Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali)

The Blue water lily is an iconic fresh water plant which is also known as Blue Lotus of India. It is widely seen in Kerala mostly growing in the fresh water ponds and brackish backwaters. The leaves of the water lily are oval shaped with a notch in the leaf stem. The solitary flower blooms in the dawn and withers in the dusk.

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Elephant Ear Fig Tree – Ficus Auriculata

Ficus Auriculata Tree

The Elephant Ear Fig tree is a semi-deciduous tree with large leaves and reddish fruits on its branches. The tree grows up to 1500 meters. It is commonly planted in villages. The leaves of this tree are an important fodder source due to its good nutritional qualities. Farmers consider this as better than other fodders.

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Sacred Fig ( Ficus religiosa)

Ficus religiosa is a semi-evergreen tree that grows up to 30 meters in height with  wonderful wide spreading branches. It is commonly known as Peepal tree, but is also known as Bodhi tree, Bo-tree and Holy tree. The fruit of the sacred fig is a favorite food for birds, monkeys, squirrels and fruit bats.

According to Buddhism (one of the religions of India), the Peepal is sacred because it is  believed that Lord Buddha found enlightenment beneath this tree. Continue reading

Country Fig (Ficus Glomerata)

The Country Fig is a moderate sized tree with spreading branches and smooth, reddish brown bark. The most distinctive aspect of this tree are the red, furry figs which grow directly out of its trunk in tight clusters. The tree grows abundantly in the southern parts of India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it is known as Athi.

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