Brahma Kamal is called the King of Himalayan Flowers and is also the state flower of Uttarakhand.
New Delhi:
The rare Brahma Kamal, the only flower known to bloom after sunset and just once a year, has been spotted high in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Time-lapse videos of the blooming in the snow-capped valley of Chamoli district have mesmerized the internet.
It is said that Brahma Kamal – named after God Brahma who is said to have created the universe – takes about two hours to flower to about eight inches in diameter. The flower only blooms for a few hours, and it is said to be good luck and prosperity.
Scientifically known as Saussurea Obvallata, the flower is mentioned in the scriptures and is offered at many sacred shrines, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Tunganath.
Brahma Kamal is called the King of Himalayan Flowers and is also the state flower of Uttarakhand.
The flower is highly valued in Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda for its healing properties. It is widely used by the locals to treat cuts and bruises.
Its natural habitat has faced shrinkage in recent periods due to global warming, human encroachment and overexploitation.
The state government has now opened nurseries in the Chamoli district to conserve the flower and its sister species – all of which have great medicinal value.
