Nepalese paper plant (Daphne bholua)

Flowers of Daphne bholua, the Nepalese paper plant – one of the main shrubs, which bark is used to produce lokta paper – the traditional handmade paper of Nepal. This one was photographed on the Jiri-Lukla trekking route in the Everest Region of Nepal - the route used by the first successful Mount Everest expedition when Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed the highest peak on Earth. Flowers of daphne, which are said to be poisonous, have intense scent. Needles to say, they have very attractive look!