Wildflower of the valley
Alpine Roscoea
Roscoea alpina
- How easy to find
- Very rare — you need to search for it — local knowledge helps
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
- Local name
- Kakoli
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 10–15 cm
- Flower colour
- red
- Flowering
- June to August
About Alpine Roscoea
Roscoea alpina is a herb of 10-15 cm height with thick tuberous roots. Stems have papery bracts below the sessile leaves. Leaves are elliptic lanceolate. Flowers are deep purple in color and they become pale purple on ageing. The specific name epithet Alpina refers to inhabitation of this species in Alpine regions. Status : Endangered
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
Habitat
Undergrowth of forests and shruberries.
Uses & folklore
Leaves are used in the treatment of cuts and wounds in cattles.
What the name means
Roscoea honours William Roscoe, founder of the Liverpool Botanic Garden; alpina means "alpine".
