STATUS OF RHODODENDRON IN NEPAL
Nepal?s hills and mountains are bestowed with rhododendron trees. The trees are extended far off in the eastern and far-western part of the country. And you can see many colors of Rhododendron viz white, red, pink and mixed colors. The trees make up huge forests and have become a source of income through tourism for local people. Many governmental and non-governmental organizations have tried and protected these areas against deforestation and exploitation.
However, this year the famous rhododendron sightseeing areas, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar and adjoining places have surprisingly seen no flowering at all. This time of the year i.e, from February to June, the flowers would cover the whole forest, say local people with various news channels. This is the time when photographers and tourists would cover the area. But this year many have returned empty handed and many decided not to visit there creating a decline in the income of the tourism relying people and agencies.

CAUSES AND THREATS
Many botanists and scientists of Nepal have viewed this as an impact of climate change. Rhododendron being a temperate flower needs a very narrow range of temperature during flowering which was not met this year. Scientists have seen it as a huge challenge in coming years as well.

Besides the environmental impacts, it is also posing threat to the socio-economic aspects of the area which, if not provided solution in time, will slowly affect the economy and prestige of whole the country. Researchers are estimating that people might cut down rhododendron trees for timber if they fail to flower the coming year as well.