Part 117 - Halt at Tsophu and Dungchewang; Primula survey en route to Wangchelabh

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SUMMARY:
The diarist records abundant Primula species near camp between two passes on the way to Wangchelabh, noting P. stirtoniana (No. 3258), P. obliqua (3257), and others, with P. umbratilis not yet flowering and a small nivalis primula of special interest. During a halt at Tsophu and Dungchewang they experienced rain and thunder with brief views of snow mountains toward Tibet.

CONTENT:
Rhododendron Primulas 57

...stream falls down to camp. I found Primula stirtoniana growing well No. 3258. Later on, very close to camp, we saw masses of P. obliqua, which really is a beauty 3257. It is pure white, with a yellow eye. I see one this evening which is quite definitely pink tinged. P. umbratilis (?) is coming on, but will not be in flower for a month at least. P. strumosa is everywhere, as are P. roylei, P. macrophylla and P. glabra. P. hopeana is just coming into flower. On the whole a very good day. This camp is between the two passes on the way to Wangchelabh.

17th June. Halt. Tsophu. Dungchewang. Rain and thunder most of the night, and cloudy all day, but fine except for a few showers. Rain and thunder again at 6:00 pm. We were just clear of clouds early this morning, and could see the white line of snow mountains to the N for an hour or two. They looked perfectly wonderful, but were not in sunshine. The sky was clear in Tibet, but clouded up to the main range. Rather a disappointing day. Primulas there are, in masses. The following are common: P. hopeana, P. roylei, P. macrophylla, P. glabra, P. strumosa, P. stirtoniana (3258), P. atrodentata, P. obliqua and P. pusilla (3270). P. umbratilis (not in flower, 3213). The only thing of real interest, was a very small nivalis primula,