A comprehensive review of regional distribution and traditional uses of Rhododendron campanulatum in the Indian Himalayas: Implications for sustainable conservation

Abstract

Background: The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), one of the world’s most prominent biodiversity hotspots, harbors rich alpine and sub-alpine flora that are vital for ecological stability and local livelihoods. Rhododendron campanulatum is a key species of significant ecological and cultural importance, widely distributed across temperate and sub-alpine zones at altitudes ranging from 2800 to 4800 m above sea level. Despite its critical role in slope stabilization, hydrological regulation, and habitat structuring, a comprehensive synthesis of its distribution, ecological functions, ethnobotanical relevance, and conservation challenges remains limited.

 Methods: A narrative review was performed with a thorough search of published literature on Rhododendron campanulatum. The peer-reviewed articles, review papers, book chapter, and reports were searched from main scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, and Taylor & Francis. The literature gathered was analyzed and synthesized in order to understand the distribution, ethnobotanical value, ecological roles, phytochemistry, conservation status and future research needs of the species.

Results: R. campanulatum maintains high-altitude ecosystem integrity through slope stabilization, hydrological regulation, and biodiversity support. Ethnobotanical synthesis indicates differentiated use, with wood for fuel, flowers for food, medicinal, and ritual applications, and leaves for fumigation and related uses. The presence of diverse phenolic compounds like flavonoids and terpinoids in Rhododendron campanulatum suggests that the species possess significant antioxidant and stress protective mechanism, which may contribute to its adaptation to harsh high-altitude environments and support its traditional medicinal application. Concurrently, ecological studies demonstrating climate-sensitive growth, regeneration and population dynamics suggest that this species is highly responsive to changing temperature and moisture regimes, making it a useful indicator of climate-driven ecological change in Himalayan tree-line ecosystem. Despite its ecological importance, population assessment from the western Himalayan, revealed a substantial decline in adult density from 2845 stems/ha at 3100 m to 1210 stems/ha at 3550 m, representing a reduction of approximately 57.5%, highlighting the potential demographic shifts along elevational gradient.

 Conclusion: R. campanulatum represents a vital socio-ecological resource in the IHR. Climate change, overexploitation, grazing, and invasive species creating a major risk to it, notwithstanding its ecological and medicinal significance. Its natural regeneration and dispersal in the Himalayan region are being affected by these circumstances. Nevertheless, few research has thoroughly evaluated its long-term survival tactics, regeneration dynamics, and conservation status. So, the current study focuses on the Coordinated strategies involving in situ conservation, ex situ propagation, and community-based stewardship in the conservation and sustainable management of this species.

Keywords: Climate change, Ethnobotany, Indian Himalayan region, Rhododendron campanulatum, Sustainable Conservation