Cyanotis tuberosa
Native of peninsular India and Sri Lanka,this stocky succulent herb is seen among the rocks in gravelly and sandy soil growing up to 1200 meters. The plants blooms during September, October and November. Continue reading
Thanks to the World Wildlife Fund, 441 new species of plants and animals have been discovered in the Amazonian rainforest, including a truly bizarre looking monkey that apparently purrs like a cat when content, as well as a… vegetarian piranha.
Newly discovered Titi Monkey. Photo Courtesy World Wildlife Fund
It is a good feeling in any naturalist’s gut, amateur or professional, too know that undiscovered species still remain in today’s world — where technology and advancements in various facets of our lives thanks to 21st century progressivism don’t leave much to the imagination; it seems as though the mystique of discovery still remains just as true to many of us as it did when we were children. Unfortunately this is not the case for absolutely everyone, but for those who are still amazed by the world, discoveries such as this are a blessing.
Common Floss Flower is frequently found along road sides and on hills up to 1200 meters. Native to tropical South America and naturalized in India, it is an aggressive invader. The flowers of the plant attracts butterflies.
Tabernaemonta divaricata
Nandyarvattam, also known as Crape Jasmine or East Indian Rosebay, is an evergreen shrub is commonly found in Kerala. It can grow up to 5 to 6 feet and blooms throughout the year. Continue reading
Common Rattle Pod plants are frequently found along river banks and fields as well as in the hills up to 1200 meters. The flowers are showy and large, and favored by carpenter bees. Continue reading
Photo credits: Nobi Paul
Eravikulam National Park stretches over 97 kilometers in the tea growing region of Munnar between the picturesque Kannan Devan Hills and Anamudi. The park covers virgin grasslands and wooded valleys that include the spectacular flower called Neelakurinji, which blooms only once every 12 years. Continue reading
Forest near Daroji Sanctuary, Karnataka; photo credit: Seshadri K.S
We’ve stated before that our site is not dedicated to outrage, but we do make an effort to point out questionable environmental decisions by corporations and countries when we see them.
So when it came to our attention that the minister of tourism in the Indian state of Karnataka was spearheading a plan to create a zoo/wildlife safari within the buffer zone of the Daroji Bear Sanctuary we had to take notice. According to Santosh Martin, honorary wildlife warden for the region
The fragile ecosystem is home to critically endangered species of both animals and plants including pangolins, sloth bears, wolves, leopards, etc., which are classified as Schedule I by the WPA. This site is also a breeding ground for the Indian eagle owl, brown fish owl and possibly the blue tailed bee eater. More than 150 bird species have been documented in this area by naturalists which include the yellow-throated bulbul, painted spur-fowl, painted sand grouse, etc. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renuka
Ooty Botanical garden was designed in 1847. One of the central features of the 55-acre property is a fossilized tree trunk believed to be 20 million years old. Other highlights include rare tree species, exotic and ornamental flowering bushes and plants, and a conservatory containing ferns and orchids. Continue reading
Collerette Dahlia
Dahlias are the most common garden flower found in the High Ranges of Kerala. In Thekkady they bloom with colorful and dense flowers year round, but in places where frost occurs or in climates with four distinct seasons they bloom from high summer to the frosts of the fall. Continue reading
Lantana
Lantana is native to the American tropics but is now naturalized throughout India. A widespread invader, this plant has taken over large tracts of land. Lantana is an evergreen, strong smelling perenial with stout recurved prickles. It is commonly used in home and public gardens as the flowers and subsequent fruit attract butterflies, moths and birds. The leaves and stems are also used in traditional medicines. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Located at 5000 ft above sea level, Munnar hill stations were the summer resorts of the British administration in South India. Although famous for tea plantations flowering trees and plants thrive in Munnar and the surrounding region. Continue reading
Cardamom Plantations
Cardamom is popularly known as the “Queen of Spice” and is one of the important commercial crops found in the high ranges of Kerala. The best quality cardamom grown in and around the Idukkki District is the species Mysore Cardamom. Continue reading
Hill Clerodendrum
Hill Clerodendrum is an aggressive colonizer commonly found on hills and forest clearings. The pink-centred and white flowers are sweet scented in the evening but oderless during the day. Long-tonged Hawkmoths are the primary pollinators. Continue reading
The Arum Lily is one of the world’s most iconic and widely known plants. Native to Southern Africa, these long-lived flowers have been described with adjectives from the poetic: such as elegant, secretive, exotic, and expressive, to the mundane: decorative. Continue reading
Photo credits : Ramesh Kidangoor
The Sunflower is an annual plant and its name is derived from the image and shape of the flower, which depicts the Sun. Sunflowers are also an important source of food. It’s oil is valued as a healthy vegetable oil, making it a popular agricultural crop in south India. Continue reading
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea plants are strong-growing plants with an enormous range, from dry Mediterranean regions to the cool, wet climates found in hill ranges of the India’s Western Ghats. Continue reading
Citron daylily
Daylilies are considered to be extremely straightforward to grow, even for the most inexperienced gardener. The fragrant lemon-yellow flowers of this species are ideal for night owls, as the small flowers do not open until late afternoon and bloom through the night. Continue reading
Photo credits: Eldhose
Pink Roses are popularly crop for commercial and domestic cut flowers. This low-growing climber is well-suited to cooler regions and therefore is very commonly found in the High Ranges of Kerala. Pink Roses are good repeat bloomer.
Datura suaveolens
Angel’s Trumpet is native to Tropical America but naturalised in India, especially in the Western Ghats up to 2000 meters. It’s a tall shrub with very large drooping trumpet-shaped white flowers. Continue reading
The Red Trumpet Lily is an ornamental flower commonly seen in the hill stations of Kerala that are above 800 meters. These plants bloom during the summer with group of flowers in each branch. Continue reading
Organikos 