Zephyranthes candida: Rain Lily Family: Amaryllidaceae Common name: Autumn zephyrlily, White windflower, Peruvian swamp lily, Rain lily

Which of the flowers grow in rainy season?

Monsoon is the best time to grow hibiscus, mogra, jasmine, water lilies, rain lilies, ixora et al.

Zephyranthes candida: Rain Lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Common name: Autumn zephyrlily, White windflower, Peruvian swamp lily, Rain lily

This scraggly plant with it’s thin unruly leaves, looks quite unimpressive, till it bursts into gorgeous white flowers by the dozen. It’s also called rain lily because the flowers usually bloom after rains. The flowers bloom on thin shafts which look like leaves until it open out into a pristine white lily. Autumn Zephyrlilies grown best in full or partial sunlight. Lilies are not indoor plants, though it can grown on sunny windowsills.

There are over a 1000 species in this family of Amaryllidaceae. Some variants of Zephyranthes Candida have pink, red or yellow flowers. This plant has significant medical properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an antipyretic, and to relieve insomnia, headache, and even epilepsy.

Propagation is by splitting the plant bulbs at the root and replanting them.

Zephyranthes carinata: Pink Lily

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Common name: Autumn zephyrlily, White windflower, Peruvian swamp lily, Rain lily

A native of Mexico, Pink Rain Lily is a bulbous plant, quite common in the cultivated areas of the Himalayas. It is also a popular house plant. It bears linear, hollow, strap-shaped or grass-like leaves. The solitary flowers consisting of 6 pointed petals, borne on a short scape are delicate and flourish throughout the rainy season, especially after heavy showers. A good garden soil is suitable and a sunny or semi-shady environment. It is suitable for planting in pots, beds and clumps. An exceedingly delightful effect can be produced by planting the various species in the grass. The splashing arrays of flowers in different hues looks fascinating. It is useful as a border plant in front of the shrubberies and can decorate windows when in shallow pots or bowls. The propagation is by bulbs.

Ipomoea quamoclit: Cypress vine

Family: Convolvulaceae

Common name: Cypress vine, Cypressvine morning glory, Red cypress vine, Indian pink, Cardinal creeper, Star glory, Hummingbird vine, Cardinal vine.

The star of the Morning glory or Ipomoea family, these beautiful Cypress vine plants produce star-shaped flowers in red, pink or white. Red cypress vines are the ones most commonly seen in India, even in open areas and roadsides.

These plants can grow to a height of 2-3 meters by climbing on supporting structures or surrounding vegetation. They can be trained to grow on pergolas, trellises, arches, balcony railings or on nets. Their long, thin stems twine around these structures, and produce beautiful feathery green leaves.

Cypress vine leaves are 5-8 cms long, deeply dissected so that it looks thin and feathery. Flowers are about 5 cms long with a long tube that tapers towards the sepals.

This stamen tube opens up towards the petals ending in 5 beautiful, red, star-shaped petals giving the plant the name Star glory. Once established in the soil, Cypress vines grow very fast and also flower profusely. They produce an abundance of seeds ensuring that the plant lives on for many years.

They are mainly grown as ornamental plants in gardens, though they are considered as invasive weeds in some parts of the world. Cypress vines thrive in warm, tropical weather, flowering well and attracting birds, bees, and butterflies with their bright red flowers.

They are low maintenance plants that can stand ignorance, poor soil, drought and lack of fertilization very well. Cypress vines usually flower in spring and summer, after which the parent plant might die and new plants spring up from the seeds fallen on the ground.

Cypress vine flowers are very similar to that of Ipomoea hederifolia or Scarlet morning glory in shape, but the petals of Scarlet morning glory are more rounded than star shaped. The leaves are heart-shaped and not feathery like those of Cypress vines. But they both belong to the morning glory family and are seen commonly in India.

There are several other species of morning glory or Ipomoea plants that can be grown easily in home gardens, Ipomoea cairica or Coastal morning glory; Ipomoea purpurea or Common morning glory; Ipomoea lacunosa or White morning glory being some of the common varieties.

Though Cypress vines are sturdy, they respond well to some tender loving care. Watering and fertilizing them regularly will give you healthy plants that bloom well. Rich, well-drained soil is also essential to the growth of this plant. Since they are sun-lovers, they are not good indoor plants.

Propagation is through seeds that have to be soaked overnight and nicked lightly before planting in soil.

Purple Heart

Purple Heart, native to Mexico, is a trailing, tender perennial with beautiful silvery, purple stems and violet-purple leaves that are long and oval shaped and produces delicate pink flowers in the spring and summer. It is mainly grown for its foliage as its leaves can reach about 7 inches in length and can reach a height of 1 to 1 ½ feet tall. Purple heart is wonderful for planting in pots or hanging baskets, and also serves very well as a ground cover.

While it is drought tolerant, purple heart grows best with regular water and a balance of full sun and light shade. It grows best in moist soil so water moderately and fertilize monthly. Pinch back to encourage bushiness and cut back flowering stems after blooming.

he flower is also referred to as Kundumalligai, Arabian Jasmine, Jai, Jui, Chameli, Madanban, Sayali, Kunda or Mallika.

Is Jasmine and Mogra same?

Mogra which is famously known as Jasmine flower is one of the most beautiful and fragrant amongst all flowering plants in Asia. The flower is also referred to as Kundumalligai, Arabian Jasmine, Jai, Jui, Chameli, Madanban, Sayali, Kunda or Mallika.

What is special about the jasmine flower?

The main reason jasmine is so famous is its strong fragrance. People adore the flower for its strong, sweet smell. Countless cultures worldwide include it in aromatic products like candles, perfumes, soaps, and lotions. You can even infuse your own products at home with the lovely scent of the white bloom.

Jasminum: Jasmine

family: Oleaceae

Common name: Jasmine

The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Jasmine is the fragrance. There are over 200 species of jasmines with variations in fragrance, size, shape, number of petals, type of plant and even color. Yes, not all jasmines are white as you would imagine! The most common one, Jasminum Officinale is supposed to have the best fragrance, but it’s a highly subjective matter.

Jasmine plants could be shrubby, climbing or spreading. They are primarily seen in Asiatic countries, though there are native species in Australia and Europe. India women wear jasmine flowers on their hair, the garlands having white and orange flowers from the firecracker flower plants. Flower garlands are used for deities and also for decorations during weddings and festivals.

All temples in South India would have a small stall outside, selling jasmine flowers. Jasmine scented perfumes are also very popular in Asia.

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium: Baby sun rose

Family: Aizoaceae

Common name: Baby sun rose, Red Aptenia, Heart-leaf, Aptenia, Heartleaf iceplant, Heart-leaved aptenia, Heart-leaved midday flower, Aptenia cordifolia, Rock rose, Noon flower, Dew plant, Red apple, Ice plant

If you are looking for flowering plants for hanging pots or baskets in your garden, look no further than Baby sun rose plants. They look lovely with their glossy green, succulent leaves and stems; and beautiful pink flowers.

Baby sun rose plants only grow to a height of about 4 inches but can spread over 2 feet with their long, trailing stems. The stem is capable of rooting along the nodes where it touches the soil, thus helping the plant spread horizontally.

Leaves are 1-2 inches long, heart-shaped and succulent, covered with tiny hairs. The distinguishing feature of this plant is the beautiful pink flowers that cover the plant during the sunny part of the day.

As the name suggests, these plants are sun-lovers, flowering only during warm, sunny days. In fact the flowers wait for the sun to come out before opening; and close when the sun disappears. On rainy or cloudy, the flowers just refuse to open.

These plants need good direct or indirect sunlight to thrive well. But they can tolerate drought and poor soil. Since Baby sun rose plants are succulents, overwatering can be more dangerous that underwatering.

Baby sun rose flowers are deep pink or red with yellow stamens clearly visible at the center. The petals are many and thin, arranged in multiple layers. These bright flowers attract birds, bees, insects and butterflies that help in pollinating the them. Baby sun rose plants also produce small, green, apple-like fruits containing 4 tiny seeds inside.

Old parts of the plants might die off in 2-3 years, but the long trailing stems produce new plants, thus making the plant a perennial capable of surviving for many years. They form good ground cover for ledges, and look lovely in hanging pots. The trailing stems fall beautifully over the edges of pots or flowerboxes, producing beautiful flowers during summer and spring.

These plants are mostly grown as ornamental plants these days, though they were used to treat inflammations in traditional herbal medicine. Since they are low-maintenance plants which need very little care, Baby sun rose plants are very popular among gardeners. And are ideal plants for amateur gardeners. So go ahead, plant some of them in your garden and enjoy the beautiful, trailing vines.

Propagation is through seeds or stem cuttings.

A brief history

What is the history of flowers?

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium: Baby sun rose

Paleobotanists have more recently uncovered tiny herb-like flower fossils dating back 120 million years. Flowering plants, called angiosperms by scientists, were believed to be already diverse and found in most locations by the middle of the Cretaceous period… 146 million years ago.

Oxalis latifolia

(sorrel)

O. latifolia is a native of Central America and equatorial South America but has been introduced very widely in Africa, Asia and Australasia; to some extent deliberately as an ornamental, but also as ground cover under coffee in Uganda, and as rabbit food in India. It is particularly successful at high altitude in India and Uganda, and also in subtropical situations in New Zealand and southern Africa.

O. latifolia is a plant of the humid tropics, especially at higher elevations (up to 3000 m in Colombia), and of the subtropics. It is favoured by intensive cultivation, especially in orchards, gardens and plantation crops, where removal of other vegetation allows it to thrive, and where cultivations help to spread the bulbs.

O. latifolia is a bulbous perennial, spreading vegetatively by bulbs and rarely producing seeds. In most countries, it is not thought to set seed at all, but Rivals (1960) notes that it does so in France. It apparently has the potential for tristyly, having two sets of five stamens of different length. Weedy populations are almost invariably short-styled, though one of the atypical, rounded-leaved forms in New Zealand is reported to be mid-styled (Esler, 1962).

The behaviour of the bulbs of O. latifolia has been the subject of several studies. Most bulbils remain dormant while still attached to the parent plant, though Marshall and Gitari (1988) note that the first bulbils to be produced usually develop one or more leaves while still attached. Factors involved in breaking the dormancy of the bulbs include chilling (5°C for 3 weeks) and dry heat (45°C for several hours) (Chawdhry and Sagar, 1974a). Dormancy can last more for more than one year (Holm et al., 1997). In a study by Esler (1962) all bulbs emerged from 8 cm depth and 20% from 20 cm. On sprouting, the bulbs produce a ring of adventitious roots, one of which later becomes the main fleshy taproot. Petioles are then produced from the inner membranous scales. Stolon development follows the formation of the taproot. Plants growing from bulbils may not flower in their first or even second season of growth but develop gradually larger bulbs. Eventually, peduncles develop from the axils of the outer membranous scales. The parent bulb disintegrates at the end of a growing season but is replaced by a new main bulb, which may draw on the taproot for resources as the latter shrivels.

O. latifolia occurs on a wide range of soil types. The bulbs survive short periods of freezing but are killed by prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures.

Oxalis triangularis: False shamrock

Family: Oxalidaceae

Common name: False shamrock, Purpleleaf false shamrock, Purple shamrock, Shamrock plant, Wood Sorrel

False shamrock leaves look beautiful whether they are awake or sleeping, the leaves folding in beautifully along the midrib like an umbrella when they close. The purple hue of their leaves make them ideal ornamental plants for your garden; or even indoors provided there is good sunlight.

These plants can grow to a height of 50 cms with long petioles that arise from the root rhizomes. They do not have an actual stem, only tuberous rhizomes and leaves arising directly from them. Leaves are made up 3 triangular leaflets that stay perpendicular to the stalk when the leaf is awake, in full sunlight.

But during the night, or during cloudy days, the leaves fold in along the central veins closing like an umbrella. This characteristic is called photonasty, the movement of a plant parts, mainly the leaves and petals in response to light.

Though it’s not very common, False shamrock plants produce beautiful, white, pink, or purple flowers that are 2-3 cms long with 5 petals. The flowers also close at night just like the leaves. Flowering happens during spring and summer, the plants going into dormancy during winter months.

False shamrock plants might droop and dry up at times, when the weather is too cold. But it can grow again from the root when ideal conditions return. This does not happen in warm, tropical weather.

It’s ok to cut back the leaves when they become old and gangly, so that new growth can happen from the rhizomes. These plants prefer well-drained, moist soil and good sunshine, without which they tend to droop and look unhealthy. Regular watering and fertilization is required for these fast-growing plants.

Leaves are eaten cooked and raw, and also used in salads. They should be eaten in moderation since the leaves contain oxalic acid crystals which can be toxic to humans and pets alike. Root tubers are also edible, and eaten raw or cooked.

There is a green variant that looks like a four-leaved clover minus one of the leaflets. Some of the popular variants are Oxalis tetraphylla or Iron cross which has green leaves with a purple center, Oxalis vulcanicola or Molten lava which has green leaves that turn orange in good sunlight, Oxalis adenophylla or Silver shamrock with silver grey leaves, and Oxalis regnellii or Triangularis with wine-colored leaves.

Propagation is through root division.

Mogra

Common name: Jasmine

The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Jasmine is the fragrance. There are over 200 species of jasmines with variations in fragrance, size, shape, number of petals, type of plant and even color. Yes, not all jasmines are white as you would imagine! The most common one, Jasminum Officinale is supposed to have the best fragrance, but it’s a highly subjective matter.

All temples in South India would have a small stall outside, selling jasmine flowers. Jasmine scented perfumes are also very popular in Asia.

Dianthus chinensis

Common Name(s):

Description

China pinks are biennials or short-lived perennials which are primarily grown as annuals as they do not perform well in hot and humid summers. They grow best in average well-drained soils with dry to medium moisture, in full sun but with afternoon shade in warmer climates. This pink has an abundance of flowers that are flat, heavily fringed, and with a darker central eye. They should be deadheaded and trimmed after periods of heavy bloom to encourage additional flowering.

Problems:

China pinks are susceptible to crown rot and rust if the soil is poorly drained, and may also be troubled by slugs and snails if grown in too much shade.

Zinnia Zinnias come in a wide variety of flower shapes with stars, daisies, dahlias, spiders, buttons, domes, and quill-leaf cactus shapes. Within those shapes, there are also singles, semi-doubles and doubles.

Zinnia- some beautiful clicks

Zinnia

Zinnias come in a wide variety of flower shapes with stars, daisies, dahlias, spiders, buttons, domes, and quill-leaf cactus shapes. Within those shapes, there are also singles, semi-doubles and doubles.

Color:

Flowers bloom in shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow and there are also bi-color and tri-color varieties. Leaves are pale to mid-green.

When to plant:

As long as there is no further threat of frost, zinnias can be planted any time through the end of June. In fact, it’s a great idea to plant multiple rounds at 2- to 3-week intervals up until the end of June for non-stop blooming into fall.

Where to plant:

Locate your zinnias in an area that will get at least 6 hours of sun each day and where there is well-draining soil.

How to plant:

Zinnias are best started from seed and can be sown directly in the garden after the threat of frost has passed. If you’d like to get a jump on them and start earlier indoors, try peat pots or other containers that can be planted directly in the ground, as zinnias can be a bit finicky when transplanted. Sow seeds ¼-inch deep and follow spacing directions on seed package. Give them sunshine and water and you’ll have seedlings popping up in 4 to 7 days. Thin the seedlings to spacing of 6 to 18 inches (depending on variety) by snipping at the soil line with scissors. (Tip: Pulling out seedlings can disturb the roots of those left behind.) Zinnias grow quickly and you’ll have beautiful bright blooms in about 60 days.

CARE

Pruning:

For taller varieties that you’d like to use for cut flowers, Floret Flower Farms recommends snipping out the center flower when the plants are about 18 inches tall, and although it “feels pretty counterintuitive at the time, it will encourage plants to begin branching low and ultimately produce much longer stems.” Spent blooms should be deadheaded to encourage and prolong further flowering.

Soil:

While zinnias aren’t particularly picky about their soil, they do prefer it to be fertile, humus-rich, well-drained and with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

Amendments & Fertilizer:

Add compost to the area where zinnias will be planted to enrich the soil. An occasional light dose of a well-balanced fertilizer can be applied, but isn’t always necessary.

Watering:

Water regularly, for a total of about 1 inch per week. Although they can tolerate dry conditions, they will do much better with consistent moisture in the soil. Keep excess moisture away from the foliage by watering at the base of the plant; this will help keep your plant healthy and prevent disease.

Propagation:

Seeds are easy to save by letting the flowers dry completely on the stem. Remove seeds by lightly crushing the dried seed head. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for planting next spring. Keep in mind, however, that seeds saved from hybrid plants may not develop true to the parent plant.

Diseases and Pests:

Bacterial and fungal spots, powdery mildew and bacterial wilt can all be troublesome for zinnias. Keeping the foliage dry and providing good air circulation will go a long way toward prevention. Zinnias can also be host to caterpillars, mealybugs and spider mites. It’s best to remove caterpillars by hand, but mealybugs and spider mites can be treated with insecticidal soap. Try cultivars from the Profusion series for increased resistance to powdery mildew.

cucurbits

Is cucumber and cucurbit same?

Several of the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden belong to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). Commonly grouped together and called the cucurbits, they include summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, cucuzza, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa and, of course, cucumber.

Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family of flowering plants, belonging to the order Cucurbitales and containing 98 genera and about 975 species of food and ornamental plants. Members of the family are annual or perennial herbs native to temperate and tropical areas and include cucumbers, gourds, melons, squashes, and pumpkins.

Pink Headed Persicaria

Persicaria capitata

Also known as:

Pink Bobbles, Creeping Knotweed, Pinkhead Smartweed, Japanese Knotweed, Pink-Head Knotweed

Persicaria capitata is an evergreen perennial plant from the Polygonaceae family. It has a creeping habit, forming multiple stems that get woody at the base.

It roots easily and doesn't typically exceed 15cm in height. It has both ornamental and medical value.

Flowers are pink and unpleasantly scented.

This plant is commonly known by a range of names including Creeping Knotweed, Pink Headed Persicaria, Pink Bobbles and Japanese Knotweed amongst others.

The common name Japanese knotweed is shared with another plant, Reynoutria japonica.

How to Propagate

Cuttings

Seed or division in autumn or spring, climbers only by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Pale Grass Blue Pseudozizeeria maha

Pseudozizeeria maha, the pale grass blue,[1][2] is a small butterfly found in South Asia that belongs to the lycaenids or blues family. The species was first described by Vincenz Kollar in 1844.

The tomato is the edible berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum,

The tomato is the edible berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as the tomato plant. The species originated in western South America, Mexico, and Central America. The Mexican Nahuatl word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word tomate, from which the English word tomato derived.

Species: S. lycopersicum

Genus: Solanum

Family: Solanaceae

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a tree found in tropical Africa and southern Asia. The fruit pulp is widely used in Asian culture. Tamarind contains ingredients that might have laxative effects and fight against certain fungi and bacteria. It also contains a chemical that is similar to mucin found in the eye.

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