Public gardens are incomplete without this plant. Allamanda is a very attractive plant that catches your eye instantly and becomes a center of attraction in any garden. Allamanda is a native of South and Central America. The genus name Allamanda is derived from the 18th century Swiss botanist, Frédéric-Louis Allamand.
This plant is evergreen, woody and blooms in abundance throughout the year. Allamanda grows to a height of 2 meters and above. There are 12 species of Allamanda and some of them are semi-creepers.
Pagoda flower has a beautiful Tamil name Krishna Kireedam meaning the crown of Lord Krishna. The name is very apt for this flower.
Plant Summary:
Pagoda flower botanical name is Clerodendrum paniculatum and belongs to Verbenaceae family. This grows like a weed in most parts of the Western ghats adding color and attracting the beautiful giant butterflies. Pagaoda flower plant is a native of Sri Lanka, Malayasia and southeaster Asia. I have seen these plants in bloom in Varadahalli, Kavadi Kere, Kodachadri, Goa and so on.
This plant is an evergreen shrub with branches. Pagoda plant grows to a maximum of 5 feet tall. The leaves are large and heart shaped. Leaves width can be up to 12 inches across.
Roses are loved by one and all across genders and age. We cannot imagine Mughal Badshah Akbar without a red rose in his hand nor can we imagine Jawaharlal Nehru without a red rose adorning his coat.
It is a joy to grow roses and the effort is worth it when you experience the perfume that is released as the buds open petal by petal. No designer label perfume can come close.
Every year during Ganesh Chathurthi and Diwali, dad used bring home bunches of Asters in various hues. We would spend time untying, cutting, and preserving them in water. Asters are very good for flower arrangements.
I was delighted to come across acres of land growing Asters around Tonnur Kere.
Plant Summary:
The bright and colorful Asters belong to Asteraceae family. Botanical name is Aster Alpinus. There are many species of Asters. Aster means star in Greek. They are popular as garden plants, for flower arrangements and in India to offer to god.
This elegant plant is a perennial. Aster plantss grow in a clump, upright, and covered with hairs. The leaves are green, lance-shaped around 3 – 6 cm long.
Since the time I had read about insectivorous plant, Pitcher plant, I wanted to see one. I got to see one in one of the flower exhibitions held in Lalbagh, Bangalore.
Plant Summary:
The botanical name is Nepenthes khasiana and belongs to Nepenthaceae family. Khasi Hills of Meghalaya in eastern India is home to these plants. Locally the plant is known as Tiew-Rakot meaning Demon flower as the flower devours insects.
Plant Summary:
Botanical name of Nasturtium is Tropaeolum majus belonging to the family Tropaeolaceae. It is also known as Indian cress.
Nasturtiums are flowers that brighten the garden. These plants are planted in beds, pots, and hanging pots. The shape of the leaves and the designs on them adds to the beauty of the plant. The flowers bloom in Orange, Yellow, Red, and Pink. The leaves and flowers are edible and is used in salads.
Lotus flower since centuries has been a symbol of beauty, peace, purity, and non-attachment. The flower is widely depicted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Hence, this exotic flower is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
The botanical name of Lotus is Nelumbo nucifera belonging to family Nelumbonaceae. Nelumbo nucifera bloom in pink and the white and is native to tropical Asia and Queensland, Australia. Common names are Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Bean of India, Padma, Kamal, Tavare, and so on.
Baby Sun Rose is also known as Ice Plant, Heartleaf Iceplant, and Dew Plant . Botanical name is Aptenia cordifolia and belongs to family Aizoaceae (ice plant family).
Baby Sun Rose is popular as a hanging plant. It is perennial and also good for ground cover. The leaves are dark green, thick and fleshy. The small flowers are pink and opens when there is sunlight and closes in the evening to open up again when the sun rises the next day.
The foliage of this plant is one my favorite for arranging flowers. The long flowing stems with bushy needle-like leaves gives the right background and texture for arranging flowers.
Plant Summary: Anthurium flowers are colorful and their foliage is very attractive making them the most popular ornamental plant in a garden. The flowers last for a long time and are extremely popular for flower arrangement.
These attributes make Anthuruim as the second important tropical cut flower crop after orchids. The Netherlands, Mauritius and Hawaii are the major producers whereas Italy, Germany, Japan, France and United States of America are the major consumers. In India Coorg has been very successful in mass production of Anthurium and also in exporting them.
