K. Chandra Sekar, Sunil Kumar Srivastava

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

Keywords: Rhododendrons, Indian Himalayan Region, Ericaceae, India

Cite this paper: nullK. Sekar and S. Srivastava, "Rhododendrons in Indian Himalayan Region: Diversity and Conservation," American Journal of Plant Sciences, Vol. 1 No. 2, 2010, pp. 131-137. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2010.12017.

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