Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist Climbers, also called vines, refer to plants requiring support for growing upwards. Though they spread naturally, the stems need to be guided either to grow in a particular direction or on a supporting structure by tying to props. Many develop tendrils (thin extensions from the stem/leaves) or…
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist There are trees known as multipurpose trees (MPT) used for different purposes. A few provide timber for commercial purposes but endowed with medicinal properties besides being ornamental. “The Ivory Wood” tree, used for making Channapatna toys, belongs to this category. The wood turns to ivory colour with…
Climbers are an integral part of any garden. Perching on trees, resting on low roofs, high buildings, twining on arches, pergolas and trellises, they display dazzling beauty with decorative foliage and colourful blooms often with sweet fragrance. One of the prettiest climbers, which grows luxuriantly in Mysuru’s salubrious climate is “The Bengal Clock Vine.” The…
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist Mob: 97429-91057 e-mail: [email protected] Texas Sage is a landscape wonder that provides stunning display of prolific purple blooms. This decorative ornamental shrub with delicate silvery gray-green leaves is quite distinct from the common sage. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil where other plants fail….
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist Mob: 97429-91057 e-mail: [email protected] People often write names, messages, notes and even autograph on rocks and walls. Can these be done on plant leaves? Can such writings remain for quite some time? In general, it is not possible, as the leaves either get disfigured with scratch mark,…
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist Mob: 97429-91057; e-mail: [email protected] With the onset of winter many a deciduous tree shed their old leaves followed by fresh growth of foliage and flowers. This phenomenon of rejuvenation begins during December in many ornamental trees lining the avenues of Mysuru. Among these ‘Pink Lapacho’ is the first…
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy, Scientist Mob: 97429-91057 e-mail: [email protected] For those who are interested in a plant which grows fast, requires less care, yet it produces most charming and multicoloured flowers then Portulaca grandiflora is the perfect choice. It is a beautiful and elegant flowering annual suitable for outdoor garden or balcony….
Text & photographs by Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy Scientist, Mob: 97429-91057 e-mail: [email protected] The ‘Mexican Sunflower’ with its charming ‘vivid red’ or ‘orange-red’ inflorescence with a bright yellow centre is among the few flowering annuals which can be easily grown in tropical climate. This exotic floral beauty is native to Mexico, Central America and West Indies….
By Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy With decorative foliage and fragrant blooms, ‘Elephant Apple’ tree is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The apple-like yellow-green edible fruits of this tree are relished by elephants. Hence the name. In ‘Kannada,’ it is ‘Bettakanigalu.’ Other common names are Indian catmon, Hondapara tree, Ma-tad (Hindi: Chalta, Karambel; Malayalam: Punna, Vazchpunna;…
With shiny leaves and pretty flowers ‘Periwinkle’ is a unique plant, which blends ornamental values and medicinal properties. It has earned the name ‘Sadabahar’ in Hindi as the flowers are literally ever blooming. French referred to it as “Violet of the Sorcerers” as it could ward off evil spirits. In Kannada it is “Nithya pushpa”,…
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