Himalayan cherry blossoms: Flowering in its own sweet way

[caption id="attachment_283429" align="alignnone" width="565"] The unique autumn flowering of Himalayan cherry blossoms in Kohima.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, Nov. 19 (EMN): Nagaland is home to the wild Himalayan cherry blossom, known for its unique autumn flowering, unlike its other variations that bloom during spring. They are tall deciduous trees with an average height of 30 metres. The leaves are ovate, acuminate and serrated. Cherry flowers are hermaphrodite and pinkish white (palest pink) in colour. Its fruits are ovoid and yellow that turns red as it ripens with time. According to a book ‘Plant resources of Nagaland’ published by the Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission, the Himalayan wild cherry can be found in the cold regions of Nagaland. It stated that its bark could be used for treating body-ache, and its fruits as an astringent. Speaking to Eastern Mirror, botanists from a college in Nagaland observed that the Himalayan cherry blossoms bloom with the onset of cold season and it helps prevent soil erosion. It is also an ornamental tree widely found in parks and public places, besides forests. Cherry blossoms, commonly known as ‘Sakura’ in Japan, are rich in anti-oxidant levels and have soothing properties. According to an expert, cherry blossom teas act as anti-oxidants and can help protect and heal the cells in the body from the free radicals. It also contains essential fatty acids that help repair the skin, reduce wrinkles and regenerate the skin by reducing the uneven pigmentation and cleansing the skin from toxins. This flower has also has gained importance in the neighbouring states with the recently concluded 4th Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya; and Manipur due to host the 'Sangai Festival', a cherry blossom-cum-flower festival at Mao Gate from November 24 to the 26th.