Monday, April 27, 2009

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Say and Live it With Flowers
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR (2017)!

 A girl looked at a beautiful flower and reached out to pluck it for her loved one. The flower smiled and said, "Beautiful lady, if you pluck me for your loved one I will live for a day; if you will let me be, with my parents and loved ones,  I will live in your heart forever...."
 
 I had spent my childhood in verdant spaces surrounded by beautiful gardens with beautiful flowers. As a child, and even now, I admire the flowers and still remember many of them I used to admire, amazed by their beauty. The gardens were a real treat to ones heart and mind through his eyes. The view of the gardens were and still are effective in helping a stressed mind and sad heart to feel free of all the worries of life and be at peace. This post is dedicated to the children now living in the urban areas of the world, who are deprived of such beautiful verdant spaces in the concrete jungle like cities. This post is also dedicated to all my childhood friends, who too would tend to the flowers in the garden and enjoy of carefree banter while romping around in the lush green garden fringed with flowers of myriad hues. :

We usually gift bouquets of flower to our loved ones to express our love, sentiments and bonhomie. Instead of gifting a bunch of cut flowers to them on their special occasion viz. Birthday, Wedding Day, Anniversary, Celebrating any Achievement, et al; why don't we gift a potted plant that will express our love and sentiments. The receiver too will have a lovely gift that will not last for a few days, but for a long time, as long as he/she will lovingly tend to the plant and its bounty of beautiful blooms. For instance, the people of Philippines named Mussaenda as Queen Sirikit in honour of Queen Sirikit of Thailand and gifted the plant to her when she visited Philippines. Many florists have begun offering potted plants, plant sapling, seedlings as a thoughtful gift their clients can present their loved ones with. This is also a positive way to help a person, who receives a flowering plant as a gift, gets a way to express his our love and affection to the plant by taking care of it. Such activity will help the person to generate positive energy, that will effectively help the person to feel happy and be stress free too.

Apart form their aesthetic (beauty) value, the flowers have many cosmetic and medicinal value too. so, in this post, I have tried to share few of the flowers and flowering trees I had admired in my childhood along with each flower's aesthetic meaning and its medicinal value.I request all my childhood friends to generously share their valuable comments and feedback on this post.

1. Aboli (Crossandra infundibuliformis):

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)
It Means: To retain in memory for a long time.
It has a pan-tropical distribution, found in Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America, and a wide assortment of oceanic islands.
It is used in native medicine to treat eye injuries and as an anxiolytic, 


49. Raat Ki Rani (Centrum  Nocturnum)
Originated from West Indies. Is termed as weed. Parts used Traditional uses Contemporary uses Fragrance intensely sweet musk and Heliotrope scent at night. Fragrance parts Flowers Fragrance intensity Mild Fragrance category Perfume Dye parts Dye color
The oil is used in medicine as a carminative, antiseptic and astringent


50. Rangoon

 Both Rangoon Flower and Rangoon Creeper signify faithfulness.


51. Rangoon Creeper (Madhumalti)
 Rangoon creeper or Madhumalti is found in Africa, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and all over India. It is climber vine and used for ornamental purpose. It can be easily found in gardens, park and open areas. It flowers and leaves are used for treating various ailments such as cough, cold, coyrhyza, diabetes, Leucorrhoea, weakness, parasitic worms.
Rangoon creeper does like medium to bright light. Under good conditions it will be necessary to prune the plant to keep it in bounds. Rangoon creeper is found in thickets or secondary forests of the Philippines, India and Malaysia. It has since been cultivated widely in the gardens as an easy to grow plant.
can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
 It can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
can be used as an ornamental over arbors or gazebos, on trellises, in a tall border, over a pergola, espaliered, or trained as a specimen plant in a container.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Quisqualis Indica Care – Information About Rangoon Creeper Vine http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/rangoon-creeper/rangoon-creeper-vine.htm
 
52. Rose (Gulab)
 


It Means:
Let’s get together,

Peach Rose:Closing of the deal
Rose, Pink:
Love, Grace, Gentility, You’re so Lovely, Perfect Happiness, Please believe me
Rose, Pink & White:
I love you still and always will
Rose, Red:
Love, Desire, Respect, Courage, Job well done
Rose, Red & Yellow:
Congratulations
Rose, White:
Charm, Secrecy, Silence, You’re Heavenly, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness and Innocence
Rose, White on Red:
Unity/Flower Emblem of England
Rose, Yellow:
Infidelity, Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Jealousy, Welcome Back, Remember me
Rose, Yellow & Orange:
Passionate thoughts

Red roses cool, bind, strengthen both vital and animal virtue, restores such as are in consumptions, strengthen. Rose water and distilled oil of roses have been used in herbal medicine for over a thousand years, and are still used in aromatherapy.
One thing we know is that rose hips were used for the prevention of scurvy. Orange roses contain 49mgs of vitamin C per 100 g. Of pulp, whereas the fruits ( rose hips) of Rosa rugosa contain 2,275 to 6,977 mg. Of vitamin C per 100 g. Of pulp.
In Southern Asia, rose petals are pickled with sugar as a medicine to cure constipation, indigestion as well as a tonic.

53. Salvia


It Means: 
Blue: I Think of You.
Red: You Are Mine
Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the mint family. It is one of several genera commonly referred to as sage It is found in Central and South America; Central Asia and Mediterranean; Eastern Asia.
It is commonly used as an ornamental plant and as a substitute of sage.

54. Sweet pea

 

It Means: Departure, Blissful pleasure, Thanks for a lovely time
Oil of Sweet Pea if for those who find it hard to become involved in their community or environment, who have difficulty living with others or in crowded situations, which can lead to anti-social behaviour,
Sweet Pea helps to find that sense of belonging, and encourages responsibility and commitment to one's home and environment

55. Snapdragon


 

It Means: Presumption, Deception, Gracious lady
It helps in curing headaches, cough, fever, insomnia as it has a calming effect on heart and mind.
It is used both in Chinese and Ayurvedic herbal remedies especially the blue and purple variety of snapdragon . Scutellaria antirrhinoides is demonstrated to be a very effective sedative, nervine, and spirit/mind-calming herb.

56. Sunflower (Sooraj mukhi)


It Means: 
pure thoughts. It symbolizes adoration and dedication. It is symbolic of dedicated love. It is however also symbolic of haughtiness.
The sunflower is chiefly grown for its seeds which produce an oil, similar to olive oil, that is both cheap to produce and a valuable source of fatty acids. In many parts of the world, the sunflower provides much needed nutrition in poorer areas.
The seeds can be used medicinally for treatment of bronchial complaints. A tincture of the seed has been used successfully in areas such as Russia, Turkey, and Persia for fevers (even malaria), where it has been found to be free of the complications sometimes associated with the use of quinine.

57. Tuberose (Rajnigandha)
Throughout many regions of India, the plant is prized for its sensual scent, and so it has become one of the more frequently used blossoms for wedding ceremonies – generally as garlands and decorations. However, they are also used for funerals and a number of religious functions. The tuberose flower has also become an important part of Ayurvedic medicine, as the attars made from this blossom are said to promote relaxation, relieve emotional blocks, as well as treat both impotence and frigidity. Its myth goes beyond India, however. In France, young women have long been told to avoid the tuberose flower after nightfall, as – when it begins to bloom – the smell can become potent and heady, and may incite amorous feelings that can get a good young lady into trouble. Despite this flower’s seductive reputation, it was at one time considered something of a bad omen. In Victorian England, these flowers were frequently used at grave sites, and because of this, many people thought that both their appearance and their scent were a sign of impending doom. For instance, it was said that their smell could kill you if you sat in a closed room with even a single tuberose blossom – as their perfume was considered the actual aroma of death. In modern times, though, many people have come to adore the smell of tuberoses, and they have since become one of the most prominent floral notes around.
Because of its lurid reputation, the tuberose flower is a symbol of both dangerous and forbidden pleasures. However, they are also said to represent voluptuousness and simple sensuality. As a gift, this blooms are most commonly given to express the giver’s passion for the recipient, and are sometimes presented in bouquets or as a single, meaningful cut flower.

58. Twelve-o'-Clock
 Refer to Four-o'-Clock flower.

59. Water Lily
 It Means: Love and Life.
The water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh. It symbolizes love and life, and is used in almost every religious ceremony. There are many instances in history where flowers have been given symbolic meanings according to the prevalent culture and era. The stunning blossoms are used as an adornment for ceremonies and celebrations.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-does-a-water-lily-symbolize.html
60. Water Hyacinth
 Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as (common) water hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often considered a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. It is also found in Northern America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

61. Yellow Jasmine (Bara Kaner)



It causes loss of consciousness leading to paralysis and even death. Despite its deadly properties, yellow jasmine once served as a medicine. During the 19th century, various preparations made from the roots were used as sedatives, painkillers, antispasmodics, and fever-reducing agents.
Yellow jasmine was popular in the treatment of whooping cough and asthma. A tea made from the flowers was once recommended for coughs, shortness of breath, pleurisy, and upset stomachs. Fortunately, by the early 20th century, medicinal use of yellow jasmine had declined with the increasing recognition that all parts of the plant are dangerously toxic.

62. Zinnia
 



It Means:
Thoughts of Absent Friends
Zinnia, Pink:
Lasting Affection

The original zinnias were found in the early 1500s in the wilds of Mexico. The zinnia was sometimes referred to as the Mexican Marigold, although zinnias are actually members of the sunflower family. For those who have become overly serious and dull, depressed and agitated, who are unable to relate to children or their own child-like nature, Zinnia lifts the spirits, restores humour and playfulness, and returns us to the simplistic principles of love, laughter and joy. Is a good sedative and energy stimulant


Acknowledgement

· The College Garden : Plants from the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis of 1618: Garden of House 1 (Royal College of Physicians):
· http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/garden/2007-08/house1.asp
· Sawaal.ibibo.com
· www.indiadivine.org
· www.pakisaan.com
· www.cleanindia.org
· Pioneer Thinking (www.pioneerthinking.com)
· Wikipedia
· http://earthnotes.tripod.com
·· Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Government of Honkong.
· Stock Photography and footage (FotoSearch)
· www.sfheart.com/
· East and West School of Planetary Herbology
· Enhancing the Life you Live (Sacred Space)

· Flowers of India
· Medical Encyclopedia/Dictionary
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildhiss/4650049335
http://www.indianmedicinalplants.info/d3/Clitoria-ternatea(Aparajita).html
http://www.anbg.gov.au/callistemon/
http://www.edenproject.com/learn/for-everyone/plant-profiles/bougainvillea
https://www.britannica.com
http://www.theflowerexpert.com
http://www.flowermeaning.com
http://someitemshave.blogspot.in/
http://ntbg.org/
http://flowerinfo.org/

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