Short Communication | Published: 30 December 2024

Blooms in the market: Sale time of Rhododendron flowers as an indicator of changed phenology

Anchal Sharma and Sanjay Kumar Uniyal

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 47 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 236-238 | 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-V3MV3L | Cite this article

Abstract

Rhododendron arboreum Sm. is a widely distributed and commonly used species of the Himalayan region. The flowers of the species that are collected from the wild are sold in the market. These flowers now flood the market of Himachal Pradesh a fortnight earlier as compared to a couple of years ago. Interaction with sellers revealed that the species now flowers earlier in the wild, indicative of changing phenology. Changes in phenology are argued to be amongst the best indicators of environmental change. Recognizing that the Himalaya are highly vulnerable to environmental changes, such indicators become important. Herein, every single piece of information matters and should be documented with local communities being an integral part of such initiatives as “citizen scientists”. 

Keywords

Climate, Community, Flower, Himalaya, Phenology

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How to cite

Sharma, A. and Uniyal, S.K., 2024. Blooms in the market: Sale time of Rhododendron flowers as an indicator of changed phenology. Indian Journal of Forestry, 47(4), pp.236-238. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2024-V3MV3L

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 17 June 2024

Manuscript Revised on 02 December 2024

Manuscript Accepted on 27 December 2024

Manuscript Published on 30 December 2024

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