Wildflower of the valley
Kashmir false Spiraea
Sorbaria tomentosa
- How easy to find
- Very rare — you need to search for it — local knowledge helps
- Flower size
- Small to medium
- Family
- Rosaceae (Rose family)
- Local name
- Bakre Jar, Bhiloka, Kathi, Kyans
- Type
- Shrub
- Height
- 4–5 m
- Flower colour
- white
- Flowering
- June to September
About Kashmir false Spiraea
Sorbaria tomentosa is a very graceful looking deciduous shrub of 4 to 5 m tall. Flowers are white and small. The specific name Sorbus refers to Sorbus tree which is known in common English language as service tree or service berry. Caution : Leaves and flowers are poisonous as they contain Hydrogen Cyanide.
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
Habitat
Along river sides and in open too.
Uses & folklore
Fruits are used in the treatment of Asthma and lung infections.
What the name means
Sorbaria is derived from Sorbus (rowan), which it resembles in leaf; tomentosa means "covered with matted hair".
