A Cactus garden is the answer to people who are hard pressed for time. Cactus growing is a pleasurable hobby and adds the much needed color to your bare garden with less effort. There are many … [Read more...]
Silver Oak Tree
Botanical name of this fast growing evergreen tree is Grevillea robusta and belong to Proteaceae* family. The tree is native to east coast of Australia but is found growing in abundance in India. … [Read more...]
Petunia
Petunias are attractive tubular flowers that bloom in innumerable shades belongs to family Solanaceae. It is native of South America and was discovered by James Tweedie. There are many species … [Read more...]
Saraca Asoca – Ashoka Tree
The flowers of Ashoka tree are used to worship gods in South Canara district of Karnataka. This pretty tree is a native of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Malaysia. It is evergreen and ever flowering … [Read more...]
Touch me not
This is the most interactive plant that I have ever come across. I still watch fascinated when the leaves of this plant closes when touched. It is as though it is cringing away from a possible … [Read more...]
Orchid Vanda Testacea
My joy knew no bounds when I found Vanda Testacea plants in full bloom in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The pale yellow flowers are very very cute. Added to the charm of the flowers is the light … [Read more...]
Golden Cassia
Plant Summary: Golden Cassia is a beautiful tree mainly planted to beautify parks and lanes. Botanical name is Cassia spectabilis belonging to family Leguminosae. The other common names are Dilaw, … [Read more...]
Orchid Diplocentrum Recurvum
Perched on a tree near the KSTDC restaurant was this Orchid plant in bloom. Query to Prejith on identification of this wild orchid led to the name Diplocentrum Recurvum. This epiphytic Orchid is … [Read more...]
Palash Tree
This tree blooms during February and covers the landscape red thus deriving the other name Flame of the Forest. Botanical name of Palash tree is Butea monosperma belonging to family Fabaceae. … [Read more...]
Orchid Dendrobium Nutantiflorum
I was delighted to see this Dendrobium in full bloom in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The bright reddish orange color of the flowers amazed me, as I had not seen any wild Orchids in red. This … [Read more...]
Cannon Ball Tree
Drawing competitions would be held on the lawns of Cubbon Park, Mysore during Independence or Republic days when I was in school. There is one Cannon Ball tree in the Park and on these occasions, I … [Read more...]
Orchid Bulbophyllum Fisheri
Orchid Bulbophyllum Fisheri grows in abundance in the Western Ghats. The pseudo bulbs of this plant are smooth and shiny. Single shiny leaf grows out of each pseudo bulb. I have seen the bloom only in … [Read more...]
Orchid Coelogyne Nervosa
Coelogyne nervosa is an Orchid found in Western Ghats. This epiphyte belongs to the genus Coelogyne of family Orchidaceae. There are 200 species of Coelogyne and 35 species are found in Myanamar … [Read more...]
Okra – Ladies Finger – Bhindi
Also known as Okra, Bhindi (Hindi), Bhendekayi (Kannada) is a very popular vegetable in India. It is grown all over the country and used to cook a variety of dishes. The botanical name is … [Read more...]
Asters
Every year during Ganesh Chathurthi and Diwali, dad used bring home bunches of Asters in various hues. We would spend time untying, cutting, and preserving them in water. Asters are very good for … [Read more...]
Sausage Tree
Sausage tree attracts a lot of attention, even from people who are not nature enthusiasts. I have seen many of them wondering whether the huge sausage like fruits is edible. No, the fruits are not … [Read more...]
Pitcher Plant
Since the time I had read about insectivorous plant, Pitcher plant, I wanted to see one. I got to see one in one of the flower exhibitions held in Lalbagh, Bangalore. Plant Summary: The … [Read more...]
Nasturtium
Plant Summary: Botanical name of Nasturtium is Tropaeolum majus belonging to the family Tropaeolaceae. It is also known as Indian cress. Nasturtiums are flowers that brighten the garden. These … [Read more...]
Aeschynanathus Perrottetti – Lipstick Plant
As you traverse into the rain forests of Western Ghats, you will notice orchids, lichens, ferns, and moss attached to tree trunks and branches. In the midst of these green epiphytes I noticed red … [Read more...]
Creating a Bonsai
Bonsai is a very interesting hobby. You can create miniature trees and landscapes to add an oriental touch to your garden. Materials Required: 1 Bonsai Pot 1 mature sapling of Mango or … [Read more...]
