Rhododendrons.

• As per Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are home to more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India.
• Rhododendron, meaning rose tree in Greek, is a genus of flowering plants.
• It is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe.
• It is considered an indicator species for climate change.
• Habitat range: Subtropical and temperate to subalpine and alpine ecosystems.
• Health benefits: Prevention and treatment of diseases associated with heart, dysentery, diarrhoea, etc

About Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

• The East India Company (EIC) established the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in 1890, during the pre-independence era.
• It is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Parent institution- Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change.
• It conducts surveys, research, and conservation of India’s plant riches.
• It also gathers and manages gene banks of threatened and endangered plant species.