Rose Tree (Rhododendron arboreum Sm) is a common tree found throughout western Himalayas, up to altitudes of 5,000-8,000 ft. It belongs to the family Ericaceae.
There are deep red or pink flowers, sourish sweet in taste, seen in dense corymbs appearing frequently from February to April. Its wood is used for making tool handles, boxes, and posts. The timbers are used for construction of buildings and fuelwood. A kind of snuff is produced from the bark. The tender leaves are recognized as a vegetable. The petals are used in squash and a sub-acidic jelly. They are given for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Rose tree is also known as Baras, Buiras, Burans, or Zalatni.
