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Himalayan bloom

High-altitude flowers are symbols of life’s resilience and beauty in adversity
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Three-Finger Buttercup (Halerpestes tricuspis) thrives in moist meadows, stream banks, and narrow rocky crevices of the western and central Himalayas, including Uttarakhand and Nepal, between 3,300m and 4,200m. It is used to treat heat disorders of the tendons and ligaments. Photo by the writer
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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.

Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) is found in Uttarakhand, HP, Sikkim and Nepal between 3,000m and 4,600m. Its translucent bracts protect the flowers in harsh alpine conditions. In medicine, it is used to treat paralysis, cerebral ischemia, liver disorders, bone-ache, cough, intestinal and urinal disorders. Photos by the writer

Many high-altitude species, like the Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), have fuzzy or hairy surfaces that protect them from cold winds and UV radiation.

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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.

Small-Leaved Trailing Bellflower (Cyananthus microphyllus) grows in the western and central Himalayas, including regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and Tibet, at altitudes between 3,000m and 4,800m. Its leathery leaves help in water retention, while its extensive root structure prevents soil erosion. 

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.

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Himalayan Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) grows in wetlands, meadows and rocky crevices of the Himalayas, including India, Nepal and Bhutan, between 1,900m and 4,500m. Known for its rosette-forming leaves and yellow, star-shaped flowers, it thrives in nutrient-poor soils. 

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.

Smooth Ground Daisy (Allardia glabra) thrives in the rocky slopes and alpine meadows of the western Himalayas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between 4,000m and 5,000m. Its smooth, oval leaves and small, daisy-like yellow flowers are adapted to survive in harsh, dry conditions. 

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).

Himalayan Edelweiss (Leontopodium Himalayanum) thrives in rocky slopes of the Himalayas across India, Nepal, and Bhutan between 3,000m and 4,500m. Its woolly, star-shaped flowers are adapted to resist harsh mountain climates. 

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.

Violet Monkshood (Aconitum violaceum) grows in temperate meadows and rocky slopes of the western Himalayas between 3,600m and 4,800m. In Tibetan medicine, it is used in the treatment of snake and scorpion bites, contagious infections and inflammation of the intestines. 

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

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