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Darjeeling represents a combination of temperate and
sub-tropical areas of the state of West Bengal with the tea
gardens along with some agricultural land. It embodies more than
7000 species of flowering plants along with numerous small and
beautiful non-flowering plants including algae, fungi,
bryophytes and pteridophytes.
 Darjeeling represents one of the rich flora in the
world. The
richness and variety are due to different kinds of
physiographic, climatic and edaphic conditions, often aided by
biotic factors. Immigration of various plants to the district
from the neighbouring countries further influences the richness
of the vegetation. The exotic species Cryptomeria japonica
locally known as "Dhupi" is an evergreen pine tree found
abundantly here.
On the onset of spring, the hills are seen to cover with the
flowers of Rhododendron arboreum locally known as "Lali Guras"
intermingled with white and pink flowers of Magnolias and
Michaelias. The scenery at this time of the year traps the
attention of every nature lover.
The Rhododendrons not only produce beautiful scarlet flowers but
it also stores a pile of medicinal properties which are best
utilised by the local people of Darjeeling.
A little later in the months of April-May, the flowering of
Peach,Pear and Cherries invite the attention of the people. The
cream and white small flowers of Peach and Pear along with the
beautiful pink flowers of Prunus cerosoides really show the
beauty of the green hills. No one can forget the beauty of the
varieties of Orchids growing wild as well as at the houses of
the people. The worth mentioning ones are the species of
Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Dendrobium, etc.
 The rainy season at Darjeeling lasts for about four months and
in the month of October, the festival month starts with the
flowering of golden yellow Marygolds Tagetus patula having
cultural as well as ethnic value. Besides these, many beautiful
tree species such as Birches, Acers, Betulas different species
of Quercus, Machilus, Elaeocerpus, Pines etc are found to grow
in the hills. Due to the vastness and richness of the area, the
local people also make use of the medicinal plants found here.
Bergenia locally known as "Pakhanbet"; Urtica dioica- the nettle
locally known as 'Sishnu'; Drymeria cordata ,'Abhijal',
Thysanolaena agrostis- 'Amliso' Eupatorium odoratum -'Kalijhar';
Acorus calamus- 'Bojho' Heracleum wallichii- Chimphing etc are
worth mentioning.
Courtesy :Dr. Ranjana Yonzone.
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