Kerala, located in the southern part of India, is known for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery. The state is home to a wide variety of flowering plants, including both native species and introduced ornamental plants. Here are some examples of flowering plants found in Kerala:
- Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Jasmine plants, particularly the Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), are popular in Kerala for their fragrant white flowers. They are commonly cultivated in gardens and used for making garlands and perfumes.
- Orchids (Orchidaceae): Kerala is known for its orchid diversity, and numerous species of orchids can be found in the region. Some notable orchids include the Vanda coerulea, Dendrobium aqueum, and Bulbophyllum species.
- Ixora (Ixora spp.): Ixora is a flowering shrub commonly seen in Kerala. It produces clusters of small, vibrant-colored flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. It is often used in landscaping and as hedge plants.
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): The hibiscus plant is a tropical flowering shrub with large, showy flowers. It comes in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. Hibiscus flowers are used in traditional Ayurvedic preparations and also adorn women’s hair during festivals.
- Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba): The flame lily is a striking climbing plant with unique, flame-like flowers. It has red or yellow petals with wavy edges and is often found in the wild in Kerala.
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): Bougainvillea is a thorny vine known for its vibrant bracts, which are usually pink, purple, red, or orange. It is commonly seen in gardens and along fences and adds a splash of color to the landscape.
- Plumeria (Plumeria spp.): Plumeria, also known as frangipani, is a fragrant flowering tree that produces beautiful, waxy flowers in various colors, such as white, yellow, pink, and red. The flowers are often used in religious ceremonies and for making garlands.
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds are popular annual flowers in Kerala, commonly used for decorative purposes and in religious ceremonies. They have vibrant yellow or orange flowers and are believed to bring good luck.
- Anthurium (Anthurium spp.): Anthurium plants are known for their striking, heart-shaped flowers and glossy leaves. They come in various colors, including shades of red, pink, and white. Anthuriums are often grown as houseplants or used in floral arrangements.
| Name | Scientific Name | Common Name | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aambal or Water Lily | Nymphaea Nouchali | Aambal or Water-lily | Nymphaeaceae |
| Arali, Nerium Plant, Dog Bane, South Sea Rose, Adalpha | Nerium Indicum | Arali, Nerium Plant, Dog Bane, South Sea Rose, Adalpha | Apocyanaceae |
| Arumasam, Krishna Kireedam or Pagoda Plant | Clerodentron Paniculatum | Arumasam, Krishna Kireedam or Pagoda Plant | Verbenaceae |
| Ashokam, Galasoka, Anganapriya or Ashoka Tree | Saraca Ashoca | Ashokam, Galasoka, Anganapriya or Ashoka Tree | Caesalpiniacea |
| Chempakam or Joy Perfume Tree | Michelia Chempaca | Chempakam or Joy Perfume Tree | Magnoliaceae |
| Chemparuthi or Rose Mallow or Sorrel | Hibiscus Rosasinensis | Chemparuthi or Rose Mallow or Sorrel | Malvaceae |
| Kashithetti, Savam-Nari or Madagascar Periwinkle | Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea) | Kashithetti, Savam-Nari or Madagascar Periwinkle | Apocynaceae |
| Kanakambaram, Abuli or fire Cracker Plant | Crossandra infundibuliformis | Kanakambaram, Abuli or fire Cracker Plant | Acanthaceae or Ruellia |
| Kanikkonna1 | Cassia Fistula | Kanikkonna | Fabaceae |
| Kongini or Bendhi | Calendula Officianalis | Kongini or Bendhi | Austeraceae |
| Kulamariyan, Madhumalti or Rangoon or Chinese Creeper | Quisqualis indica | Kulamariyan, Madhumalti or Rangoon or Chinese Creeper | Combretaceae |
| Mandaram or Dwarf White Bauhinia | Bauhinia Acuminata | Mandaram or Dwarf White Bauhinia | Fabaceae |
| Mukkutti or Life Plant | Biophytum Sensitivum | Mukkutti or Life Plant | Oxalidaceae |
| Mulla or Jasmine | Jasminum Grandiflorum | Mulla or Jasmine | Oleaceae |
| Nalumani or Four O Clock Plant | Mirabilis Jalapa | Nalumani or Four O Clock Plant | Nyctagenacea |
| Nandiarvattom or Crepe Jasmine or Carnation of India | Tabeamaemontana Diverticata | Nandiarvattom or Crepe Jasmine or Carnation of India | Apocyanaceae |
| Pala or Black Board Tree or Indian Devil Tree | Alstonia Scholaris | Pala or Black Board Tree or Indian Devil Tree | Apocynaceae |
| Pitchi, Jathimalli or Common Jasmine or Poet’s Pasmine | Jasminum Officinale | Pitchi, Jathimalli or Common Jasmine or Poet’s Pasmine | Oleaceae |
| Rajamalli, Dasa Mandaram or Dwarf Poinciana | Caesalpinia Pulcherrima | Rajamalli, Dasa Mandaram or Dwarf Poinciana | Fabaceae |
| Sankhu Pushpam, Gokarna, Aparojita or Butterfly Pea or Blue Peavine | Clitoria Ternatea | Sankhu Pushpam, Gokarna, Aparojita or Butterfly Pea or Blue Peavine | Fabaceae |
| Thamara, Kamalam, Padmam or Indian Lotus | Nelumbo Nucifera | Thamara, Kamalam, Padmam or Indian Lotus | Nelumbonaceae |
| Thetti, Thechi or West Indian Jasmine or Jungle Geranium | Ixora Coccinia | Thetti, Thechi or West Indian Jasmine or Jungle Geranium | Rubiaceae |
| Thottavadi or Tickle Me Plant | Mimosa Pudica | Thottavadi or Tickle Me Plant | Leguminosae |
| Thulasi or Holy Basil Plant is an herb with high medicinal value | Ocimum Tunnuiflorum or Ocimum Sanctum | Thulasi or Holy Basil Plant is an herb with high medicinal value | Laminaceae |
| Vakha, Gulmohur, Krishna-Chura or Royal Poinciana | Delonix Regia | Vakha, Gulmohur, Krishna-Chura or Royal Poinciana | Fabaceae |
| Velipparuthi or Spanish Flag is a wild invasive spiny shrub | Lantana Camara | Velipparuthi or Spanish Flag is a wild invasive spiny shrub | Verbenaceae |
These are just a few examples of the many flowering plants that can be found in Kerala. The region’s tropical climate and abundant rainfall make it a favorable environment for a wide range of plant species.