Researchers have identified rare Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) flowers blooming in the high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly at Bumla Pass in the Tawang District.
These flowers, revered for their sacred significance, are traditionally offered to Lord Vishnu at the Badrinath shrine and Lord Shiva at the Kedarnath shrine.
The Brahma Kamal holds a special place in Hindu mythology. According to folklore, the flower was created by Lord Brahma to assist Lord Shiva in placing the head of an elephant on Lord Ganesha's body.
It is said that the petals of the Brahma Kamal released ‘Amruta’—the elixir of life—onto Ganesha’s body.
Additionally, when Lakshmana was revived with Sanjeevani, the Gods celebrated by showering Brahma Kamal flowers from the heavens.
The study, conducted by a team from Rajiv Gandhi University, Dera Natung Government College, the National Centre for Biological Sciences, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, marks a significant contribution to the understanding of both the Brahma Kamal and its pollinators.
For the first time, researchers have documented the visitation of this sacred flower by several species of bumble bees, emphasizing their critical role in the flower's pollination.
Sparsely distributed across the Himalayan mountains, Brahma Kamal is known for its medicinal properties and has been utilised in traditional medicine for its therapeutic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.
The researchers identified 21 species of bumble bees inhabiting elevations ranging from 200 to 4500 meters above sea level, with the study focusing on an elevation of 4300 meters in Tawang District.
The ecosystem in this region is characterised as tundra type, situated above alpine vegetation. The area is home to dwarf shrubs, sedges, grasses, mosses, and rhododendrons.
The flowering period of the Brahma Kamal occurs primarily in August, coinciding with the peak bumble bee visitation.
During their research, the team documented six species of bumble bees visiting the Brahma Kamal flowers.
Notable species included Bombus abnormis, Bombus mirus, Bombus lemniscatus, Bombus pressus, Bombus prshewalskyi, and Bombus sikkimi.
The study indicated that June to August is the ideal period for recording bumble bee activity in the high-altitude eastern Himalayas.
Bumble bees play a vital role as the primary pollinators of Brahma Kamal. Adapted to cold climates, these bees are crucial for the survival of this rare flower.
The long tongues of bumble bees make them well-suited for accessing the deep nectar of Brahma Kamal blooms.
The research highlights the vulnerability of the Bombus mirus species, which was found to be particularly abundant in the pollination of these flowers.
"This research not only expands the knowledge of Brahma Kamal's distribution but also underscores the need for detailed studies on pollination and conservation strategies," the study notes.
The findings stress the importance of protecting bumble bee habitats amid environmental changes and alterations in land use.
While no immediate threats to Brahma Kamal have been identified in the region, promoting bumble bee diversity is essential for maintaining stable pollination in high-altitude ecosystems.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that Brahma Kamal appears to be self-compatible, meaning it can undergo autonomous self-pollination.
However, bumble bee visits significantly enhance pollination success. Researchers suggest that further in-depth studies are necessary to fully understand the relationship between bumble bees and the pollination of Brahma Kamal.
“A better understanding of the bumble bee ecosystem and its accompanying food plant will aid in conservation efforts for both plants and pollinators,” the study recommends.
By ensuring pollination across various plant species, fostering bumble bee diversity can contribute to stabilising pollination processes in these fragile ecosystems.
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