Wildflower of the valley
Himalayan Roseroot
Rhodiola imbricata
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Medium
- Family
- Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
- Local name
- Solomarpo (Ladakhi)
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Altitude
- 3800–5000 m
- Flower colour
- Rose
- Flowering
- June to August
About Himalayan Roseroot
Rhodiola imbricata is a perennial and dioecious herb of 25 to 30 cm height. Root stocks are aromatic having a scent of similar to rose flowers. Flowering stems 3 to 6 on each rhizome. Flowers are yellow, unisexual and arranged in a compact terminal cymes. The specific name Imbricata means Over lapping, referring to arrangement of leaves on the stem.
Where to find it
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
- Around Hemkund Sahib
Habitat
In meadows, rock crevices and grassy slopes.
What the name means
Rhodiola: from rhodon (rose); imbricata means "overlapping like roof-tiles", after the closely packed leaves.
Don't confuse it with
R. heterodonta (sno 92) has softer, more variable leaves; R. imbricata has tightly stacked, tile-like leaves.
More photos
With intricate petals and a captivating aura, Rhodiola Imbricata thrives in untouched wilderness, symbolizing nature's hidden artistry.
