Page 6 - common trees of flowers of Uttarakhand

06 | COMMON TREES AND FLOWERS OF UTTARAKHAND WILDFLOWERS OF THE MID-ELEVATIONS IN THE HIMALAYA

Lamiaceae Indian Squirrel Tail Colebrookea oppositifolia
Alternate English name: Tissue Paper Plant Local name: Bindu/Binda, Bhirmoli

Plant type & size Native shrub,
monotypic genus (only one plant
known globally belonging to this
genus), 1-3m tall.
Flower size: 5-10cm spike.
Flowering December-April
Description This is a common
shrub that is found growing between
250-1700m. It is common in shaded
areas along ravines and along
pathways, on slightly stony soil. The
shrub is easily recognized by its 10-
15cm long, slightly-serrated, light
green leaves, that grow in an
opposite manner and the distinctive, Anchal Sondhi
5-10cm long flower spikes that
resemble a squirrel’s tail. The leaves

are paler below and have a
fine covering of hairs which
make them soft to touch,
giving them their alternate
name of ‘Tissue Paper Plant’.

Anchal Sondhi Suniti Bhushan Datta

Medicinal and other uses
The leaves have mild antiseptic properties and can be
used to soothe wounds and sores.

Nature notes
The genus ‘Colebrookea’ is named after Henry Thomas Suniti Bhushan Datta
Colebrooke (1765-1837), a British amateur botanist,
colonial administrator and Sanskrit scholar.

The Silvery Hedge Blue feeds
on the nectar of its flowers.

TERAI MID-ALTITUDE
LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE
COMMON TREES AND FLOWERS OF UTTARAKHAND
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