Check the following web link for information on Aboli flower:
http://gardentenders.com/projects/553
2. Amaltas (Golden Shower)
It Means: Remover of Disease
Botanical name is
Cassia fistula),
Indian Laburnum Tree is a very valuable medicinal tree and has been
used in Ayurveda as a gentle laxative, which can be taken safely even by
children and expectant mothers.
Also, known as golden shower flower, Amaltas has very flaming and bright yellow flowers in spring and summer in northern India. It is the national flower of Thailand.
3. Aparajita (Clitoria Ternatea. Commonly Known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea and Darwin pea)
Aprajita flower and plant are of great medicinal value. This plant's root is specially used for leucoderma.
It alleviates swelling and pain. It has haemostatic action hence
it is ued in piles specially
bleeding piles. Piles are cleaned with the decoction and the paste of whole
plant is applied over it. Leaf
juice is used as nasal drops
in headache. Oil boiled with
dhamasa is used for massage in
rheumatoi4 arthritis.
Decoction is used for gargling in
stomatitis and for cleaning wounds. It
prevents
pus formation. It is also used for in medicines for nervous, digestive, circulatory and respiratory system.
4. Arabian Jasmine (Beli Phool)
is a species of jasmine native to a small region in the eastern Himalayas in Bhutan and neighbouring India and Pakistan. It is cultivated in many places, especially across much of South and Southeast Asia.
It is the national flower of the Philippines. It is used in perfumes, cosmetics and also as a flavour in cooking.
5. Aster:
Used in Chinese medicine for haemorrhage, malaria, diarrhoea. Urinary infection, bleeding, snakebite, and pulmonary ailments. Also used for animal poisoning. Its petals and leaves are used to prepare herbal dyes.
It Means: Love; daintiness Aster amellus
6. Blanket Flower
Blanket flower is native to North America.
(Refer to Gilardia)
7. Bottle Brush
Bottlebrush is from Australia. Two species
occur in the south-west of Western Australia and four species in New Caledonia.
Bottlebrushes can be found growing from Australia's tropical north to the temperate
south. They often grow in damp or wet conditions such as along creek beds or in
areas which are prone to floods.
8. Bougainvillea
Native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central and South
America but now cultivated in warm climes the world over. Bougainvillea
requires a fair amount of water and high-fertility soil. This is Grenada's national flower. It can be used in landscape garden, on arbors, trellis, fence and walls.
Bougainvilleas
are very tough & very versatile. Use them as a vine, ground cover,
hedge or tree. On arbors, trellis’, fences, buildings & walls. In
containers & hanging baskets. - See more at:
http://www.joyusgarden.com/secrets-bougainvillea/#sthash.Ohjxp9cS.dpuf
Bougainvilleas
are very tough & very versatile. Use them as a vine, ground cover,
hedge or tree. On arbors, trellis’, fences, buildings & walls. In
containers & hanging baskets. - See more at:
http://www.joyusgarden.com/secrets-bougainvillea/#sthash.Ohjxp9cS.dpuf
Bougainvilleas
are very tough & very versatile. Use them as a vine, ground cover,
hedge or tree. On arbors, trellis’, fences, buildings & walls. In
containers & hanging baskets. - See more at:
http://www.joyusgarden.com/secrets-bougainvillea/#sthash.Ohjxp9cS.dpuf
9. Calendula
It Means: Joy
It has been used for over 2,000 years, both medicinally and as a food dye; the petals are used as a saffron substitute
(‘formerly much employed as a carminative; it is chiefly used now to adulterate saffron’), Calendula has pride of place as
a first for cuts, abrasions, antiseptic healer for ulcers. The flowers skin lotion to pimples. The plant also has anti-nematodal
properties (perhaps repels nematodes) and because of these properties, it is included it in a cropping pattern
to maintain good soil health. Is excellent first aid for burns, scalds, stings and wounds loosens the belly, the juice held in the mouth helps
the toothache and takes away any inflammation, or hot swelling being bathed with it mixed with a little vinegar.”
10. Chrysanthemum (Chandramallika)
It Means: Chrysanthemum (in general) - Cheerfulness; You're a wonderful friend
Chrysanthemum (red) - I love
Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth
Chrysanthemum (yellow) -Slighted love
The best flowers for medicinal purposes are considered to be the yellow fragrant ones.
They are classified as being acrid, bitter, and slightly cold in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. The herb is taken internally for headaches,
dizziness, and hearing disorders. It is also useful as a treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension).
It is used as a “compress” or eye wash for inflammation of the eyes and for other eye problems such as dry-eye, blurred vision, and
spots before the eyes. The herb can also be taken internally as an infusion and is combined with honeysuckle for the treatment
of colds, the flu, and infected sores. It has a calming effect and can also be good for stress. Chrysanthemum is known to be a powerful
antiseptic and antibiotic. However , people suffering from diarrhea should take it with caution.
11. Crape Jasmine (Tagar)
Flowers are commonly used in pooja (worship) in north India. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
The roots , leaves, and flowers are used in Guangdong and Guangxi against snake and scorpion poisoning .
In modern medicine, the roots are used to treat hypertension, headache, and scabies.
Used in Chinese alternative medicine.
12. Celosia (Cock's Comb)
The whole plant has been used for dysentery, coughs, spitting up blood, excessive menstruation, amenorrhea, intestinal bleeding, bleeding from the lungs, female disorders, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, blood diseases, mouth sores, retinal hemorrhage, conjuntivitis, eye diseases, eye and liver problems (C. argentea), and to lower blood pressure
The SEEDS have been used for blurred vision, eye inflammation, eyes bothered by bright light, headache, intestinal worms, painful urination, cough, dysentary, bleeding and diarrhea
The LEAF STALKS have been used as a poultice for sores, wounds, boils, swellings.The FLOWERS of C. argentea have been used for spitting up blood, atypical uterine bleeding, and dysentary. FLOWER TOPS have been used for amenorrhea, dysentary, spitting up blood, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea, and atypical uterine bleeding. The SEEDS of C. argentea have been used as a poultice on broken bones.LEAVES and FLOWERS have been used for diarrhea and dysmenorrhea.Claimed to be an aphrodisiac in Asian cultures.
13. Copper Pod
Copperpod is sometime also called yellow flame tree, because of the
resemblance of its fern-like leaves to that of Gulmohar. The copper-pod is a
native of Sri Lanka, the Andamans, the Malay peninsula and North Australia. It
is a very handsome tree with its spreading crown of many branches consisting
of feathery mimosa like leaves and abundance of bright yellow blooms. When the
copper-red seedpods cover the tree in profusion it is a wonderful sight. Thus
the tree is much cultivated as an ornamental and is often planted alternately
with Gul Mohur. It is easily propagated by seeds and the
timber is used for cabinet work.
14. Cosmos
It Means:
· Red color signifies a maiden having pure heart
· white color signifies a maiden having purity and innocence.
· Red and white signify a maiden having sincerity.
It belongs to the aster family, abundantly found in Mexico. With a slightly bitter taste and a cool nature, the flowers and leaves of Cosmos can both be used as herbal medicine to remove heat.
Wild Cosmos is native to the American continents, but widely naturalized. This plant is supposed to be edible. It is believed that Wild Cosmos was brought to South Asia by sailing Spaniards who used it as food.. Medicinal uses: In SE Asia, the plant is used traditionally for improving blood circulation
15. Carnation
It Means: Love
Red symbolises mother that is alive
White symbolises mother that has passed on.
Pink symbolises sender's promise to remember the receiver.
Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness
Carnations express love, fascination and distinction.Carnations are native to Eurasia. Historically, Carnations are known to have been used for the first time by Greeks and Romans in garlands.Carnations are exotic to Australia but have been grown commercially as a flower crop since 1954. Carnation blooms last a long time even after they are cut.
16. Dahlia
It Means: Good Taste
It is originally from Mexico, we find that the Aztecs used dahlias as a treatment for epilepsy.
In the days before insulin was discovered diabetics were often given a substance called Atlantic starch or diabetic sugar made from dahlia tubers.
The medicine they yield is no longer fed to diabetics, but it is useful in making clinical tests for the functioning of the liver while inulin, another chemical derived from dahlia tubers, is used in the same way to test the kidneys.
17. Daisy
It Means: Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal love
They are believed to be more than four thousand years old. Later by about five hundred years is a game board, gay with color and bordered by a design of yellow and white daisies. Numerous daisies are to be found on ceramics in Egypt as well as elsewhere throughout the Middle East.
Good against all malignant and pestilent Diseases: French Pox, Small Pox, Measles and Plague and for the treatment for sore eyes and "Web over the Eye".
18. Dentus
Dianthus (Dentus) is native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species extending south to north Africa, and one species (
D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include
carnation (
D. caryophyllus),
pink (
D. plumarius and related species) and
sweet william (
D. barbatus). It is noted for its strong spicy fragrance. It is used in floral decoration.
19. Forget-me-not
It Means: Faithful Love, Memories
It belongs to borage family of low growing plants.
an annual herb found in North America and Europe.
This herb is used as an anti-inflammatory for premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
It is also used to treat atopic dermatitis, infant cradle cap, cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes; effectiveness is not proven.
seeds, stems, leaves; uses: arthritis, hypertension, common cold, bronchitis;
precautions: pregnancy, lactation, children. May cause hepatocyte.
20. Four-o'-Clock
It is also called
marvel-of-Peru, or
beauty-of-the-night, (
Mirabilis jalapa) ornamental perennial
plant, of the family
Nyctaginaceae, native to tropical America. he plant is called four-o’clock because its flowers, from white and
yellow to shades of pink and red, sometimes streaked and mottled, open
in late afternoon (and close by morning).
21. Gardenia (Gandha Raj)
It Means: You're Lovely, Secret Love
Originally from China and southeast and South Asian countries. For those who take their loved ones for granted, Gardenia brings renewed interest and passion in family relationships, especially with spouse, and fosters sensitive communication with loved ones.
Calming irritability; cooling blood and clearing away heat reducing swelling; and moving stagnant blood that has congealed in one place, usually following trauma. Gardenia is considered to be very effective as a hemostatic agent, which means that it stops bleeding; and also effective in treating injuries to the muscles, joints, and tendons.
Gardenia is commonly used in Chinese herbal formulas to treat infections, particularly bladder infections; abscesses; jaundice; and blood in the urine, sputum, or stool.
Because of its perceived ability to ease agitation or irritability, it is also used in formulas to treat anxiety or insomnia.
It is also helpful in correcting menopausal imbalances reflected in insomnia and depression, nervous tension, headache, and dizziness.
Varieties of Gardenia
· This species can be helpful in treating digestive problems, including dyspepsia and diarrhea; or used as an astringent and expectorant for nervous conditions and spasms.
· Gardenia storckii. This variety can be used in treating constipation.
· Gardenia lucida. This gardenia has antiseptic properties that can kill both bacteria and insects.
· Gardenia pseudopsidium. This species has been used to treat smallpox.
· Gardenia jasminoides. This gardenia has been found to be helpful in the treatment of pain, nose bleeds, fever, and influenza; in healing wounds and reducing swelling; and in treating mastitis, hepatitis and the hematuria that accompanies bladder infection.
· Gardenia augusta. This variety has shown effectiveness in the treatment of headaches, fever, delirium, mastitis, and jaundice related to liver problems.
· Gardenia campanulata. This plant is used in healing wounds, burns, and scalds; in reducing swelling; as a treatment for fever and influenza; in treating jaundice associated with liver problems; and in stopping bleeding.
· Gardenia labifolia. This gardenia has been found effective in treating the bites of certain snakes.
22. Gerbera
It Means: cheerfulness.
It belongs to the daisy family and therefore assumes the symbolism associated with the daisy flower.
23. Gilardia
The dried seeds can be ground into a powder then kneaded into seed butter and spread on bread
The plant is used as a diuretic, taken to give relief from painful urination An infusion of the leaves is taken internally, and a poultice applied externally, in the treatment of gout
24. Gladioli
It Means:
Strength of character, faithfulness and honor. The Gladiolus flower signifies remembrance.It is a perennial favored for its beautiful, showy flowers. Its flowers
grow on tall spikes and are often found in cutting gardens or in the
back along the border (because they are tall). Gladioli have many
different colored flowers, and grow between 2 to 6 feet in height. It’s
good for cut flowers.
25. Gulmohar (Krishnachuda: Delonix Regia)
It signifies flamboyant beauty.
Discovered in the early 19th century in its native Madagascar by botanist
Wensel Bojer,
Gulmohar is a flamboyant tree in flower - some say the world's most colorful
tree. For several weeks in spring and summer it is covered with exuberant
clusters of flame-red flowers, 4-5 in across. Even up close the individual
flowers are striking: they have four spoon shaped spreading scarlet or
orange-red petals about 3 in long, and one upright slightly larger
petal (the standard) which is marked with yellow and white. The delicate,
fern-like leaves are composed of small individual leaflets, which fold up at
the onset of dusk. Gulmohar gets 30-40 ft tall, but its elegant
wide-spreading umbrella-like canopy can be wider than its height. Glumohar is
naturalized in India and is widely cultivated as a street tree. The seeds yield about 20 percent fatty oil known as the
“karanga” oil. Its main use is in the tanning industry. The oil also
finds use in soap- making, illuminating and pharmaceutical preparations. The
oil cake is a good fertilizer. The seed cake can also be used in poultry rations
to substitute black “til” component.This plant has medicinal use too and this too needs further research.
26. Hibiscus (Java)
It Means: Delicate beauty
Also known as China Rose. It treats fevers, strengthens hair, etc.
Hibiscus is renowned for its beauty as well as its medicinal uses, and gardeners cultivate the plant for its showy flowers. Hibiscus is used for a variety of ailments partly because there are so many species. Roselle lowers fevers and high blood pressure, increases urination, relieves coughs, and has been found to have antibacterial properties.
All parts of the plant are used, from the seeds to the roots. Common hibiscus is used mainly for respiratory problems, but is also widely used for skin disorders or to treat fevers.
Rose of Sharon is used externally as an emollient, but is also taken internally for gastrointestinal disorders
in Pakistan and Nepal it is used to treat fever.
27. Holly hock
It Means: Ambition and Liberality
Antiinflammatory; Astringent; Demulcent; Diuretic; Emollient; Febrifuge.
The flowers are demulcent, diuretic and emollient. They are useful in the treatment of chest complaints, and a decoction is used to improve blood circulation, for the treatment of constipation, dysmenorrhoea, haemorrhage etc.
The flowers are harvested when they are open and are dried for later use.The shoots are used to ease a difficult labour.
The root is astringent and demulcent. It is crushed and applied as a poultice to ulcers. Internally, it is used in the treatment of dysentry.
The roots and the flowers are used in tibetan medicine, where they are said to have a sweet, acrid taste and a neutral potency. They are used in the treatment of
inflammations of the kidneys/womb, vaginal/seminal discharge, and the roots on their own are used to treat loss of appetite.The seed is demulcent, diureti and febrifuge.
The whole plant is also used for compost and dye making
28. Hyacinth
It Means:
playfulness and a sporty attitude in its extreme rashness.
Hyacinths also denote constancy.
Blue hyacinth stands for constancy
Purple for sorrow
Red or pink for play
White for loveliness and
Yellow for jealousy.
Hyacinths are spring-flowering bulbs with long, narrow leaves that
are folded lengthwise. Hyacinths are highly fragrant flowers that bloom
in dense clusters.
Hyacinth is the common name for approximately
30 perennial flowering plants of the genus Hyacinthus (order Liliales, family Liliaceae) of the Mediterranean region and Africa. Hyacinths have been cultivated commercially since the second half of the
16th century. They became very popular in 18th and early 19th century
Europe.The bulbs are now grown commercially in the Netherlands and the United
Kingdom. In the Netherlands Hyacinths are also grown as cut flowers.The common garden Hyacinth is cultivated to a minor extent in the
Netherlands for the perfumery trade. However, most Hyacinth perfumes
sold are synthetic, based primarily upon phenylacetaldehyde. Hence, the
Hyacinth is also called the Dutch Hyacinth.The normal bloom time for Hyacinths is from March to April.
29. Jasmine (Kamini)
It Means: grace and elegance
For those who feel congested, sluggish, mentally cloudy and lack direction in life, Jasmine clears the mind, enhances mental clarity, promotes an awakening of philosophical concepts in those previously agnostic, and brings a practical sense of direction to those seeking a new path in life.
Ladies Finger
Its best contribution is the ladies finger fruit/vegetable. It belongs to the cotton and cocoa family.
It is an edible flower like banana flower, calendula, carnation, lily, hibiscus, hollyhock, nasturtium, pansy, etc.
It is a herbal medicine for the treatment of many gynaecological diseases, diabetes, cysts and leukorhea
30. LagerStroma Indica (Crepe Myrtle/Pride of India)
This tropical flowering tree is one of the most outstanding summer bloomers.
Lagerstroemia speciosa is a larger form of the more commonly grown L. indica
(Crape myrtle.)
It is called Queen Crape Myrtle because it's the Queen of the Crape Myrtles,
dominating with grand size and larger, crinkled flowers.
The name Crape myrtle is given to these tree/shrubs because of the flowers
which look as if made from delicate crape paper.
Lagerstroemia speciosa is a large tree growing up to 50' but it can be kept
smaller by trimming.
It stands on an attractive, spotted bark that often peels. This bark is
commercially used and is a valuable timber.
The large leaves are also appealing as they turn red right before they drop in
the winter.
A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to commemorate
this flower.
Medicinal uses: Leaves are used in the Philippines as a folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes and kidney diseases.
The fruit are used India to cure mouth ulcers. The roots are also considered astringent and the seeds narcotic.
31. Lily
It Means:
Lily (general) – Keeps unwanted visitors away
Lily (calia) – Beauty
Lily (day) – Coquetry
Lily (eucharis) – Maiden charms
Lily (orange) – Hatred
Lily (tiger) – Wealth; pride
Lily (white) – Virginity; purity; majesty; it’s heavenly to be with you
Lily (yellow) – I’m walking on air; false and gay
Lily of the valley – sweetness; return to happiness; humility
The lily was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. Legend has it that when Zeus fathered Hercules with the mortal woman Alceme, he wished his son to partake more fully of divinity. To this end he had the baby brought to Hera after he drugged her to sleep. He had the baby placed at her breast and Hercules nursed. Hera awoke in horrified surprise and flung the baby from her. Some of her milk gushed across the heavens and formed the milky way. A few drops fell to earth and from those drops sprang the first lilies.
Lilies are also a symbol of death, and at one time lilies were placed on the graves of young innocents. The lily has no true medicinal value although at one time it was thought to posses certain medicinal virtues. It was thought to have magical properties and there were thousands of recipes in Elizabethan times for the use of lilies in the treatment of fever or as a unguent containing lily root for cleaning wounds,burns and sores. As well as relieving rheumatic and arthritic symptoms.
32. Magnolia
It Means – Sweetness; beauty; love of nature
Long a favorite flower in the South, the lushly beautiful magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) is establishing itself as a potent healer, especially when it comes to conditions that commonly occur as we grow older. Stress, for example, which has been linked to everything from food cravings to
Stress and obesity are not exactly news. But the link between the two is not nearly as well known. The truth is, though, stress levels influence weight, and treating one can help with the other. Here's how it works: Stress elevates our levels of cortisol, a naturally produced hormone. Cortisol can be beneficial to health, but only as long as levels remain low. During prolonged periods of stress, cortisol levels soar and stay high, wreaking havoc with the blood sugar levels. The result: excessive hunger, cravings for sweets and simple carbohydrates, and extra pounds.
33. Marigold (Genda)
It Means: Comforts the heart
This sunny little flower was first used in Indian and Arabic cultures, before having been discovered by the ancient Greeks. The Egyptian valued it as a rejuvenating herb and the Greeks garnished and flavoured food with its golden petals. In India, wreaths of marigold were used to crown gods and goddess. In medieval rimes they were considered an emblem of love. To dream of them , was a sign of all good things. In American civil war, marigold leaves were used on the battlefield to treat open wounds. Marigold flowers have antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that prompt healing. It is said marigolds stimulate the immune system and help fight against infections. Flower petals make very good culinary colour to colour rice. They are also lovely in salads and omelettes and make an interesting cup of tea. The petals with their slight aromatic bitterness are used in fish an meat soups, rice dishes, cakes and salads. Its flowers are also being used in poultry feed of layers to enrich the colour of egg yolk.
and a ‘tea’ made from dried marigold flowers is still recommended as a gargle for mouth ulcers
34. Mexican Oleander (Kaner)
In Mexico the wooden seeds are used to make ankle-bracelets by dancers, it makes a lovely rattle sound. In Peru and Bolivia they just string them by dozen to make rattles they hold in the hands for musical instruments.
The drupe fruit is used in a ritual drink to protect from bad spirits. The bark is used in controlling fever
in some Asia countries, it is a medicine for toothache and skin sores from the seeds and insect repellant from the leaves.
35. Morning Glory
It Means: Affection
The Morning-Glory, in the family Convolvulaceae, contains at least 50
genera and more than 1000 species. Morning-Glory flowers are one of the
best flowers to decorate our fences and walls.
As the name goes,
morning glory flowers are vines, which are saucer-shaped, opening at morning time. Native of tropical America. Morning Glories are also present in Asia
although they also grow in subtropical and temperate regions. In many species the morning glory seeds contain d-lysergic acid amide,
ergoline alkaloids better known as LSA, which are poisonous in nature.
36. Mussaenda (Queen Sirikit)
Mussaenda was named Queen Sirikit for the Queen of Thailand to commemorate her
first visit to the Philippines in the 1970's. This is the only Mussaenda
cultivar ever to be given a name of a non-Filipino.Mussaenda Queen Sirikit is a cross between a cultivar of Mussaenda erythrophylla
'Dona Trining', a West African species and a cultivar of Mussaenda
philippica ‘Aurorae’ which is native to the Philippines.It is a perennial plant indigenous (native to India too). It is good for screening; good for Hedges and Borders.Good on seaside.
In some areas of the world such as tropical Africa the fruits of Mussaenda species are consumed as subsistence food. he root of M. erythrophylla is chewed in Africa as an appetite
stimulant. Bark and leaves of Mussaenda are used medicinally in Samoan
and Fijian culture.
37. Narcissus
These flowers remind us that no winter freeze can last forever. Bring a
little more life and beauty into your world by embracing all that the
Narcissus symbolizes for cultures around the world. hese flowers are usually considered a symbol of:
- Prosperity and wealth, especially in the future
- March birthdays, as the birth flower of the month
- The arrival of spring
- Rebirth and renewal
- Good luck and happiness
- Future misfortune
- Narcissism and egotism
- The austerity and challenges of Lent
- Clarity and inspiration
- The Chinese New Year
A spring-flowering bulb, Narcissus is the name of a genus which includes
flower bulbs like Daffodils, Jonquils, Paper whites and so forth. Narcissus is one of the most popular flowers in the world and
the most popular flower in Germany.The word
Narcissus is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning numbness or stupor. Some attribute the naming of the flower to its
narcotic fragrance while others debate that it is associated with the
poisonous nature of the Narcissus bulbs.
38. Nastrutium
Its oil is used for those who are narrow-minded and short-sighted, who live in their head too much and display obsessive or compulsive behaviour, Nasturtium helps to broaden one's horizons, stimulating a feeling of deep connection to the center of the earth and to all of mankind, and brings colour, joy and a sense of renewed vitality.
39. Nine-o'-Clock
Species is a flowering plant in the family Portulacaceae, native to
Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. Now cultivated as an ornamental
in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Planted as an ornamental in a garden. The name nine o’clock flower (or ten o’clock flower) stems from the fact
that the flower opens at approximately the same time every morning.
40. Palash (Butea Monosperma)
Native to India, Flame of the Forest is a medium
sized tree, growing from
20 to 4O
feet high, and the trunk is usually crooked and twisted with irregular
branches and rough, grey bark. The leaves are pinnate, with an 8-16 cm
petiole
and three leaflets, each leaflet 10-20 cm long. The hindi phrase
ढाक के तीन
पात
("
Dhaak ke teen paat") comes from the prominent three leaflets
of this
tree. It is seen in all its ugliness in December
and January when most of the leaves fall: but from January to March it
truly becomes a tree of flame, a riot of orange and vermilion flowers
covering the entire crown. These flowers, which are scentless, are
massed
along the ends of the stalks--dark velvety green like the cup-shaped
calices--and the brilliance of the stiff, bright flowers is shown off
to
perfection by this deep, contrasting colour. Each flower consists of
five petals comprising one standard, two smaller wings and a very
curved
beak-shaped keel. It is this keel which gives it the name of Parrot
Tree.
In olden days, the flowers of
Tesu were used to make color for
the
festival of
Holi.
In Manipur, there is an interesting cultural use of the wood of this
tree
with beautiful flowers - when a member of the Meitei community
dies
and, for some reasons, his body cannot be be found, the wood of this
tree is
cremated in place of the body.
A postal stamp was issued by the Indian Postal Department to
commemorate
this flower.
41. Pansy
It Means: Thoughtful Recollection
Nowadays, the main use of the herb is to treat eczema, impetigo, pruritis and acne. Traditionally, it is an expectorant, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. It is gargled against throat infections and is sometimes used as antitussive, cholagogue, antirheumatic and tonic.
42. Parijat/Harsingar/Shiuli/Nipa (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Night-flowering Jasmine))
native to South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is a shrub or a small tree growing to 10 m tall, with flaky grey bark. The tree is sometimes called the "tree of sorrow", because the flowers
lose their brightness during daytime; the scientific name
arbor-tristis also means "sad tree". The flowers can be used as a source of yellow dye for clothing. The flower is the official flower of the state of West Bengal, India, and for Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
Parijat appears in several Hindu religious stories and is often related to the Kalpavriksha. In one story, which appears in Bhagavata Purana, the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana,
parijat appeared as the result of the Samudra manthan (Churning of the Milky Ocean) and Lord Krishna battled with Indra to win
parijat. Further on, his wife Satyabhama
demanded the tree be planted in the backyard of her palace. It so
happened that in spite of having the tree in her backyard, the flowers
used to fall in the adjacent backyard of the other queen Rukmini, who was favourite of Lord Krishna, because of her superior devotion and humility.
Parijat is also used in medicines. Extracts of the seeds, flowers and leaves possesses immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antileishmanial, antiviral and antifungal activities
in vitro. The leaves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine and Homoeopathy for sciatica, arthritis, fevers, and as a laxative.
43. Petunia
It Means: Anger and Resentment
RNA-it seems to be one of nature's ways of controlling gene activity and it appears to be ubiquitous among all living cells. Scientists discovered RNA-i in petunia plants in the 1990s, but have since found that it occurs in almost every organism studied, from fungi to fruit flies, from mouse to man.
It is possible that the process of controlling gene activity using RNA-i evolved as a primitive form of defense against the lethal genes of invading viruses, before the evolution of sophisticated immune systems in higher animals.
44. Poppy
It Means: Imagination, Dreaminess, Eternal sleep
It may have been as early as Neolithic times that man became aware of the potent qualities latent in the seed pod of the fragile poppy flower. Poppies have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back 3,000 years. There is even a prescription for poppy to be given to children to stop their crying. It was known to the Assyrians and the mythology of Greece. Ancient Greeks thought that poppies were a sign of fertility. Poppy seeds were thought to bring health and strength so Greek athletes were given mixtures of poppy seeds, honey, and wine. By the beginning of the nineteenth century the tincture of opium called laudanum was as casually bought and used as aspirin is today. A large number of poets and writers have been opium addicts
Morphine and Codeine are two familiar drugs made from the poppy.
45. Periwinkle (Nayantara)
It Means:
Periwinkle, Blue:
Early Friendship
Periwinkle, White:
Pleasures of Memory
Periwinkle has likely been used for medicine for a long time; its Latin name, Vinca, is derived from the Latin word vincere, meaning "to overcome." European herbalists have used periwinkle for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times.
1 It was also considered a helpful remedy for conditions with a watery or bloody discharge such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, or menorrhagia. Used as alternative medicine to cure: Alzheimer’s, tinnitis, Glaucome, Stroke,
46. Phlox
It Means: Sweet Dreams
Phlox are a fragrant summer wildflower that complement any garden. Some
varieties, such as creeping, woodland and moss phlox, grow low to the
ground and are frequently used as ground covers. Others, such as garden
and meadow phlox, produce taller plants commonly grown in gardens,
borders and edging.
It is used as medicine to treat roundworm and tapeworms.
47. Plumeria (Kaath Champa)
Plumeria may be used as an accent or specimen plant or for flower production (leis, hair adornments, or simply for their fragrance). P. obtusa (Singapore plumeria) is frequently used in mass plantings. It has poisonous milky sap. The plant material is widely used as a purgative, remedy for diarrhoea and cure for itch.
The milky juice is employed for the treatment of inflammation and rheumatism.
The bark has been reported to be useful in hard tumors, diarrhoea and gonorrhoea.
The Leaves: the antiinflammatory activity of methanol extract of leaves of Plumeria acuminata on carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced inflammation in rat hind paw oedema models.
48. Pinwheel (Double Tagar)
