Rhododendron companulatum (Pink Brass)

Local name	Pink Brass
Botanical name	Rhododendron campanulatum
Family	Ericaceae
Description	It is a dwarf shrub, commonly found at an altitude of 2800-4000m. The leaves of this species are elliptic to ovate in shape. Flowers whitish to pale-rose and often spotted.
Distribution	Common on slopes, generally found in association with Betula utilis, Dhela and Gumatao alpine pastures.
Flowers & Fruits	June -September
Uses	It is applied for skin diseases, mainly itching. The leaves are crushed and massaged with oil. It removes undigested material in stomach, cure fever cough tonic, and induces vomiting. The wood is one of the good high altitude fuel wood mainly used by the alpine graziers and visitors. The buds are said to be poisonous to goats.