Vana Sampige or Mandara Hoo (Kannada) tree was in my uncle’s farm and everyday few of the flowers from this tree would be plucked to worship god. I used to touch these flowers to feel the silky-smooth … [Read more...]
Wood Apple – Beladahannu – Kaith – Katbel
The other common names of Wood Apple are Stone Apple, Elephant Apple, and Monkey fruit. The botanical name is Limonia acidissimia and belongs to Rutaceae (citrus) family. Wood Apple tree is a … [Read more...]
Chinese Glory Bower Plant
I remember admiring Chinese Glory Bower plants in bloom in Kudli Mutt in Mysore even as my maternal grandfather discussed his writings with the caretaker of the Mutt. The other common names are … [Read more...]
Bird-of-Paradise Plant
The other common name of Bird-of-Paradise is Crane flower, and the botanical name is Strelitzia reginae and belongs to Strelitziaceae family. It is related to the banana plant. Bird-of-paradise … [Read more...]
Hanging Heliconia
Another common name of Hanging Heliconia is Lobster claw and Parrot flower. The botanical name is Heliconia Rostrata and belongs to Heliconiaceae (Heliconia) family. It is a perennial native to … [Read more...]
Silk Cotton Tree
In Bangalore there are many Silk Cotton Trees. It is interesting to observe the change the trees go through in different seasons. Other common names are Kapok, Ceiba, White Silk-Cotton Tree. In … [Read more...]
Butterfly Pea Tree
The botanical name is Clitoria arborea and belongs to Fabaceae (Pea) family. Butterfly Pea Tree is native to Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. I had only come across Butterfly Pea creeper and never a … [Read more...]
Talipot Palm
Talipot Palm is also known as Srithala, Indu Tree in Kannada, Alpayushi in Sanskrit, and Bajar-Battu in Hindi. The botanical name is Corypha umbraculifera and belongs to Arecaceae (Palm) … [Read more...]
African Lily
The other common name is Lily of the Nile. Botanical name is Agapanthus africanus and belongs to Amaryllidaceae family. African Lily is a native of South Africa and is planted in cooler parts … [Read more...]
Cattleya Orchid
Probably one of the most photographed and painted Orchid species is Cattleya. The botanical name is Cattleya labiata and belongs to Orchidaceae (orchid) family. Cattleyas are native of South … [Read more...]
Begonia
Begonia is a perennial flowering succulent herbal plant and belongs to Begoniaceae family. There are more than 1,800 species of Begonia. This plant thrives in subtropical and tropical climate. They … [Read more...]
Scented Geranium
Scented Geranium for some reason is known as Lavender leaves in South India and the beautiful leaves are extensively used as an accent in a Jasmine garland. v There are many types of Scented … [Read more...]
Chinese Box Jasmine
Chinese Box Jasmine was planted by my uncle in his farm and this cute, small tree would be covered with white fragrant flowers attracting everyone towards it. Orange Jasmine, Orange jessamine, … [Read more...]
Everlasting Flowers
The first time I touched an Everlasting flower in Ooty few decades back, I was stunned at the texture and color of the flower. It was as though I was touching a paper flower. The fact that the flowers … [Read more...]
Golden Coreopsis
Other common names of Golden Coreopsis are Plains Coreopsis, Golden Tickseed, and Garden Tickseed. The botanical name is Coreopsis tinctorial and belong to Asteraceae (Sunflower) family. It is a … [Read more...]
Coleus
Other common names of Coleus are Painted Nettle or Poor Man’s Croton. The botanical name is Plectranthus scutellarioides and belongs to Lamiaceae (Mint) family. Coleus is native to Australia and … [Read more...]
Scarlet Morning Glory
Another common came of Scarlet Morning Glory is Scarlet Creeper, Red star, Mexican Morning Glory. It is known as Hale Balli in Kannada. The botanical name is Ipomoea hederifolia and belongs to … [Read more...]
Dianthus
Dianthus is also known as China Pink, Indian Pink, Chinese pink, Rainbow Pink. The botanical name is Dianthus chinensis and belongs to Caryophyllaceae (Carnation) family. Dianthus is native to … [Read more...]
Neelakurinji
I missed seeing Neelakurinji in bloom in 2006 and vowed to travel to the land of Neelakurinji flowers in 2018 and I am delighted to share that I just returned from seeing the purplish blue carpeted … [Read more...]
Indian Coleus
Other common names of Indian Coleus are Makandi, Patharchur, Pashan Bhedi in Hindi, Mainmula and Karmelo in Marathi. Botanical name is Plectranthus barbatus and belongs to Lamiaceae (Mint) … [Read more...]
