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The bugyals are especially noted for their wild flowers, which carpet the hill - sides for miles on end. Of these, the most beautiful is the rare blue poppy, of which Frank Smythe had this to say -In all my mountain wanderings, I have not seen a more beautiful flower. Also called hemkamal or snow lotus, its silky - blue petals radiate serenity. Another celebrated blossom is the Brahmakamal, or the lotus of Brahma. Often used for religious observances, this large flower is sweet - smelling and found in the higher reaches beyond 3,000 m. The flowers of the Rhododendron family, red, pink or white, set hillsides ablaze between February and April. Syrup from the flowers is extremely tasty, but some varieties are poisonous.Several medicinal herbs and plants are found at higher altitudes and in the valleys. Near Nelang village, extensive tracts of padam can be found. The powdered wood of this shrub is used for havan purposes because of its perfume. In the Dayara range are found atish and guggool, used in medicine manufacture. The crushed leaves of the Chiraita shrub are believed to banish fever in minutes. Another useful plant is the Semru, which exudes a milky substance that produces light when ignited.
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