| Saussurea obvallata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Cynareae |
| Genus: | Saussurea |
| Species: | S. obvallata |
| Binomial name | |
| Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. |
|
Saussurea obvallata is a species of flowering plant native to the Himalayas and Uttar Pradesh, India, Northern Burma and South-West China. In Himalayas, it is found at an altitude of around 4500 m. It is considered to be the state flower of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Saussurea obvallata is a Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. Local name of this flowers is Brahmakamal , Kon and Kapfu.
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In Hindu drawings Brahma is seen sitting on a pink flower that is resembling lotus (Sanskrit:Kamal), which is Indian National flower. Hence people claim that the pink flower of Nelumbo nucifera to be Brahma Kamal. However there are people who claim that flower of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Orchid Cactus), which blooms at night, to be Brahma kamal. Some North Indians claim that the flower of Saussurea obvallata to be Brahma Kamal.
The plant is considered an herb in Tibetan medicine. Its name is ཤཟའ བདྭད མཤ དཤྭ (Sah-du Goh-ghoo). It has a bitter taste. The entire plant is used. It is endangered because people are cutting it down for their own use. It is found in the region of the Himalayas.