Wildflower of the valley
Bistorta affinis
Bistorta affinis
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Medium
- Family
- Polygonaceae (Knotweed family)
- Local name
- Chookroo, Masloon, Himalayan fleece flower
- Height
- medium
- Altitude
- 3000–4500 m
- Flower colour
- red
- Flowering
- June to September
About Bistorta affinis
Bistorta affinis is found in 2-3 varieties in the valley of flowers. It is very attractive flower especially due to twisted stem. It's stem is tufted and upper leaves are smaller. Flowers at this tufted stem are pale to deep pink in color. In short Bistorta Affinis looks like a long cylindrical spike. It is a common flower and can be spotted easily in the valley of flowers from June mid to End of September.
Where to find it
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
Moist Places, Mountain slopes and Meadows
Uses & folklore
Whole Plant is used for the treatment of diarrhoea and cold. The seeds are edible.
What the name means
Bistorta is Latin for "twice-twisted", referring to the tightly coiled rootstock; affinis means "related to" (a neighbouring species).
Don't confuse it with
Bistorta vaccinifolia (sno 120) and Polygonum amplexicaule (sno 133) share the same knotweed silhouette but have redder spikes and coarser leaves.
More photos
Often seen in serene landscapes, Bistora Affinis enchants with its delicate form and vibrant hues, beloved by nature enthusiasts and… 
