Rhododendron Species and Their Uses with Special Reference to Himalayas – A Review

Abstract

Rhododendrons, in India, are represented by about 80 species with 10 subspecies and 14 varieties most of which are widely distributed in the Himalayas at altitude ranging from 1500 – 5500 m. During the course of a revisionary study of Rhododendron L. in India, an attempt has been made to collect information on the uses of different species from the field through personal communications with the inhabitants of the remote villages and through repeated enquiries from local folk. The data presented was also collated from the notes of herbarium specimens and literature. Besides of its immense horticultural importance, about 12 species have been recorded here which are used by the local people in different ways. Some species are also found poisonous. The paper deals with the enumeration of these species, their vernacular names, distribution and abundance, uses and methods of utilization.

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Assam University Journal of Science & Technology : ISSN 0975-2773
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Vol. 7 Number I
161-167, 2011
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Rhododendron Species and Their Uses with Special Reference to Himalayas
– A Review
Debjyoti Bhattacharyya*
Department of Life Science & Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar 788 011. Assam.
Corresponding author e-mail: debjyoti_bsi@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
Rhododendrons, in India, are represented by about 80 species with 10 subspecies and 14 varieties most of
which are widely distributed in the Himalayas at altitude ranging from 1500 – 5500 m. During the course of
a revisionary study of Rhododendron L. in India, an attempt has been made to collect information on the uses
of different species from the field through personal communications with the inhabitants of the remote villages
and through repeated enquiries from local folk. The data presented was also collated from the notes of
herbarium specimens and literature. Besides of its immense horticultural importance, about 12 species have
been recorded here which are used by the local people in different ways. Some species are also found
poisonous. The paper deals with the enumeration of these species, their vernacular names, distribution and
abundance, uses and methods of utilization.
Keywords: Rhododendrons, Uses, Himalayas, India
Introduction
Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae) is represented by
about 1025 species in the world (Chamberlain et
al., 1996) mostly concentrated in the temperate
regions of Northern hemisphere especially in Sino-
Himalayas (Eastern Himalayas and Western
China). Besides this main centre, the
Rhododendrons are further extended towards
southern and northeastern China, Japan, Myanmar,
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and
New Guinea. A few species are also reported from
Afghanistan, Pakistan, southern Europe and
northern America. Two species are reported from
Australia.
In India, there are about 80 species (with 10
subspecies and 14 varieties) (Bhattacharyya,
2005) maximum of which are widely distributed
*Work done by the author during his research tenure in Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India,
Howrah. West Bengal.
Abstract previously published and presented as poster at National Conference on Plants in relation to Man &
Biosphere held at Blatter Herbarium, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai on 16th & 17th November 2007.
in different regions and altitudes in the Himalayas
in between 1500 – 5500 m.
Rhododendrons are shrubs or trees, terricolous,
sometimes epiphytic, often aromatic. Young shoots
glabrous, tomentose, loriform-ciliate or lepidote
covered with leafy bracts. Stem smooth or rough,
sometimes warted; bark peeling or not. Leaves
evergreen, deciduous or semideciduous,
monomorphic, rarely dimorphic, alternate, very
rarely subopposite, crowded at the end of the
branches, coriaceous to leathery, rounded to
cuneate at base, acute, acuminate to obtuse at
apex, entire to rarely undulate at margin, glabrous,
lepidote or tomentose either or both above and
beneath; pedicel glabrous to tomentose or lepidote.
Inflorescence terminal, rarely lateral, raceme or

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corymb, lax or dense, few to many-flowered, rarely
reduced to 1. Calyx 5 – 8-lobed or rimmed, large,
leafy to sometimes obscure, persistent. Corolla
funnel shaped, campanulate, tubular, rotate or
hypocrateriform, acinomorphic or symmetrically
zygomorphic, 5 – 8(–10)-lobed; lobes imbricate in
bud, sometimes quincuncial. Stamens (5–) 10 (–
22), inserted at base of corolla, declinate or not,
unequal to nearly equal, actinomorphically or
zygomorphically arranged; filaments glabrous or
pilose towards base; anthers without any
appendages, opening by terminal pores. Ovary
superior, 5 – 16-locular, tomentose and/or lepidote,
sometimes glabrous; style straight to deflexed,
sometimes persistent with fruit; stigma capitate
to discoid, crenate to lobed. Capsules cylindric,
oblong to ovoid, 5 – 18-valved, septicidal, dehiscent;
valves thick or thin, woody or linear, straight or
twisted. Seeds numerous, minute, fusiform,
winged, sometimes with appendages at both ends.
The genus Rhododendron is of immense
horticultural value. Many species are grown in
gardens of Europe and America for their
magnificent flowers and foliage and majority of
them are derived from the species occurring in
the Himalayas. Hybridization and selection have
resulted in new varieties adapted to different
warmer and colder areas. Several of them are
prized for ‘Rhododendron of the Year’ by the
Rhododendron Societies in different countries.
Most Rhododendrons are now grown from tissue
culture or from cuttings. Cuttings treated with root
hormones are usually planted in August to October
in peat moss and sand or peat moss or perlite
under mist with bottom heat.
Other than the horticultural importance, several
species are used variously by the local people from
the ancient time.
In this paper, an attempt has been made to collect
information on the uses of Rhododendron species
from the inhabitants of the local villages and to
collate data from the literature and herbarium
specimens.
Materials and Methods
During the course of a revisionary study of
Rhododendron L. in India, observations on the
uses of Rhododendron species were recorded
from the field trips through personal
communications with the inhabitants of the remote
villages of the Himalayan region. Information on
vernacular names, uses and method of utilization
were gathered through repeated enquiries from
local folk, from the notes of herbarium sheets and
also collated from different literature.
Uses of different species
In hilly areas, the flowers of Rhododendron
arboreum are used in the preparation of jams,
jellies and local brew. Rhododendron-wine, locally
called Guranse in Maneybhanjan, Chitrey,
Meghma and Tonglu areas of Sandakphu–Phallut
trek route in Darjeeling hills, is a very common
and pleasant drink. The local brew is reported
very efficacious in the prevention of altitude
sickness. The fresh flowers are also used as
medicine in the treatment of hill diarrhoea,
dysentery and dyspepsia. Sometimes the dried
flowers are eaten after frying with ghee to check
dysentery (Bhattacharjee, 1998). The flowers of
this species growing in Simla hills and other
neighbouring areas of the Western Himalayas are
considered to be more efficacious (Biswas &
Chopra, 1982). The fresh and dried corolla, which
are sour to taste are also taken to remove fish-
bones that get stuck in the gullet (Pradhan &
Lachungpa, 1990). Although the flowers are eaten
but when consumed in excess they are known to
cause intoxication (Anonymous, 1972). The nectar
can be fatal with varying degree of toxicity.
Tender leaves are reported to be used as
vegetables (Anonymous, 1972; Nayar et al., 1994)
but in view of the presence of toxic compounds
(Andromedotoxin) in them, their use as vegetables
is highly doubtful. The wood is used as fuel and
also in making of cups, spoons, boxes, saddles,
kukri handles etc. Leaves are used as poultice in
high fever and headache. Powdered bark is used
as snuff. The flowers are believed as sacred and
offered during worshiping in temples and
monasteries. Local women decorate their hair bun
with the flowers; frequently the trusses are used
with other Rhododendron species in the making
of bouquet.
Rhododendron Species and Their Uses with.......

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Leaves of R. campanulatum are reported to be
used in treating chronic rheumatism, syphilis and
sciatica. The mixture of powdered dried leaves
and tobacco are used as snuff to cure hemicarnia
and colds. The dried twigs and wood after crushing
mixed with tea and are used by the people of
Kalapokhri and Bikeybhanjan areas of Darjeeling
hills in treating chronic fevers. Plants also reported
to have anti-tubercular properties (Chopra et al.,
1958) and are a serious menace to livestock. The
poisonous effect of different species is due to
presence of a toxic compound, Andromedotoxin
or other chemical constituents resembled it closely.
After ingestion, cattle and sheep manifest intense
pain, diarrhoea, discomfort and salivation; also
noticed suppression of lactation, spasms, loss of
energy and ultimate death (Chopra et al., 1984).
Leaves and twigs of R. anthopogon mixed with
those of Junipers are burnt as incense in temples
and monasteries. It is sold in the market in different
regions of Western Himalayas under the trade
name ‘Takkar’ at the rate of about Rs. 10/- per
kg (Samant et al., 1998). The same use is also
largely practised in the hills of Darjeeling and
Sikkim Himalayas and in Tawang, Arunachal
Pradesh. The plant is in good demand as raw
material for the manufacturing of herbal drugs.
Decoction of leaves is used in treating cold, cough,
chronic bronchitis, asthma and excessive mucus
formation in the nose or throat (Catarrh) (Kumar
& Srivastava, 2002). Leaves and flowers of this
species are used in treating indigestion and lung
infection in Pso-ring-pa (an indigenous system
of medicine among Tibetans) (Balodi & Singh,
1997). Leaves are aromatic and administered to
produce sneezing. The dried and powdered
flowers mixed with oil are used as massage oil
for body in post-delivery complications. The dried
and powdered leaves of R. anthopogon subsp.
hypenanthum are eaten with butter in
Leucorrhoea and Gonorrhoea (Bhattacharjee,
1998).
Watt (1892) reported that the medicinal properties
of R. lepidotum are similar to those of R.
anthopogon. The tea made from bark of R.
lepidotum is supposed to be purgative.
Leaves of R. falconeri and R. hodgsonii are
used as platters for lining baskets and also in
packaging of butter and cheese. They are also
used for packaging apples in North Sikkim.
Leaves of R. falconeri and R. barbatum are used
as fish-poison (Anonymous, 1972; Chopra et al.,
1984). The toxicity is due to presence of a bitter
substance, glucoside ericolin.
The alcoholic extraction from the vegetative parts
of R. thomsonii is used as an effective insecticide
in North Sikkim (Pradhan & Lachungpa, 1990).
The leaves of R. cinnabarinum are poisonous to
livestock; the smoke of leaves and wood causes
inflammation of eyes and face. Sain (1974)
reported that the corolla is used for making jams
by the Lamas and Tibetan aristocrats. Pradhan
& Lachungpa (1990) reported that the corollas
are eaten raw and also taken after frying by local
people in Lachen and Lachung areas of North
Sikkim.
The dense tomentum of leaf undersurface of R.
fulgens is used, after scraping, as wick for lighting
fires in North Sikkim.
Table 1: Species of Rhododendron used with their vernacular names, distribution and abundance
SPECIES
R. anthopogon D. Don
VERNACULAR NAME
Bu-dud Tse, Dalis (Ladakh); Tazaktsum, Talis-
far (Kashmiri); Dhoop, Bhotia chai (Garhwal);
Tali (Pindari); Dhupi, Sunpati (Nepali); Paa-
loo, Tshoo-loo (Lepcha); Palu (Bhutia).
DISTRIBUTION
INDIA: On open rocky slopes in alpine zones in association
with Rhododendron setosum, 3300 – 4800 (–5200) m.
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh (subsp. hypenanthum),
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal
Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
ABUNDANCE
Abundant
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SPECIES
R. arboreum Sm.
R. barbatum Wall. ex G. Don
R. campanulatum D. Don
R. cinnabarinum Hook. f.
R. falconeri Hook. f.
R. fulgens Hook. f.
R. grande Wight
R. hodgsonii Hook. f.
R. lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don
R. niveum Hook. f.
R. thomsonii Hook. f.
VERNACULAR NAME
Kamri, Chhan, Chiu (Kashmiri); Cheu
(Chamba); Burans (Jaunsar); Brons (Almora);
Bras, Burans (Kumaon); Burans (Hindi);
Guras, Lal-guras, Laliguras, Bhorans, Dotial,
Taggu (Nepali); Baras (Bengali); Al-etok-
koong (Lepcha); Etok (Bhutia).
Chimal, Guras, Kato-chimal (Nepali); Kemu,
Lalchimal (Bhutia).
Gaggar, Yurmi, Ner, Nichnai (Kashmiri);
Shargar (Kulu); Chimula (Pindari); Chimura,
Semru, Simris (Garhwal); Simris (Tehri-
Garhwal); Chimul (Kumaon); Cheriala,
Nilochimal, Teotosa(Nepali); Ghentaboras
(Bengali); Khey-gok-koong (Lepcha); Tamaku
Hulas, Patti-kashmiri in Tibetan market.
Balu, Sanuchimal (Nepali); Kechung, Kema
(Lepcha).
Korlinga (Nepali); Kalma, Kegu (Bhutia).
Chireal, Chimal (Nepali).
Kali Guras, Patle Korlinga, Putlinga (Nepali);
Etok amal (Lepcha).
Korlinga (Nepali).
Taliori (Simla); Taghisha, Simris, Taghistra
(Kumaon & Garhwal); Saluma, Bhalesunpate
(Nepali); Tasluma, Tsuma, Tsaluma (Bhutia).
Hiun-pate Gurans (Nepali).
Gurans (Nepali).
DISTRIBUTION
INDIA: In dense or open forest, or on rocky slopes, (800–)
1500 – 2500 (–3550) m. Throughout Himalayas (from
Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh), Northeast India,
Western Ghats (subsp. nilagiricum).NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA,
MYANMAR, THAILAND.
INDIA: In dense forest, or on rocky slopes, 2500 – 3500 m.
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal
Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: In mixed forest, along with conifers and other
Rhododendrons, 2800 – 3800 m. Jammu & Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal
(Darjeeling district), Arunachal Pradesh.NEPAL BHUTAN,
CHINA.
INDIA: In forest margins, on rocks or pendulous from cliffs,
2400 – 3900 m. Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal
Pradesh. NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: In mixed deciduous forests between 2600 – 3400 m.
Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling District), Arunachal Pradesh.
NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: On rocky slopes just below alpine scrubs in association
with Rhododendron wightii, forming thickets when growing
together, 3300 – 4100 m. Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling),
Arunachal Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: In moist dense mixed broad-leaved forest, 2500 –
3200 m. Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal
Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: In dense forest, commonly associated with silver fir or
birch, 2800 – 3500 (–3800) m. Sikkim, West Bengal
(Darjeeling), Arunachal Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
INDIA: In open forest, on moist rocks or pendulous from cliffs
and tree trunks, 2200 – 3500 m. Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling), Arunachal
Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA, MYANMAR.
INDIA: In exposed rocky valleys, in association with
Rhododendron ciliatum, R. hodgsonii and R. thomsonii, 2900
– 3600 m, Sikkim.BHUTAN.
INDIA: In mixed forest, in association with Rhododendron
campanulatum, R. campylocarpum, 3100 – 4000 m. Sikkim,
Arunachal Pradesh.NEPAL, BHUTAN, CHINA.
ABUNDANCE
Abundant
Common
Common
Common
Abundant
Common
Common
Abundant
Abundant
Extremely rare
Common
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Table 2: Uses of Rhododendrons at a glance
General Uses
USES
Fuel wood
Preparation of Jams, jellies
and local brews
Vegetables (?)
Making of cups, spoons,
boxes, saddles, kukri handles
Snuff
In worship
Decoration of hair bun
In indoor decoration
Incense; used along with
Junipers
As platters for lining
baskets; also in packaging of
butter, cheese and apples
As wicks for lighting fires
Medicinal Uses
USES
In treatment of hill diarrhoea
and dysentery
Taken with ghee after frying
to check blood dysentery
Taken when fish bones stuck
in the gullet
Used as poultice in high
fever and headache
Used in treating chronic
rheumatism, syphilis and
sciatica
Used as snuff after mixing
with tobacco leaves to cure
Hemicarnia and colds
In treatment of chronic fevers
SPECIES
Rhododendron arboreum Sm.
R. barbatum Wall. ex G. Don
R. campanulatum D. Don
R. falconeri Hook. f.
R. hodgsonii Hook. f.
R. arboreum Sm.
R. cinnabarinum Hook. f.
R. arboreum Sm.
R. arboreum Sm.
R. campanulatum D. Don
R. cinnabarinum Hook. f.
R. niveum Hook. f.
R. anthopogon D. Don
R. falconeri Hook.f.
R. hodgsonii Hook. f.
R. fulgens Hook.f.
SPECIES
R. arboreum Sm.
R. campanulatum D. Don
PARTS USED
Main stem and branches
Fresh corolla
Tender leaves
Wood
Powdered bark
Flowers
Inflorescence truss
Inflorescence truss
Leaves and twigs
Leaves
Dense tomentum of leaf undersurface
PARTS USED
Fresh flowers
Dried flowers
Fresh and dried corolla
Leaves
Leaf decoction
Powdered dried leaves
Dried twigs and wood in powdered
form
Rhododendron Species and Their Uses with.......

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Medicinal Uses
USES
In treatment of Catarrh; also
in treating cold, cough,
chronic bronchitis and
asthma; administered to
produce sneezing
In treating indigestion and
lung infection
Mixed with oil and used in
massage in post-delivery
complications
Eaten with butter in
Leucorrhoea and Gonorrhoea
Drinks made is supposed to
be purgative
SPECIES
R. anthopogon D. Don
R. anthopogon D. Don
[particularly subsp. hypenanthum
(Balf. f.) Cullen]
R. lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don
PARTS USED
Decoction of leaves
Decoction of leaves and flowers
Dried flowers in powdered forms
Powdered dried leaves and young
shoots
Bark
Discussion
12 species, out of 80 found in India, are recorded
here which have been found useful to the local
inhabitants of the Himalayan region. All the species
with their vernacular names among the different
communities, distribution in India as well as range
of distribution and abundance are represented in
Table 1. Table 2 shows the uses of different
species in concise form. The species, which are
largely exploited particularly for fuel wood and
incense, need to be conserved.
Poisonous
USES
Harmful when consumed in
excess
Poisonous to livestock
Fish poison
Insecticide
SPECIES
R. arboreum Sm.
R. campanulatum D. Don
R. cinnabarinum Hook. f.
R. barbatum Wall. ex G. Don
R. falconeri Hook. f.
R. thomsonii Hook. f.
PARTS USED
Nectar of Flowers
Leaves
Leaves
Aqueous extraction from vegetative
parts
Acknowledgements
I express my sincere thanks and the highest
appreciation to Dr. M. Sanjappa, Director,
Botanical Survey of India for his constant
guidance, valuable suggestions and
encouragement given throughout the study.
I am also thankful to all the forest guards, local
peoples and porters whose hospitality and
cooperation had helped me a lot for completion
of this work.
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