Begonia picta The Begonia picta is a true botanical marvel. This mesmerizing plant, also known as the “Painted-Leaf Begonia”, boasts an array of striking features that make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and collectors. This is my favourite Begonia species from the Western ghats…! The species name ‘picta’ means ‘painted’ referring to the variegation on the leaves. Painted Perfection – The leaves are medium-sized and asymmetrically shaped, featuring prominent veining and a striking color palette. The most common leaf coloration consists of dark green with silv ..read more

Impatiens leschenaultii The botanical world is a treasure trove of extraordinary plant species, each with its unique characteristics and beauty. Impatiens leschenaultii, often referred to as Leschenault’s Balsam, is a botanical gem that belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It was first discovered in the early 19th century by the French botanist Jean-Baptiste Leschenault de La Tour, hence its name. This plant is native to the Western Ghats of India, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity. This balsam species thrives in moist, shaded environments, often found growing in the understory of ..read more

Impatiens latifolia Impatiens latifolia is a beautiful species of Impatiens that is endemic to the South Western Ghats. The species name ‘latifolia‘ means ‘with wide leaves’. The plant’s leaves are of a gorgeous shape! The plant grows as undershrubs in Shola forests, especially near streams. The flowers are pinkish. The side view of the flowers shows the curved spur! The leaves are usually concentrated at the apex of the branches which gives a crown like appearance to the plant ..read more

Globba sessiliflora In the enchanting world of botanical wonders, the Swan Flower, scientifically known as Globba sessiliflora, stands out as a captivating and delicate species. Globba sessiliflora, also referred to as the Swan Flower, is a tropical and subtropical plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The common name “Swan Flower” derives from the uncanny resemblance of its flowers to the elegant necks of swans. Globba sessiliflora typically grows from rhizomes, which are underground stems. The plant forms clumps and can reach heights of 1 to 2 feet ..read more

Ariopsis peltata Ariopsis peltata is an annual herb distributed in India and Western malaysia. It has beautiful heart shaped ‘peltate’ leaves, hence the species name – peltata. Peltate means the petiole is attached to the middle of the leaf instead of the margin like most plants have. These plants grow in gregarious groups and it is a sight to behold! Beautiful shield shaped leaves covering a cliff on the roadside. The plant belongs to the family Araceae. A personal favorite for me . The plant is usually terrestrial, but can also grow as epiphytes and lithophytes when conditions are favorab ..read more

Please click on the images for enlarged view. Introduction Velliangiri hills are a series of hills in the Western Ghats of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Boluvampatti forest range of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Velliangiri hills is a popular pilgrimage center in Southern India. It is called “Southern Kailash” by the devotees. Every year, pilgrims trek through wilderness across the seven hills to pay their homage to Shiva at the top of the seventh hill. Pilgrimage is allowed only during the dry seasons of March, April, and May. It is the most suitable time for t ..read more

1. Introduction Impatiens are a genus of plants belonging to the family Balsaminaceae. The family Balsaminaceae consists of two genera. One being Impatiens and the other Hydrocera with only one species – Hydrocera triflora. Impatiens is however a large and diverse genus with more than 1000 species of plants. Impatiens are commonly called Balsam, Jewelweed, Snapweed, and Impatiens as well! Okay. Now that you’re acquainted with the family and the genus, let’s talk about the distribution and the diversity of Impatiens of the Western Ghats. 2. Distribution The genus Impatiens are usually distribut ..read more

Introduction Impatiens elegans – the elegant balsam is a common, yet beautiful species of Balsam found in the Western Ghats of India. It is during the bountiful monsoon months these beautiful plants erupt in abundance and decorate the forest floor, streams and small waterfalls that run through the forests with pretty pink flowers. Taxonomy Order : Ericales Family : Balsaminaceae Genus : Impatiens Species : elegans Distribution It is found only in the two states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala of India and nowhere else in the world. It grows above the elevation of 1200 meters above sea level and is fo ..read more

Modifications of Roots The Root system is an essential part of the plant. It serves many purposes like anchoring the plant in the soil, helps in getting it the water and nutrients it needs and sometimes, storing the excess of food that the leaves produce which would be used in times of scarcity. Apart from that, the hidden system does a lot more work by modifying itself in various specialized forms in different plants according to their needs! Roots have evolved differently in different plants based on the place they grow and based on the needs of the plants. I’m narrating some of the modif ..read more