Rhododendron arboreum Sm. in the Indian Himalayan region: Ecology, Uses Exploitation and Threats

is one of the dominant species of the Indian Himalayan region.The species is well known for its beautiful Rhododendron arboreum flowers and ecological importance.The flowers of is used by the local people to make juice, jam, syrup, chutney, honey, squash, R. arboreum etc.But, increasing demand of its products and uncontrolled collection of flowers by local inhabitants for ethno-botanical purposes and fulfillment of their basic livelihood, the species is facing threat in its natural habitat.Additionally, reduced regeneration capability due to various ecological and anthropogenic factors has led to drastic reduction in natural population of in forest.Sustainable harvesting R. arboreum practices and community awareness can help balance human needs with ecological preservation ensuring the survival of this vulnerable species for future generations.Present review focuses on ecological behavior of the species, its socio-economic importance, regeneration, threats and an immediate conservation measure to combat it's over exploitation.