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. 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...]
Hydrangea
Botanical name of Hydrangea is Hydrangea macrophylla and belongs to Hydrangeaceae family. Hydrangea is a native of Japan and Korea. It grows best in temperate climate. I have been successful in … [Read more...]
Clustered Summer Gentian
I was surprised and delighted when I spotted Clustered Summer Gentian in Wenlock Downs, Ooty. Surprised because I had read that they are found only in the Himalayas from Afghanistan to Uttarakhand at … [Read more...]
Purple Wreath
Other common names are Queen's Wreath, Sandpaper Vine. In Hindi, it is called as Nilmani lata, in Tamil as Kudirai valuppu, and in Bengali as Nilmanilata. Botanical name is Petrea volubilis and … [Read more...]
Alstroemeria
Other common names of Alstroemeria are Peruvian Lily, Lily-of-the-Incas, Parrot lily, and Parrot flower. Botanical name is Alstroemeria and belongs to Amaryllidaceae family. Peruvian Lily is … [Read more...]
Iruvanthige
Called Iruvanthige in Kannada it is also known as Arabian Jasmine in English and Madan Mogra in Hindi. The botanical name is Jasminum sambac and belongs to Oleaceae (Jasmine) … [Read more...]
Potato Tree
Another common name for potato tree is Giant Star Potato Tree. The botanical name is Solanum macranthum and belongs to Solanaceae (Potato) family. Potato tree is native to Brazil and grows to a … [Read more...]
Dandelion
The bright yellow flowers dotting the hill stations are perfect to welcome the holiday mood. The other common names of Dandelion are blowball, cankerwort, doon-head-clock, witch's gowan, milk witch, … [Read more...]
Indian Coral Tree
Indian Coral Tree grows wild across India. Other common names are Corky Coral Tree, Lenten tree, Sunshine tree, and Tiger claw. They also grow in Burma, Java, and Polynesia. It is known as Mandara in … [Read more...]
Pansy
Pansy flowers look as though a face is painted in different hues. Botanical name is Viola x wittrockiana and belongs to Violaceae (violet) family. Pansy is native of Europe and Western Asia. … [Read more...]
