Rhododendron, a national flower of Nepal, is a genus of over 1,000 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), native mostly to the Himalayan regions of Eastern Asia. But these flowers can also be found in North America, Europe, and Australia in the smaller number. Rhododendron holds the very special place among the Nepalese because of the fact that it has been national flower of Nepal since 2019 B.S, when it was declared by His Majesty King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev himself.
Nepal’s national flower, the Rhododendron, known as Lali Gurans in Nepali blooms and sways in the breeze, casting petals across all of the nation’s landscapes, from mountain peaks to valley floors. This beautiful plant can be found in full bloom starting in May and lasting until July. To help you get an understanding of Nepal’s national flower, here is a blog post with an overview and some interesting facts about the Rhododendron.
This stately plant comes in different shades of pink and purple, some blooming all year round while others only in spring or summer, throughout the length and breadth of Nepal at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 meters above sea level.
Rhododendron As National Flower Of Nepal
It’s said that King Mahendra, the former king of Nepal, was so enamored with Rhododendron flowers that he decided to make them Nepal’s national flower. So, according to many experts, Rhododendron was declared as the national flower of Nepal by King Mahendra in 2019 BS.
The Nepalese government first began considering a new symbol for their country in the late 1980s, seeking to create a national flower that was uniquely theirs. Inspired by the rhododendrons that grow all across the country, they chose this lovely blossom as the new symbol for their country.
The Rhododendron flower, with its unique shape and striking color, can be found across Nepal in the valleys and villages of the Himalayas and mountains.
Medical Action And Uses
Rhododendron, also known as Shiuli, is the national flower of Nepal. The plant was added to the national symbols of Nepal in 1962, and its use has been documented since 1500 BCE. It contains high levels of alkaloids that are toxic to humans and livestock, but it is still widely used for medicinal purposes due to its antioxidant properties. It’s commonly used as a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritic patients.
Types Of Rhododendron Found In Nepal
The National flower of Nepal is the Rhododendron which originated in Southern Asia. There are three main types found in Nepal – Azalea, Laurel and Laurel Rhododendron.
Places Where It Is Mostly Found In Nepal
The Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. It can be found in places such as Botanical Garden, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Swoyambhu. There are many species of rhododendrons that grow in Kathmandu. They are found as shrubs, creeping shrubs, and trees. The plants vary in size depending on the variety that they are.
Interesting Facts About Rhododendron In Nepal
Nepal’s national flower is the Rhododendron. These beautiful shrubs or small trees have delicate blooms that come in a variety of colors, and grow in Himalayan regions at an altitude of 1800-2800 meters. Rhododends are found all over Nepal, but are especially prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley where these plants serve as a symbol of beauty and abundance.
- Rhododendron (Laligurans) was declared as the national flower of Nepal in 2019 BS by the former king Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
- Out of more 1000 species of Rhododendron found in the world, more than 30 species are found extensively in more than 40 districts of Nepal.
- It is a flower that can be found and mentioned in 500 and 1000 notes of Nepalese Rupees.
- Rhododenron is also the state flower of Washington and West Virginia in the United States, state flower of Nagaland in India, the provisional flower of Jiangxi in China, and the state tree of Sikkhim and Uttarakhand in India.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Rhododendron is a beautiful plant with many medicinal benefits. The people of Nepal rely on it for everyday life and continue to value it as their national flower. It has not only been an important part of their culture, but also plays an integral role in the country’s economy by providing natural shelter and employment. In addition, the Rhododendron serves as an excellent symbol of resilience. It was resilient against oppression from British colonizers who attempted to turn it into a luxury item and eliminate its practical purposes in everyday life.
