Flora-Treatises

The background

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:47:00 +0000

Our mother earth has millions of species of various kinds of vegetation on land and in water without which no living being can survive. My attempt is to post information about various kinds of plants which are used by us and have various applications with the use of which we're able to survive and lead a better life-a healthy life :-)

The term flora originates from Latin,'Flora' is a name of goddess of Flowers but in general is referred to all plants on earth.

From earliest times,plants have been classified as herbs,shrubs and trees. It would be better understood if classified scientifically.

Starting from the top, the highest category, plants are classified as follows. Each group has the characteristics of the level above it, but has some distinguishing features. The further down the scale you go, the more minor the differences become, until you end up with a classification which applies to only one plant.

CLASS	Angiospermae (Angiosperms)	Plants which produce flowers
	Gymnospermae (Gymnosperms)	Plants which don't produce flowers
SUC-CLASS	Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons, Dicots)	Plants with two seed leaves
	Monocotyledonae (Monocotyledons, Monocots)	Plants with one seed leaf
Super order	A group of related Plant Families, classified in the order in which they are thought to have developed their differences from a common ancestor. There are six Superorders in the Dicotyledonae (Magnoliidae, Hamamelidae, Caryophyllidae, Dilleniidae, Rosidae, Asteridae), and four Superorders in the Monocotyledonae (Alismatidae, Commelinidae, Arecidae, Liliidae) The names of the Superorders end in idaes
ORDER	Each Superorder is further divided into several Orders. The names of the Orders end in - ales
FAMILY	Each Order is divided into Families. These are plants with many botanical features in common, and is the highest classification normally used. At this level, the similarity between plants is often easily recognisable by the layman. Modern botanical classification assigns a type plant to each Family, which has the particular characteristics which separate this group of plants from others, and names the Family after this plant. The number of Plant Families varies according to the botanist whose classification you follow. Some botanists recognise only 150 or so families, preferring to classify other similar plants as sub-families, while others recognise nearly 500 plant families. A widely-accepted system is that devised by Cronquist in 1968, which is only slightly revised today. The names of the Families end in -aceae
SUB-FAMILY	The Family may be further divided into a number of sub-families, which group together plants within the Family that have some significant botanical differences. The names of the Subfamilies end in -Oideae
TRIBE	A further division of plants within a Family, based on smaller botanical differences, but still usually comprising many different plants. The names of the Tribes end in -eae
SUBTIBE	A further division, based on even smaller botanical differences, often only recognisable to botanists. The names of the Subtribes end in-inae
GENUS	This is the part of the plant name that is most familiar, the normal name that you give a plant - Papaver (Poppy), Aquilegia (Columbine), and so on. The plants in a Genus are often easily recognisable as belonging to the same group. The name of the GENUS should be written with a capital letter.
SPECIES	This is the level that defines an individual plant. Often, the name will describe some aspect of the plant - the colour of the flowers, size or shape of the leaves, or it may be named after the place where it was found. Together, the Genus and species name refer to only one plant, and they are used to identify that particular plant. Sometimes, the species is further divided into sub-species that contain plants not quite so distinct that they are classified as Varieties. The name of the SPECIES should be written after the Genus name, in small letters, with no capital letter.
VARIETY	A Variety is a plant that is only slightly different from the species plant, but the differences are not so insignificant as the differences in a form. The Latin is varietas, which is usually abbreviated to var. The name follows the Genus and species name, with Var before the individual variety name.
FORM	A form is a plant within a species that has minor botanical differences, such as the colour of flower or shape of the leaves. The name follows the Genus and species name, with FORM before the individual variety name.
CULTIVAR	A Cultivar is a cultivated variety, a particular plant that has arisen either naturally or through deliberate hybridisation, and can be reproduced (vegetatively or by seed) to produce more of the same plant. The name follows the Genus and species name. It is written in the language of the person who described it, and should not be translated. It is either written in single quotation marks or has CV. written in front of the name.

Plant Families

The idea of Plant Families is that plants which have something in common can be grouped together.

Knowing which Family a plant belongs to can be useful - not just a way of showing off!

For a start, it can help identify a new plant. If your unknown plant has the characteristics of a particular Family, then you can narrow the search to find its identity.

It can give you an idea of what the plant looks like. Almost anything in the Asteraceae Family will look like a Daisy. Most members of the Campanulaceae Family have blue flowers in a bell or star shape. Many collections of seed from their natural habitat just give the Family name.

If you know which Plant Family a plant belongs to, it might help you to find the seeds. For instance, members of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae) have a seedpod that has a thin papery membrane between the two halves (like Honesty), members of the Nettle Family (Lamiaceae) don't have a seed pod, they have four seeds on a pad at the bottom of the open calyx, and members of the old Leguminosae Family all have their seeds in legumes (pods like pea or bean pods).

Knowing the Plant Family can tell you where the seed pod will be - on the stalk side of the flower (called an Inferior Ovary - such as in Amaryllidaceae, Cannaceae) or in the middle of the flower itself (a Superior Ovary - as in Nyctaginaceae, which includes Mirabilis, Geraniaceae, Iridaceae).

It can often tell you what the seeds will be like - whether they're large or small, and whether there are a lot of them in a seedpod or only one. Members of the Campanulaceae have many small seeds in a capsule, seeds of the Asclepiadaceae are usually flat and oval with long silky hairs, members of the Solanaceae Family have either a berry or a capsule with many seeds.

Knowing the Plant Family can also give you a clue about how to germinate any new seeds you have from other plants in that Family. I know I've had success with many members of the Geranium Family by nicking them and sowing them indoors by the Norman Deno method. That's also worked for many members of the Lily family, but many members of the Iris Family need to be sown outside and take a long time to germinate.

Knowing which Family a plant belongs to can tell you what the seedling looks like. Seeds of all the Monocot families (such as Liliaceae, Iridaceae, other bulbs, grasses and palms) will come up with only one seed leaf. Dicots (most of the other larger plant families) have two seed leaves.

There's a brief introduction to some of the main Plant Families here:

* Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) - Celery or Carrot Family
* Apocynaceae - Periwinkle Family
* Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) - Daisy Family
* Bignoniaceae - Bignonia Family
* Boraginaceae - Forget-me-Not Family
* Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae) - Cabbage Family
* Caesalpiniaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, Papilionaceae (formerly Leguminosae) - Bean Family
* Campanulaceae - Bellflower Family
* Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family
* Clusiaceae (formerly Guttiferae) - St. John's Wort Family
* Convolvulaceae - Bindweed Family
* Ericaceae - Heath Family
* Geraniaceae - Geranium Family
* Gesneriaceae - African Violet Family
* Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family
* Iridaceae - Iris Family
* Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae) - Mint or Nettle Family
* Liliaceae - Lily Family
* Malvaceae - Mallow Family
* Musaceae - Banana Family
* Oxalidaceae - Wood Sorrel Family
* Papaveraceae - Poppy Family
* Plumbaginaceae - Leadwort Family
* Polemoniaceae - Phlox Family
* Primulaceae - Primrose Family
* Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family
* Rosaceae - Rose Family
* Rubiaceae - Bedstraw Family
* Saxifragaceae - Saxifrage Family
* Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family
* Solanaceae - Potato Family
* Violaceae - Violet Famiy

Tulasi-Incomparable one

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:55:00 +0000

The Tulasi plant in Tulasi KaTTe

As a kid when I used to stroll in the backyard I couldn't stop admiring our 'TuLasi kaTTe'-area which enclosed Tulasi plant;it was beautifully painted and adorned with rangoli in front of it.
Our hindi movies too show their bahus encircling tulasi plant and praying for welfare of their homes thus Tulasi plant if found in all Indian homes(in the front or back yard) as a domesticated plant. Even mordern homes(flats) do have a place for tulasi in a 'Tulasi kaTTe' if not for any other plant; such is the importance of this revered plant.

In Indian culture Tulasi occupies a special position, it is utmost revered; the worship of Vishnu is never complete without being offered Tulasi. In ayurveda too Tulsi occupies a lot of importance and is used as a treatment for various illnesses, which will be listed in uses section of this post.
So my first entry in this collection is about 'Tulasi'-split as: Tula- asi ; tula=compare, asi=no which in Sanskrit translates as 'the incomparable one'.

It is said to be originated in India and has travelled all over the world through arabic and European travellers and hence it has acquired lot of importance in Mediterranean cuisine and is also regarded as sacred Basil/Holy Basil.

Festival:

On Kartik shukla paksha poornima Tulasi is married to Shri Krishna (Damodara)
on that day Tulasi plant is adorned with bangels and a 'mangal-sutra' as a sign of womanhood the area is decorated with sugarcane rods and flowers forming a 'mandapa' , sweets and savouries are offered to God krishna and Tulsi and then distributed among the present devotees.
This festival is an innaguration of other marriages that take place after Kartik maasa and before this marriages don't take place ,say like in the month of Shravana or the preceding AashaDha since they're rainy seasons so parents of bride and bride grooms wait till Kartika maasa poornima and after the marriage of Tulasi, the season of marriages is innaugurated. :-)

Scientific Classification:

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. tenuiflorum

Other species : Ocimum canum (Ram tulsi or Kali Tulsi), Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum Kilmand, Ocimum scharicum are the other related species of the Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum).

Cultivars: There are as many as 25 cultivars of tulasi as is very challenging to exactly determine to which species each cultivar belongs because the seeds of Tulasi cross breeds easily and also grows quickly. Some are listed below:

thai Basil- also known as 'Thai-queen'
Sweet bsil-with a flavor of clove and is widely used in cooking,garnishing
Licorice Basil-smells like Licorice-an artificial flavoring agent
Genovese Basil-similar to sweet Basil
Cinnamon Basil-Has the smell of cinnamon
spicy globe basil
Purple ruffles basil
Magical micheal basil-a hybrid variety used for culinary purposes
Fino verde basil
Nuffer basil
Lettuce leaf Basil-has big leaves and is used commonly in salads
Mammoth basil-similar to genovese basil,has a strong -sweet flavor
Lemon Basil-has a lemony taste,used in cooking; also known as americanum basil
Lime basil-similar to lemon basil
Greek bush basil
Dwark basil
African blue basil

Medicinal Properties and applications:

Tulasi plant contains 'adaptinogen' an anti stress agent also used as mosquito repellant; its medicinal properties and uses are elaborated below:

Used in treating cold ,cough and sore throat including asthama,bronchitis and othe respiratory disorders.
Used as an anti-malarial agent and extracts of tulasi plant prove very effective in repelling malaria causing mosquito. Its known to be propylactic , prevents insect bites through its larvicidal properties.
Used for trating Kidney stones; the juice of tulasi along with honey relievs pain and flushes stones via urinary tracts.
Proved to be an effective anti allergen
Can also be given to children while treating common colds,cough
used to treat skin ,teeth and even eye disorders
An anti -infertile agent it is an effective medicine both for males and females suffering from infertility- thats why women are found encircling it daily (?)
Has anti-fungal,anti-viral and anti diabetical properties.

Tulasi plant in a modern home.

Many people confuse Tulasi plant as a herb but actually it is a shrub, there's a difference between the two.
Shrub-a loose descriptive term for a woody plant which produces multiple stems, shoots or branches from its base, but does not have a distinct single trunk.

Herb-(1) strictly, a plant without persistent stems above ground, often confined to perennials with annual stems or leaves arising from a persistent subterranean stem or rootstock. More generally, any non-woody plant; (2) a plant with culinary or officinal properties.

The tree of life-Coconut

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:49:00 +0000

I was shopping groceries today and my mind was engrossed in :What for tomorrow's breakfast?? also asked my kiddo (and her dad) about their wish, and as always they said 'IDLY' in unison, so I turned to the dry fruit section of the super market to buy coconut for the chutney and I glanced towards a coconut-it suddenly flashed my mind-why not write something on coconut [I am ever ready to blog!! ] ....after all the blabbering lets get to some sensible stuff....

Scientific classification:

Class: Liliopsida, Angiospermae

Sub-class: Monocotyledon: Its the tallest monocot tree

Super-order: Arecidae

Order: Arecales

Family: Arecaceae-Palm family

Subfamily:Arecoideae

Tribe: Cocoeae

Genus: Cocos

Species:C.nucifera

Variety: Two-tall and dwarf

Coconut tree is revered as ' Kalpa-Vrisha' the wish fulfilling tree, not without a reason. Its biological name is Cocos-nucifera and is the staple food of coastal areas. The coconut tree grows upto 100 ft tall,it exhibits an often curved stem,swollen at the base supporting the crown of large pinnate leaves upto 16 ft in length. It is now cultivated throughout the tropics.

Its mainly cultivated along seashores,which serves as ornamental purposes but importantly to prevent soil erosion. The nuts are water dispersed and can remain viable even after immersion in sea water for 2 weeks, a further reason why the tree is so often seen along seashores.

Although coconut meat contains less fat than other dry nuts such as peanuts and almonds, it is noted for its high amount of saturated fat. Approximately 90% of the fat found in coconut meat is saturated, a proportion exceeding that of foods such as lard, butter, and tallow. However, there has been some debate as to whether or not the saturated fat in coconuts is healthier than the saturated fat found in other foods. Coconut meat also contains less sugar and more protein than popular fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, and it is relatively high in minerals such as iron, phosphorus and zinc.

Coconut is an important economic crop-the nuts are processed to produce oil,coconut cream,milk and dessicated coconut, all ingredients widely used not only in South, south-west Indian cookin but in South east Asian cooking also ; The Thai cuisine is said to be incomplete without the use of coconut. Every South Indian home does have a coconut tree in its backyard or in front of their houses and it is considered a bad omen to fell a coconut tree.

Apart from cooking there are many other uses: The fibrous outer layer of the nut is used for matting,for ropes, and, ground down as a horizontal growing medium that is now a significant peat alternative., infact all parts of the plant are used: the leaves for shelter and weaving and the stem of timber. The leaf dividings when dried are separated from the leaves and is used for making brooms.

The water got from young coconuts, known as 'eLeneeru' in Kannada,Tamil and Malayam is nourishing drink which provides solace to the thirsty parched throats in summer, Until the aerated drinks have been flooding markets both in rural and urban. displacing the lassis and eLeneeru. The water from coconut also has medicinal properties- is used as a treatment for dehydration, kidney disorders,heart and liver problems.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS:

Shirt buttons are carved out of dried shells and are used as buttons for Hawaii Aloha shirts.
The roots are used as a dye, as an ingredient in mouthwash and as a medicine for dysentery!!
The coir is extensively used as a compost in horticulture.
Apical bud of adult plants can be eaten and is known as 'hearts of palm' it is a rare delicacy and is eaten in salads- 'The millionaire salad'

That is why this very tree which equals the divine elixir is the 'Kalpa-vriksha' wish fulfilling, in sanskrit it translates as 'a tree providing all necessities of life'. In Philippines too it is known as 'Tree of life' however the word 'Cocos' is a Portuguese word for Scary witch which is rather strange that this became the botanical name of this tree.

To know more about coconut water and its benefits,Visit here: http://www.geocities.com/kananj/coconut.html

Courtesy: Kanan

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The natural healer-Aloe Vera

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Sat, 31 May 2008 04:28:00 +0000

Lets know something more about Aloe-vera..........yeah I know,many of us use it in form of a cosmetic ,thats why lets get to know more........ Aloe-vera known as Ghritakumari in Sanskrit and as the blog title suggests it is popularly known as theNatural healer' also its known as 'plant of future' '. From ages Aloe vera is known and used for both ornamental as well as medicinal purposes. Even though it resembles cactus,it isn't related to it but is a member of Lily family with more than 400 species and is easily cultivated as a domestic plant.
History: The medicinal properties were known to Egyptians,the famous Cleopatra was said to have been mesmerised by this wonder plant and is said to have used aloe vera as in the form of gel for keeping skin fresh and youthful.[ The one who mesmerised men with her looks was bowled over by this plant!! :D ]

Aloe is a tropical plant commonly found in deserts but surprisingly its leaves remain fresh that is why probably its used as a skin cream/gel.
Uses in Ayurveda:The gel part or the flesh of leaves is widely used. In Ayurveda it is indicated as a medicine for blood purifying, anti-inflammatory and urinary disorder controlling properties. External application of Ghritkumari pulp or juice helps in non healing ulcers, swelling, irritation, pain and inflammation.
Is also used to treat indigestion,pain abdomen, constipation and worm infestations, when mixed with Isabgol.
It is used for general debility in Ayurveda.
Effect on Dosha:Balances Kapha and Pitta.
Main Classical Uses:Kumaryasava- is a gel like potion given to women to treat abdominal pain.
Rujah-pravartini vati -(Pronounce 'U' as in umbrella)-Used to treat menstrual pain, same goes with 'Kumaripaka', 'Kumarika vati.' other uses are to treat disorders of skin.

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae or liliaceae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. vera
Monocotyledonus, bears small flowers that resemble the

Uses in dentistry:

Applications to the gum tissues when they have been traumatized or scratched by toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, and toothpick injuries.

Chemical burns are relieved quickly from accidents with aspirin.

. Extraction sites respond more comfortably and dry sockets do not develop when aloe vera is applied.

. Acute mouth lesions are improved by direct application on herpetic viral lesions, aphthous ulcers, canker sores, and cracks occuring at the corners of our lips. Gum abscesses are soothed by the applications as well.

. Other oral diseases chronic in nature respond with Lichen Planus and Benign Pemphigus. Even gum problems associated with AIDS and Leukemia patients receive relief. Migratory glossititis, geographic tongue and Burning Mouth Syndrome are improved.

. Denture patients with sore ridges and ill-fitting dentures and partials can benefit as fungises and bacterial contamination reduce the inflammatory irritations.

. Aloe vera can also be used around dental implants to control inflammation from bacteria contamination.

Other oral disorders such as Candidiasis, Desquamative Gingivitis, Vesiculobullous diseases, acute monocytic leukemia, hematological disorders and nutritional problems all respond to aloe vera use. Even diabetes mellitus, Sjorgen's Syndrome, menopausal patients and medications which can cause Xerostomia or dry mouth.

Other uses:

Used as a preservative, studies show that when this preservative of aloe is applied on fruits, they remain fresh for a month! This is an effective alternative to chemical preservatives.
Used in culinary purposes, In both north and southern part of India, Aloe is cooked and eaten along with vegetables. In Mexico,Korea they are mixed with cold beverages,some tribals drink the whole gel part of an Aloe leaf as a refreshing drink!

Some prominent species of genus Aloe:

# Aloe alfredii
# Aloe umbellata
Aloe eminens
# Aloe alooides
# Aloe vulgaris
# Aloe dhufarensis
# Aloe dichotoma
# Aloe macrosiphon
# Aloe maculata
# Aloe nyeriensis
# Aloe obscura
# Aloe madecassa
Aloe wildii
# Aloe marlothii
# Aloe ambigens
# Aloe amicorum
Aloe zanzibarica

Aloe Vera Precautions and Warnings:
Even though there are no known side effects of Aloe Vera, one should take a note of warnings cited below:
Health food stores sometimes carry aloe vera juice for oral consumption, claiming it relieves gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion. Such claims are unproven; thus, it's wise to limit aloe vera to external use, particularly if you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or have one of the following conditions: gastritis, heartburn, kidney disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, or menstrual disorders.
Aloe vera gel is sometimes recommended as a laxative. While aloe does contain a purgative agent (an agent that stimulates bowel movements), the bowels may become dependent on aloe vera if it's used regularly to regulate the bowels. If you experience constipation, take a close look at your diet. If increased fiber and water intake do not improve the problem, consult your physician. People with diabetes should be careful using aloe -- studies have shown it can reduce blood sugar levels.

Also visit:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-aloe.html

Image credits: www.maletsky.com/herbs/images/AloeVera2

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Shoe-flower Hibiscus

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:56:00 +0000

(image credit:Indiamart.com)
Different colors of Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a very popular flower with more than 200 species. It is known by various names such as 'Shoe-flower','China-rose' since its believed to be a native of China. In Sanskrit it is known as 'Japa-kusuma' alternatively 'Japa-pushpa'. The Navagraha stotra by Shri Veda-Vyas relates the color of hibiscus to the Sun saying 'Japa-kusuma sankasham,kashya peya maha dyutim;Tamorim sarva papaghnam, meaning: 'One who resembles the color of hibiscus,the son of Kashyapa Rishi,a great electrifier and who eliminates all sins......
In Ayurveda hibiscus has an important position and widely used for various ailments which is detailed further in this post.
The literal meaning of Hibiscus is 'Seize opportunity' and is a native of China and India. Hibiscus is an ever green shrub, its flower when dried is made a powder and is used as a 'shoe-shine'/'shoe-polish' and hence called as a 'Shoe-flower'-interesting fact indeed!!

Scientific classification:

The hibiscus flower belongs to the family 'Malvaceae' -the Mallow family. It has more than 200 species and many countless hybrid varieties since its cultivation is very easy.The hibiscus shrub can grow upto 30 ft,it has smooth large leaves and bell-shaped large flowers with five petals.Flowers come in colors from white,purple,red yellow,orange and shades of pink; most of them are of commercial use.

Division:Magnoliophyta
Class:Magnoliopsida
Order:Malvales
Family:Malvaceae
Genus:Hibiscus
Species: More than 200 of which,the prominent ones are listed below:

Hibiscus-Rosa-sinensus-Chinese rose

Hibiscus cannabinus-popularly known as 'Kenaf'

Hibiscus Sabdariffa-popularly called 'Roselle'

Hibiscus Rosa-sinensus -Chinese Rose:
Medicinal properties of this flower are,that It is an: Antiseptic,aphrodisiac,digestive,diuretic,sedative,astringent.All parts of hibiscus plant are useful medicinally- The leaves are diuretic,coolant and sedative and they make an excelllent shampoo!;Fruits are antiscorbutic. Roots are aperitive and tonic. An extract of hibiscus flower helps lower cholestrol content in blood and is effective in prevention of oxidation, a daily intake of 'Hibiscus tea' reduces high blood pressure.
Hibiscus cannabinus-Kenaf:
Another species of hibiscus,originated in Asian continent, its realted to cotton and Okra and grows almost in all parts of the world ,its main uses are in paper industry. Kenaf produces flowers once in two years,a
herbaceous plant growing to 1.5-3.5 m tall with a woody base. The stems are around 2 cms in diameter, The leaves are 10-15 cm long, variable in shape, with leaves near the base of the stems being deeply lobed. The flowers are 8-15 cm diameter, white, yellow, or purple; when white or yellow, the centre is dark purple. The fruit is a capsule shape, containing several seeds.
(Kenaf image credits:treehugger.com)
Uses: the tribes in African continent are known to consume leaves as a part of diet also is a food to animals. the main uses of Kenaf is its fibre,it is one of the major commercial crop in most Asian and American continents. It is widely used in making ropes,twine and clothes-similar to jute and paper,in fact the paper industry even states that Kenaf is the future of paper industry.
Kenak seeds are oil producing and is used in cosmetics,bio-fuels and used in culinary purposes. Kenaf oil is supposed to have anti-oxidant properties.

Hibiscus Sabdariffa-Roselle:
image credits:http://www.flowersgrowing.com

Roselle plant flowers once a year and is an origin of India and Malayasia. there are three main varities of this plant: 'Rico', 'Victor','Archer-white sorrelle'.Unlike kenaf, roselle crops cannot be grown successively throughout the year.
Uses:
Roselle is widely used for edible purposes-in jams,jelly,gelatin,pudding,pies,sauces,tarts,syrup,cakes,ice-cream and in making wines.They are also added to curries as seasoning.

They have an acid, rhubarb-like flavor.

Medicinal use:

The leaves and flowers are used as a tonic tea for digestive and kidney functions. The heated leaves are applied to cracks in the feet and on boils and ulcers to speed maturation. The calyces and seeds are diuretic, laxative andtonic. The ripe calyces, boiled in water, can be used as a drink to treat bilious attacks. A lotion made from roselle leaves is used on sores and wounds.

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Nelumbo Nucifera-the divine lotus:

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Nelumbo Nucifera-the divine lotus:
Lotus ,the national flower of India has acquired lot of cultural significance in not just hindu civilizations but also among the rest of the civilizations that existed across the world. The egyptian associated lotus with Sun since it blossomed during the day and closes during the night. In hinduism too lotus is persistently associated with lord Vishnu ,Lakshmi , Bramha and Saraswati, signifying purity ,virtues and beauty also refering lotus to be their seats'Kamalasana' or 'Padmasana'.
Buddhism too is inspired by the same factand depicts Buddha seated on Lotus.
coming to its scientific classification:
Division
Magnoliophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Proteales
Family
Nelumbonaceae
Genus
Nelumbo
Parts of lotus:The roots of lotus are planted in the soil of a pond or river, the leaves float on top of the water surface. The flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimeters above the water. The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5 meters. The leaves may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter.

History of lotus:
The lotus is an Asian water lily known for the delicate beauty of its water flowers. It possesses an amazing ability to flourish in a variety of environments ranging from clear ponds to muddy marshes. It is also known for its exceptionally hearty seed pods, which often plant themselves far from its source, bringing the beauty of the lotus blossoms everywhere.

Most seeds remain quiescent during a cold or dry season and germinate only with the coming of favorable growing conditions. Seeds that require special treatment to germinate, even when presented with adequate water and oxygen and favorable temperatures, are said to exhibit dormancy. Seeds with thick or waxy coats, which inhibit the entry of water and oxygen, may remain in a prolonged quiescent state. Seeds of the Indian lotus can germinate 200 years after they are shed. Most seeds, however, lose the ability to germinate within several years of shedding. Following the return of the rains, primitive peoples witnessed the rise of the undefiled water lily from the bottom of dried-up watercourses and considered the living blooms symbols of immortality and resurrection. The ancient Egyptians from the 4th dynasty greatly valued the sacred lotus, N. totus, in religious ceremonies and funerals.

Lotuses are 5 species of water lilies, three in the genus Nymphaea and two in Nelumbo; both genera are members of the water-lily family, Nymphaeaceae. Lotus is also the name of a genus in the pea family, Leguminosae, which contains such plants as the bird's-foot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus. Nymphaea lotus, the Egyptian white lotus, is believed to be the original sacred lotus of ancient Egypt. It and the Egyptian blue lotus, N. caerulea, were often pictured in ancient Egyptian art.

The white lotus is a shallow-water, night-blooming plant with a creeping rootstock (rhizome) that sends up long-stalked, nearly circular, dark green leathery leaves, which float on the surface. The flowers, up to 25 cm (10 in) across, remain open until midday. The blue lotus is a smaller, less showy day-blooming plant.
Interesting fact:
Available either fresh or canned, the tubers of N. nucifera can be sliced longitudinally and served as refreshing vegetable that tastes somewhat like a sweet potato. They can also be sliced across to reveal the lacy structural pattern, and can be baked and then dipped in confectioner's sugar like candied yams.
The seeds are edible, but need to be peeled and any bitter sprouts removed. During Chinese New Year festivities, sugared lotus seeds are available as sweets. Also, according to one tradition, the wife who finds such a seed inside a dumpling she is eating can be certain of bearing a son in the year to come.
Like fiddlehead ferns, the young leaves of Asian lotus can be collected before they unfurl, and steamed like spinach or watercress. In China, where seeds have been found that date to 7,000 years BP [before the present,] the lotus is associated with longevity, and all parts of it are supposed to have medicinal properties. Freshly cut long lotus stalks are filled with wine by pouring it through a little hole in the centre of the leaf and letting gravity draw it down to extract the lotus' beneficial qualities.

The Lotus Chakras
In the practice of Kundalini, where the ordinary objective is to stimulate and align one's vital energy, the 7 stages are conceived as the blooming or unfolding of lotuses. The meditation proceeds to the extraordinary objective, which is extinction of the time-connected self (Skt. nirvikalpa samadhi,) or alternately (depending on one's view,) the union of the self with the divine.
Each chakra is associated with one of the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) plus "mind" or consciousness, and supreme bliss or "enlightenment.")
The process goes through:
Muladhara chakra: the base of the body, associated with the earth, when activated the 4-petalled crimson [orange-red] lotus blooms;
Svadhisthana: near the genital area, associated with water, when activated a 6-petalled vermilion [bluish-red] lotus blooms;
Manipur: in the lower abdomen, associated with fire, a 10-petalled blue-black lotus;
Suddha: near the heart, associated with air, a 12-petalled red lotus;
Visuddha: base of the throat, associated with the sky, a 16-petalled purple lotus;
Ajna: the "third eye" between the brows, associated with consciousness, a 2-petalled white lotus;
The crown lotus: at the top of the head, a 1,000-petalled rainbow lotus like a canopy or a fountain.

Germination
When to Germinate - In our part of the world the optimum time is Spring when temperatures are averaging around 25-30°C or at least by the first month of Summer. This is because the seedlings will need the better part of a whole growing season to develop sufficient rhizomes or flower and produce seed ensuring the plants survives into the following seasons. Lotus seeds have an extremely long viable life. Seeds from Chinese tombs over 5000yrs old have been germinated successfully! So there's no rush if you have missed the optimum time of year.
How to Germinate - Seed should be filed or scraped on concrete until you're through the hard, dark exterior skin. This lets the water into the seed. In other words you file 1-2mm off one or both ends of the seeds. Place the seeds in a glass of warm to hot (not boiling) water on a sunny windowsill. Usually the viable seed will sink but often floaters can also germinate so give them a chance. Change the water everyday especially if it goes cloudy. Warm water is best. The first leaves should emerge within a week and rise up out of the glass, it's fun to watch!. At this stage they can be planted out. The seedlings can then be planted 2-3cm deep in a well-fertilized medium (growing medium details below) covered with about 100mm of water.
Ponds and Containers - Lotus is a vigorous grower with a spreading rhizome. When mature the leaves can emerge from about 2.5m of water and the stems can rise 1m out of the water depending on the depth of the water. Because of its vigor lotus does not prosper in a small container, I recommend a minimum container size of about 400-500lts. The container can be a large planter bag or pot submerged into a pond or one that holds water itself like a bathtub or ceramic pot. In the later case the container should be filled with soil or medium to about 200mm from the top allowing for this much water to cover the soil. If you're intending to grow lotus in a farm dam or large earth based pond remember that lotus will grow into a depth of 2.5 meters so if your pond or dam doesn't exceed a depth of 3m anywhere the lotus may occupy the whole area which may disadvantage other life forms in the pond and the aesthetic appeal of the pond, it's nice to be able to see some of the water surface. In our experience a couple of rhizomes planted at one end of a .5ha dam, the depth of which did not exceed 2m, the lotus covered the entire surface of the dam in 3yrs, part of the dam has since been deepened.
Soils and Growing Medium - Lotus will do best in a rich heavy or clayey soil that is fertilized with well-rotted manure. We grow everything organically so cannot advise on artificial fertilizers. However we have used chicken manure based pellet fertilizers wrapped in paper parcels and buried in the soil with good results. The soil should be covered with water and if the manure is fresh, allowed to stand for 2-3 weeks while the manure rots. If plants are introduced to this mix too soon they may also rot so prepare the container beforehand.

Images

Colocasia-Elephant ear

noreply@blogger.com (Wanderingmind) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Even though the name of this plant sounds odd, the Colocasia leaf is a delicacy and is famously known as 'Patra' in many Indian languages.
The Colocasia genus belongs to Araceae and is species of flowering plants with eight varieties; its native to southern Asia.
The stem and root along with the leaf are edible and as I said is quite a delicacy!

Common names: Taro,'Potato of tropics'

'Dasheen' in US (florida)'Cocoyam'

'Eddo' in West Indies
'Arbi' in Indian subcontinent

Other names in Indian subcontinent: Patra in gujarati, 'Sainmay keeray' in tamil, Chama dumpa in telegu,'Kesuvinagadde' in kannada, 'Kochu' in bangali...Alu in marathi...

Scientific classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Colocasia
Species: C. esculenta

Features:

Perennial
Ornamental
Edible
Can be contained in pots
Grows in moist soil

Culture: Colocasia should be grown in slightly acid, moist soil which is rich in organic fertilizers, it needs plenty of water and partial sun

Hardiness: USDA zone 8-11; evergreen plant in tropical climate, elsewhere it is cultivated annually.

Plant features(physical)

Colocasia produces heart shaped leaves 2-3 ftlong and 1-2 ft across on 3 ft long petioles that all emanate from an upright tuberous rootstock, technically a corm. The petioles are thick and succulent and usually purple in color. The leaf attachment is referred to as "peltate", which means that the petiole attaches near the center of the leaf.
The cormis shaped like a top with rough ridges, lumps and spindly roots, and usually weighs around 2 lbs but occasionally as much as 8lbs The skin is brown and the flesh is white or pink. Certain kinds of taros produce smaller tubers or "cormels" (also called "eddos") which grow off the sides of the main कर्म. The eddos are usually around 100 gms in weight.

Some photos:

Photosfrom:

Caution

Colocasia is extremely invasive in nature , for it destroys native vegetation in its vicinity hence care should be taken to keep sufficient distance for Colocasia to grow ,unharming to native species.
Leaves should be thoroughly cooked before eating since skin allergies are known to be found after consumption; not to mention the itchiness when one comes in contact with Taro leaves.