Retired IFS officer Rusovil John has documented two distinct types of cherry blossoms flourishing in Viswema village, Nagaland — the Autumn Cherry Blossom and the rare Naga Spring Cherry Blossom. Both species belong to the Rosaceae family and genus Prunus, but differ in flowering season, morphology and propagation.
The Autumn Cherry, locally known as Tephri Tevi, is botanically identified as Prunus cerasoides (dinabandhuana). A medium-sized deciduous tree, it blooms from mid-November to mid-December with rose-red flowers that fade to white. Its bark peels into shiny copper-colored stripes and the fruits, though scarcely eaten, are used to make cherry brandy. Distributed across the Himalayan region from Kashmir to Bhutan and parts of Northeast India, the species thrives at altitudes of 900–2300 meters. Propagation is mainly through seeds, which germinate within 25 days when sown fresh.
In contrast, the Naga Spring Cherry Blossom, locally called Tevi, is a rare and endangered species found in the foothills of the Japfu and Barail ranges between 900–2000 meters. Growing up to 30 feet, it is distinguished by glossy brown bark and elliptic serrated leaves. Flowering occurs from mid-February to April, producing crimson-pink blossoms with bell-shaped calyxes. Its fruits turn from green to yellow and red when ripe, and are noted to be sweeter than those of the Autumn Cherry. However, propagation and survival rates remain challenging, making the species scarce.
The study highlights key differences: Autumn Cherry is taller, more abundant and flowers in late autumn, while the Spring Cherry is shorter, rare and blooms in late winter to spring. The Autumn variety is easier to propagate, whereas the Spring Cherry faces difficulties in germination.
Both species are integral to the natural heritage of Nagaland, particularly in Viswema and surrounding regions of Manipur and Meghalaya. Their seasonal blooms — Autumn Cherry in November–December and Spring Cherry in February–April — add to the biodiversity and cultural identity of the area.
