Rare Flowers of India : protecting rare flowers to promote the well-being of the entire ecosystem.
With about 49,000 plant species (flora) and 81,000 animal species (fauna), which account for a sizable amount of the global total, India boasts remarkable biodiversity.
India is home to an incredibly wide range of rare plants and animals, and many rare flowers are essential to preserving ecological balance. These plants are also important food sources for different pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds. By protecting rare flowers, we promote the well-being of the entire ecosystem and guarantee the survival of species that rely on them for food.
In India, rare flowers frequently have great cultural and historical significance. Many are utilized to represent different facets of Indian culture in customary festivals, events, and rituals.
For example, Kerala hosts colorful festivals to honor the Neelakurinji, which blooms once every twelve years. We can stay connected to our history and make sure that future generations can carry on our customs by conserving these blooms.
Rare flower conservation can yield substantial financial gains. Numerous of these plants support local economies by their usage in gardening, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. In order to avoid overexploitation and guarantee that these blooms continue to flourish, sustainable farming and ethical harvesting methods are essential.
Rare flower preservation can also draw ecotourism, which benefits local people and raises awareness of environmental issues.
The Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana) is one of the rarest plants in India, found mainly in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Also vying for the title of rarest is the Kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which carries purple and blue flowers that blossom once in 12 years. Snow Lotus (Saussurea involucrata) is a rarely found plant in the Himalayas, as is the Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) that grows in the Western Ghats. Here’s a closer look at these rare plants:
1) Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana):
Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana), an evergreen shrub belonging to the Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniaceae families,and is thought to be indigenous to Meghalaya. Nepenthes khasiana is the only pitcher plant species known to exist in India. However, it was recorded in the neighboring state of Assam’s Dima Hasao district in 2016. At an elevation of roughly 1000 to 1500 meters, it is primarily found in the west and east Khasi Hills, the west and south Garo Hills, and the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
Because pitcher plants are carnivorous, they attract, eliminate, and digest insects. The plants have evolved modified leaves made of jug-like pitchers that serve as pitfall traps for ‘hunting’ prey, primarily insects that approach the pitcher rims and fall within. Enzymes in the bottom break down the unfortunate victims, who are frequently unable to escape the pitcher’s sticky fluid and slippery inner walls, to release nutrients that the plant needs..
2) Neelakurinji Flowers (Strobilanthes kunthiana):
Neelakurinji, a member of the Acanthaceae family, is renowned for having both therapeutic and decorative qualities. This plant is remarkable for its periodical blooms, once every 12 years. Blue blooms that bloom in groups on multiple branches make this plant a stunning visual delight. As it matures, its light blue blossoms turn purplish-blue.
The Western Ghats in Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka valleys are home to this uncommon shrub, which draws tourists to the area.
3) Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
Ghost orchid, botanically called Dendrophylax lindenii. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is an amazing species, renowned for its beauty and ethereal appearance among flowering plants.With around 29,000 species (found in nature), the orchid family is the biggest blooming family.
The plant’s name is derived from the way its roots blend in with the tree trunk and the way its white blooms appear out of nowhere and mysteriously hang in midair, It is a sight to witness in midair.It has been demonstrated that Dendrophylax lindenii forms a symbiotic relationship with the fungus to acquire nutrients and then provide it with sugars through this association of the fungus Thelophoraceae. The ghost orchid is regarded as rare since it cannot flourish in many environments due to the uncommon nature of this fungus.
Even though ghost orchids do not have fragrance or make nectar to draw pollinators, they still manage to accomplish so.It grows in the Western Ghats of India
4) Rebe Flower (Begonia Tessaricarpa);
Rabe Flower, botanically called Begonia Tessaricarpa. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, and its vernacular name is Kakiyayo (Arunachal Pradesh). Native to the hilly areas of northeastern India, the rebe is a rare and beautiful flower. This delicate flower is a remarkable addition to any garden or floral arrangement since it displays a range of colors from light pink to deep purple. Two sepals, pale pink or ivory petals, and a single golden stamen in the center define the flower.
The Rebe thrives in the distinct climate of its natural habitat, characterized by high humidity and cool temperatures. Its restricted geographic distribution and particular growing conditions are the reasons for its rarity.
One flowering plant species that is thought to be extinct is the rebe flower. After nearly a century, a group of botanists rediscovered it, having last seen it in 1890. This uncommon medicinal plant was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s(Namdapha National Park) upper Subansiri district. The rediscovery of Rebe by the botanists of the Botanical Survey of India added another lovely flower to India’s collection.
Additionally, indigenous people believe that its therapeutic qualities may help alleviate dehydration and gastrointestinal issues. Two sepals, pale pink or ivory petals, and a single golden stamen in the center define the flower.
5) Snow Lotus (Saussurea involucrata)
Snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata) belongs to the family Asteraceae and is found only in the Himalayas. On alpine scree slopes, it grows above an elevation of roughly 3,200 m (10,500 ft). The individual florets are also white to purple, and the blooms are formed in a dense head of miniature capitula, frequently encircled by dense woolly hairs that range in color from white to purple. The high altitude species have the densest wool, which helps the flowers regulate their temperature, reduces nighttime frost damage, and shields them from UV rays from the strong sunlight at high altitudes. Related species S. involucrata and S. laniceps are also referred to as snow lotuses.
The China Pharmacopoeia states that “snow lotus” refers to the dried ground portion of Saussurea involucrata, which is used to treat inflammation-related conditions, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to improve gynecological and reproductive issues, enhance blood circulation, and alleviate other “cold” syndromes.
6) Himalayan Cobra Lily (Arisaema consanguineum);
The Himalayan Cobra Lily (Arisaema consanguineum) is a tuberous perennial that belongs to the family Araceae. It grows between 2,400 and 3,600 meters above sea level in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to southeast Tibet.
Cobra Lily is capable of changing sex. They are male when young and small, but as they mature, they can transition back to either a female or hermaphrodite state if necessary. It seems that they can switch sexes multiple times during their 20s or so. Their sexual practices are as strange as their appearance.
The Himalayan Cobra Lily is a flowering plant that resembles the hood of a cobra. The plant has one or two very large, trilobed, yellowish-green leaves and can reach a height of 30 cm. 1-4 cm long, tapering at the tip like a tail, and extensively striped with either purple or white, the cobra hood is a dark purple oblong-ovate spathe. The upper portion of the spathe is nettled. The long, thread-like appendage known as the spadix is stout at the base and ranges in length from 8 to 20 cm. Often, the stems and stalks of leaves have brown spots on them. Blooming season: May–June.
7) Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca) ;
The Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca ) is an evergreen perennial that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, grows as a long trailing vine, and is appropriate for a hanging pot.
The gorgeous and uncommon flowering vine known as the Purple Passion, or Passiflora ‘Purple Passion,’ is renowned for its vivid, unearthly blossoms. This flower, which is native to tropical areas, is distinguished by its complex, exotic structure and vibrant purple petals.
The Purple Passion vine is well known for both its subtle scent and striking beauty. Because it needs particular growing conditions, such as warmth and lots of sunlight, it is uncommon in India.