Ban Tulsi

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File size		661975
Original date		7/25/06 4:23 PM
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		ative					Photo: Tabish

Common name: Ban tulsi • Bengali: बन तुलसी • Hindi: Kala Bhangra • Tamil: ரயில் பூண்டு Reilpoondu • Kannada: Alpa bedhi soppu
Botanical name: Croton bonplandianum Family: Euphorbiaceae (castor family) Normally Crotons are popular foliage plants. This is a wild species of croton. Due to the resemblance of the leaves and flower cymes to that of Tulsi, this plant is often called Ban Tulsi (jungle tulsi) It is a small annual herb, growing up to 1-2 ft tall. Alternately arranged leaves, 3-5 cm long, are lance-shaped, with a toothed margin. Small white flowers are borne in 3-8 cm long racemes at the end of branches. Flowers have 5 sepals and 5 petals and numerous long stamens protruding out. Fruit is a 5 mm oblong capsule, with a warty surface. Ban tulshi is grown abundantly in the rural areas of Malda, West Bengal, and is used as both a fuel and a detergent. First the stems and branches of ban tulshi are used as fuel. Then the ash is collected and kept in a bottle for five or six days. The ash is put in warm water and used as a detergent for cleaning cotton garments. Flowering: September-November.
Identification credit: Mahadeswara Swamy

Basil

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File size	661294
Original date	6/20/05 5:06 PM
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			ative	Photo: Thingnam Girija

Common name: Basil, Sweet basil, Ram Tulsi राम तुलसी (Hindi), Sabje (Gujarati), Sabza (Marathi), துளஸி Tirunittru (Tamil), Khubkalam (Bengali), Kattu tulasi (Malayalam)
Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family) Sweet basil, with it's wonderful aroma and flavor, is one of the most popular and widely grown herbs in the world. In the West, basil is associated with Italian cooking, so you may be surprised to find that basil originated in the far eastern countries of India, Pakistan and Thailand. Basil is an annual herb to 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) tall with green stems (usually woody at the base) that are square in cross section. Basil has opposite leaves, 2-4 in (5.1-10.2cm) long, oval and slightly toothed. The tiny purple or white flowers arranged in flattened whorls that encircle the stems, one whorl above another. There are so many uses for basil that every herb gardener will want to have a plant or two. It is an attractive plant that works well in vegetable, herb and flower gardens. Basil has a warm, resinous, clove-like flavor and fragrance. The flowers and leaves are best used fresh and added only during the last few minutes of cooking. Basil works well in combination with tomatoes. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish. Use as a garnish for vegetables, chicken and egg dishes.

Photographed in Nainital

Identification credit: Radhika Vatsan

Beach Sunflower

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File size		176156
Original date		4/13/08 5:36 PM
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		ntroduced				Photo: Anu Venugopalan

Common name: Beach Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower
Botanical name: Helianthus debilis Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family) Beach Sunflower is the flower which is more commonly seen in home gardens in cities. It should be distinguished from the real Sunflower, which is a larger plant, with larger flowers. Beach Sunflower is an erect or a spreading perennial that can grow up to 3-4 ft tall. It has attractive, small sunflower-like flower heads which are borne throughout the year. These showy flowers have 10 to 20, pale yellow rays that encircle a purplish-brown disk that is ½ to 1 inch wide. Different species of butterflies are attracted to these charming flowers. The 3-inch-wide flowers of this plant are followed by small seeds that readily germinate to produce plantlets. The Beach Sunflower has small, dark green, triangular or heart-shaped leaves that are irregularly lobed and toothed. These glossy leaves are roughly pubescent and attain a length of 4 inches. Rose Plant Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order :	Rosales
Family :	Rosaceae
Subfamily :	Rosoideae
Genus :	Rosa l
Found In :	Valley of Flowers and Mahim National Park

Other names : Dublin Bay, Impatient, Quing, Gul, Gulbahar, Hravart, Roosevelt, Vartan, Arrosa, Aygul, Oklahoma Hulthemosa, Hesperrhodos, Platyrhodon, Banksianae, Carolinae, Pimpinellifoliae , Rosa, Laevigatae, Gymnocarpae are some of the other names of the Rose plant..

Description : There are several varieties of the Indian Roses which includes white rose, pink rose, maroon rose, red rose, yellow rose and orange rose. It has thorn on its stems. The cane has leaves and budeyes. A leaf consists of stipule, petiole, and leaflets. The leaves are -15 cm long. The leaflets usually have the segrrated margins and few small prickles on the underside of the stem. Most of the roses are deciduous. The flower has five petals.

Other Species : Rosa acicularis, Rosa x alba, Rosa pendulina, Rosa anemoniflora, Rosa arkansana, Rosa arvensis, Rosa nutkana, Rosa gigantea, Rosa omeiensis, Rosa oxyacantha, Rosa palutris, Rosa nutkana, Rosa gigantea, Rosa sharardii, Rosa oxyacantha, Rosa palustris Re some of the related species of Rose. There are more than 120 species of Roses pant.

Location : Roses are found inn almost all the parts of India. They are widely grown in the Valley of Flowers and Mahim Nature Park

Cultivation methods : Rose plants are propagated by the seeds, cuttings, layers and by budding. Roses require loamy, well drained soil. Budding is considered as the best method for propagating rose plants. They are planted in the circular pits about 60- 90 cm across and 60 -75 cm deep. Remove all the broken and bruised leaves while planting the plant. Roses require atleast six hours of direct sunlight for the growth. The best time to plant the Rose plants rests between September to October. The rose plant needs cutting from time to time. It requires manures and fertilizers at the time of planting.

Medicinal uses : Gulkand made by the mixture of Rose petals and white sugar in equal proportion acts as the tonic and laxative. Hips, the fruit of roses are the good source of Vitamin C. Rose petals are used to make skin healthy and glowing. It cures dry and patchy skin. The rose scent has been used in pill making for centuries. Its herbal tea is used in the treatment of cold and cough.

Other uses : Dried Rose petals called Pankhuri are used during the hot weather for preparing cool drinks. Roses are also used in the preparation of rose water and rose vinegar. Rose hips are sometime eaten. They are used for making herbal tea, jam and jellies. Rose plantss are generally used for beautifying the gardens and walkways. Rose petals are used in cooking, which increases its flavour and make it even more delicious. Relaxing therapies with rose smells are used in candles, lotion, bath oils and perfumes. Marigold Plant Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order :	Asrerales
Family :	Calenduleae
Genus :	Calendula
Scientific Name :	Calendula officinalis
Found In :	Valley of Flowers, Ranthambore National Park

Other names : Caltha, Ganda, Gols bloom, Garden Marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Pot Marigold are the other names used for the Marigold.

Description : It flowers from July to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). It is hardy to zone 6 and is frost tender. The lower leaves are broad and spatula shaped. Upper leaves may be oblong, are smooth at the edges, and are arranged alternately along the stem. Seeds are crescent to horseshoe shaped with the rough exterior. Its branching stem grows to the height of 30- 60 cm.

Other Species : Calendula arvensis, Calendula bicolor, Calendula eckerleinii, Calendula lanzae, Calendula maderensis, Calendula maroccana, Calendula meuselii, Calendula stellata, Calendula suffruticosa, Calendula tripterocarpa, Calendula officinalis are some of the other species of Marigold.

Location : Marigold is cultivated throughout India. It is widely grown in the Valley of Flowers, Ranthambore National Park in India.

Cultivation : Marigold plant is propagated by the seeds. They are shown during the early spring. Marigold does not need cultivation but the soil should be free from the weeds. The seeds should be shown 2cm apart. Seeds should be planted in the sunny locations. Fertilizers should be added from time to time. They require damp to wet soil for the growth. The seeds are germinated in two to three weeks. It needs full sunlight for its growth.

Medicinal uses : Marigold is used for stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual period problems, eye infections, inflammations, and for wound healing. It is antiseptic. If the Marigold flower is rubbed on the affected part, it brings relief in pain and swelling caused by a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds and a water distilled from them is good the sore eyes. The infusion of the freshly gathered flowers is beneficial in fever. Marigold flowers are mostly in demand foe children ailment. Externally it is used in the treatment of alopecia. Internally it is used to treat bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine, uterine bleeding and many more.

Other uses : Bright yellow and orange Marigold flowers are used to make garlands. They are even used to decorate the religious places. The leaves of its flowers are used as salads. Yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. The burning herb repels insects and flies. Pigments in the Marigold are sometimes extracted and used as the food colouring for humans and livestock.

Cural Importance : It is offered to the god and Goddess on the Durga Puja. Jamine Plant Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order :	Lamiales
Family :	Oleaceae
Genus :	Jasminum
Scientific Name :	Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton
Found In :	Nagarhole National Park

Other names : Moghra, Kundumalligai, Arabian Jasmine. Mallika are some of the other names used for the Jasmine. In India Jasmine is called the 'Moonshine in the garden'.

Description : Jasmine is a evergreen semi vining shrub. It grows to the height of 8- 10 feet. The flower is about one inch. It has oval green rich leaves, which have five to nine leaflets. Each leaflet is 2-3 inches long. Jasmine flowers are white in colour. Its stems are slender, trailing, green and glaborous.

Other Species : Jasminum amplexicule, Jasminum angulare, Jasminum angusgustifolium, Jasminum arborescens, Jasminum atttenuatum, Jasminum auriculatum, azoricum, Jasminum bessianum, Jasminum cinnamomifolium, Jasminum coffeinum, Jasminum crabibianum, Jasminum cuspidatumkmkm are some of the related species of the Jasmine plant.

Location : Jasmine plant is found in almost all the parts of India. They are widely grown in the Nagarhole National Park in India.

Cultivation methods : It is propagated through the softwood cuttings, semi hard wood cuttings and through simple layering. It needs water regularly. It is mostly propagated in the summer season. It is planted 6 inches deep inside the soil. It requires moist and well drained soil. Remove the weeds present inside the soil before planting the tree. The soil should consists of cow dung before planting the Jasmine plant. It requires frequent pruning for its fast growth. It needs warm temperature and proper watering from time to time. It grows in full Sun to partial shade. It should be fertilized in a month period. Jasmine Plant should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to save the later growth of the plant from jamming together. Tips of the plants should be pinched to stimulate lateral growth and frequent prunning. Younger plants should be tied with the stems to give a fairly heavy support.

Medicinal uses : The Jasmine flower is used for removing intestinal worms and is also used for jaundice and venereal diseases. The flower buds are useful in treating ulcers, vesicles, boils, skin diseases and eye disorders. The leaves extracts against breast tumours. Drinking Jasmine tea regularly helps in curing cancer. Its oil is very effective in calming and relaxing.

Other uses : Jasmine oil is used used for making perfumes and incense. Its flowers are used to flavour Jasmine tea and other herbal or black tea. Its oil is also used in creams, shampoos and soaps. In India Jasmine flowers are stringed together to make garlands. Women in India wear this flower in their hair. Some communities even use this flower to cover the face of the bridegroom.

Cultural Importance : In India the Jasmine plant is related to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Jasmine flowes are used in the religious offerings. Bougainvillea Plant Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order :	Caryophyllales
Family :	Nyctaginaceae
Scientific Name :	Bougainvillea glabra
Found In :	Sultanpur National park, Kanha National Park and Eravikulam National Park

Other names : Paper flower is the other name used for the Bougainvillea.

Description : Bougainvillea is a popular woody scandent shrub. It grows to the height of 10 -15 feet. The flowers are classic red, purple, orange, white, pink and cream, which bloom all year. The leaves are ovate, rich green or variegated, colourful bracts surrounding small tubular flowers. The woody trunk tends to be twisted and the stem have sharp thorns and dark green leaves. The fruit is narrow five lobed achene.

Other Species : Bougainvillea buttiana, Bougainvillea peruviana, Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Bougainvillea spinosa are some of the other related species of the Bougainvillea.

Location : It grows in tropical and sub tropical forests in India. It is also found in Sultanpur National park, Kanha National Park and Eravikulam National Park in India.

Cultivation : Bougainvillea plant can be propagated through the semi ripe cuttings, hardwood cuttings or layers. Cuttings should be planted in the shady areas until they produce the roots. It needs fertilizers and well drained soil for its growth. It requires full Sun for its growth. It needs very little water once established. It must be fertilized every month. It should be watered properly in the summers and kept dry in the winters. Orchid Plant Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order :	Asparagales
Family :	Orchidaceae
Scientific Name :	Oncidium sphacelatum
Found In :	Namdapha National Park, Mahim Nature Park, Simlipal National Park and Singhalila National Park

Other names : Dancing ladies, dancing dolls, Butterflies orchids are some of the popular names of the Orchids.

Description : Orchids are divided into two basic growth types, namely monopodial and sympodial. Monopodial orchids have a central stem which grows continuously from the tip. They have no pseudobulbs, but produce new growth from the crown of the plant. Flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves, usually alternately from side to side. Sympodial orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. In time, from the base of this growth, a new shoot develops and so on in a continuous cycle. The buds are often, though not always, protected by a sheath.

Other Species : Vanda coerulea, Arundina , Cymbidium, Coelogyne, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Renanthera, Acanthephippium sylhetense, Anoectochilus sikkimensis, Aphyllorchis montana, arachnanthe clarkei, Arundina graminifolio, Cymbidium macrorhizon, Dendrobium densiforum, Didiciea cunninghamii, Eria crassicaulis, Galeola lindleyana, Gastrodia Exilis, Paphiopedilum fairanum, P. druryi, Pleione humilis, Renanthera imschootiana, V. pumila, V. roxburghi

Location : Orchids are found in almost all the parts of India. They are widely grown in the Namdapha National Park, Simlipal National Park and Singhalila National Park in India.

Cultivation : Orchid flowers are propagated through the seeds. These flowers need lots of attention and accurate climatic conditions. Orchids need atleast 60%of humidity. If the orchids are grown inside than they do not need much sunlight. But there should be proper ventilation. Orchids need watering from time to time. They prefer fertilizers almost every week. Orchids need hot temperature for its growth. They flower regularly.

Medicinal uses : The indigenous people of Nilgiris consume the dried and powered tubulers of the terrestrial orchids as an energizing tonic.

Other uses : Its roots are edible and are cooked.