Anand Mahindra is fascinated by the rare ‘Sikkim Sundari’, a Himalayan plant that blooms once after decades at 4,800 metres

Anand Mahindra shares his fascination with the rare Sikkim Sundari — a towering Himalayan plant that blooms just once after decades, glowing like a natural glasshouse at 4,800 metres. (Image: Instagram/ @adventure_life_sikkim)

When business leader Anand Mahindra pauses to marvel at nature, it’s usually something extraordinary. This time, it’s a rare Himalayan wonder — the Sikkim Sundari, a towering alpine plant that looks like a glowing glass structure rising from the mountains of Sikkim.

Sharing his fascination on X, Mahindra drew attention to this little-known botanical marvel, calling it yet another compelling reason to explore the higher reaches of Sikkim — a destination he has often described as an “underrated paradise”.

I knew nothing about this extraordinary marvel: the ‘Sikkim Sundari’

Thriving at staggering altitudes of 4,000–4,800 metres, 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

Known scientifically as Rheum nobile, the Sikkim Sundari grows at extreme altitudes of 4,000 to 4,800 metres in the Eastern Himalayas. What makes it remarkable isn’t just its appearance, but its life story.

For 7 to 30 years, the plant exists quietly as a low rosette of leaves, enduring freezing temperatures, fierce winds and intense ultraviolet radiation. Then, in a single dramatic phase, it shoots up to nearly two metres (around 6.6 feet), forming a striking pagoda-like structure. It blooms once, releases its seeds — and completes its life cycle.

Mahindra described this slow, purposeful growth as a “masterclass in patience,” adding that such extraordinary natural stories are often missing from school biology lessons.

The Sikkim Sundari is often referred to as the “Glasshouse Plant” — and the name is well earned. Its tall cone is made up of translucent, straw-coloured bracts edged with pink. These overlapping layers allow sunlight to pass through while shielding the flowers inside from biting cold and harmful UV rays.

The result is a natural greenhouse effect, creating a warmer microclimate that helps the plant survive at high altitudes. Against stark mountain slopes, its pale, glowing structure can be spotted from far across alpine valleys.

While most closely associated with Sikkim, the plant grows across high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Sikkim, it thrives on open hillsides and rocky alpine slopes, standing tall like a natural monument amid rugged terrain.

Spotting one in bloom is rare — and often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for trekkers and nature lovers.

Sikkim

Beyond this rare botanical wonder, Sikkim offers a rich mix of landscapes and culture. From glaciers, alpine meadows and vibrant wildflowers to ancient Buddhist monasteries like Pemayangtse, the state blends natural beauty with deep spiritual calm. Add to that sweeping views of Kangchenjunga, India’s highest peak, and Sikkim emerges as one of the most rewarding destinations in the Himalayas.

Mahindra himself recently questioned why Sikkim hasn’t yet become a global travel hotspot. In a post, he wrote that rediscovering the state feels overdue — and admitted he felt he had “deprived himself of exquisite beauty” by not visiting yet.

A rediscovery of Sikkim appears to be taking place right now… And going by the photos being shared online, it’s just a mystery why this state hasn’t been number one on the bucket list of global travellers! I have not been. And I feel like I have deprived myself of seeing… pic.twitter.com/vMKjIgykRR — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) November 2, 2025

The story of the Sikkim Sundari is more than botanical trivia. It’s a quiet reminder of resilience, patience and the wonders that exist far from crowded tourist trails. For travellers seeking experiences beyond the obvious — and landscapes that inspire awe — Sikkim, and its once-blooming ‘glasshouse’ flower, offer a rare and poetic reason to go higher.