New hibiscus photos

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Gardening: Hibiscus, the Queen of Shrubs

All photos from Olavipe by Rejo.

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Photos: Flora along Chennai streets

Chenbakom against the backdrop of a coconut palm.

Pala flower

(Ezhilam Pala (Alstonia scholaris) ?

African tulip

?

Tender leaves on a mango tree before it flowers.



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Gulmohar: A beauty from Chennai

Photos: Flowers from Kerala again

Photos from Olavipe by me. Copyright reserved.
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Gardening: More photos of Kerala flowers

Another strange flower

Photos: Olavipe blooms

Garden photos: Lantanas of Olavipe

The British never invaded India. But, in a manner of speaking, the lantanas which they introduced at the beginning of the 19c as a garden plant did. It is considered to be among the most invasive weeds in the world.

Nevertheless, the lantana flowers are beautiful. They come in a number of colors. As they mature, the lantana blooms change color and you can see two or three hues on the same bunch of flowers. The invasive character of lantana can be controlled if proper attention is paid right from the time it is planted.

One interesting point I have noticed is that the butterflies are attracted more by the lantanas than the other flowers around them. So much so, one patch of our garden where a group of lantanas grow has come to be called ‘butterfly corner’.

It is said that lantana finds a place in folk medicine as an antiseptic and also for various health problems like itches and scabies, eczema, swellings, tumors, high blood pressure, infections, tetanus etc. It is also used as firewood in many areas.

The local names of lantana include Raimuniya, Samballei, Thirei, Nongballei, Tantani, Unnichedi, Konginipoo, Aripoo, and Ghaner.

Given below are some of the photographs I took of the lantanas at Olavipe. (I have a doubt whether the plant in the last picture is really a lantana.)

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Photos: Flowers from Peermade

Kerala Flowers?

An uncommon flower arrangement

The arrangement above is done with flowers of areca (betel nut) palm. The photo on the left is of a bunch of tender flowers. They get greener as they mature. Most of the florets fall off in the process but the remaining ones turn into fruits.


Photos from Olavipe by me. Copyright reserved.
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Photos: Flowers from Switzerland

Kerala Flowers?

Photos: Flowers from Peermade

In Travel: Mist covers the mountain tops I had mentioned about the beautiful flowers of Peermade. Here are some pictures I took at Glenrock, Mr. Michael Kallivayalil's residence.










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Gardening: More photos of Kerala flowers

These photos are from Olavipe, taken earlier this month.










Photos by Abraham Tharakan. Copyright reserved.

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Photographs: Ixora Coccinea flowers

Photos: Lilies that grow in Kerala

Kerala Flowers?

Karthiki captures some Olavipe flowers

Jasmine (Jasminum): Flowers for beauty and for money

You are spending a night in some remote village. It is well past midnight. Suddenly you are awake and become aware of an exotic fragrance that wafts in through the open windows. It lingers. The smell is said to arouse erotic feelings.

There is, in all probability jasmine plants in the vicinity.

The jasmine buds start the slow process of opening during the last quarter of the night. That is when they are plucked. These flowers which are usually white (there are a few yellow varieties also) are rushed to many destinations, sometimes airlifted, for use in temple rituals, marriage functions, for decorative purposes, and for women to wear on their hair.

It is big business.

There are about 200 species in this shrub/vine. It is believed be a native of India but spread to many parts of the world millenniums back. Today it is cultivated extensively for the flowers. They are also used in jasmine tea (supposed to prevent certain cancers) and in manufacturing high quality perfumes and other cosmetics. Jasmine scented incense sticks are popular.

It is said that in certain herbal practice, the jasmine flowers are considered effective in calming the nerves and as antidote for snakebites. The leaves could be, it is claimed, used to treat some eye problems.

Jasmine is a money earner. It is easy to cultivate and is relatively trouble free to maintain. Usually stem cuttings are used. Depending on the type it can be planted in pots or on the ground. They grow well in ordinary soil. Sunlight is a must. It can also be inter-planted with other crops.

Again depending on the species the plant can grow from a couple feet height to about 8 feet tall shrub. The larger ones can also be used for hedges. The vines may grow up to 15 feet.

The local names of jasmine include Yasmin, Melati, Sampaguita, Mallika, Chambeli, Mulla, and Malli.

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Also see: Kerala Flowers?