Rhododendrons bloom in Humla as early as January

By Rajan Rawat,Humla, Feb. 11: Rhododendrons, which usually bloom in April and May, have blossomed as early as February this year in Humla. 

The unusual flowering has been attributed to rising temperatures caused by changes in weather patterns. Aite Budha of Maspur in Tanjakot Rural Municipality-3 said that forests in the area have turned red with blooming rhododendrons. He said that while the flowers normally bloom in April and May, they have appeared much earlier this year.

The rhododendrons are mainly seen flowering in the forest along the trail leading to Maspur village. Budha said that after the flowers bloomed, pedestrians travelling along the route have been stopping to climb trees, enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

He added that many walkers have also been picking rhododendron flowers to wear on their ears. Another local, Kesh Bahadur Rokaya of Maspur, said he was surprised to see rhododendrons blooming ahead of season this year. He noted that the flowers, which usually bloom at the end of April and in May, have already appeared.

Rhododendrons are found flowering in forests across southern Humla, including in Kharpunath, Sarkegad, Chankheli, Adanchuli and Tanjakot rural municipalities.

Chudamani Pant, chief of the Agriculture Development Office, said the early blooming is the result of rising temperatures linked to recent weather changes. He added that fruits and vegetables that normally do not grow in Himalayan regions have also started growing, which he said is another clear sign of climate change.

Rhododendrons have not bloomed in forests in other parts of Humla. Apart from being picked as flowers, rhododendrons in the district are not used for any other purpose.