Blue Poppy
The Blue Poppy, crowned as the “Queen of Himalayan Flowers,” boasts medicinal value, more prevalent in Tibetan medicine than in Uttarakhand.Revered for its efficacy in head-related ailments, this bloom holds a significant place among high-altitude Himalayan flora.
Along the slopes of Hemkunt Sahib during the monsoon, these delicate blue blossoms paint the moraine trail from Hemkund Sahib to Bhyundar Khal and the Flowers Valley leading to Badrinath.
The Blue Poppy, scientifically known as MECONOPSIS, encompasses around 40 species worldwide, with 20 found in India. Its name stems from the Greek ‘Mecon,’ signifying Poppy. Referred to as MECONOPSIS ACULEATA, ‘Aculeata’ describes its prickly disposition. While the entire plant holds narcotic components, the roots are notably toxic, casting uncertainty on its status.
Brahma kamal - Saussurea obvallata
The Brahma Kamal, Himalaya’s revered bloom, thrives at 3,000-4,600m. In monsoons, it carpets high altitudes like Flowers Valley and Hemkund Sahib.Its blossoms grace the Nanda Devi Temple, embodying cultural significance. Honored by a postage stamp, it symbolizes spiritual reverence and natural beauty.
Brahma’s Lotus: The flower, ‘Brahma’s Lotus,’ bears the name of Lord Brahma, the Universe’s architect, often depicted seated upon its grand petals. Known also as Kanja, associated with the sea’s origin, myths vary about Brahma’s birth – some cite Vishnu’s navel, while others venerate the vast, radiant Brahma Kamal as his genesis.
The Life-Giving Lotus: Ganesha’s birth legend features Brahma creating the Brahma Kamal at Parvati’s behest, aiding Shiva in granting Ganesha an elephant head. During this transformation, water from the Brahma Kamal drenched Shiva, elevating the lotus to the divine flower of rejuvenation. Renowned for its medicinal potential, modern science continues to explore its properties.
The Golden Lotus: During the Pandavas’ exile, Draupadi, haunted by memories, faced the forest’s hardships. One evening, a fleeting golden lotus brought her a fleeting spiritual joy, swiftly fading away. Bhima, on his quest, met Hanuman at her behest. This tale links to an enigmatic herb, where ‘silver’ hints at the ‘golden’ sought, intertwining with their saga.
Wish Fulfilling: The rare bloom of this flower holds a longstanding belief – witnessing it fulfills all wishes. Yet, its elusive nature presents a challenge; it emerges in the late evening, lasting only a fleeting few hours, making its sight a cherished rarity.
In the Ramayana, when the Sanjivani herb revived Lakshmana miraculously, divine flowers cascaded from heaven, rooting themselves in the Flowers Valley, earning the name Kamal Brahma.
Himalayan Slipper Orchid
The Himalayan Slipper Orchid, a terrestrial marvel of the Himalayas at 3000-4300 meters, stands modestly at 20-30 cm.Its striking 5 cm flowers feature a vividly streaked bag-like lip with a wavy or saw-toothed mouth, overshadowing white petals and sepals adorned with red lines.
With slightly elongated outward-reaching petals and lance-shaped leaves, this beauty blooms from June to July, boasting flowers larger than its leafy bracts.
Himalayan Slipper Orchid:
The Himalayan Slipper Orchid goes by various local names like Lady’s Slipper, Moccasin Flower, Camel’s Foot, Venus Boot, and more, reflecting its diverse associations and appearances.
In Flowers Valley, an uncommon gem emerges—the Cypripedium. While it typically blooms from June to August, spotting it in the Valley of Flowers demands effort and guidance. Its rarity necessitates a knowledgeable guide who can lead you to its tiny colonies, specifically near the wooden bridge by the Valley’s official starting point. These Himalaicum colonies rest a few yards away from the main path, requiring a deliberate search off the beaten track.
Bistorta Affinis
The Bistorta Affinis, also known as the Himalayan bistort or fleece flower, thrives in the Polygonaceae family in the Himalayas, spanning from Tibet to Pakistan and Kashmir.
Flourishing at altitudes between 3000 to 4800 meters, this densely tufted perennial forms mats, reaching heights of 10 to 24 inches. Recognizable by its narrow elliptic leaves with a white underside due to a waxy coating, it blooms cylindrical spikes of pale pink or rose-red flowers from mid-summer to autumn. This beautiful species graces the valleys of Uttarakhand.