PlantsMap

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5 plants worth knowing

Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most forested countries in Asia – forests cover about 70% of its area, and the constitution requires that at least 60% of the territory remain forested. From subtropical forests along the border with India, through oak, pine and rhododendron forests (several dozen rhododendron species grow here), to firs and alpine meadows beneath 7,000-metre peaks, the country spans almost the entire Himalayan range of vegetation.

Hover over a plant to see on the map where it grows.

where it grows

  1. Himalayan blue poppy 1

    flower · National flower of Bhutan

    Himalayan blue poppy

    Meconopsis gakyidiana

    A blue poppy from Bhutan’s high mountains – the national flower, which was only described as a separate species in 2017.
  2. Himalayan cypress 2

    tree · National tree of Bhutan

    Himalayan cypress

    Cupressus torulosa

    Slender tsenden cypresses stand guard over Bhutan’s monasteries and dzongs – this is both a sacred tree and the national tree.
  3. Blue pine 3

    tree

    Blue pine

    Pinus wallichiana

    The long, soft needles of the blue pine give the valleys of Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang their character.
  4. Chili pepper 4

    crop

    Chili pepper

    Capsicum annuum

    In Bhutan chili is not a spice but a vegetable – the national dish, ema datshi, is chillies stewed with cheese.
  5. Himalayan juniper 5

    tree

    Himalayan juniper

    Juniperus recurva

    Fragrant juniper sprigs burn every morning on altars and in incense burners across Bhutan.