The little-known spring in Kashmir – Hindu

Big wine flowers in bloom in Kashmir. |Photo source: Anzar Khuroo

The agricultural climate conditions in Kashmir are different from those in other parts of the country. The long and severe winters of the valley put the vegetation in dormant state. When spring comes, it integrates new life into the landscape.

The mountainous areas are home to a variety of endemic plants, including indigenous light bulbs, herbs, shrubs and trees. These patterns play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the valley.

Some of the most prominent spring flowers are: Lutein (Veer Kaum): A delicate and vibrant bloom that often sees the hills and grooves of the carpet; Sternbergia vernalis (Gur Journey), this is a golden flower that marks the arrival of spring; salix (Braed Mushuk), a plant with significant cultural and ecological value; Viburnum Grandiflorum (Kulmansh), a shrub with large pink flowers; and daffodils, whose bright yellow and white tones symbolize renewal and have deep roots in Kashmir folklore.

Culture and Ecology

In addition to aesthetic appeal, these plants also provide essential ecosystem services. They are an important food source for pollinators, ensuring that pollination of horticultural fruit trees also blooms in spring.

“From 1,600 meters in the basin to altitude change of more than 4,500 meters on the peaks – creating a variety of habitats suitable for these plants,” said Anzar Khuroo, professor at the Department of Botany at Kashmir University. “The gradual blooming from the valley plains in early spring to the alpine meadows in late summer, showing their remarkable diversity and adaptability.”

For centuries, ethnic communities have used these unique flowers for medicinal and cultural purposes. Many traditional uses have been preserved through oral traditions and have been passed down from generation to generation. These flowers do not symbolize the legacy of Kashmir: they also have potential therapeutic benefits.

Threat and protection

But because of their significance, these species face many threats. Unsustainable development activities, deforestation and increased human encroachment can pose significant risks. Climate change has also begun to change its pattern of blooming. The relatively light winter and early warming in February resulted in premature flowering of the valley, disrupting the natural seasonal cycle, the study found.

For example, Recent research Conducted by Khuroo team from Kashmir University Sternbergia vernalis, In response to climate change in the Kashmir region of the Himalayas.

At present, there is no dedicated protection plan for plants that bloom in spring. National parks and wildlife reserves are currently safe havens, retaining populations. On the other hand, unregulated tourism and hiking trends continue to increase, without environmental considerations posed new challenges.

“As Kashmir’s ecology and environment face increasing pressures, it is necessary to strike a balance between development and conservation,” Khuroo said. “Conserving these local blooms is not just about maintaining biodiversity: it is about protecting the cultural and ecological nature of the valley, so much so that generations will come.”

Hirra Azmat is a Kashmir-based journalist who provides a wide range of introductions to science, health and the environment.