Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the richest biodiversity hot spot in the Western Ghats. In fact, of the nearly 252 species of orchids found in Kerala, 145 are seen in this region. Foxtail Orchid belongs to the Vanda family, a species widely growing above 800 meters of semi-evergeen and moist deciduous forests. Foxtail Orchid is the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Native to India and common in Kerala, Pink Water Lily is mostly seen growing in the fresh water ponds and back waters. The round floating leaves are a perfect backdrop for fragrant flowers are fragrant that open throughout the day and close at night.
Plumeria, native to Mexico and Central America, is a large shrub or a medium-sized tree widely growing in tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. In Kerala these plants are commonly found near temples, cemeteries, gardens and parks. Also called Frangipani, the sweet fragrance of plumeria flowers are reminded of a blend of jasmine, rose and honey suckle. Although without nectar, the flowers are used for making scents and perfumes.
Honeysuckle is a popular garden plant widely growing throughout the world. The rambling varieties are extremely popular, because they are very adaptable, twining happily around climbing supports, bushes or growing over the ground. Because of their intense fragrance, these flowers are popular in the vicinity of seating areas.
Teak is a tall evergreen tree with very large leaves and small white flowers set on meter-long panicles. The timber is world famous and its uses are well known. The heart wood is golden yellow when freshly cut, later turning brown. The hard knots which develop on trunks are prized for making tobacco pipes.
Bengal Clock Vine is native to north India but can be found throughout the high ranges of Kerala as an ornamental plant. In Kerala called curtain plants for obvious reasons, this perennial climbing vine blooms throughout the year. Continue reading
Painted Nettle is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in the nurseries and gardens of the high ranges of Kerala. The smooth leaves are brightly colored with green edges and splotches of color ranging from blood-red to brown. In medicine it is used to treat stomach pain, digestive problems, dysentery and even elephantiasis.
Solanum Laxum is a climbing vine native to central Asia, commonly found in the high ranges of Kerala above 1000 meters. The fragrant, star-shaped flowers are white with tiny yellow centers. Continue reading
Native to Central Europe, Euphoria are now widely growing in the High ranges of Kerala.Their highly unusual, sculptural structure makes these plants look somehow rather bizarre. In Kerala these plants are grown as ornamentals in home and public gardens.
Cardamom County guests, Mr. & Mrs. Renjith, visited Periyar Tiger Reserve and shared some of their wildlife experiences with us.
Geraniums are bushy evergreen perennials grown as ornamental flowers for  both indoor and outdoor display. Geraniums are commonly found in the gardens of the High Ranges of Kerala.
The IUCN released the most recent list of 100 Most Threatened Species last week.  Read it and weep.  Or get activated.  Look at what SOS is doing and see what you can do to make a difference.
The elegant Soft Shield Fern loves neutral, humus-rich, fresh soil. It is commonly found in the Western Ghats of India above 1000 meters. Continue reading
Tulipa Turkestanica is a member of the tulip family native to central Asia and widely growing in the Western Ghats of India above 1300 meters. These beautiful white flowers with yellow centers are often found in rocky  gardens.
Asters, a charming spring-flowering plants with one flower head per stem, are widely growing in the High Ranges of Kerala. The flowers are mainly used for floral decorations.
Our guests Mr.& Mrs. Brayan shared some of their wild life experiences from their visit to Periyar National Park.
Fire Flame Bush is a many branched deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4-5 meters. It takes its name from the red coloration of both its bark and its flowers. It grows throughout Kerala up to an altitude of 1500 meters.
Fever Nut is a large thorny shrub bearing light yellow fruits covered with sharp thorns. Its commonly found in the tropical forests of the Western Ghats up to an altitude of 1000 meters. In Ayurveda the root of the plant is used for treating fever, cough, asthma, worms and colic. The leaves are anthelmintic and useful in treating elephantiasis.
Nasturtium plants are native to South America, but this fast growing climber is now widely growing in the High Ranges of Kerala. These plants are commonly found in gardens and the leaves and flowers are used to increase resistance to bacterial infections.
Eravikulam National Park is situated along the crest of the western Ghats in the High Ranges near to Munnar. The rolling grasslands and striking flora and fauna draw a large number of visitors to Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, a section of the national park. Â The majority of the National Park is made up of rolling plateau with a base elevation of about 2000 meters. The largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitaragus hylocrius) endemic to this region. Continue reading
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