The Rhododendron tree is a poet's inspiration and a health freak's delight. It enjoys the status of being the state flower of Nepal, Sikkim, Uttaranchal, and the us states of Washington and West Virginia. Around 110 species of the evergreen tree are found in India. The flowers of most species are extremely popular owing to their medicinal properties. They contain ursolic acid and quercitrin, which have anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. A concoction of the flowers helps fight diarrhoea and dysentery. The leaves and flowers of R barbatum contain andromedotoxin