportunities for this experience. making these places, great, exotic and After 1995 under the initiative of our sustainable holiday destinations. Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan This international Rose-tree festival is Chamling conservation of Sikkim a result of the far-sighted vision of our Rhododendrons became top priority. Honourable Chief Minister Dr. Pawan The village people in areas like Lachung, Chamling and we all owe thanks to his Lachen and Thangu, Gnathang, who had suggestion way back in 2008 to host it been using Rhododendrons as fuel wood here and now. were provided with LPG thereby reducing the stress on the firewood for their basic We are very pleased to have you all with needs. us during this festive occasion of great significance to Sikkim and we hope you When we were surveying Rhododendrons will enjoy your trip, carrying back fond for our book, Sikkim-Himalayan memories to share with your family and Rhododendrons, the only ‘hotel’ that friends, thereby enthusing many of them existed was the two-room Lachung Bungalow where we did most of our work. to visit and re-visit us in the future. Today more than a 100 homestay-style households have come up and they look During this International Year of upon Rhododendrons as a very valuable Biodiversity and Sikkim Year of Tourism, plant resource that attracts people from on behalf of my entire Forest Family, all over the world to see, photograph and the Government of Sikkim and all other study. These homestay entrepreneurs organizers, I thank you all for being with now make a decent living through us to share this historic occasion. I hope ecotourism devoted to Rhododendrons this great celebration of Rhododendrons and other alpine flora of Sikkim. is just a meaningful beginning for more such events in future. The damage to the forests seen earlier has now been considerably mitigated. THANK YOU.

24 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference Welcome Address by Dr. Anil Mainra Addl. PCCF and Convener Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, behalf of the Department to our Chief Hon’ble Speaker SLA , Hon’ble Minister Guest of today’s function Shri Pawan of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Chamling, the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Management, Tourism, Science and He has very kindly agreed to spare Technology, Mines and Geology, Hon’ble his valuable time out of his very busy Council of Ministers, Hon’ble Advisors, schedule at such a short notice. I am Hon’ble Members of Sikkim Legislative glad to inform you Sir that during the Assembly, Hon’ble Chairpersons, celebrations of Sikkim Year of Tourism, Hon’ble Zilla Adhyaksha, esteemed 2010, Forest Department has taken delegates from various countries, lead and organized International delegates from various states, Shri K.C. Rhododendron Conference as a part of Pradhan Rtd. CS, PCCF cum Secretary, International Rhododendron Festival. Senior Forest officers from other states, Inaugural function of the IRF was Secretaries of other Departments, other successfully held at Phuni, among senior government officials, Retired the blooming Rhododendrons in the forest officers, esteemed members Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary on of public, dear students, members of 25th April. Snippets of the IRF will be media fraternity, distinguished guests, shown shortly for the benefit of those ladies and gentlemen. who could not attend the function. It is my honor and privilege to extend I extend a warm welcome to Shri K. T. a heartiest note of welcome on Gyaltsen, Hon’ble Speaker SLA, who

25 has consented to be guest of Honor in India, 70% are reported from north- today’s function and has given his full eastern states, and Sikkim state alone cooperation and support for the IRF and has about 38 species. Therefore Sikkim this function here today. is known to be a haven for people who love this plant. Original samples taken I also welcome Hon’ble Minister from the different rhododendrons Shri Bhim Dhungel, Minister Forest, habitats from here find a pride of place Tourism, S&T and Mines and Minerals and act as tools of floristic research at and Geology on the occasion of this the Kew Herbarium of UK. Conference. Sir, you have been the constant motivating force for giving all Rhododendrons are viewed as of us in the Department the required indicators of ecosystem health of forest encouragement for organizing this areas as these plants offer niche for festival as well as the conference. several faunal species. Interestingly buds of Rhododendrons being highly I also extend welcome on behalf of the sensitive to climate variations can Department to all other Hon’ble Cabinet be taken as easy to handle tools for Ministers, Hon’ble Advisors, Hon’ble monitoring global warming. Concerns Members of SLA, Zilla Adhyaksha, over conservation and protection of Chairmen and all the delegates rhododendrons of the region have been of this conference which includes expressed very often and field works Rhododendrons experts from various in this direction are sometimes taken countries, senior forest officers and up by Forest managers without proper others experts from various states, our understanding of the issues involved in senior retired forest officers, members absence of inputs from scientists and of scientific community from GB Pant experts reaching them. Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, BSI, ICAR, Sikkim Theme of the conference, as you are all University, science faculty and students aware, is Conservation and Sustainable form various colleges of Sikkim and Use of Rhododendrons. Conservation North Bengal, friends from NGOs and includes in-situ and ex-situ conservation members of the media. both of which are equally important. In-situ conservation implies that the For today’s conference the experts and natural habitat of rhododendrons is fully scientists working on Rhododendrons, protected and conserved and should from different parts of the world viz. serve as gene pool for the species which Sweden, Germany, Finland, Netherland, is genetic heritage of the entire world. NZ, Norway, Denmark, Bhutan and India had confirmed their participation We have to initiate steps to take into but unfortunately due to volcanic confidence the local communities who eruptions participants from some of are living close to these resources to the countries could not make it. We protect and preserve them. Ex-situ also have amongst us here today senior conservation implies multiplication, forest officers from various states where hybridization and genetic manipulations Rhododendrons are found in natural of rhododendrons. We have amongst habitats. us prominent rhododendron breeders from India and abroad who will be I would like to inform the august sharing their experience and will guide gathering here that among the 80 us to strengthen our efforts for ex-situ species of rhododendrons found in conservation.

26 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

Sustainable use of rhododendrons is and sustainable use strategy for another equally important aspect. In Rhododendrons for the coming years. fact conservation can only be achieved if it is linked to socio economic In the end, I once again extend a development and livelihood security of very warm welcome to all delegates local populations. Local communities specially our Hon’ble Chief Minister and will protect forest only if they realize all Hon’ble dignitaries, delegates from that the forest is worth more to them foreign countries and other states that as a forest rather than as felled trees. have travelled such long distances and Non consumptive use of rhododendrons have reached here despite disrupted will include promotion of ecotourism flights. This truly reflects true dedication activities in the state and this has and commitment to conservation and potential for providing enormous protection of rhododendron. employment opportunities in the remote wilderness areas. I hope that your trip to Sikkim would be Forest managers, experts and scientists a memorable one. Although our officers in this field will be sharing a common have tried their best still there may platform to deliberate on strategies be some shortcomings with respect required for conservation and to logistics including accommodation, sustainable use of rhododendrons the transport and other facilities for which I world over and an Action plan required request you to kindly bear with us. in Indian scenario with emphasis on Sikkim rhododendrons will be prepared after deliberations. This will give us a frame work for our Conservation Thank you all.

27 International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Organized by: Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Venue: Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India (29th April 2010) PROGRAMME Registration: 9.00 - 9.30 am.

INAUGURAL SESSION (9.30-10.50 am)

09.30-09.35 Welcome Address – by Dr. Anil Mainra, APCCF 09.35-09.45 Keynote Address : Shri. S. T. Lachungpa, PCCF cum Secretary 09.45-10.00 An overview on Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons –Shri. K. C. Pradhan, Retired Chief Secretary 10:00-10:10 Address by Shri. Bhim Dhungel, Minister, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Tourism, Mines and Geology and Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim 10.10-10.25 Address by Shri. Pawan Chamling, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Sikkim 10.25-10.30 Vote of thanks –Shri. Mukund Srivastava

High Tea: 10:30-10:50 TECHNICAL SESSION II (11.40 am- 12.30 pm) TECHNICAL SESSION I (10.50 – 11.40 am) Phenological behaviour and climatic relationships and ecological adaptations of Diversity, distribution and habitats of rhododendrons rhododendrons Chairpersons: 1. Dr. A.R.K. Sastry, India; Chairpersons: 1. Mr. M.S. Viraraghavan; 2. Prof. Lau Trass, The Netherlands 2. Prof. Wolfgang Spethmann, Germany Speakers Speakers 1. Dr. Anders Falkstig (Sweden) 1. Dr. A.R.K. Sastry (India): Diversity, Rhododendrons species in Sweden and distribution and conservation of Indian Finland. Rhododendrons: Some aspects 2. Dr. Hemant K. Badola (India): 2. Prof. Lau Traas (The Netherlands): Phenology and climate responses in Rhododendron in Netherlands Himalayan rhododendrons 3. Dr. Rebecca Pradhan (Bhutan): Discussion: 10 minutes Wild rhododendrons of Bhutan Discussion: 10 minutes

28 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

TECHNICAL SESSION III Group II. Ex situ conservation (Coordinators: (12.30-1.30 pm) Mr. Mukund Srivastava, India and Dr. Anders Falkstig, Sweden) Sustainable use and conservation of rhododendrons Group III. Sustainable use (Coordinators: Ms. Bharti Mohanty, India and Chairpersons: 1. Dr. Hemant K. Badola, India; Dr. N.C. Bahuguna, India) 2. Dr. Anders Falkstig (Sweden) FINAL PRESENTATIONS by Exercising Speakers Groups: 3.30-4.30 pm 1. Prof. Wolfgang Spethmann (Germany): VALEDICTORY SESSION (4.30-5.30 pm) Rhododendrons in Germany and the German Rhododendron gene bank 1. Chairperson: Mr. M.S. Viraraghavan 2. Mr. M.S. Viraraghavan (India): Panel for discussion Rhododendron conservation and the protection of the habitat: perspectives 2. Prof. Wolfgang Spethmann from a south Indian tropical mountain 3. Dr. H.K. Badola eco-system 4. Prof. Lau Traas 5. Dr. A.R.K. Sastry 3. Mr. L.K. Rai (India): Conservation of 6. Dr. Anders Falkstig rhododendrons in Sikkim, India LUNCH BREAK: 1.30-2.15 pm Vote of Thanks GROUP EXERCISE FOR RECOMMENDING STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN: 2.15-3.30 pm Shri. Gut Lepcha (5.30 pm) Group I. In situ Conservation (Coordinators: Mr. Anjan Mohanty, India; Ms. Rebecca Pradhan, Bhutan)

29 TECHNICAL PAPERS 30 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Rhododendrons in Germany and the German Rhododendron gene bank Wolfgang Spethmann*, Gerlinde Michaelis and Hartwig Schepker Section Tree Nursery Science, Institute of Floriculture and Woody Plant Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Leibniz Universitat, Herrenhauser Str. 2, D-30419, Hannover, Germany *Board of Directors German Rhododendron Society since 1984 E-mail: [email protected]

*Invited Speaker In Germany only three rhododendron in Sikkim can be grown in Germany species are indigenous: Rhododendron outside in gardens and parks but some, hirsutum, R. ferrugineum and R. especially of lower elevations, can only tomentosum (in former years called be grown in greenhouses (Table 1). It is Ledum palustre). Single species not sure that the species are of Sikkim from North America and Southeast origin or from neighboring countries, Europe already were introduced at the because most species are in culture beginning of the 19th century. A first for many decades with no indication of planting of rhododendrons in Germany origin country. was documented for the castle park in Oldenburg in 1800. Very early After the Second World War another nurseries specialized in propagation of center for rhododendron nurseries and rhododendrons. The famous nursery breeders in Ammerland in Northern Seidel in Saxony already propagated Germany became important. Breeders 175.000 rhododendrons in 1887. In like Hobbie (R. forrestii var. repens, some generations the Seidel family R. williamsianum-hybrids), Bruns, bred more than 600 new cultivars. Heinje, Böhlje, Wieting and others started breeding and propagation of Sikkim is one of the most important rhododendrons. Near Pinneberg, the gene centers of Rhododendron. For the Hachmann nursery became famous first time, Sikkim rhododendrons were for its R. yakushimanum-hybrids. brought to Europe by Hooker in the Production of rhododendrons in middle of the 19th century. First they Germany increased from 3 million in came to Great Britain, then to central 1960, 10 million in 1980 to 20 million Europe and Scandinavia. These species in 2000. So rhododendron became the were hybridized very early and the new most important ornamental woody cultivars were used in gardens and plant genus for gardens and parks parks. Many rhododendrons indigenous besides the rose genus.

31 Table 1. Rhododendrons indigenous in Sikkim planted in a German garden and in the Rhododendron Park Bremen

Private garden Moser Rhododendron Park in Bremen Outside Planted in Most Only hardy planted greenhouse genotypes genotypes (botanika) R. aeruginosum x x R. anthopogon x x R. arboreum x R. arboreum var. campbelliae R. baileyi x R. barbatum x R. camelliiflorum x R. campanulatum x x R. campylocarpum x x R. ciliatum x x R. cinnabarinum x x R. dalhousiae x R. decipiens x R. edgeworthii x R. falconeri x R. fulgens x x R. glaucophyllum x x R. grande x R. griffithianum x R. hodgsonii x x R. lanatum x R. lepidotum x x R. lindleyi x R. maddenii x R. micromeres R. nivale x x (ssp. boreale) R. niveum x R. pendulum x R. pumilum x x R. setosum x R. sikkimense R. thomsonii x x R. triflorum x x R. vaccinoides x R. virgatum x R. wightii x x R. wallichii x

32 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

Table 2. Rhododendrons species and cultivars in Bremen

about 600 species incl. 110 Vireya • about 3.200 cultivars • 1550 elepidote hybrids, • 235 lepidote hybrids • 380 cvs. Tsutsusi Azaleas, • 500 cvs. Pentanthera Azaleas • 500 cvs. Simsii Azaleas

German Rhododendron Society physiology, morphology, systematic and especially plant biodiversity regarding Many friends of rhododendron joined the Convention of Biological Diversity is the German Rhododendron Society. offered. We count 850 members. The Society German Rhododendron Gene Bank financed many scientific projects with rhododendrons and the issue of Worldwide 28.000 rhododendron books about rhododendron. In 1992 cultivars are documented about 1000 the 5th International Rhododendron rhododendron species are known. The Conference was organized together result of 150 years of intensive breeding with the University of Hannover. In in Germany is thousands of cultivars. Mai 2010 the Society celebrates its Aim of the gene bank is an efficient, 75th anniversary combined with an long term securing of Rhododendron international conference. diversity in Germany. All activities should be concentrated in a decentral Rhododendron Park in Bremen network. All taxa and cultivars should The rhododendron park in Bremen is be conserved as living plants in the the largest rhododendron park in the participating collections. middle of Europe (46 ha) and shows the • German Gene Bank Rhododendron highest number of species and cultivars is a model and demonstration (Table 2) and is center of the German project of the German Gene Bank Rhododendron Society. of Ornamental Plants in the field of conservation and innovative Some years ago the Science center sustainable use of biological botanika with a 4000 m² exhibition diversity (Convention of Biological greenhouse was established. In the Diversity (CBD Rio)) greenhouse, rhododendrons which are too tender for outside were planted • It is financed by different ministries, together with natural companion plants agricultural chambers and German in a mountainous scenario with small Rhododendron Society hills and water. The highlight is the The field of activities is building up of the connection of plants with the culture of organization structure and conservation the origin countries. So in the Himalayan network, registration of all important part Buddhist elements are shown like Rhododendron collections in Germany, mani walls and a 6 m long laying bronze and the inventory of all species (taxa) Buddha. In the Science Center plant and cultivars (important for German life and botany is demonstrated with breeding work in future). The structure rhododendron as example. Soil, climate, of the Gene Bank is shown in Figure 1.

33

Information- and Coordination Center of Biological Diversity (Agric. Ministry)

Coordination by Agricultural Chamber Lower Saxony

Main collection Main collection Main collection Smain collection partners partner partner partner Horticultural Research Botanical Gardens, Nurseries, Private Rhododendron-Park Institute, Bad public gardens/parks collections Bremen Zwischenahn

supporting supporting supporting supporting supporting supporting partner partner partner partner partner partner n.n. n.n. n.n. n.n. n.n. n.n.

Figure 1. Structure of the German Gene Bank Rhododendron

110 rhododendron collections were in the Horticultural Research Institute registered in Germany; plant inventory in Bad Zwischenahn. The main partner lists show 50 collections. Regarding collections are distributed over all parts size and number of taxa/cultivars 36 of Germany. The other collections serve collections were chosen as main partner as supporting partners. collections. 7 are nurseries, 10 private collections, 13 botanical gardens, 6 public Two rhododendron specialists for species gardens. Most important collections are and cultivars visit each collection. The in the Rhododendron Park Bremen and labeling and the species/cultivar name

Table 3. Requirements to collection partners

Requirements Main collection Supporting partners partners Collection size min. 50 cultivars / species x X Structure of collection must be visible x X Plants sound and vital x X Routine and competent care x X Up to date documentation x X Correct labeling of plants x X Long term continuance of collection x Action against losses (Rejuvenation, x Propagation) Enlargement possible x

34 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

Table 4. Result of registration and verification in 2008 and 2009

Registration in Verification Inventory 50 collections (2008/2009) numbers in 17 collections German and 3850 2440 6700 international cvs. German cvs. 1240 890 species 600 240 760 Table 5. Highlights of registered partners (without Rhododendron Park Bremen, see Table1)

collection Taxa / species cultivars Horticultural Research Institute, Bad 160 1738 Zwischenahn Nursery Fredo Schröder, Wiefelstede 1500 Nursery Hans Hachmann, Barmstedt 33 716 Privat Garden Erhard Moser, Chemnitz 496 346 have to be checked. Digital photos of for cultivars. Outlook for the next years cultivars were taken and compared is to continue registration, inventory with photos in the data bank to make and evaluation of the lacking 19 main sure that labeling is correct. All species partner collections. The data bank were directly identified with keys. Plant will be available online soon and is data (habit, leaves, flowers etc.) were planned to enlarge the gene bank by documented. Plant data and photos Rhododendron simsii-cultivars. were transferred to the data bank, and each registered plant gets an inventory Ex situ conservation: number on a special label and in the For successful ex situ conservation data bank. all propagation methods should Some species/cultivars were found be improved. Experiences of mass in many collections, but some were propagation in western countries should found only in one or two collections be used. If possible seed propagation are suffering. These plants have to be should be preferred to maintain genetic propagated by cuttings or grafts to diversity. make sure that they grow in two or Planting different proveniences/ more collections. elevations of a species at one place Verification of a collection needs time, could be the base for phenological and the time for verification is only comparisons over years and for during the flowering time, especially following climate change.

35 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Diversity, distribution and conservation of Indian Rhododendrons: Some aspects

A.R.K. Sastry* Ex-Joint Director, Botanical Survey of India and Principal Investigator, DST Project on Indian Rhododendrons

*Invited Speaker

The genus Rhododendron Linn. in in sub-tropical, sub- temperate and India is represented by 92 species, temperate forests in association with 8 subspecies and 9 varieties totaling to mosses, lichens, ferns, aroids, orchids, 109 taxa in India. species of other Ericaceous genera like Vaccinium and Agapetes. Diversity and Ecology Some other small shrubs and shrub-lets The species (taxa) exhibit considerable of Rhododendron species often grow as diversity and variation in their habit, lithophytes on moss and lichen covered hardiness, habitat requirements, rock boulders in alpine screes, meadows altitude, gradient, scales, indumentum, and mountain cliffs. The species are inflorescence size, flower-size, shape, seen growing in the altitudes ranging colour and other aspects. They range from small prostrate shrublets ranging from 1,000 – 6,000 m with R.arboreum from 1 – 1.5 m in length with tiny appearing first in the lower altitudes leaves measuring 3 – 6 x 2 – 4 mm from 1,000 m onwards. It is R.nivale as in R. nivale subsp. nivale; to shrubs subsp. nivale that is recorded from the of 2 – 6 m high, and trees up to 30 m highest ever altitude growing in the tall with leaves up to 1m length as in snowline areas between 5,800 – 6,000 the case of R.sinogrande; R.grande and m in Sikkim. Many of this species grow R.falconeri to a lesser degree. Many as under growth in the altitudes of 2,500 species are shrubs or small trees. The – 4,500 m in dense forests associated shape and colour of flowers vary widely with Oaks, Michelias, Magnolias, Acers, sometimes with colour variation in the Laurels and Pines etc. same species. Rhododendron species prefer well Majority of the Rhododendron species drained acidic loamy soils loaded with in India are terrestrial; about 15 species humus while some of the species in are sub- shrubs growing as epiphytes the alpine areas grow in sheltered wet on evergreen, broad-leaved large trees gravelly sands along the mountain

36 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

streams and rivers. Seedlings of ‘leaf-buds’ at apices of branchlets to R. arboreum and some such other effectively enclose and protect the inner species are usually seen along freshly growth buds which remain dormant cut moist exposed hill sides. Other during the harsh snowy winter nights shrubby species like R. anthopogon, and bright sunny days. The leaves of R. lepidotum, R. hodgsonii etc. are young species are thick and leathery often found growing in large pure and often with a waxy coating or bloom and mixed populations in the high altitudes are rolled inwards along their margins associated with Junipers, Abies and to minimize exposure to snow and Bamboo forming ‘Rhododendron damage during adverse seasons. Many thickets’. other species are clothed with dense To withstand snowy winters, indumentum or scales which protect Rhododendron species produce tightly the young plant parts and reproductive overlapping thick scales forming bodies.

37 38 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference lacerate, undulate, vesicular, stalked, prime centre of diversity and evolution sessile, and are in contiguous or dis- of the genus. contiguous patterns of the distribution usually with golden-brown, black, dark Distribution in India brown shades. Similarly the seeds of Of the 109 taxa that occur in India, a different species also show variation few species are distributed throughout and have been broadly classified into the Himalayas from Jammu- Kashmir Alpine type (R. cinnabarinum), epiphytic to Arunachal Pradesh (Table 1). The type (R. vaccinioides, R. santapaui) and Western Himalayan region from J & forest type (R. falconeri) and are usually K to Uttaranchal has only 6 species very small with scanty endosperm. while the Eastern Himalayan region The seeds of R. vaccinioides and R. comprising Sikkim, Darjeeling and santapaui are drawn into long tails on Arunachal Pradesh is represented by 75 either side characteristic of the species species with maximum species diversity of section Vireya. in Arunachal Pradesh especially in its Global distribution eastern most part which lies contiguous with Xizang Plateau, S.E China and Over a 1000 species are recorded all Northern Myanmar. The forested hills over the world and are chiefly found in in the N.E. India account for about 10 the N. Hemisphere. Maximum species taxa of which 6 species are endemic. concentration is seen in areas where the Only R. arboreum subsp. nilagiricum eastern Himalaya, the Xizang Plateau endemic to Nilgiris and other nearby and the mountain ridges of Myanmar mountain regions in Peninsular India is and S.W China meet. Some other a lone migrant from the Himalayas. species are found in Arctic region. The tropical or the Malaysian species which It should be borne in mind that many are mostly grouped under the section species are common to some or most Vireya of the subgenus Rhododendron of the distribution areas / states in are distributed in the area between and the above 3 geographical regions or including the Malay Peninsula extending biogeographic zones. up to the Northern tip of Australia Threats and conservation with their concentration and greatest density and diversity on the island of Extensive natural and man made New Guinea. N.W. Yunnan in China with alterations of Rhododendron habitats more than 500 species is treated as the and excessive dependence on some

Table 1. Distribution of the genus Rhododendron in India

Biogeo-graphic Western Himalaya Eastern Himalaya North East India Peninsular Zone India State J&K Himachal Uttarakhand Sikkim Darjeeling Arunachal Meghalaya Manipur Nagaland Mizoram Nilgiris Pradesh Pradesh Species 6 5 5 34 13 75 1 5 2 2 0 Subsp. 1 1 1 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 Vars. 0 0 0 2 2 7 2 3 1 0 0

39 40

Altitude Range Some representative Rhododendrons Snow R. nivale ssp. nivale peaks setosum, lepidotum, chaemaethomsonii, fulgens, campanulatum, campylocarpum, 5800 m calostrotum Alpine dwarf Rhodo. spp. & Squat conifers thomsonii, campanulatum, camelliflorum, 4200 m wallichii, crinigerum, falconeri, 4100 m cinnabarinum, collettianum, cephalanthum, Ecotone lanatum, baileyi, barbatum, calostrotum, Mixed Rhododendron maddenii, vaccinioides, anthopogon, keysii, thickets fulvum, hookeri, hodgsonii, lepidotum, ciliatum, barbatum Species Sub-alpine Rhododendron- conifer forests 3600 m 3500 m anthopogon, hodgsonii, arizelum, vaccinioides, wightii, beenianum, calostrotum, camelliiflorum, lindleyi, Ecotone campanulatum, arboreum, campylocarpum, concinnoides, housiae,dal subansiriense, edgeworthii, santapaui, macabeanum, wattii, arb.ssp delavayi var. peramoenum, kendrickii, ciliatum, barbatum, elliottii, falconeri, arboreum, arb. ssp. cinnamomeum, Temperate moist broad-leaved-Conifer dalhousiae, grande, griffithianum, hookeri, boothii, Species 2200 m forests 2000 m coxianum, johnstoneanum, walongense, xanthostephanum

Ecotone 1000 m arboreum, formosum var. inaequale, 800 m Species Sub-tropical moist mixed broad-leaved dendricola, nuttallii, veitchianum etc. forests arboreum ssp. nilagiricum arboreum ssp. arboreum Ecotone 0 m None in India Tropical wet evergreen broad-leaved forests Species Diagrammatic representation of some Rhododendron species in different vegetation zones in the Himalayas & N.E. India; some with wide altitudinal amplitude. Maximum species36 are found in Temperate - sub-alpine altitudes PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference species for fuel wood purposes are the of Asiatic species. Though many species main factors that have rendered many from the Himalaya are in cultivation of them to become rare and vulnerable in the Western countries, not enough and loose their presence in several care is taken with regard to the species places in their distribution range. Some in their natural habitats in India. The species are naturally rare, sporadic and Sikkim Forest Department’s initiative to endemic in their occurrence with niche designate and protect Rhododendron preference as in the case of epiphytic rich areas near Yumthang and Barsey species. Road building activities, as ‘Rhododendron sanctuaries’ is a shifting agricultural practices, clear laudable step for insitu conservation of felling of large associated trees in some species. The Shingba sanctuary Rhododendron-mixed forests have also protects the locally growing species. brought about ecological degradation Many of the Rhododendron species of Rhododendron habitats and species can be grown in the Himalayan region population. Natural calamities like in sheltered areas with well drained, deficient or excessive rainfall, hot, dry humus rich, moisture holding, acidic and prolonged summers and snowy soils with pH in the range of 4 – 5.5 winters, landslides and forest fires also under the shade of broad-leaved forests take a toll of the species that grow in the that offer desired filtered sunlight. high altitudes. These adverse factors They can also be propagated from negatively influence germination and seeds and cuttings. There is an urgent regeneration of several species. need to develop Arboreta of different Rhododendron species in Sikkim and Rhododendron species also suffer from Arunachal Pradesh to conserve and pathogenic fungal diseases. 10 rust undertake further research in Ecology fungi have been reported on the leaves and Horticulture.

41 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Finnish experience on Himalayan rhododendrons: climate responses

Osmo Jussila*1, Kristian Theqvist1 and Anu Väinölä12 1Finnish Rhododendron Society, 2University of Helsinki, Finland *Invited Speaker (in absentia)

Climatic parameters of Southern snow depth ranges from about 65 cm in Finland Southern Finland to 110 cm in the north being in average 27 cm in Helsinki. Finland is one of the northernmost countries in Europe, situated between The growing season in Finland is short latitudes 60 °N and 70 °N. The climate and cool. Low temperature sum is of Finland is cold-temperate and major limiting factor for agriculture in relatively mild given to its geographical Finland. For example culture of corn, position. In addition to drastic day rice or grapevine is either unthinkable length variation during the year, our or economically too hazardous. climate is influenced by two major Baseline for growing degree days GDD factors: the Atlantic Ocean on the calculation is 5°C and average GDD in west and the Eurasian continent on Helsinki is 1366. the east. It has both maritime and continental characteristics depending Finland and its adjacent areas, on the direction of airflow. Air masses including large parts of Sweden and that originate from the Atlantic Ocean Russia, lie in the southern boreal region bring cool summers and mild winters. (SB), only the southwestern coast of Every now and then the continental air Finland belongs to hemiboreal region masses from Russia and polar region (HB), which is an intermediate zone flow to Finland. In winter this leads between boreal and temperate region. to very cold and dry weather and the Coniferous trees predominate in the temperature can drop as low as to hemiboreal zone but there are also a -35°C even in most sheltered parts on significant number of deciduous species the southern coast. such as oaks, maples, ash trees, birches and hazels. Most of the Finnish The rainfall is almost evenly distributed Rhododendron collections are located in throughout the year and is on average this area. 600-700 mm per year. In Southern Finland 50% of precipitation falls in the On USDA Plant hardiness zone map growing season. Annual maximum most of the southern Finland belongs to

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USDA zone 5 (average minimum -23.3 Evaluation of cold hardiness … -28.9°C), only southwestern corner of some Sikkim Rhododendron and archipelago to zone 6 (average species minimum -17.8 … -23.3°C). Finland has also its own hardiness zone map, but Introduction of Sikkim rhododendrons in our presentation we’d like to refer to to European gardens began already on USDA map as it provides an easy and the 19th century by Englishmen Dr. J. well known guideline for categorizing D. Hooker and Dr. A. Campbell among plants for an average winter. others. Most of the species thrive in maritime climate on the coasts of the Introducing plant material for Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. In terms Finnish gardens of USDA hardiness zones these areas belong to zone 9 with an average If we like to find new plants from other minimum temperature of - 7°C. parts of the world to be introduced in our country, we should locate plants The hardiest species from high altitude in Sikkim have been introduced also to that can tolerate low temperature sums more continental locations in Europe. and short growing seasons. In addition Largest collections in Germany, Great to low winter temperatures, effective Britain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden temperature sum and the length of include species like Rhododendron the growing season, photoperiod campanulatum, R. campanulatum has a profound effect on plant life in ssp. aeruginosum, R. wallichii, R. general. At high latitudes the light campylocarpum, R. thomsonii, R. climate is very different from that of nivale and R. pumilum. In recent years other parts of the world with similar even more tender species from Sikkim low winter temperatures, for example have been introduced to West European in mountains. collections and gardens which belong to the transient zone from maritime to The photoperiod affects the duration of continental climate and USDA zone 8 vegetative growth. Growth continues (-12°C) and 7 (-17°C). Beyond Zone for longer during the long days in the 7 there are very few Rhododendron north than during short days further species from Sikkim living in European collections. south. Secondly, winter survival of trees and shrubs is often primarily dependent Rhododendrons in Finland on the proper timing of acclimation in the fall and de-acclimation in the In Finland we have very little experience of Sikkim Rhododendron species. spring. In many plants the acclimation Apparently the first introductions of itself is initiated by photoperiod, Sikkim species occurred on the eve of first as cessation of growth and then the Second World War and because of as development of dormancy. Only hard winters in the 1940’s and Russian genotypes that acquire adequate frost occupation of the most ambitious resistance before the winter are able to collection of that time, interest to the survive. Himalayan Rhododendron species

43 waned for decades. In our most new winter hardy cultivars bred at the renowned collection of rhododendrons University of Helsinki. Rhododendrons at Arboretum Mustila 60° 44’ N, 26° are now available also for people living 29’ E, (60m), southeastern Finland in central and north-central Finland (USDA Zone 4) there are hundreds of up to 65 °N. Furthermore, winters rhododendrons with some 30 species in Finland have become milder and from around the world, mainly from summers longer and warmer. This Japan, Northern China, Korea, Russia, climate change permits people to Europe and North America. There are successfully experiment with species no plants from Sikkim. and clones which were outright killed in the 1940’s and the 1950’s. Not until the 1960’s Finns began to collect again decorative plants for their Our own experiences gardens. From that time we have at least R. campylocarpum and R. Our own experiences of species from campanulatum as mature specimens Southern Himalayan range are also in some gardens. In the 1970’s Turku rather limited. Osmo Jussila’s (OJ) Botanical Garden made an expedition garden lies in Naantali and Kristian to Nepal and since then a few R. Theqvist’s (KT) garden on an island in the campanulatum specimens are still living Turku Archipelago, both in southwestern in its collection. Since the late 1990’s coast of Finland. Minimum temperature Finland has experienced gardening during the last 20 years has been renaissance and Rhododendron are -28°C (OJ) or -26°C (KT) and average among the most favored families minimum temperature of last 18 years nowadays. Reasons for that are for is -20.6°C thus leading the area to example advance in education and USDA zone 6. Table 1 provides details economical wealth and joining European of rhododendron species experimented Union with its open borders, but also the in Finland by Osmo Jussila.

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Table 1. Rhododendron species, experimented in Finland by Osmo Jussila

Species Year of Year of Year of Source purchase transplant1 exitus R. arboreum cw 1999 2001 2003 Lähteenmäki, Nepal R. arboreum op 1999 2001 2003 SRS Sweden R. arizelum op 2001 2004 2005 Scotland R. campanulatum blue cp 1999 2001 RF, Denmark R. campanulatum cw 1999 2001 Lähteenmäki, Nepal R. campylocarpum ssp. 2001 2001 Scotland caloxanthum R. grande op 2000 Scotland R. hodgsonii cp 2000 2002 ARS USA R. lanatum 2004 2007 Glendoick R. lepidotum 1993 1994 1995 SRS Pakistan R. macabeanum 2001 Scotland R. macabeanum cp 1998 ARS USA R. nivale ssp. nivale 2001 2001 ? Växus, Sweden R. pumilum cw 2004 2004 ARS, India R. semnoides op 2001 Scotland R. thomsonii op 1999 2002 SRS, Sweden R. tsariense ‘Yum Yum’ 2004 2007 Glendoick, Scotland R. tsariense op 2001 Scotland R. wallichii cp 1996 1999 2003 ARS, India R. wightii op 2001 Scotland 1Species with no entry on the Year of transplant column were either killed before planting or are in some cases retained in a winter-storage and used for hybridization. - Those written in bold are still alive.

Most of OJ’s experiments with southern had its first flowers, is presumably a Himalayan species have been short- hybrid, and thus it is not correct to say, lived. However, there are some that R. thomsonii would be hardy in exceptions: R. campanulatum, R. Finland. According to the ARS hardiness thomsonii and rather surprising even rating R. wallichii should be as hardy R. hodgsonii have survived several as R. campanulatum (-21°C), but was killed after a harsh winter 2002/2003. winters in Naantali. On the other hand, R. arboreum seems to be too tender for Almost all of KT’s rhododendrons from our climate. R. thomsonii, which is now the Southern Himalayan range are approximately one meter high and has still small seedlings. They have been

45 Table 2. Rhododendron species with their source, experimented by Kristian Theqvist (species that have survived transplanted in the garden several winters are written in bold)

Species Year of Year of Source sowing transplant R. aeruginosum cw 2006 SRS, Sikkim, Yumthang, 4300 m R. aeruginosum, low alpine 2006 ARS, DK Expedition to Sikkim, form cw 4700 m R. anthopogon cw 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4100 m R. campanulatum cw 2002 Lähteenmäki, Nepal, 3900 m R. campanulatum cw 2006 SRS, Sikkim, Yumthang, 4300 m R. campylocarpum cw 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4100 m R. fulgens cw 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4000 m R. hodgsonii cw 2005 2008 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 3960 m R. lepidotum cw 2005 2008 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4200 m R. nivale var. nivale cw 2006 ARS, DK Expedition to Sikkim, 4700 m R. pumilum cp 2005 2008 ARS, Ole Jonny Larsen, Norway R. pumilum 2006 Hachmann, Germany R. setosum cw 2006 ARS, DK Expedition to Sikkim, 4700 m R. thomsonii cw 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4100 m R. tsariense 2004 Hvidbjerg Planteskole, Denmark R. tsariense Poluninii Group 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4178 m cw R. tsariense var. trimoense 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4268 m aff. cw R. wallichii cw 2006 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4100 m R. wightii cw 2007 RHS, Arunachal Pradesh, 4100 m grown from seed batches from various with many species (Table 2). seed exchanges. R. campanulatum, R. Using Sikkim Rhododendron tsariense and R. pumilum have thrived species in hybridizing as planted in the forest garden without any damage for several years. At least Several Sikkim rhododendron species some seedlings of all batches are alive. have been used in hybridizing with hardy Kristian Theqvist has experimented rhododendrons by the Rhododendron

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Table 3. Rhododendron species used in Finnish hybridization

Species Used in Finnish hybridization, crossed with

R. arboreum brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii R. barbatum brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii, ‘Hellikki’, ‘Mikkeli’, ‘P.M.A. Tigerstedt’, ‘Pekka’ R. campanulatum ‘Haaga’, ‘Kullervo’, ‘Mikkeli’ R. campylocarpum ‘Elsie’, ‘Kullervo’, ‘Mikkeli’, ‘P.M.A. Tigerstedt’ R. cinnabarinum ssp. tomentosum cinnabarinum R. cinnabarinum ssp. tomentosum xanthocodon R. edgeworthii tomentosum R. falconeri ‘P.M.A. Tigerstedt’ x (hodgsonii x falconeri) R. grande brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii, ‘Helsinki University’, ‘Pekka’ R. hodgsonii ‘Hellikki’, ‘Kullervo’, ‘Mauritz’, ‘P.M.A. Tigerstedt’, ‘Pekka’ R. lindleyi tomentosum, dauricum R. thomsonii brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii, brachycarpum, (brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii x smirnowii), smirnowii, ‘Elsie’, ‘Hellikki’ R. wightii ‘Mikkeli’, ‘P.M.A. Tigerstedt’

Society members Osmo Jussila, The most important seed partners are Kristian Theqvist and Jaakko Saarinen R. brachycarpum var. tigerstedtii, R. as a hobby. The hybridizing team smirnowii, R. tomentosum and hardy makes crosses between rhododendrons Finnish cultivars. The results obtained with desired characteristics (red or so far are encouraging although the yellow flowers, large leaves, attractive plant material from those crosses is still indumentum) and species or hybrids too young for evaluation. which are hardy in Finland (Table 3).

47 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010 Phenology and climate responses in Himalayan rhododendrons

Hemant K. Badola* G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, PO Box-40, Gangtok, Sikkim 737 101(Campus: Pangthang), India E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] *Invited Speaker

The Climate change and global warming natural resources can retain their are well acknowledged alarming natural forms. Perpetual availability phenomenon today, threatening of natural resources, including the natural resources, commonly and fresh water and food, is under threat beyond the political boundaries of the in coming time. In the south-Asian nations worldwide. In the 20th century, sub-region, especially the Himalayan global average temperature increased ecological system is the most sensitive to 0.6+0.2 0C; however, global air to climate (Figure 1) change and temperature is predicted to rise 1.8 global warming. Himalaya comprises of to 4.0 0C over the current century 33000 Km2 of melting glaciers, which (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate are considered vulnerable to global Change, 2007). The deteriorating warming. In coming decades several impacts of changes, on natural glaciers in Himalayan region are likely resources, due to global warming to retreat, whereas, the smaller glaciers have been seen, drastically, in recent may disappear entirely (IPCC, 2007a; times. These changes can be examined 2007b). on physical and biological resources/ systems, taking appropriate indicators From the biodiversity point of view, there using scientific tools. The resulting are many impacts of climate change impacts of global climate change can which often be observed in natural as earlier be looked at in various physical well as man made eco-systems, such systems (glaciers, rivers, lakes, etc.) as, the earlier onset of spring events in and biological systems (biodiversity biological species, lengthening growing components, plant phenology, season in plants, etc. Studies on the habitats, etc.) worldwide. Particularly, shifts in timing and lengthening of the the terrestrial biodiversity depicts growing season, based on phenological, consistently the perceived and observed satellite and climatological observations trends and changes. However, under have increased in recent times; the on-going changing environmental evidence points to a lengthening of the scenario, especially global warming, growing season of ca. 10–20 days in there is limited probability that the the last few decades, where an earlier

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Figure 1. Himalayan ecosystem is the most sensitive to climate change onset of the start is most prominent, resources, especially those of high value such extension of the growing season and/or endemic or rare and already has been associated with recent recognized threatened taxa. global warming (Linderholm, 2006). Various fragmentations are reasonably Influence of the climate on biota noticeable, such as forest fragmentation, In living organisms the distributional habitat degradation, species loss, and change, mainly of those geographical alterations in crop cycle and increasing susceptibility for pests and diseases, ranges are controlled by temperature etc., which eye encounters easily. can be used in predicting global Unseen resource fragmentations are warming (Walther et al., 2003). For there, such as varying adaptability and having a series of climatically highly altered seasonal biological rhythms changeable zones fall within short of wild taxa, etc. The variability in distances and altitudinal differences, ‘adaptation mechanism’ of species the Himalayas display diverse micro- against the shifting environments, habitats and potentially rich biodiversity. either the result of global warming or Simultaneously, however, Himalayan by means of local factors, is a quiet Mountains and associated areas are process, which exercises negative greatly sensitive to global warming pressures on the existence of genetic and markedly display the signatures

49 of landscapes’ degradation and habitat by seasonal environmental factors, fragmentation (Xu and Wilkes, 2004). such as temperature and precipitation, In case of high altitude plants especially etc. (Badola, 1994; Jeffrey et al., 2009), of Himalaya, even minor changes in offers a high-temporal resolution of on- microclimate may exert a possible going changes using their date wise impact on the species distribution and records (Menzel et al., 2001; 2006) survival (Purohit, 2002). Widespread is well acknowledged as one of the reporting on the upward movement most preferred indicators of climate of the tree line and encroachment of change. In temperate climates, plant woody vegetation on alpine meadows phenology is intricately linked to the due to global warming are on hand variation in weather on short term (Eriksson et al., 2009). (days to weeks) and in climate on long term (years to centuries), supply The insects are exceedingly sensitive to back to the atmosphere and climate changes in temperatures; their life cycle, system, and influences the ecological activities; phenology and even survival interactions at multiple scales from are influenced by the temperature individual to community to ecosystem (Karban and Strauss, 2004). A lot of high and trophic (producers to consumers) altitude medicinal herbs could be very levels (Jeffrey et al., 2009. sensitive to high temperature for their susceptibility towards insect infestation The bud phenology of trees, especially (Badola and Butola, 2005). Over decade of rhododendrons (Figure 2), may of experiments on several Himalayan provide vital information on the timings plants, I have personally recorded of phenological events, necessary for the high altitude taxa when brought tree improvement, important to tree to low and warmer altitudes during physiologists and siliviculturists, and cultivation and domestication, attain give essential clues to develop climate early flowering; however, owing to rapid driven simulations (models), helpful growth and development, the fruits do to predict climate change in long not mature enough and get aborted run. Determined by the genetics and and/or infested with the insects (Badola, environmental factors, phenology is 2002); similar preliminary observations relatively a less costlier and simple to are in notice on rhododendrons. Also, handle as one of the potential tools to the shifts in the timing of flowering and match global warming pattern (Menzel fruiting have been observed in case of et al., 2006, Badola, 2009), which may Himalayan rhododendrons in central match the warming pattern, both at part and Himachal Pradesh of Indian location specific areas as well as at wider Himalaya over a decade each and in level, across countries, using individual Sikkim for over half a decade (Badola; species to a group of species. Different unpublished. species may attain greater resilience Phenology - an indicator of climate to global warming. Phenology of plants change is greatly sensitive to climatic factors (Badola et al., 1992; Badola, 1994).A Phenology, the discipline of the timing of slightest change in global warming can recurring biological events, influenced likely be detected by using phenology.

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Figure 2. Rhododendron buds- highly appropriate tool providing important clues on climate change (Photo by: H.K. Badola)

Systematic recording of phenology was 1998 and over 15 percent between 2005 led by Europe in 19th century onwards, and 2006, which showed a tremendous which is however, least practiced in interest of using phenology as indicator south-east Asian countries. Mostly, of climate change. For China, Zheng the phenological data were available et al. (2002) assessed the change of in old records pertain to horticultural plant phenophase in spring and the recording in orchards by amateur impact of climate warming on the plant practitioner, not by the scientists in phenophase for the last 40 years, using general. One of the good examples data from 26 stations in the ‘Chinese of using long years’ phenological ‘Phenology Observation Network’ on data was on Betula pendula, where plant phenology, and showed that the Hari and Hakkinen (1991) used the response of phenophase advance (or phenology time series especially on delay) to temperature change was non- bud burst date of period from 1907 to linear. 1950 and assessed that temperature sum predicted the date of bud burst. Worldwide, in several countries, Out of total publications appeared phenological observations are used on phenology and climate change to monitor global warming for several worldwide during 1997 to 2006, about decades by establishing phenological 5 percent appeared between 1997 and gardens and other stations. There

51 are phenological network data sets Rhododendrons in China represent a are available and being managed large reservoir of 571 species, including periodically in the present time (Menzel 409 endemics. In eastern sub-region et al., 2006). A massive interpretation of Himalaya, rhododendron rich part of phenological data sets, obtained is north-east India, especially the for the year between 1971 and 2000, Arunachal Pradesh with 61 species, the of 542 plant and 19 animal species, Sikkim representing 36 species and from 21 European countries, including Darjeeling hill maintains 12 reported 14 international phenological Gardens, species. For India, only 80 species indicated the advancement of 78% of Rhododendrons are known. Nepal events, with an average advance of represents over 30 species and Bhutan 2.5 days/decade of spring/summer has 46 reported species; the later is in Europe during the year 1969- particularly more affluent in terms of a 1976 (Menzel et al., 2006). There are smaller geographical area. At the same examples include few identified Indian time, species such as Rhododendron Himalayan taxa (including medicinal arboreum (national flower of Nepal), herbs and rhododendrons) and R. niveum (state flower of Sikkim), etc experienced gained worldwide, which have been given due honour by various can be helpful addressing phenological Governments. monitoring programme on climate change in Himalaya, especially Sikkim. The Rhododendron arboreum (Gurans/ Amongst identified taxa, rhododendrons Burans) is a beautiful scarlet flowering offer one of the potential resource to tree and a key stone species of monitor global warming and climate Himalayan forests (Figure 3), and change. besides having medicinal properties, the petals of the flowers are used for Why rhododendrons? making health juice (Badola, 1992) and to stop excessive bleeding in female For centuries Rhododendrons have when mixed with water (Pradhan fascinated the world, with a total diversity of approximately 960 species. The vast section of southeastern Asia, extending from northwestern Himalayas (Nepal, Sikkim, eastern Tibet, Bhutan, Arunanchal Pradesh, northern Myanmar and western and central China), and subsequently southward through Thailand and Vietnam to the Malay Sates, Indonesia and the Philippine islands, about ninety percent of world’s rhododendron wealth found in this region (Leach, 1961). The western China alone represents about 542 species, of that 227 species are Figure 3. Rhododendron arboreum, a key stone species of Himalayan forests and potential candidate recorded from Yunnan-China (Fang, for monitoring global warming 1999). (Photo by H.K. Badola)

52 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference and Badola, 2008), etc. However, the over a long stretch between the years efforts for rhododendron conservation 1885 and 2002, and revealed that are relatively bleak, as the wood of the the current flowering dates averaged plant is a very good source of fuel and nearly eight days earlier over the last in addition, the habitat degradation 100 years; they further suggested the in many areas has already shown the sensitivity of plants towards warmer sign of its heavy depletion. The Sikkim, temperatures especially in the months on the other hand, a state has given of February to May. full protection to the rhododendrons, mainly by establishing two unique Rhododendrons- Phenology and rhododendron sanctuaries, viz. Singba climate response Barsey (Badola and Pradhan, 2009), In trees, phenology differs to a besides Khangchendzonga Biosphere limited degree as a consequence Reserve, which is a home for many of regular variations between the rhododendron species. Rhododendrons individuals; and a larger degree within play a great role in ecological stability geographical distribution of the species. of ecosystems, as the indicators of Rhododendrons have great vertical forest health, and sensitive to climatic spread in their distribution in natural variability (Badola and Paliwal, 1987; habitats in Himalaya; for example, R. Badola et al., 1992, Badola, 1994). campanulatum and R. wallichi goes up Owing to stunning colour range and large to 4150 m.a.s.l., where temperature size of flowers, and also of the seasonal may occur <)-150C. In rhododendrons, colouration of leaves, a typical light spring bud burst can be observed green hue during bud flushing, etc, i.e. several days later in individuals growing all high grade phenological expressions, at higher altitude than in individuals the rhododendron populations are from lower elevations (Badola, 1994). easily distinguishable in fascinating The other very suitable example is landscapes (Badola and Pradhan, 2010) and that make convenient to Rhododendron arboreum, which is monitor broad phenological changes distributed in W Guizhou, S Xizang, at community level, both through Bhutan, N-E India, Kashmir, Nepal, conventional methods or by taking N Thailand, N Vietnam, thus covering help of remote sensing data. Even data a diversified and wide landscape; and record from arboretum and herbarium high sensitivity of buds (of meristematic sheets help understanding long term cells) for flushing and flowering towards fluctuations in the phenological dates a slight change in weather conditions in relation to changing climate figures offers it as ideal taxa for monitoring over time. climate change on long term basis. The characteristic flexible vertical Primack et al. (2004) made a comparison distribution limits of R. arboreum, of existing flowering dates of identified ranging from sub-tropical to high alpine individuals, in 10 native genera including zones (average, 1500-4000m), thus Rhododendron growing in the Arnold sustaining maximum temperature Arboretum (Boston), with available limits of all rhododendron species and herbarium records on flowering time grows even where frost is not frequent

53 (Vetaas, 2000), and consequently this In early spring, the buds in temperate species becomes immensely suitable trees, externally looked dormant, in fact candidate to be used in monitoring undergo speedy cell division many weeks climate change and global warming. prior to swelling or sprouting initiated in temperate trees (Owens 1984; Badola The R. arboreum is an indicator species and Paliwal, 1987; Badola, et al., 1992; and important forest element. As the Badola, 1994). Internally, in case of R. arboreum commonly found in north- R. arboreum, the buds when undergo western, central and north-eastern winter dormancy accumulate high parts of Indian Himalaya, it provides amount of insoluble polysaccharides an interesting example of phenological (starch) and tannins and on the variations within time limits along onset of spring, when temperature altitudes. The developmental events rises, the tannin (hydrolysable type) following spring bud flushing turns gets fragmented and starch granules overblown and leads to rapid changes dissolved and utilizes as energy at higher elevations, comparing to source for metabolic process helping those at lower altitudes; here, all bud morphogenesis (Badola and Paliwal, phenological events have a bearing 1986; 1987). Such a temperature with various climatic factors (Badola determined bud awakening is crucial for and Paliwal, 1987). It is interesting to spring shoot growth and blooming, as know that R. arboreum exhibits several one of the marked phenological phase. levels of ecological adaptabilities, i.e. In most of the rhododendrons, especially adopting large size tree habit at low in R. arboreum (Badola and Paliwal, temperate to dwarf habit at alpine 1987), R. grande and R. dalhousiae region. Temperature governs growth (Badola, unpublished), the temperature patterns are highly indicative of determined shoot elongation appear as phenological expressions at different a result of internal elongation between altitudinal zones, which can be taken as leaf primordial and partly between bud an indicator of periodical climate related scales, which in turn vividly expressed monitoring. Very high eco-climatic morphologically. These events year to adaptability is an indicative that this year are correlated with climatic data, species may sustain global warming up especially temperature. to greater extent. At the time of spring, rising temperature The eyes normally presume the spring also reactivate the cambium, which growth with the event of bud sprouting indicates a firm relationship between or flushing in temperate species, which bud phenology and trunk growth, form robust winter buds; however, which further govern by climatic factors in actual a conspicuous changes in (Figure 4); the relationship between metabolic level, expressing mild bud bud phenology and temperature is swelling, occur within apical shoots significant; here, it is interesting that especially in the bud scales and there is nuclear area/ cell area in basal pith region especially in case of the buds indicate the temperature rhododendron (Badola and Paliwal, stimulated mitotic activity (Badola et 1987; Badola et al., 1992). al., 1992; Badola, 1994).

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Figure 4. Bud phenology and climate response in Rhododendron arboreum (Modified,based on Badola et al., 1992; Badola, 1994) Weather sensitive species, the eco-system and rich forests (commonly Rhododendron dalhousiae, aesthetically found) in eastern sub-region (India), acclaimed worldwide and widely is another potential candidate for distributed in Nepal, India (Darjeeling, the phenological monitoring of global Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan warming, as discussed (Figure 5). and China (S. Xizang), is experienced Here, author has investigated the bud as an indicator species of healthy forest sproutings (both vegetative and floral)

55 are significantly correlated with both Conclusion maximum and minimum temperature (Badola, unpublished). The warming of climate may cause change in several levels in plants. The early There are other rhododendron species flowering but loss of mature fruiting or too, which show vital clues for their aborted fruiting or infestation of insects distribution range and for adapting on fruits; or viability loss of developed to climatic conditions invariably. The seeds or empty seeds due to faster cases of R. maddenii and R. grande rate of development over naturally slow are there. Recently, using phenological development in natural temperature expression, a new massive population are bound to be encountered. Many was explored in north Sikkim, where of the rhododendrons, especially of number of plants were estimated to high altitude zones, are very sensitive be as high as 0.14 million within 10 to specific climatic conditions and may be susceptible to slight change in hectare area, thus questioning the temperature. rarity and endangerment of the species, envisaged if any (Badola and Pradhan, In recent years, global warming and 2010); however, study interpreted with climate change have emerged as these gregarious population with global unprecedented truth; consequences of warming and recommended the need which the world is bound to face, unless for more explorations covering wide some sound mechanism is placed at wilderness, relatively un-explored in policy level (implementation) and by Sikkim and elsewhere in Himalaya. following scientifically based guidelines.

Figure 5. Rhododendron dalhousiae in Sikkim, a potential candidate for phenology based monitoring of climate change (Photo by H.K. Badola)

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Due to global warming various perceived • Install the Automatic Weather and observed trends and alterations are Station at each altitude zone. depicted in terrestrial biodiversity. • Establishment of permanent The paper concludes, spring monitoring Huts at each altitude phenological signal, especially from zone. the buds of rhododendrons should be • Field Staffs need to be trained and used to monitor global warming, as exposed to phenology science. perfect indicator for climate change impacts; rhododendrons are ideal • Weekly data recording throughout taxa to monitor climate change; need year would be important; daily for establishing phenological gardens observations during spring time are along varied altitudinal zones , more or vital (Tag the buds in standardized less similar physiographical conditions, numbers at winter time, measure across Himalayan regions; formation them, start observations following of identified group of scientists and early spring) area managers from related parts • Data computation and analysis as of sub-region, for simultaneous periodical process. monitoring, using common approach; and, an agreement amongst Himalayan • Modeling (simulations) for on- countries and states, developing going and future trends. a common pool of information to • Publish and disseminate data based establish facts under scientific analyzed outcome in various forms (both data sets with common credit sharing print and digital in web sites). amongst partners. • Use outcome for area management An Action Plan for Sikkim Himalaya, and policy implementations. with wider application elsewhere • in Himalaya, using Rhododendron Develop strong programme phenology in monitoring climate change teams of expert scientists/ is provided below: phenologists and area managers, in collaboration, are a must for the • Permanent monitoring plots successful venture. (ideally, 30x60 m approx) and Phenology Gardens preferably at Acknowledgements 5 altitudinal zones, viz., Zone- 1 I am highly grateful to the director of (1600-2100m). Zone- 2 (2100- the institute, Dr L.M.S. Palni (GBPIHED, 2600m), Zone- 3 (2600-3100m), Kosi, Almora) for providing necessary Zone- 4 (3100-3600m), and Zone- facilities and consistent support. 5 (3600-4100m). I personally thank the PCCF cum • Mark each individual of targeted Secretary (FEWMD, Govt. of Sikkim) taxa, as per availability in and the Convener of the conference, the identified altitude belt: Dr Anil Mainra, APCCF for inviting me Rhododendron arboreum, in the International Rhododendron R. dalhousiae, R. grande, R. Conference as a speaker and for giving campanulatum, etc. (limit 10 to 20 honour to chair one of the technical individuals at each zone). sessions.

57 References 1992. Dormancy and spring activation of cambium in some Himalayan tree Badola, H.K. 1992. The Himalayan Glory: species, pp. 209-219. In: Rojo, J.P., Burans and its world. Himalaya Today Aday, J.U., Barile, E.R., Araral, R.K. 4: 2-5. and America, W.M. (eds), Proc. 2nd Badola, H.K. 1994. Bud phenological Pacific Regl. Wood Anat. ., Conf For. studies as an aid to forestry research: Prodts. Res. & Dev. Inst., College, An overview. In: Dogra, P.D. and Laguna, Philippines. Dhiman, R.C. (eds.), Forestry Badola, H. K. and Pradhan, B. K. 2009. Research and Education (Diamond Singba Rhododendron sanctuary in Jubilee Publication, Indian Natl. Sci. Sikkim - an explorer’s paradise. The Acad., New Delhi. pp. 142-153. Rhododendron (Australia) 49: 24-30. Badola, H.K. 2002. Endangered Medicinal Badola, H.K. and Pradhan, B.K. Plant Species: Priorities and action. 2010. Population exploration of Theme Paper (presented and Rhododendron maddenii in Sikkim, circulated) in ‘International Workshop’, bordering Khangchendzonga Endangered Medicinal Plant Species Biosphere Reserve – questioning rarity in Himachal Pradesh, at GBPIHED, and endangerment. NeBIO 1: 1-9. Mohal-Kullu (18-19 March 2002), 11 Eriksson, M., Jianchu, X., Shrestha, pp. A.B., Vaidya, R.A., Nepal, S. and Badola, H.K. 2009. Phenology a tool to Sandström, K. 2009. The Changing monitor climate change: a need in Himalayas: Impact of Climate Change Sikkim Himalaya. Panda Vol. II: 36- on Water Resources and Livelihoods in 37. the Greater Himalayas. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Badola, H.K. and Butola, J.S. 2005. Effect Development, Kathmandu, Nepal. P. of ploughing depth on the growth 25. and yield of Heracleum candicans: a threatened medicinal herb and a Fang, Rh.Ch. 1999. Flora Reipubliceae less-explored potential crop of the Popularis Sinicae., Tomus 57/2. Himalayan region. J. Mountain Science Science Press, Beijing. 2: 173-180. Hari, P. and Hakkinen, R. 1991. The Badola, H.K. and Paliwal, G.S. utilization of old phonological time 1986. Distribution of insoluble series of bud burst to compare models polysaccharides in the shoot apex of describing annual cycle of plants. Rhododendron arboreum Linn. during Tree Physiology 8: 281-287. annual growth cycle. Acta Soc. Bot. IPCC. 2007a. Climate Change 2007: Poloniae 55: 163-169. The Physical Science Basis. Badola, H.K. and Paliwal, G.S. 1987. Contribution of Working Group I Vegetative bud development in to the Fourth Assessment Report Rhododendron arboreum during of the Intergovernmental Panel on annual growth cycle. I. Morphology Climate Change [Solomon, S; Qin, and histology. Phytomorphology 37: D.; Manning, M.; Chen, Z.; Marquis, 69-80. M.; Averyt, K.B.; Tignor, M.; Miller, H.L. (eds)]. Cambridge and New York: Badola, H.K., Paliwal, S.P. and Paliwal, G.S. Cambridge University Press

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IPCC. 2007b. Climate Change 2007: Pradhan, B.K. and Badola, H.K. 2008. Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Ethnomedicinal plant use by Lepcha Contribution of Working Group II to tribe of Dzongu valley, bordering the Fourth Assessment Report of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate in North Sikkim, India. Journal of Change [Parry, M.L.; Canziani, O.F.; Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 4: Palutikof, J.P.; van der Linden, P.J.; 22 doi:10.1186/1746-4269-4-22. Hanson, C.E. (eds)]. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Primack, D., C. Imbres, R. B. Primack, A. J. Miller-Rushing & P. Del Tridici. 2004. Jeffrey, T.M., Andrew, D. R., Alan, K.K., Herbarium specimens demonstrate Jeremy, I.F., Eric, A.G., John, A., earlier flowering times in response to Bruce, E.W., David, D.B., Geoffrey, warming in Boston. American Journal M.H., Jonathan, M.H. and Liang, L. of Botany 91: 1260-1264. 2009. Tracking the rhythm of the seasons in the face of global change: Purohit, A.N. 2002. Biodiversity in mountain phenological research in the 21st medicinal plants and possible century. Front Ecol Environ 7: 253– impacts of climate change. Pp. 267- 260. 273. In: Korner, C. and Spehn, E.M. (eds.), ‘Mountain Biodiversity: A Karban, R. and S. Y. Strauss. 2004. Global Assessment’, The Parthenon Physiological tolerance, climate Publishing Group, New York, USA. change, and a northward range shift in the spittle bug, Philaenus spumarius. Vetaas, Ole R. 2000. Comparing species Ecological Entomology 29: 251-254. temperature response curves: population density versus second- Leach, D. G. 1961. Rhododendrons of the hand data. Journal of Vegetation World and how to grow them. Charles Science 11: 659-666. Scribner’s Sons, New York. P. 544. Walther, G.R., E. Post, P. Convey, A. Menzel, Linderholm, H.W. 2006. Growing season C. Parmesan, T.J.C. Beebee, J.M. changes in the last century. Agricultural Fromentin, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, and and Forest Meteorology 137: 1-14. F. Bairlein. 2002. Ecological responses to recent climate change. Nature 416: Menzel, A., Estrella, N. and Fabian, P., 2001. 389-395. Spatial and temporal variability of the phenological seasons in Germany from Xu, J.C. and Wilkes, A. 2004. ‘Biodiversity 1951 to 1996. Global Change Biol. 7: impact analysis in Northwest Yunnan, 657–666. Southwest China. Biodiversity and Conservation 13: 959-983. Menzel, A. Sparks, T.H. and Estrella, N. 2006. European phenological Zheng, J., Ge, Q. And Hao, Z., 2002. response to climate change matches Impacts of climate warming on plants the warming pattern. Global Change phenophases in China for the last 40 Biology 12: 1969–1976. years. Chin. Sci. Bull. 47: 1826–1831.

Owens J N 1984 Bud development in grand fir (Abies grandis); Can. J. For. Res. 14: 575-588

59 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Rhododendron conservation and the protection of the habitat: Perspectives from a south Indian tropical mountain eco-system M.S. Viraraghavan* Hillview, Fernhill Road, Kodaikanal 624101, Tamil Nadu, India *Invited Speaker

In this paper I attempt to highlight the the Himalayas, but bears a surprisingly current status of the rhododendron close resemblance to R. arboreum species endemic to the Palni Hills and eco-types in India’s north-eastern adjacent areas of the Western Ghats in states. When we look at problems of South India, and the impact of various conservation, environmentalists have developments on the habitat of the learnt (painfully!) that it does not pay rhododendron. Our rhododendron, R. to focus on a glamorous animal, like arboreum subspecies nilagaricum, is the tiger, or a glamorous plant, like the the only species which occurs over the rhododendron – our conservation efforts Palni Hills, an eastern offshoot of the have to be squarely on protecting the Western Ghats, as also in the Nilgiri habitat. Mountains to the north, as well as in some other high altitude portions of The habitat I am talking about is the the main Western Ghats chain. This Palni Hills, an area of some 2000 sqkm, species is found only at altitudes in of which the upper plateau, about 400 excess of 1500 meters, where a quasi- sqkm, with altitudes of 1500-2500m. temperate climate prevails – strictly is the habitat of this rhododendron. speaking, tropical mountain climate. In The unique feature of the Palni Hills is Kodaikanal, altitude 2000 m., the chief that, being an eastern offshoot of the town of the hills, the temperature range Western Ghats, the species distribution is narrow---25 degrees C. summer is somewhat different from the main maximum and 4 degrees C winter Western Ghats, and includes many minimum and this is typical of this type species typical of the Eastern Ghats of climate. mountains of peninsular India.

This species is distinguished as a Another distinctive feature is that this subspecies of R. arboreum itself, which is area receives its maximum rainfall the typical low altitude rhododendron of during October to December, i.e. during

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the retreating South West Monsoon, Another threat is unplanned which is called the North East Monsoon. urbanization. The consequences of this This is of vital importance as it provides conversion of grasslands are immediate much needed post South West monsoon and obvious. One very serious effect is supplementation of irrigation supplies that animal species like the gaur are during the crucial period before the deprived of fodder and therefore invade main rice crop of the Tamil Nadu State cultivated lands, thereby intensifying plains is harvested, from January man-animal conflicts. This factor, along onwards. It is indeed surprising that with unplanned agriculture expansion, such an important eco-system is under cutting across elephant corridors, gave threat from various factors. Before and increasing elephant attacks on analyzing this I would like to describe farmlands has led to serious alienation the main features of the forests of the of the local community from efforts to region which essentially, and especially protect the forests. No conservation programme will be successful unless in the upper plateau consists of 2 it has the whole-hearted support of components; the local community—and this is an 1. The shola forests—the unique entirely man-made dilemma. Such evergreen quasi-temperate considerations have come in the way forests, with many broad-leaved of a proposal to notify a Palni Hills species, and Sanctuary, pending for more than 10 years. 2. The grasslands. Another factor threatening the habitat This pattern had ensured that the area’s is the change in the climate of the vital role as the major water source for hills, arising from local deforestation southern Tamil Nadu was adequately as well as climate change arising from performed in the past. Briefly, the global factors. Studies have shown shola forests with their deep leaf-litter that of the total rainfall of more than retained as much as 1/3rd of the rain 1600 mm. in the Palni Hills, nearly which fell on them and thereafter slowly 30% falls as summer rains, from March released the stored water into the to May, and the quantum of this has streams which originated from them, reduced, and the intervals between which were rendered almost perennial, successive showers increased, leading and the grasslands provided erosion to predictable consequences. That the climate of the hills is changing is control, fodder for the animal species, exemplified by the fact that species like and an immediate supply of water Tithonia diversifolia and Ipomea indica, after rain. Sadly, this pattern has been earlier found below 1800 m. are now seriously disturbed by conversion of climbing to mountain-tops within the vast areas of grassland to commercial last decade. plantations, chiefly of wattle (Acacia dealbata), the bark of which is used by Our rhododendron is the typical the tanning industry, and eucalyptus (E. inhabitant of the interface between shola globulus), as a source of raw material forests and grasslands. At present it does for wood-pulp based industries. not seem to be seriously threatened in

61 our area, but the situation is certainly species in an area called Avalanche in much worse in the Nilgiri Mountains, the Nilgiris by Dr Tarun Chhabra. The where the eastern parts especially existence of this white form, which have seen a substantial decline in surprisingly escaped the quite intensive rhododendron populations, consequent botanizing of the area before and after on the expansion of plantation crops Independence, is entirely because Dr and farming. It is significant to note that Chhabra is one of the few non-tribals to in the western parts, the rhododendron have gained the confidence of the Todas, is better protected by the local tribe who led the way to the discovery. This of the area, the pastoral Todas, who white form is indeed quite distinctive, indeed, worship the rhododendron, flowering in late autumn rather than which is an integral part of their culture, in late winter, like the typical species, which again underlines the importance and with foliage closely resembling the of local community participation in R. arboreum of the Himalayas. It has conservation. been registered with the International Registration Authority as R. arboreum Our rhododendron survives to a large ssp. nilagaricum. ‘Tarun’. extent because of the thick bark protecting it from forest fires which But the occurrence of such a variant, are a major hazard. But we should not perhaps even a new species, is a be lulled into false complacency by pointer to the need to intensify our the plant in focus being comparatively efforts at locating desirable ecotypes unthreatened. In the Palni Hills there are which deserve special attention in our already many plants either extinct or conservation programme. We cannot gravely threatened, by over-collection talk of conservation of rhododendron or by climate change— for example, species without singling out important the orchid Aerides crispum, Lilium ecotypes. To illustrate this we may neilgherrense, Hoya wightii subspecies note that of the various ecotypes of R. Pulneyensis and the tree fern, Cyathea yakushimanum, so extensively used in crinata. Even the folklore plant, the modern hybridization, it is the dwarf Kurunji (Strobilanthes kunthianus), form which inhabits the top of Mount which has the unique feature of Yakushima which is the one employed flowering only every twelve years, is in breeding. Similarly, the Lachung in sharp decline. This threat to other form of R. arboreum is an eco-type very species is a clear pointer of habitat distinct and attractive. Other examples decline, which cannot be without an include the forms of R. wightii with well impact on the rhododendron. shaped trusses, and talking of Vireyas, the R. zoelleri form which occurs nearly A few words on R. arboreum itself at sea level in Papua New Guinea. These – the typical form is a plant of tree- are a few examples which illustrate the like proportions with brilliant red vital need to ensure that desirable eco- flowers though there is a colour range types are part of the focus on species in different plants, from light pink, conservation. dark pink and red. One of the most interesting recent developments is Again, in the context of global warming, the discovery of a white form of the we have to reassess our conservation

62 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference strategies. Of the two methods of species counter productive. A typical case is conservation –in situ conservation and the Valley of Flowers National Park in ex situ conservation, the latter may central Himalayas where the creation perhaps become increasingly important of the park led to the over-running in a situation of climate change. There is of the meconopsis (Himalayan Blue talk of melting Himalayan glaciers at an Poppy) population by the overwhelming increasing rate. Without going further increase in polygonum species, which into this question on which there seems had earlier been kept under control by to be some conflict of views, we may grazing. note that there are some disturbing trends – for example, the decline of the The second issue is eco-tourism. This apple crop in Himachal Pradesh area is by no means free of hazards and of the Himalayas, which is attributed unless strictly regulated, could lead to to the fall in the number of hours of unsustainable increase in the demand chilling in recent years. for scarce resources, especially water. I have in mind the instance of a proposal The need for intensifying ex situ to tap a major stream in our hills to conservation has come precisely at cater to the needs of tourism, much to a stage at which the zeal to protect the detriment of the habitat. genetic resources has led to increasing problems in access to indigenous species May I conclude by noting that the even by reputed non-commercial problems of the Palni Hills habitat organizations. A change in policy is are likely to be an indicator of similar indeed required. Two additional points situations in many tropical mountain on habitat protection and conservation ecosystems- in Srilanka, Malaysia, are relevant. The first is the need to base Indonesia and Papua New Guinea which protection efforts on careful scientific are home to a host of rhododendron observations lest our efforts become species?

63 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Rhododendrons in the Netherlands and Belgium

Lau Traas* Former president of the “Dutch/Belgium Rhododendron Society”, The Netherlands *Invited Speaker

The Netherlands do not have Species had often missed the necessary care Rhododendrons that originate in that during the war years so there was after country. In private gardens and public the war an important back demand for parks in the Netherlands you find rhododendrons. many Rhododendrons both species and hybrids. But the species come from The Dutch hybridizers used for their elsewhere and the hybrids only for a crosses mainly rhododendrons that small percentage come from Dutch have their origin in Sikkim or North hybridizers. East India in general. They used especially, Rhododendron griffithianum, The period from 1910-1940 was the R. arboretum and sometimes also R. high-day of the Dutch hybridizers. campylocarpum. Well known crosses During that period the cultivation of that originate from that time are, species rhododendrons and hybrids Harvest Moon, Mrs. Charles E. Pearson, was concentrated in nurseries in the The Honorable Jean Marie de Montague, town of Boskoop. During the First World Van Nes Sensation, Brittania, etc. In War (1914-1918) the Netherlands was 1940 World War II started and during a neutral country (not involved in this the war years the interest in the war) consequently there was no war cultivation of rhododendrons quickly damage and no young man (soldiers) disappeared. were killed so no knowledge about the cultivation and hybridizing of After the war – so after 1945 – and Rhododendrons was lost. Compared during the 1950ies, Europe had to be with neighboring countries like France, rebuilt. There was shortage of almost Belgium, England and Germany after everything and gardening had a very World War I the nurseries in the low priority in the spending pattern of Netherlands had the knowledge and the the European consumer. That changed capabilities to produce rhododendrons in the 1960´s. However, by that time, and export them to surrounding capable hybridizers of the twenties and countries especially to the richer people the thirties were too old to pick up the with large estates. These large estates job again or had lost their interest in

64 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference hybridizing. The general public in that cooperation between the Agricultural time was more interested in heathy University of Wageningen, the Dutch gardens than in rhododendron gardens. Rhododendron Society and the local So the sixties and the seventies of the government of Wageningen, which last century was a period of almost is owner of the ground. The Dutch no demand for rhododendrons in the Rhododendron Society is responsible market. for a well balanced collection of rhododendrons in the arboretum. In the eighties and nineties of last The local government pays for the century there was a revival of the operational cost of the garden. interest in rhododendrons. People traveled more within Europe and In Belgium, in the 19th century a saw the fantastic woodland gardens group of nursery men started to especially in England and to a lesser develop azaleas’ that could stand cold extent in Germany and France with winters. This group was situated in magnificent displays of rhododendrons. the environment of the city of Gent Also nice new hybrids came on the and the azaleas they developed were market, mostly small growing plants called “Harde Gentse” which means well suited for small gardens. These new “winter hardy azaleas’ from Gent”. hybrids came from the USA, Germany These azaleas became quite famous in and England. Dutch hybridizers had the second part of the 19the century, disappeared from the market almost all over Europe. Some years ago a completely. Our nurseries now offer member of our Belgium/Dutch chapter the hybrids that suit the present taste formed with two people interested in in the market. The present taste is for the history of azaleas, a study group plants that grow slowly (say 1 meter in that started to collect information about 10 years), flower quickly (say within 3 Hardy Gentse, their characteristics and years) and can stand cold winters (say the hybridizers that developed them. minus 15°C). These plants excellently Recently they published a book about fit into the needs of a gardener with a these azaleas. The book is in Dutch, small garden. but the nice pictures in it tell the story independently of the text. We offered Well-known arboreta in the Netherlands a copy of this book to Keshab Pradhan with large collections of rhododendrons who was very helpful in making possible are Trompenburg and Belmonte. The the visit of the Dutch delegates to the Trompenburg arboretum is a public Rhododendron Festival in Sikkim. We park in Rotterdam. Originally, it was would have loved to bring more copies in private hands. The family Van Hoei with us, but the book is very heavy so Smith was the owner. But the operational the high rates for overweight of the air cost became too high for a private companies prevented that. family. So now the park is brought into a special foundation sponsored heavily Important arboreta in Belgium are by the local government of Rotterdam. first “Het Leen” owned by the local Another well known arboretum in the government of the region where this Netherlands is the Belmonte. The arboretum is located. This arboretum Belmonte arboretum was set up as was recently started on a piece of

65 land of about 40 ha within a woodland rhododendrons in the Netherlands I will setting of more than 400 ha. Until a few draw the readers’ attention to a special years ago this area of 400 ha was in use Website developed in our country. The with the Belgium Army. But the Army name of this website is “Hirsutum”. It had no need for this land any longer. was developed by Herman van Rhee, The arboretum is young but looks very a member of our Dutch Rhododendron promising for the future. Apart from Society. rhododendrons they cultivate in “Het Leen” also camellia’s, magnolia´s and Hirsutum is a large database with a conifers. lot of easily accessible information about rhododendrons. As a visitor The most important collection in you can make in this website all kinds Belgium however, is the rhododendrons of connections. For example you can of Viscount Phillipe de Spoelbergh on start with a species rhododendron his large estate in the neighborhood and ask how many different hybrids of the city of Louvein. The Phillipe´s are made with that species. Ask then collection is one of the best in Europe. which hybridizer developed a certain Next to his estate with the rhododendron hybrid and next find out which other collection, Philippe has realized a large hybrids were made by that hybridizer. collection of magnolias, camellias, Also on other types of information conifers and other decorative shrubs, connections can be made for example incorporated in a special foundation. on colors, hardiness, etc. The website Philippe de Spoelbergh is a member is so successful now that persons from of the Dutch/Belgium chapter of the all over the world mail material to the Rhododendron Society and a Director Webmaster Mr. van Ree; material to of the American Rhododendron Species be included in the Website, especially Foundation (RSF). photographs. So it is now a really global The nurseries, which are specialized in project that results in information on a Hardy Gentse azaleas include, nursery really global level. I recommend every Mathys and nursery Hendrik van person to pay a visit to this wonderful Oost. At the end of my paper about source of information.

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Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Assessment of endangered status and conservation initiatives on the rhododendrons from the Sikkim Himalaya K.K. Singh* and L.K. Rai** G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, Pangthang, Post Box 24 Gangtok, East Sikkim-737 10, India *E-mail: [email protected]; ** E-mail: [email protected], [email protected])

**Invited Speaker

Part I. Assessment of conservation proportions (Rhododendron arboreum, status R. barbatum, R. falconeri, R. hodgsonii) attaining heights up to 18-20 m. The genus Rhododendron (ca. 1 Great morphometric variations may be 000 sp. worldwide) has the greatest observed between the same species and diversity record in the Sino-Himalayan this often transcends to the population mountains spreading within a short arc level too. Over the Sikkim Himalayan covering the highlands of Nepal, India landscape the rhododendron also plays and China (east of Yunnan and Sichuan). a pronounced role as a keystone species In India the species of rhododendron is and especially at the sub-alpine zone it represented in the states of Arunachal provides the ecological stability to the Pradesh (75), Darjeeling in West Bengal vegetation communities and associated (13), Himachal Pradesh (5), Jammu niche, and also to the community & Kashmir (5), Manipur (5), Mizoram continuum. (3), Nagaland (2), Sikkim (36) and Uttarakhand (5). In the Sikkim Himalaya Within the last few decades the (Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills combined, rhododendron of this region has ca. 10 000 sq km) the rhododendrons been witnessing a marked increase are found between upper temperate in anthropogenic pressure and due to and sub-alpine zone (1 600-3 600 m this the likelihood of its survival has masl). Some 45 taxa of rhododendrons come under the scanner. The many (in the form of 36 species, 3 sub- rhododendrons which were relatively species, 4 varieties and 2 ecotypes) few in numbers earlier have become have been recorded from the region. suddenly scarce (R. leptocarpum, R. The rhododendron habit of the ground pendulum), population at places have species may be dwarf tussocks, small turned acutely localized (R. ciliatum, R. shrub or robust bushes which may glaucophyllum, R. niveum, R. virgatum) sometimes form impenetrable thickets and the stands are markedly shrinking at places. A few species grow to tree (R. cinnabarium, R. hodgsonii and R.

67 lanatum). Chronologically, all these critically endangered by the Botanical events are of much recent date but Survey of India. These plants constitute the pace of its occurrence is of much those species which are found in the significance and in the conservation country’s north-eastern region covering aspect this might be fairly unsettling. the 8 states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, It was observed that till the middle Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura (Naithani of the 1980’s rhododendrons never and Bahadur 1983, Paul et al., 2005). did show any discernible signs of disturbance in the wild. Later, the The first ever inroads made into the origin of human interference over its regional rhododendron group came habitat spread its tentacles in 3 major up with a major treatise on the genus areas, viz. – i. Increase of settlements by Hooker (The Rhododendrons of the at the fringe areas giving rise to Sikkim Himalaya 1849) and at a later increase in population, ii. Construction date still more descriptive work was done of road networks, and ii. Surge in on the plants by Pradhan & Lachungpa tourist influx. Although not working (Sikkim-Himalayan Rhododendrons in unison these factors independently 1990). Covering a time span exceeding were enough to wreck havoc in and 140 years the much needed revision on around the rhododendron habitats. the genus was thus made possible at this Escalation in population called in for point. In time several works gradually increased firewood supply and the followed on the regional rhododendrons newly-built roads helped to bring in the with the contents mostly dwelling upon rhododendron woods with minimum the findings and identification of rare efforts on larger trucks. Earlier, the and endangered rhododendrons and woods had to be ferried in by man or the assessment of its conservational the beasts but the changed situation status (Sastry and Hajra, 1983; meant no good for the plants. Moreover, Starling, 1984; Justice, 2000; Maiti and the road construction and repair jobs Chauhan, 2002, Rai, 2002, Singh et incessantly relied on rhododendron logs al., 2003, Tiwari, 2004). Still much was for heating and melting the hundreds aspired in terms of intensive research of coal tar barrels and the work force on its availability status in the wild, garrisoned nearby also took its share the ex situ approaches in conservation, of the rhododendron woodlands. The population status and its dynamics, as inflow of tourists marked the next well as ushering in stakeholders for phase of damage to the rhododendrons participatory resource management in where the habitat was infringed openly, regard to these plants. In essence, so flowers were picked and seedlings less is the volume of research works trampled underneath. Where the first done on the regional rhododendrons two factors were responsible for direct that it is fairly difficult to compare damage to the existing plants the last the disparate results or analyze the one contributed in fixing up the plant’s emerging patterns. regeneration system for good. Out of Consolidated result for all species India’s estimated 49 000 species of plants 20 percent of it are found to be This work was perceived and designed under threat of extinction and from for finding out the conservation status this about 70 species are listed as of Sikkim Himalayan rhododendrons.

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In regard to this it was structured to Kyongnosla population, Sandakphu assess the population status of the population, etc. The status of the genus, genus and under this situation it was barring a few much localized species, basically a field-oriented research work can not be conclusively established which asked for going to the field and unless all the sites in the region are assessing the rhododendron population covered, therefore, the results shows at two levels, viz., i. assessment of the the latest scenario and not the final population through area covered, and ii. conservation status of the taXA. Assessment of the population through direct count. The assessments were The conservation status description made on the number of populations of the species is given in site-wise (areas of occurrence = AoO) as well as format with the individual count of the its size (extent of occupancy = EoO) populations and its availability status for determining the conservation status discussed in the discussion part. The of the species at three levels (viz., final result of the field assessment is critically endangered, endangered and given in the following table where 7 vulnerable). Smaller sub-populations species and 2 varieties were found were assessed which finally made up to be in critically endangered status a population for a particular area, for and 4 species and 1 subspecies under example, the Lachung population, vulnerable status. Table 1. Conservation status of the rhododendrons found in the Sikkim Himalaya (Conservation status derived from IUCN (2004). V= vulnerable, CR= critically endangered)

Availability IUCN Criteria used Sl. Conservation Species (individuals for conservation No status per km2) status 1 Rhododendron baileyi 56.50 V B1, B2 Rhododendron campanulatum subsp. 2 43.5 V B1, B2 aeruginosum 3 Rhododendron dalhousiae subsp. tashi 38.6 CR B1, B2, C, D 4 Rhododendron decipiens 43.00 V B1, B2 5 Rhododendron fulgens 27.50 V B1, B2 6 Rhododendron griffithianum 13.13 CR B1, B2, C, D 7 Rhododendron leptocarpum 200.50 CR B1, B2, C, D 8 Rhododendron maddeni 57.25 CR B1, B2, C, D 9 Rhododendron niveum 67.50 CR B1, B2, C, D 10 Rhododendron pendulum 22.57 CR B1, B2, C, D 11 Rhododendron pumilum 4.0 CR B1, B2, C, D 12 Rhododendron sikkimense 5.5 CR B1, B2, C, D Rhododendron thomsoni var. 13 12.50 CR B1, B2, C, D candelabrum 14 Rhododendron virgatum 69.75 V B1, B2

69 Discussions B1, red letters in Table 1) is considered. To be fair, if the area of Sikkim In a similar vein if we take the case of 2 (ca. 5000 km2, i.e., area not under Sikkim only (Sikkim 5000 km ) every perpetual snow) is considered, all the taxa within it becomes Endangered. rhododendron species comes under But if the species are subjected to Area Endangered status. In the case where of Occupancy (Criterion B1, red letters the entire Sikkim Himalaya (Darjeeling in Table 3) the scenario changes into the 3000 km2 + Sikkim 5000 km2= 8000 state where 14 species, 1 subsp. and km2) is considered then all the species 2 var. falls under Critically endangered becomes Vulnerable in status (Table status, 13 species and 1 var. falls under 2). These concern the state of affairs Endangered status, and 8 species falls when Extent of Occurrence (Criterion under Vulnerable status.

Table 2. Rhododendron species when subjected under criterion B1 of the IUCN assessment

IUCN Threatened IUCN Threatened Status criteria Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered B. Geographic range in the form of either B1 (extent or occurrence) AND/OR B2 (area or occupancy) B1. Extent of < 100 km2 < 5,000 km2 < 20,000 km2 occurrence B2. Area of < 10 km2 < 500 km2 < 2,000 km2 occupancy

Table 3. Rhododendron species when subjected to criterion B2 of the IUCN assessment

IUCN Threatened Status IUCN criteria and species Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered B2. Area of occupancy <10 km2 <500 km2 <2,000 km2 Rhododendron anthopogon ● Rhododendron arboreum ● Rhododendron arboreum var. ● cinnamomeum Rhododendron baileyi ● Rhododendron barbatum ● Rhododendron camelliiflorum ● Rhododendron cinnabarinum ● Rhododendron campanulatum ● Rhododendron campanulatum subsp. ● aeruginosum

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Rhododendron campylocarpum ● Rhododendron ciliatum ● Rhododendron cinnabarinum ● Rhododendron dalhousiae ● Rhododendron dalhousiae subsp. tashi ● Rhododendron decipiens ● Rhododendron edgeworthi ● Rhododendron falconeri ● Rhododendron glaucophyllum ● Rhododendron grande ● Rhododendron griffithianum ● Rhododendron hodgsonii ● Rhododendron lanatum ● Rhododendron lepidotum ● Rhododendron leptocarpum ● Rhododendron lindleyi ● Rhododendron maddeni ● Rhododendron nivale ● Rhododendron niveum ● Rhododendron pendulum ● Rhododendron pumilum ● Rhododendron setosum ● Rhododendron sikkimense ● Rhododendron thomsoni ● Rhododendron thomsoni var. flocculosum ● Rhododendron triflorum ● Rhododendron vaccinioides ● Rhododendron virgatum ● Rhododendron wallichi ● Rhododendron wightii ● 17 14 8

Finally, along the procedure followed 4 species and 1 subspecies under under this project, i.e., when we assess Vulnerable status. Thus, in regard to the the plants under quantitative measure above three parameters of reckoning the final status of the rhododendrons comes to 7 species and 2 vars. under the following three set of results are Critically endangered status and reached (Table 4).

71 Table 4. Rhododendron species as assessed under quantitative estimation for B1

IUCN Threatened IUCN Threatened Status criteria Critically Endangered Vulnerable Endangered B. Geographic range in the form of either B1 (extent or occurrence) AND/OR B2 (area or occupancy) B1. Extent of occurrence - 36 sp, 1 - State of Sikkim subsp, 2 var - 36 sp, 1 subsp, 2 var Sikkim Himalaya - B2. Area of occupancy 14 sp, 1 subsp, 13 sp, 1 var 8 2 var Quantitative ground 7 sp, 2 var 4 sp, 1 subsp assessment ( of the target species in the present study )

Considering the precise measurement exists for Rhododendron pumilum that was carried out at smaller land and R. sikkimense which are located units under the present work, all at within a very limited area and with population and sub-population levels, very few individuals. Relatively smaller it can be justified that the results populations survive for Rhododendron arrived through this stands a better campanulatum subsp. aeruginosum, chance of recognition than the two Rhododendron virgatum, R. wallichi, R. other derivations where a large area is lanatum and R.ciliatum. The populations considered for arriving at the results. which were extensively scattered and with relatively few individuals forming Population characteristics (physical): small populations were noted in the Some of the populations were found to cases of Rhododendron griffithianum, be extremely localized for the region, R. lindleyi, R. edgeworthi and R. e.g., the population of Rhododendron vaccinioides. thomsoni var. flocculosum is the single population which is found at Shingba, In conclusion there are three types of Lachung. Similarly, Rhododendron population structure found in Sikkim leptocarpum is found only at Tsokha and Himalaya, viz., i. very small populations nowhere else in the region. Exactly four growing on only one location, viz., R. populations are found for the Madden’s pumilum (Bhirum chhu), R. sikkimense rhododendron, Rhododendron maddeni, (Chachujak) and R. leptocarpum which are at Chungthang, Cheo-binbin, (Tsokha), R. thomsoni var. candelabrum, RatayChu catchment and at the Chola small but scattered populations, e.g., range. The population of R. dalhousiae Rhododendron maddeni, R. ciliatum, var. tashi is also found restricted to the R. campanulatum subsp. aeruginosum Pangthang and Benshoi areas so far. and the other populations which are But comparatively difficult situation large and widespread in the region.

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Conservation issues targeted are Rhododendron hodgsonii, R. decipiens and R. lanatum in Sikkim, Human interventions: In regard to and R. arboreum and R. barabatum in the survival of the rhododendrons two the Darjeeling hills. The coming up of factors are involved and these are broad metaled road and bigger trucks - (i) anthropocentric causes, or are have simply aggravated the extraction in the form of (ii) natural origin. The of fuelwood in the locations. This is anthropocentric factors are normally more evident in case of the populations the locals who reside close to the which grow on the Lachung-Yumthang rhododendron habitats, the many route. Although evidences points to an army personnel and their camps, road earlier availability of rhododendrons in builders, and the visiting tourists. The the Kyongnosla region between 8000- resident human (i.e., the locals, army, 11000 ft elevations the road building road-builders) are seen to put more activities might be responsible for harm to the plants than the seasonal eliminating it from its habitat human (the tourists) who do not stay in the habitat area and a majority go back Natural causes: Natural causes after spending a day or rarely two days at affecting the rhododendron populations a stretch. The resident human are found constitute, in order of frequencies - the at the locations in Lachung, Lachen, landslides, avalanches and flashflood Yuksam, Hillay, Dentam, Uttaray, conditions. Landslides are a common Chewabhanjyang, Maneybhanjyang, feature in the region and can occur Tonglu, Rimbik, Dhajia, Kyongnosla, at any elevations where the land Ribdi, Bhareng, Sherabthang and is sloping at an angle of more than o Thegu. These remotely situated hamlets 40 , with or without the presence still are heavily dependent upon the of trees and forests. The species forest resources, especially for firewood found most affected by landslides are supply. Though thinly populated the Rhododendron arboreum, R. barbatum, daily firewood consumption is quite R. campanulatum and R. hodgsonii large (10950 kg per annum compared and this happens not because of it to 7000 kg per annum state average) growing on a landslide-prone area but and this takes a toll on the forest trees because of its ubiquity. However, the and rhododendrons too. Despite the landslides are not decidedly injurious government providing LPG for cooking to rhododendrons and only a landslide purposes at various sites the firewood of bigger proportion can harm it by is still used. It is also because of the covering the plants under mud and locations are at cold places firewood is rock debris. Small landslides, landslips required for heating also. and mudflow only shift the plants from one place to another making The abundantly found fir (Abies the plants slanted in stance but still webbiana) is not used by the villagers standing upright. However, if the for burning purposes because it slide is continued and falls into the is a softwood. Also because the stream all the plants get destroyed. rhododendron wood burns well even This is the case commonly found in at semi-wet condition it is preferred. the Yumesamdong area where large The species over which the axe is patches of Rhododendron anthopogon

73 is continually falling into the Lachung at higher grounds remain now marking Chhu river. In any case, recent slides the place of its earlier habitat. of any noticeable proportion harming a large population of rhododendrons have Uses: Apart from the usage as fuelwood not been recorded. the plants do not provide much direct utility to the people in the fringe areas. The avalanches are found to be less The use of Rhododendron anthopogon frequent but more disastrous in nature as incense however remains as compared to the landslides. These steady as always and locals and to a are more common in the Yumthang lesser extent the trekkers take away valley; a few that occurs at the the plants by cutting the twigs with Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve leaves. The plants are deep rooted and does not warrant much because of become a labour-intensive exercise to the species that grow here do not fall uproot it and as to this it has scope under critically endangered. Avalanche of bringing about new branches and of noticeable effect was recorded from leaves. However, repeated clippings Yakchay and Phuni in Yumthang valley of branches will be deleterious for the in the late eighties. It destroyed a plants. The use of plant parts in making lot of Rhododendron niveum plants wicks (R. pendulum), packing butter (R. within an area of 1 km2. The recurrent falconeri, R. hodgsonii, R. decipiens), avalanches experienced at Phuni within etc. are not practiced at present because the Yumthang valley where it adversely of alternative options easily available in affects Rhododendron thomsoni was of the form readymade cotton wicks and more consequence from the survival plastic bags. However, to some extent point of view. It was noted that owing it was found that saddlebacks for yaks to incessant onslaught of avalanches and horses are made from the wood of in the area the plants growing at the R. hodgsonii and R. decipeins. Making slopes have been destroyed and only of khukri handles out Rhododendron the ones growing over the level land of arboreum is not generally practiced by river terrace are surviving. Flash floods the locals. due to cloud bursts occur in the region Part II. Rapid and mass multiplication and this happens to be one destructive of some important Sikkim Himalayan factor with serious consequences to the rhododendron using biotechnological rhododendron plants. Information was tools taken on the flash flood which occurred in 1992 when alpine lakes feeding The rhododendron species are the Lachung Chhu burst open and a propagated by vegetative means as considerable area along the first 10 km well as through seeds. The rate of were damaged. The worst affected in vegetative propagation is very slow in the event was the Lachung population many rhododendron species and seed of Rhododendron pendulum which was germination in nature is also very poor. almost cleared from its habitat. The Micro propagation is an ideal technique flashflood was of a considerable power for cloning the elite germplasm and and the ensuing deluge swept away conservation of rare and threatened the bridge over Lachung Chhu towards rhododendron species of the region. Dombang. A few scattered individuals Tissue culture is the only method to

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maintain and propagate the genetically comparing the effect of cytokinin type on identical clone rapidly in large numbers shoot formation, the best response was and in long term culture. The present achieved in MS medium supplemented paper highlights the methodology with 2iP (Table 5). It was found that for rapid and mass multiplication of mean number of shoots per explant some important Sikkim Himalayan was highest on media containing 2iP. rhododendron using biotechnological Maximum percent of multiple shoot tools. (68%) and maximum mean number of shoots (8.78 ±0.85) were recorded at An efficient and reproducible procedure 5.0 mg L-l 2ip after 12 weeks of culture for the large scale propagation of two (Table 5). The number of shoots induced important rhododendrons, namely from each nodal segment decreased as R. dalhousiae subsp. tashi and R. the concentration of 2iP increased in the maddeni have been described. On the MS medium (Table 1). In most cases, basis of their status, life-history traits, shoots formed rosettes and/or compact constraints in germination, the paper calli at the basal end. Presence of IAA focuses on the need of developing in medium also proved to be beneficial selection procedures for initiating for shoot elongation. The combination future in vitro work on rhododendron of of MS medium supplemented with 5.0 the region. The procedure will not only mg L-l 2iP and 0.1 mg L-l IAA resulted ensure mass scale availability of planting in further growth of plantlets (Table material of selected species including 5; Figure 1B). Regenerated shoots creamy white flowered R. dalhousiae were subcultured every three weeks subsp. tashi, and R. maddeni a scented onto the freshly prepared same flower, which are in great demand, medium that was subjected to produce but will also help in conservation of the highest proportional shooting important genetic resources. response. Highest number of shoot R. dalhousiae subsp. tashi, Lady regeneration was recorded at fourth Dalhousie’s Rhododendron, Nepali- subculture. The superiority of 2iP over Lahare Chimal: R. dalhousiae subsp. all growth regulators for multiple shoot tashi seeds were found to germinate induction has been reported in many within 15-20 days of inoculation on rhododendron species. In vitro grown hormone-free MS medium. On MS shoots were separated from the shoots medium containing 0.8% (w/v) agar, of the primary culture and placed in germination was first recorded on the MS-liquid medium containing different 15th day of inoculation and after 30 days concentrations of IBA. Rooting was of inoculation an average germination of induced within 3 weeks of transfer. A about 80% was observed (Figure 1A). maximum frequency of root formation Six weeks old seedling, cotyledonary (80%) and the highest number of roots nodal parts were used for shoots (5.80 ±0.80) with maximum root length multiplication. In vitro raised shoot (1.58 ±0.16 cm) was achieved on MS tip explants from R. dalhousiae subsp. medium with 0.2 mg L-l IBA after 9 weeks tashi were used to produce multiple (Figure 1C). Higher concentration of shoots on MS medium supplemented auxin lowered the rooting percentage with 2iP in various combinations. While as well as root number. Control shoots

75 that did not receive auxin treatment bag containing normal garden soil, and did not root. Similar observations placed for hardening under high relative were made in other plants. Plantlets humidity (80%) in the mist chamber of with fully expanded leaves and well a greenhouse (25°C). After 180 days developed roots were washed with of transplantation 93% of the plants sterile distilled water then dipped in were found to survive with progressive systemic fungicide (Bavestin, 0.15%, growth. This is the first report for in w/v; 20 min) and planted in plastic pots vitro regeneration of R. dalhousiae (Figure 1D) containing autoclaved fresh subsp. tashi where large number of peat moss and soil (1:3). After two plants have been successfully produced month these were planted in polythene and transferred to the field.

Table 5. Effects of cytokinin combined with IAA on shoots proliferation from cotyledonary node of R. dalhousiae subsp. tashi on MS medium

Plant growth regulators Percent of Mean number of Shoots length (mg L-l) explants shoots/explant (cm) producing shoot 2iP IAA 3 - 50.33 ±2.20 6.45 ±0.80 0.72 ±0.07 3 0.1 58.00 ±1.65 6.77 ±0.68 1.14 ±1.45 5 - 68.00 ±3.55 8.78 ±0.85 2.70 ±0.55 5 0.1 72.00 ±1.45 11.65 ±0.50 3.64 ±0.25

LSD at the 5% level 54.38 6.14 2.80 Values represent means ± standard error. Data were recorded 12 weeks after transfer to MS medium

Figure 1. In vitro propagation of R. dalhousiae subsp. tashi. A. germinating seeds in MS medium. B. multiplication of shoots on MS medium with 2iP (5 mg L-1). C. root induction from in vitro regenerated shoot on liquid MS medium with IBA (0.2 mg L-1). D, hardened in vitro raised plants after transfer to fresh peat moss and soil in green house

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R. maddeni Hook.f., Major Madden’s w/v) in terms of average number of roots Rhododendron, Nepali- Major Madden (6.45) and mean root length of 2.58 per ko Chimal: In vitro multiplication may shoot (Figure 2B). The roots developed prove to be one of the best techniques directly from the base of shoots without for its conservation. Micro propagation callus. After four weeks in rooting of R. maddeni has been achieved medium, plantlets were transferred in using cotyledonary nodes taken from thermocole cups containing a mixture in vitro grown seedlings. The sterilized of autoclaved fresh peat moss and soil seeds of R. maddeni were found to (1:3) and placed for hardening under germinate within 3 weeks of inoculation high relative humidity (80%) in the on hormone-free MS medium. mist chamber of a greenhouse (25°C). Cotyledonary nodes and shoot tips from After one month these were planted in vitro grown seedling were cultured on in polythene bag containing normal AM medium supplemented with different garden soil, 86% survived under green concentrations of cytokinins (2iP) for house conditions (Figure 2C,D). The multiple shoot regeneration. Among the micro propagated plants, following various hormonal supplements used, hardening and establishment in the best response towards multiple shoot greenhouse were transferred to the regeneration was observed from nodal field at Arboretum of the Institute and segment on AM medium containing unique kind of Rare and Threatened 7 mg L-l 2iP with 0.3% phytagel and Plant Conservation Park of Himalayan additives (Singh, 2009) [Figure 2 A]. Zoological Park, Bulbulay-Gangtok, In the present study cotyledonary node Sikkim and compared with seedling explants were found to be superior for plants of similar age, in terms of growth obtaining multiple shoots in AM medium performance. This achievement can be containing 7.0 mg L-l 2iP + 0.1 mg L-l applied to commercial mass production IAA. In this combination, an average and provides a uniform product quality. of 95% multiple shoot regeneration was achieved from cotyledonary node Vegetative propagation of Sikkim explant. Incorporation of 0.1 mg L-l Himalayan Rhododendron from leafy IAA in the medium during subculture, stem cuttings using “Air-wet method: improved the overall growth of cultures So far no attempt has been made to with slight increase shoot length (Singh, develop efficient vegetative propagation 2009). A regular subculture in every 4 methods and large scale production weeks increased the multiplication rate of rhododendron species which are which became maximum after three under the threat of extinction. Air to four subculture cycles. For root wet techniques were conducted for induction, microshoots were placed on the study which investigates the AM medium supplemented with various simple propagation techniques and concentrations of IBA (Singh, 2009). optimal conditions for the vegetative Rooting occurred in all concentrations propagation of the rhododendron but with different rooting percentages, species from leafy stem cuttings. Method and the optimal response was observed used for raising of planting materials with 0.2 mg L-l IBA on liquid AM medium by stem cutting under this experiment containing activated charcoal (0.5%, is based on the air wet technique. The

77 Figure 2. In vitro propagation of R. maddeni. A. multiplication of shoots on AM medium with 2iP (7 mg L-1). B. root induction from in vitro regenerated shoot on liquid AM medium with IBA (0.2 mg L-1). C, D. hardened in vitro raised plants after transfer to fresh peat moss and soil in green house

stem cuttings of rhododendron species After 10-15 weeks, when significant were taken in early winter when active callusing has taken place, the cuttings growth is arrested. The preparation were transferred to 9-inch pots with of cutting materials was done in the potted mixed with equal parts of peat morning between 8.00 and 11.00 moss and Solirite. Clear plastic sheeting a.m. Conventional propagation of R. is then laid over the potted plants to dalhousiae subsp. tashi, R. arboreum maintain high humidity until rooting. and R. griffithianum through ‘air-wet Rooting of one two node cuttings techniques’, using semi-hard wood were compared for R. grifithianum, cutting with unbroken vegetative buds R. arboreum and R. dalhousiae was carried out. The hardwood cuttings subsp. tashi. One-node cuttings had measuring 7 to 8 inches were wounded the same rooting ability as bi-nodal on the distal stems but only on the cuttings. Observations of initiation of upper side and placed on moistened rooting after six weeks were 40% in absorbent paper. The hard wood cutting R. griffithianum 80% in R. arboretum with two-four leaves were cut to two and 50% in R. dalhousiae subsp. tashi equal halves and small squares of (data not shown). Within 8-12 months the absorbent paper (1 1/2 in.) were the cuttings developed root and used to cover the wounded sites and leaves. Well-developed rooted plant misted so that satisfactory moisture were transferred in thermocole cups is maintained at all the times. The containing a mixture of autoclaved fresh container was covered with Saran Wrap peat moss and soil (1:3) and placed plastic sheeting. Hand misting is done under high relative humidity (80%) as needed to maintain appropriate in the mist chamber of a greenhouse moisture levels. The container was kept (25°C). After one month these were under white fluorescent light 60 mmol planted in polythene bag containing m-2 s-1 photon flux, 16 hr photoperiod at normal garden soil. All rooted stem 17 ±1 oC temperature and 60% relative cutting survived under green house humidity. After 10-15 weeks, initiation conditions (Figure 3A-D). There are of callus and sprouting of dormant buds several advantages to propagate plants were observed in both the species. using air wet technique:

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Figure 3. Stem cuttings of R. arboreum. using air-wet technique. (A & B) The stem cuttings with moistened absorbent paper; (C & D) Growth performance of rooted stem cutting developed form air-wet technique

1. New plant will be identical to threatened and endangered species. the parent plant. Propagating a plant by cuttings will allow you to Acknowledgements keep the special characteristics of that plant. Plants grown from The authors are grateful to the Director, seed will often be different from G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan the parent plant and from each Environment and Development for other. providing necessary facilities and encouragement during the study. 2. Propagating a new plant via Department of Forests, Environment cuttings avoids the difficulties and Wildlife Management, Government of propagating by seed. of Sikkim is also duly acknowledged Additionally, some seeds are for cooperation. Mohan Kumar Thapa difficult to germinate, taking two and Sunil Tamang are thanked for their to three years for the seedling assistance in the lab and field works, to appear. respectively.

3. A new plant grown from a References cutting will frequently mature faster and flower sooner than a Anderson, W.C. 1975. Propagation of plant grown from a seed. rhododendrons by tissue culture. Part 1. Development of a culture This is the first report for rooted stem medium for multiplication of cutting of rhododendron species where shoots. Proceedings of the Plant large numbers of plant have been Propagators Society. 25: 129- successfully produced. Experimentation 135 with rhododendron using an “Air-wet technique” has proved successful and Anderson, W.C. 1978. Rooting of seems to be a promising alternative tissue-cultured rhododendrons. and has been used effectively for Proceedings of the Plant rooting of rhododendron. This would Propagators Society 28: 135- prove indispensable for saving many 139

79 Anderson, W.C. 1984 A revised tissue revised medium for rapid growth culture medium for shoot and bioassays with tobacco multiplication of rhododendron. tissue cultures. Physiology of Journal of the American Society Plantarum 15: 473-497 for Horticultural Science 109: 343-347. Naithani HB and KN Bahadur 1983. New and rare taxa of rhododendrons Badola, H.K., Singh, K.K., Lepcha, G., from Arunachal Pradesh. In: Kumar, S and Pradhan, B. 2006 Jain SK and RR Rao (eds.) An Rare and Threatened Plant Assessment of Threatened Conservation Park in Gangtok- Plants of India. BSI, Kolkata Sikkim. Hima-Paryavaran 18: 15-16. Paul A, ML Khan, A Arunachalam and K Arunachalam 2005. Hooker, J.D. 1849. The Rhododendrons Biodiversity and conservation of the Sikkim Himalaya: of rhododendrons in Arunachal being an account, botanical Pradesh in the Indo-Burma and geographical of the biodiversity hotspot. Current rhododendron recently discussed Science 89: 623-634 in the mountains of eastern Pradhan UC and Lachungpa ST Himalaya. Reeve, London 1990. Sikkim-Himalayan IUCN 2004. A Global Species Rhododendrons . Assessment IUCN Publications Primulaceae Books, Services Unit, Cambridge Kalimpong, West Bengal, India Justice, C. 2000. Sikkim 2000: the ascent of Yumthang and the Sastry, A.R.K. and Hajra, P.K. 1983. search for R. wightii. Journal of Rare and endemic species of American Rhododendron Society rhododendrons in India – A 50: 162-170 preliminary study. In: Jain SK and RR Rao (eds.) An Assessment of Kumar, S., Singh, K.K. and Rai, L.K. Threatened Plants of India. BSI, 2004. In Vitro Propagation of an Kolkata Endangered Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendron (R. maddeni) Singh, K.K., Kumar,S. Rai, L.K. from Cotyledonary Nodal and Krishna, A.P. 2003. Segments Journal of American Rhododendron conservation in Rhododendron Society 58: 101- the Sikkim Himalaya. Current 105 Science 85: 602-606

Maiti A and AS Chauhan 2002. Singh KK (2008) In Vitro Plant Threatened plants in the Sikkim Regeneration of an Endangered Himalaya. Hima-Paryavaran – A, Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendron J.EPA, 113-120 (R. maddeni Hook. f.) from Alginate-Encapsulated Shoot Murashige T and F Skoog 1962. A Tips. Biotechnology 7: 144-148

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Singh, K.K. and Gurung, B. 2009. Rhododendron through In vitro propagation of R. Vegetative propagation using maddeni Hook. f. an endangered “Air-wet technique”. Journal of rhododendron species of Sikkim American Rhododendron Society Himalaya. Notulae Botanicae 62: 136-138. Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca. 37: 79-83 Starling, B.N. 1984. Among the giants and dwarfs of Sikkim. R.H.S. Singh KK, S Kumar and A Pandey 2008a. Rhododendrons 1984/85 with Soil Treatments for Improving Magnolias and Camellia London Seed Germination of Rare and 1-8. Endangered Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons. World Journal Tiwari, O.N. 2004. Studies in relation of Agricultural Sciences. 4: 288- to conservation of some rare 296. and endangered species of rhododendron of Sikkim Singh, K.K., Kumar, S. and Rai, Himalaya PhD thesis, APSU- S. 2008b. Raising planting Rewa, India materials of Sikkim Himalayan

81 ABSTRACTS 82 PROCEEDINGS International Rhododendron Conference

Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Conservation of selected rhododendron species, and New Zealand hybrids in New Zealand – 2010: Aotearoa- Land of the long white cloud Kathryn Millar* Wendrum’, RD3 Leeston, New Zealand *Invited Speaker

Rhododendrons are not part of the the same time, Hooker was collecting natural New Zealand (NZ) flora; the rhododendrons in the Himalaya. first to arrive in NZ were those imported from United Kingdom in 18th centruary Those first rhododendrons which (ex Hookers collections). European came into the port of Lyttelton near settlement was in its infancy; whalers Christchurch in the South Island, and and sealers of the southern oceans had accordingly to local legend, sat forlornly shore bases in NZ in early years; they on the wharf waiting their owner to come were not flower gardeners. 60 miles by horse and cart from his property in the foothills of the southern The Maori grew wonderful sweet alps. Plants such as these, and their potatoes in their vegetable gardens, op seed were the parents of many fine they were not flower gardeners. The hybrids and species seedlings still to be early pioneers, some of them squatters seen- usually in the environs of country from Australia, by necessity put survival estates. A second early arrival of early of themselves, their family and animals significance was the packet of seeds and enterprise before flower gardening. brought to New Zealand by Sir John Much of NZ is dry and not conducive to Cracroft Wilson of Cashmere Estate woodland plants unless modern water near Christchurch. The Ilam garden and reticulation was made available. So, homestead is now part of the campus of it was not until the late 1800’s that a the University of Christchurch; however few settlers with means, had a dream until the 1950s it was the home of Edgar of establishing gardens such as their Stead; Mr Stead’s breeding programme families had on the great estates of the and importations from the UK had a United Kingdom – they were keen to huge influence on the rhododendron bring into NZ shrubs and trees of quality. and azalea breeding in New Zealand, Such plants came in wardian cases. At and that still does. He registered

83 plants with the RHS in London; he also entry. Without recording and date bases wrote for their journals; these notes over the past decade we would by now are valuable to us as we look back to have lost track of the whereabouts of find what species he has, and which he many plants of significance; however, deemed useful/successful for breeding to NZ conditions ( especially Canterbury many remained vulnerable. We need with its dry summers and nor’westers. to remain vigilant and put in place He visited United Kingdom and had procedures which are realistic.

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Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

Growing Rhododendron species in Sweden

Björn Aldén* Gothenburg Botanical Garden, SE-41319 Gothenburg, Sweden E-mail: [email protected]] *Invited Speaker

Sweden is a northerly situated country there in the early 20th century.­ In the and judging only from its latitudinal 1930s, after Gustaf VI Adolf inherited range, from about 55 to nearly 70°N, it the estate, also different species were should be unsuitable for Rhododendron introduced. As the climate in SW growing. However, the surrounding Sweden is sufficiently mild for growing seas are influenced by the North Rhododendron, Gothen­burg botanical Atlantic Drift of the Gulf Stream, and garden,­ situated on the Swedish West this makes the climate of southern coast and founded in 1923, were among Sweden fairly mild. Besides this, it the those taking an early interest in the should be noted that there are very genus. It soon emerged as the prime hardy Rhododendron species found public garden for cultivating a variety for instance in subsection Lapponica, of species. Inspired by the Gothenburg­ like Rhododendron lapponicum, even collection, the Swedish Rhododendron growing wild in Sweden - well above the Society was founded­ in 1970. In 2000 Arctic Circle! Compared to W Norway the Society split up, and a new group, and the British Isles it is, however, the South Swedish Rhododendron­ colder and drier in most parts of the country. This certainly has a suppressive Society, was formed. It is now a chap­ter effect on the number of species that will of the American Rhododendron Society. grow, in particular those from milder In Gothen­burg botanical garden the parts of C and SE Asia. Compared to goal is to cul­tivate at least 200 species the British Isles culti­vation of species of outdoors. In noting that, we should Rho­do­dendron is a fairly new business perhaps mention that we do have a in Sweden. Outside the botanic gardens fairly conser­ vative­ species concept. one of the first persons to establish a In any case, the current collection very fine species collection was the numbers around 230 taxa in- and out­ former King of Sweden, Gustaf VI Adolf, doors. These in turn comprise around at his summer house Sofiero in SW 1,500 plants and are spread over most Sweden. Mainly hybrids were planted parts of the garden’s 175 hectars.

85 Proceedings, International Conference RHODODENDRONS: CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Saramsa, Gangtok-Sikkim, India A. Mainra, H.K. Badola, B. Mohanty (eds) 2010

About some rhododendron species, variants and hybrids in Sikkim

Hans Eiberg* University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark *Invited Speaker

Recent developments in DNA-analysis migration, isolation and selection in of the genus Rhododendron have a changing environment, but not by enabled reconstruction of phylogenetic hybridization between different species. relationships within the genus and thus Segregation of sub-populations so chart the evolutionary history of the as to prevent interbreeding with the Rhododendrons. It is reassuring that parent species is key to speciation and analyses of genetic sequences selected Sikkim’s unique geography provides from different parts of the genome give rise to identical phylogenetic trees and ideal conditions for the emergence evolutionary histories of the genus. This of new species and variations and finding directly corroborates our view of hence makes it particularly attractive Darwinian theories of evolution where for evolutionary studies of the genus speciation is the result of mutation, Rhododendron.

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SELECTED PRESENTATION

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ACTION PLAN AND STRATEGIES

93 All participant experts were divided • Ecotourism in selected areas into three groups, viz. (i) In-situ for popularizing Rhododendrons conservation, (ii) Ex-situ conservation and educating about their and (iii) Sustainable use. A brain conservation values. storming session was conducted Research and monitoring to discuss issues pertaining to conservation of rhododendrons and • Creation of preservation plots steps for augmentation: within the identified in-situ zones. Strategies and Action Plan for In- • Long term phenological situ conservation monitoring of targeted rhododendron, taxa addressing Group coordinator: the climate change and global warming should be one of the Mr. Anjan Mohanty, CCF (India) top priorities in Sikkim and Ms. Rebecca Pradhan (Bhutan) other potential rhododendron growing regions in Himalaya; in Creation of base line data each of identified and potential in-situ zones along altitudinal • Identification of Natural Areas transects permanent monitoring where different species occur. stations need to be established, • Status of individual species in evolving collaborative approach their respective ecosystems. of phenologists/scientists and area managers. Assessment of threats • Conducting research in targeting • Identifying human induced taxa and ecosystems threats. Strategies and Action Plan for Ex- • Creation of nurseries with the help of seeds collected from the situ conservation natural areas. Group Coordinator: • Aided natural regeneration in the gaps. Mr. M.L. Srivastva (India) Dr. Anders Falkstig (Sweden) • Strengthening regulating authorities. 1. There should be co-coordinated • Sensitizing defense and road efforts to have national and maintenance personnel. international collaboration on different aspects of ex-situ Involvement of local communities conservation of rhododendron • PRA exercise would precede all species growing in India. actions to be taken. • Awareness programmes 2. While adopting ex-situ particularly for children and conservation, individual plants youth. of different species, particularly • Alternate livelihood for the locals rare and threatened and endemic dependent on resources in and species of different eco type or around in-situ conservation different altitudinal ranges is areas. considered.

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3. Irrespective of importance of the Strategies and Action Plan for bio diversity loss the transfer of Sustainable Use materials of rhododendron and Group Coordinator: other species for pure research purposes should be entertained Mrs. Bharati Mohanty, CCF, with end goal of having a India continued survival of species in Dr. N C Bahuguna, APCCF,India one or other places. Alternatives to firewood use of 4. Because of socio economic rhododendrons importance attached to it some • By extensive surveys. species used by people; some • Providing LPG connection to of those species be taken for villagers. mass cultivation so that the • Obligatory LPG use by trekkers, requirements of the population as per norms. are addressed. Rhododendron oriented tourism 5. In the context of the climate • Education upliftment of local change, global warming and villagers. changing patterns of rainfall • Restricted tourism in in-situ conservation of Rhododendron environments. species to be of utmost • Involvement of unemployed importance. The Government of educated youth. Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and • Government of India should pay Publishing local literature. attention towards this particular Strengthening economic packages aspect of conservation • Alternative livelihood through 6. There should be coordinated handicraft manufacturing. programmes to identify desirable • Long term planning for and endangered ecotypes of Protected Areas. various rhododendron species in • Expanding rhododendron India particularly in Sikkim and plantation cover outside forest. other potential areas in Himalaya. • Growing rhododendron on commercial basis for incense 7. The threat factors responsible making and other produces. for decline of species need further identification and suitable Awareness building remedial measures should be • Creation of Rhododendron placed. society in state and other parts of rhododendron rich areas. • Strengthening research base. • Creating awareness about rhododendrons amongst stakeholders and public.

95 Photo Gallery

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