Hidden Treasures: Rare Plants of the Alpine Himalaya

The heights above 15000 ft are a world of wonder, especially for floral enthusiasts, but working there presents huge challenges. The oxygen levels are low and the winds are strong. The lack of any basic facilities, the ever present fear of physical distress, and the difficulties of evacuation in a medical emergency have made very few venture to those heights. Even a visit to these heights is treacherous, not to mention the exploratory work there for months together. 

As the snow melts by late May, a fascinating world of high altitude plants springs to life. Many of these floral wonders have never been studied or photo documented in any detail. For the last six years, I have spent an average of six months a year in the mountains above 15000 ft, studying and documenting this diversity of plants.

The book, Hidden Treasures: Rare Plants of the Alpine Himalaya, showcases a collection of 100 rare to very rare alpine plants, including 14 new reports for India, all found above 15000 ft with the highest from 19400 ft in the eastern Himalaya - Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

The list includes rare to very rare species like, Aconitum violaceum, Chionocharis hookeri, Chrysosplenium sikangense, Delphinium lacostei, Erysimum chamaephyton, Microula hispidissima, Primula sibirica, Silene gonosperma, Waldheimia glabra etc.

The front cover is of Przewalskia tangutica - a new report for India and the back cover is adored by the most stunning plant of the Himalaya, the Rheum nobile.