13 Unique Flowers in Kerala

Kerala obtain good rain and has a tropical climate which is very suitable for growing flowering plants. Due to the climate in Kerala, there are many types of flowers found abundantly and naturally. Some flowers are common whereas there are some which are rare. There are flowers grown in home gardens and some are found only in the forest areas.

Different flowers are supported during different climates. The flowers are used for preparing various ayurvedic medicines as they have many medicinal properties. Flowers are also used while performing various prayers in temples and churches. There are some flowers that are poisonous and have pungent smell.

Some of the flowers found in Kerala are

1. Aambal

It is also called as water lily or star-lotus. It is an aquatic plant having bright coloured flowers. The stem is submerged in ground and flat round leaves are seen above the water level. The flowers have many petals and floats over the water surface.

2. Arali

It is also called by many names such as Nerium plant, Dog-bane, South-sea rose, Adalpha etc. It is a shrub grown in garden and has beautiful flowers. They are also seen as herbs, shrubs, trees and climbers. A unique feature of the members of this family is the production of profuse sap. Even though this sap is poisonous, they are of much medicinal value.

2. Arumasam

It is also known as Krishna kireedam or Pagoda plant and is a shrub grown in the wild. Their terminal inflorescence last for about 6 months and the orange-red- bell shaped flowers get opened row by row. It is called as ‘Krishna kireedam’ which means the crown of lord Krishna because the inflorescence is shaped in such a way.

4. Ashokam

It is also known as Galasoka, Anganapriya or Ashoka tree. It is considered to be a holy tree and its leaves and flowers are used for preparing various ayurvedic medicines. It flowers during all the seasons and is found usually in the courtyard of houses. They provide shade during hot seasons for the people and so it is called by the name ‘Angana priya’ which means darling of the front yard.

5. Chempakam

It is also called as Joy-perfume tree. They are seen as both shrubs and trees. The flowers are shaped like a cup and are fleshy too. The petals and the sepals are not distinguished. The flowers have a very good fragrance and so are used as a room freshener and also for making perfumes. Women here like to wear this flower in their hair due to their high fragrance.

6. Chemparathi

Chemparathi or hibiscus is a garden plant which is either a shrub or herb. The flower has sepals and petals and a stalk. The leaves are dark green in colour and are alternate. This flower is very popular as there are a wide variety of colours and shapes available. The flowers are used for preparing medicines, dyes etc. The flowers are used for making hibiscus tea.

7. Kashithetti

It is also called as Shavam-nari or Madagascar periwinkle. It is an herb with small and simple leaves. The flowers are white or pink in colour and blooms in every season. This flower contains alkaloids of medicinal values and hence is cultivated on a large scale.

8. Kadaladi

It is also called as Mexican creeper, Rosa De Montana, Queen’s wreath or Coral vine. It is a climber and is grown in the wild. The flowers are grown in beautiful inflorescences. The stem of this plant is flexible and is hence used for making baskets.

9. Kanakambaram

It is also called as Abuli or fire-cracker plant. It is a popular shrub and the flowers are bright coloured. This flower is worn by the women on their hair. The leaves are simple and the ripe fruits of this plant burst when put in water. Hence, it got the name fire cracker plant.

10. Kanikkonna

It is also known as the golden-shower tree. It is the official flower of Kerala. The flower is golden yellow in colour and is of great importance during the festival Vishu. During this festival, the kanikkonna is worn on Lord Krishna’s idol and is shown to all as their first sight on the Vishu. They bloom during the Months April-May. When the flowers bloom, it is a treat to the eye and the leaves are not seen due to the presence of the golden flower. The petals when fell on the ground is so beautiful to see which gave the plant the name golden shower.

11. Kongini

It is also called as bendhi or Pot-marigold plant. It is a annual herb having dark leaves and weak stems. The flowers have a pleasant aroma and are very beautiful. The flowers are used for extracting aromatic compounds and dyes. Women wear these flowers on their hair for any auspicious occasions.

12. Kulamariyan

It is also called as Madhumalti , Rangoon or Chinese creeper. This creeper grows wild and spreads very quickly. The flowers have five petals and have plenty of honey in it. They are white in colour when new and the colour changes to red as the days pass by. The leaves can be used as anti-worm potion. There are also used for medicinal purposes and also for making baskets.