Top 20 Most Common Plants in Kerala

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Kerala

In Kerala, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Madagascar periwinkle, Heart of jesus, Common lantana, Pearl millet, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Chinese hibiscus

1. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Madagascar periwinkle

2. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Heart of jesus

3. Heart of jesus

The heart of jesus is a poisonous leafy plant. Its paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves lend the plant its common nickname, along with names like "angel wings" and "elephant ear." Though native to South America, its primary hub of cultivation is now around Lake Placid, Florida, where it has become a popular centerpiece for an annual festival.

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Common lantana

4. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Pearl millet

5. Pearl millet

An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.

Golden pothos

6. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Flame of the woods

8. Flame of the woods

The flame of the woods is a popular warm-weather garden shrub due to its versatility and unique, bright red leaves. It can be used as a hedge, in flower beds, or even grown as a small tree. The flame of the woods is also popular as a standalone patio plant because of its hardiness and distinctive appearance. The genus name, Ixora, was derived from a poorly transliterated rendition of the Hindu god, Shiva's name.

Shame plant

The Sensitive plant is aptly named for its distinctive response of curling up when touched, whereby its fernlike leaves fold inward. Although its purple fuzzy flowers make it a charming indoor plant, it is important to note that the plant contains alkaloids that can be harmful to both humans and animals.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Crown of thorns

11. Crown of thorns

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

Common coconut palm

12. Common coconut palm

Common coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a broadleaf evergreen native to the Western Pacific tropical islands. In the United States, common coconut palm grows in Hawaii, Southern Florida, and Texas. This tree produces coconuts.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Water hyacinth

14. Water hyacinth

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing flowering plant species with ovular, waxy leaves. Water hyacinth is listed as a federal noxious weed in the United States. This species is invasive to ponds, lakes, rivers and other wetland habitats. It forms dense, floating mats of vegetation that restricts light to underwater environments.

Common coleus

15. Common coleus

The common coleus is a plant that comes in a wide range of colors and leaf forms. This plant, also known as Coleus scutellarioides, is native to Southeast Asia and is used as an herbal remedy in various cultures. Common coleus is a narcotic used by the Mazatec people of Mexico. In Cuba, this plant is considered invasive.

Castor bean

16. Castor bean

The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.

Garden croton

17. Garden croton

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Four o'clock flower

18. Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.

Arrowhead plant

19. Arrowhead plant

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.

Wishbone flower

20. Wishbone flower

Wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) is an ornamental flowering plant often found in gardens. Wishbone flower is native to tropical Asia and Africa. Gardeners often grow this species in hanging baskets because it is easy to grow from seeds or from small cuttings.

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More Plants in Kerala

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Most Common Flowers

Kerala, India, is blessed with diverse landscapes that are conducive to the growth of a variety of native flowers. The state's distinct climatic and soil dynamics contribute to the proliferation of these flowers. Three standout blossoms that can be found in Kerala are , , and . These flowers not only add to the aesthetic allure of the state but also hold cultural and ecological significance. Further references can provide accurate and reliable information about these emblematic local flowers.

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Most Common Trees

Kerala, India's distinct climatic and soil dynamics nurture a rich variety of native trees. Among them, , , and take center stage. These trees hold significant symbolic, cultural, and ecological importance within the state's boundaries. Their roots intertwine with Kerala's history and traditions, embodying the delicate balance between humans and nature. , , and are revered for their resilience, beauty, and vital contributions to the region's ecological essence.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Kerala, India, may seem harsh with its icy temperatures, but amidst its frigid embrace, there are flowers that bloom with tenacity. , , and are native to this state and withstand the cold climate. These winter-blooming flowers add allure and beauty to the tranquil landscape, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of nature in Kerala's winters.

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