Chairman and team member of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, is often active on his X handle. He recently shared one of the most fascinating sights in India—the rare ‘Sikkim Sundari’. Here’s what he wrote about this extraordinary flower and why it’s a reason to explore the heights of Sikkim.
Anand Mahindra Awestruck By ‘Sikkim Sundari’
I knew nothing about this extraordinary marvel: the ‘Sikkim Sundari’
Thriving at staggering altitudes of 4,000–4,800 meters, this “Glasshouse Plant” stands like a glowing tower against the mountains.
Its life is a masterclass in patience.
It is monocarpic, which means that… pic.twitter.com/keoMSmGcUl
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 21, 2025
Taking to his X handle, Anand Mahindra shared his fascination for the rare ‘Sikkim Sundari’ also known as Rheum Nobile. Sikkim is one of the beautiful locations; however, Mr Mahindra revealed one of the major reasons to explore the heights. On his X handle, he described the Sikkim Sundari as a “Glasshouse Plant” that grows high in the mountains at 4,000–4,800 meters, looking like a glowing tower. It reaches approximately 3.3 to 6.6 feet. The plant quietly grows as a small rosette of leaves for 7–30 years, storing energy before its one spectacular bloom.
The Sikkim Sundari spends years quietly growing before, in one dramatic moment, it grows up to 2 metres, blooms into a striking pagoda-shaped flower, releases its seeds, and then dies. Anand Mahindra found this process poetic and pointed out that such unique plants are often overlooked in school biology books. He wondered whether current Indian curricula now mention it and suggested that witnessing this rare plant is another reason to explore Sikkim’s breathtaking landscapes.
Where To Find This Rare Flower
The Sikkim Sundari isn’t found on just one mountain. It grows in the high-altitude alpine regions of the Himalayas, mostly in Sikkim. On open hillsides and rocky slopes, it stands tall and glowing, visible from a distance like a natural tower. You can also spot this rare plant in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Sikkim, in northeast India, is full of natural beauty and culture. You can explore glaciers, colourful wildflowers, and green alpine meadows, or visit old Buddhist monasteries like Pemayangtse. The state also offers stunning views of Kangchenjunga, India’s highest mountain, along with peaceful landscapes and unique wildlife, making it a must-visit destination.
Like Anand Mahinra, are you too amazed by this rare flower in Sikkim? Drop your excitement in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@ITBP_official & Wikipedia/World Economic Forum