While hiking in high-altitude Himalayas where lush valleys transform into a desolate canvas of ice, water and rocks, the sight of flowers evokes two contrasting emotions. One is a twinge of jealousy — how dare they sway in their colourful attire while I huff and puff in the thin air? But the other is hope, a quiet reassurance that even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way.
Flowers growing in high-altitude regions are remarkable specimens of life, full of ingenuity and resilience. The conditions here are far from hospitable — freezing temperatures, intense UV radiation, strong winds and a short growing season challenge all forms of life. Yet, flowering plants have evolved unique adaptations to survive and thrive.
Many high-altitude species, like the Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), have fuzzy or hairy surfaces that protect them from cold winds and UV radiation.
Some, like Edelweiss (Leontopodium Himalayanum), have thick, waxy leaves to minimise water loss, while others like the Small-Leaved Trailing Bellflower (Cyananthus microphyllus) have thick, leathery leaves to achieve the same objective.
The list of such incredible adaptations is endless. The Three-Finger Buttercup (Halerpestes tricuspis), for instance, can grow in crevices between rocks with minimal soil, while the Himalayan Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) forms rosettes that trap heat.
The Violet Monkshood (Aconitum violaceum) produces compounds that deter herbivores from grazing it, and the Smooth Ground Daisy (Allardia glabra) has adapted to survive under snow for extended periods, blooming as soon as conditions permit.
Most of these plants develop deep roots in the rocky soil, anchoring them against powerful winds and allowing access to underground water. They play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. They prevent soil erosion by stabilising loose rocky terrains with their root systems. Their presence enables nutrient cycling, aiding in the survival of other plants and micro-organisms. The nectar and pollen they produce are vital food sources for pollinators, which, in turn, help sustain the region’s biodiversity. For local communities, these flowers hold immense cultural, medicinal and economic value. Many species, such as the Brahma Kamal, are considered sacred and used in traditional rituals. Others are prized for their medicinal properties and form the basis of traditional Himalayan medicine systems, including the Ayurveda and Sowa Rigpa (traditional Tibetan medicine).
Despite their resilience, high-altitude flowers face mounting threats, climate change and anthropogenic pressures being the usual culprits. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to retreat and altering snow cover patterns, which directly impact the availability of water and the duration of the growing season. Species that are specially adapted to cold environments are struggling to cope with these changes.
Human activities pose additional challenges. Increased tourism and unregulated grazing is causing habitat destruction, especially the trampling of fragile vegetation, which has a domino effect, as it leads to soil erosion making it difficult for future generations of plants to take root. Overharvesting, illegal extraction and smuggling of plants prized for their medicinal properties have also taken a toll, with many species finding demand in black markets as exotic ornamental plants and herbal medicines. Local communities, particularly those dependent on traditional medicines and eco-tourism, are among the worst affected. The cultural heritage associated with these flowers is also at risk. As sacred plants disappear, so do the rituals and stories that have been passed down through generations. Conserving high-altitude flowers requires a multi-faceted approach. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, play a crucial role in preserving these ecosystems by limiting human activity and allowing the flora to regenerate.
However, effective conservation extends beyond these legal protections. Local communities, which have documented and harvested these species sustainably for centuries, also have an important role to play. With their extensive knowledge of the natural ecosystems as well as traditional uses of plants, communities can support scientific research. Through monitoring and surveillance, they can help curb illegal extraction and smuggling, and can also implement sustainable harvesting practices to balance their needs with ecological preservation.
Weaving through an endless maze of rock and scree, the sight of a flower standing defiantly against boulders the size of rooms is like a David and Goliath story. Beyond their ephemeral presence, they are symbols of life’s resilience and beauty in adversity. Their vibrant presence in stark landscapes reminds us of nature’s ability to thrive against the odds. Protecting these floral treasures is not just an ecological imperative, but also a moral one.
— The writer is an outdoor enthusiast and climate expert