3/18/2010

Rhododendron

[ . BACK to BHUTAN SAIJIKI ... TOP . ]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


BHUTAN SAIJIKI


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Rhododendron

***** Location: Bhutan
***** Season: Summer
***** Category: Plant


*****************************
Explanation

Bhutan has been described as a botanical paradise, and is perhaps the most unspoiled example of the fast-disappearing Himalayan ecology. Amongst this wealth of flora is
Bhutan’s national flower – the Rhododendron.
These “tree” rhododendrons are forest dwellers that grow at high altitudes. They grow to large sizes, largely as a result of the abundant moisture available to them and will not flower for at least 20 years. Their optimum form is reached at around 50 years.

From early March when the first rhododendrons begin to bloom in Bhutan, the amazing colours of R. barbatum, R. niveum and R. dalhousiae are quite stunning.
Along with perhaps the best known of tree rhododendrons R. arboretum, the enormous R. grande and the delicate R. glaucophyllum, Bhutan Post has captured only six of the estimated 54 varieties of this species found in Bhutan.



These six however are truly representative of this magnificent flowering plant and Bhutan Post is proud to highlight them in this stamp issue.
source : www.bhutanpost.com.bt


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. . . CLICK here for Rhododendron Photos !


*****************************
Worldwide use

Japan

. Rhododendron (shakunage)
Azalea (tsutsuji)  



*****************************
Things found on the way



Dochula Pass (3200m)
The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa), the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens.
It is about 30 km away from Thimphu, leading toward central Bhutan, Punakha and Wandgi.
There are also many prayer flags on the pass.

CLICK for more photos

. . . CLICK here for more Photos !


*****************************
HAIKU


Dochula pass -
smell of rhododendron
after the rain


Sonam Chhoki


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


*****************************
Related words

***** BHUTAN SAIJIKI

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

No comments: