Guide lines ...

Scientific name: Martynia annua

The plants are known by Devil's claws or Tiger's claws as they produce strange seed pods that attach to the feet and legs of animals. Leaves are kidney to circular shaped with hairy on both surfaces. Flowers are tubular, 4-6 cm long, white to pink with 5 spreading lobes at the apex. Each lobe is with a purple spot, throat is with red and yellow lines. The yellow lines in the corolla throat are nectar guide lines to direct pollinator bees to the nectar source. I was interested in this plant while collecting plants related to my research work. The wild growth all along the highways have attracted me due to its beautiful flowers. I took this photograph on 6th July, 2011 morning, while on a plant collection trip for my friend, near Ashokapuram Railyway Station, Mysore.

Medicinally for you ...

Scientific name: Punica granatum

The Pomegranate is a shrub that grows 6-15' tall. The plant is native to Caucasus, Himalayas, Northern India and Pakistan. The flowers are beautiful, orange red trumpet shaped with ruffled petals. We had this plant in my home when i was a child. The fruit value of this plant is highly appreciated and is widely cultivated as a horticultural crop. Just by the side of the lawn near my lab where i work presently there are two plants, which flower profusely and bear delicious fruits. I took this photograph on 11th June 2011.

Spiders on a bloom ...

Scientific name: Cleome speciosa

The showy spider flower is a herbaceous plant with beautiful flowers. The flowers are borne in an erect, showy receme at the end of stem. I was thrilled by the beauty of this plant during 2001 August flower show at Lal Bagh, Bangalore. We purchased the seeds and then nurtured this plant in our home garden in Bangalore. This photograph was taken on 30th November 2010 at Sims Park, Coonoor.

Pinky ... pinky ... pinky ...

Scientific name: Dombeya wallichii

The pink ball or Tropical hydrangea is a spectacular tree with large heart shaped leaves and dense heads of little pink flowers, hanging from foot long stalks. It is native to Madagascar. This beautiful tree is grown for its pendulous deep pink flower balls, which has a pleasant fragrance. I saw this tree in Ooty and Coonoor. The one tree which i desired to take photograph in Ooty had dried flowers and i was disappointed. But my disappointment had short-lived as i could snap this photograph the same evening of 30th November 2011 at Sims Park, Coonoor.

No desire ...?

Scientific name: Jatropha podagrica
The plant is also known as Australian bottle plant or Budha Belly. As the name suggests, the plant has a bottle or belly shaped trunk with clusters of tiny, coral like flowers on long stems and large lobbed leaves, which gives an unusual look. The flowers grow in long stems and are brilliant red in colour, which stand out from the leaves. I observed this plant in many homes and its fruits are very familiar to me, as it is similar to that of common Jatropha. This photograph was taken on 3rd September, 2011 just outside the Directors chamber of CSRTI, Mysore.

Together we are ...

Scientific name: Rhododendron yedoense

The deciduous low to medium ever green shrub is native to Korea and Japan. Leaves are ovate to lance shaped. Funnel shaped flowers are borne in trusses of 2 to 4 blooms and are in shades of lilac, rose, white, etc., with purple spots and fragrance. Can be grown as borders, hedges and fences. I saw this plant in  Coonoor and in Ooty in many home gardens. This photograph was taken on 3rd December, 2010 at Coonoor by way side in front of a house, where it was maintained as a hedge cum fence. 

Calling you back ...

Scientific name: Cordia sebestena

Also known as Scarlet cordia has originated from West Indies. It is a small tree, grows upto 25 feet. This is one of the most beautiful trees on account of its attractive flowers. The leaves are ever green and heart shaped. The dark orange, two inches wide flowers appear in clusters at branch tips. It attracts butterflies and bees. Before opening up, the flower buds themselves are a beauty to watch. A few days before while passing through the road leading to District Magistrate Office of Mysore, i just noticed a bunch of attractive orange flowers. But for want of time i could not stop. I returned a week later, in the morning of 11th September, 2011 and took the photograph of this flower.