April Lilly

April Lilly Flower

            The botanic name Lilium is the Latin form and is a Linnaean name. Lilium is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants growing from bulbs, all with large prominent flowers. Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and literature in much of the world. Lilies are tall perennials ranging in height from 2–6 ft (60–180 cm). They form naked or tunic less scaly underground bulbs which are their overwintering organs. In some North American species the base of the bulb develops into rhizomes, on which numerous small bulbs are found. Some species develop stoles. Most bulbs are deeply buried, but a few species form bulbs near the soil surface. Many species form stem-roots. With these, the bulb grows naturally at some depth in the soil, and each year the new stem puts out adventitious roots above the bulb as it emerges from the soil. These roots are in addition to the basal roots that develop at the base of the bulb. Naturally most cool temperate species are deciduous and dormant in winter in their native environment. But a few species which distribute in hot summer and mild winter area  lose leaves and remain relatively short dormant in Summer or Autumn, sprout from Autumn to winter, forming dwarf stem bearing a basal rosette of leaves until accept enough chilling requirement, the stem begins to elongate while warming. The flowers are large, often fragrant, and come in a range of colours including whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, reds and purples. Markings include spots and brush strokes. The plants are late spring- or summer-flowering. Flowers are borne in racemes or umbels at the tip of the stem, with six petals spreading or reflexed, to give flowers varying from funnel shape to a "Turk's cap". The tepals are free from each other, and bear a nectar at the base of each flower. The ovary is 'superior', borne above the point of attachment of the anthers. The fruit is a three-celled capsule. Seeds ripen in late summer. They exhibit varying and sometimes complex germination patterns, many adapted to cool temperate climates.

BLUE WATERLILLY (Nymphaea caerulea)

BLUE WATERLILLY 

Nymphaea caerulea also known as the Blue Egyptian water lily or sacred blue lily is a water lily  in the genus Nymphaea.

Nymphaea caerulea, also known as the Blue Egyptian water lily or sacred blue lily, is a water-lily in the genus Nymphaea. The leaves are broadly rounded, 25–40 cm across, with a notch at the leaf stem. The flowers are 10–15 cm in diameter. Reports in the literature by persons unfamiliar with its actual growth and blooming cycle have suggested that the flowers open in the morning, rising to the surface of the water, then close and sink at dusk In fact, the flower buds rise to the surface over a period of two to three days, and when ready, open at approximately 9–9:30 am and close about 3 pm. The flowers and buds do not rise above the water in the morning, nor do they submerge at night. The flowers have pale bluish-white to sky-blue or mauve petals, smoothly changing to a pale yellow in the centre of the flower. The flower is very frequently depicted in Egyptian art. It has been depicted in numerous stone carvings and paintings, including the walls of the famous temple of Karnak. It is frequently depicted in connection with "party scenes", dancing or in significant spiritual / magical rites such as the rite of passage into the afterlife.  Nymphaea caerulea was considered extremely significant in Egyptian mythology, since it was said to rise and fall with the sun. Consequently, due to its colourings, it was identified, in some beliefs, as having been the original container, in a similar manner to an egg, of Atum, and in similar beliefs Ra, both solar deities. As such, its properties form the origin of the lotus variant of the Ogdoadcosmogeny. It was the symbol of the Egyptian deity Nefertem. in modern culture, blue lotus flowers are used to make various concoctions including blue lotus tea, wine and martinis. Recipes for such drinks involve steeping or soaking the petals, about 10–20 grams for up to three weeks. Blue lotus 'tea' is prepared by boiling the entire flowers for 10–20 minutes.

The main effects of Blue lotus are a pleasant feeling of warmth around the head, very

                  In relevance, the Egyptians saw the blue water lily open up each morning, with the blue petals imitating the sky and its yellow center representing the sun. Each afternoon the petals would close, to get ready for the next day. Therefore, the blue lotus flower was linked with the rising and setting of the sun. In another sense, the blue lotus flower also stands for the enlightened and reawakening of the consciousness of the deceased. There's a story of the battle between Horus and Seth, where the blue lotus flower appears as a symbol of the divine, all seeing eye. When Seth tracks down the resting of Horus beneath a tree, he rips both eyes from him and buries them in the sand. Later, the buried eyes transform into blue lotus flowers.

Water Lilly (Aambal)

Water Lilly (Aambal)

                  

           Water lillies are plants that grow in still or slowlt moving water. They like ponds, streams , and the edges of lakes in tropical and mild areas. Their floating leaves are often called lilly pads. Water lillies grow from the muddy bottom of a body of water. Thick underwater stems are buried in the mud.

The hairy water lily is an aquatic plant having erect perennial rhizomes or rootstocks that anchor it to the mud in the bottom. The rhizomes produce slender stolons.Its leave blades are round above the water and heart-shaped below 15–26(–50) cm, papery, abaxially densely pubescent. Some of the leaves that emerge rise slightly above the water held by their stem in lotus fashion, but most of them just float on the surface. The floating leaves have untie edges that make a crenellate effect. The water lily is also commercialized as an aquarium plant. The underwater leaves of this species have a handsome appearance that is appreciated by aquarists who often remove the floating leaves to keep it as a fully sub aquatic plant. The flowers are quite large, about 15 cm in diameter when fully open. They tend to close during the daytime and open wide at night. Their color varies from white to pink, mauve or purple depending from the variety or hybrid.

Touch me not (Mimosa Pudica)

Touch me not (Mimosa Pudica)

Mimosa pudica also called sensitive plant or touch me not is a creeping annual or perennial herb often grown for its curiosity value  the compund leaves fold inward and drop when touched or shaken reopening minutes later. 

Ayurveda regards the touch me not plant to have tiktha kashaya properties. This plant is  used in treating many skin disorders. Thottavadi kashayam made after removing the flowers helps in reliveing various difficulties of the hemorroids. Karappan found in children found in children can be treated by collecting the juice of this herb and heating in coconut oil.

Shavam Nari Poo (Vinca)

Shavam Nari Poo (Vinca)

                     

                        Shavamnari is a type of flower . It is also known as shavamnari poo , kashithumba (in malayalam) , vinca , vinca rose , lavendar vinca ,periwinckle flower , periwinckle vinca . Its Scientific name is Catharanthus Roseus. Its Very common in Kerala as  a garden Plant. It is medicinal plant. It an also be poisonous if used inappropriately. Internally the leaves has been used for improved oxygen and blood flow , especially in cerebral veins . Externally a oil or oilment can be made or the leaves can be bruised and applied directly for dermatitis eczema ,acne , bleeding gums , nosebleeds , mouth ulcers, cancer.

Cynodon Dactylon (Karuka Grass)

Cynodon Dactylon (Karuka Grass)

                  

                   Cynodon Dactylon or karuka (in malayalam) grass the other names of this grass are Arugampul Bahama Grass ,Bermuda Grass , Couch Grass , Durva Grass . Karuka grass has many medicinal properties including antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It is sweet palatable   cool and nutritious . The whole plant is medicinal according to Hindhu medical God Dhanwantari who gave to the world the science of Ayurveda. The plant is medicinal when used both internally and externally. It helps to stops bleeding increases the amount of  urine excretion and checks dysentary. this plant also serves as medicine for treatment of skin diseases , diabetes , urinary tract infections ,blood disorders . In siddha system of medicine karuka grass is used to detoxify the body.

 

Mango

Mango

The mango is a fleshy stone fruit belonging to the genus Magnifera , consisting of  numerous tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family . Mango tress grow up to 35 -40 m tall.