Hues of white, red, pink and purple rhododendron, which literally means rose or red tree, will soon brighten up Jakhama in Kohima district.

In a bid to help protect Nagaland’s state flower, three brothers have planted 500 different species of rhododendron at Jakhama near St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) in Kohima district in over a month.

According to reports, the three brothers, Dr Kelühol Tase, Medolekho Tase and Sweyiekhüto Tase, started planting the trees above the road leading to St Joseph’s College a month back and completed the plantation on July 7.

The eldest of the three, Kelühol, said it was necessary to ensure the survival of endangered fauna in the state. He said despite the rhododendron being the state flower, people seem to be least concerned for its protection.

According to him, climate change, wildfires, human activity and the increase in the tourist inflow, have threatened the survival of the rhododendrons.

Kelühol left his job at St Joseph’s College to pursue his passion to conserve the environment and said he hoped to see the same zeal in the people of the state.

He said the three had planted the 500 trees all by themselves on land owned by the village council.

“The plantation will not only add to the scenic beauty of the village but also offer an opportunity for the conservation of the species,” he said, adding that they plan larger conservation undertakings in the future, such as converting an area of the plantation into a park.

“We all have to start with our own homes first,” added.

The rhododendron has been synonymous with Nagaland. In 1993, the tallest rhododendron tree in the world was recorded by Guinness World Records in Nagaland.

This particular rhododendron was 108 foot high at the time of discovery.

Kelühol said a recent publication by scientists with the Botanical Survey of India has documented and stressed the need to protect the many unique species of rhododendron.