Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Kerala

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Kerala

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 Chinese hibiscus, Madagascar periwinkle, and Flame of the woods. 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.

Most Common Flower 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.

Spring, Summer, Fall

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.

Common lantana

3. 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.

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Flame of the woods

4. 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.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

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

7. 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.

Water hyacinth

8. 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.

Four o'clock flower

9. 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.

Wishbone flower

10. 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.

Yellow trumpetbush

11. Yellow trumpetbush

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Golden shower tree

12. Golden shower tree

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Crepe myrtle

13. Crepe myrtle

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a highly ornamental small tropical tree or shrub, often multi-stemmed. It is native to India, Southeastern Asia, and Japan, and features a characteristic vase-shaped crown and beautifully-ruffled pink blooms that can last from early summer to autumn. It is also a popular nesting shrub for small birds.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Red frangipani

14. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Peregrina

Peregrina is a popular border and decorative plant because of its gorgeous red or pink flowers that bloom all year. This shrub, native to Cuba and widely propagated worldwide, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. However, extreme caution is suggested because all parts of this plant are toxic when consumed.

Late spring, Summer

Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Spring, Mid fall, Late fall, Winter

Busy lizzie

17. Busy lizzie

The long-lasting blooms of busy lizzie are a riot of color. The flowers generally range from vibrant purple to orange. Some of the flowers are used for hair coloring and dyes. Its genus name, Impatiens, comes from the word "impatiens" or "impatient" in Latin because the seed pods are often in a rush to open up.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Crepe ginger

18. Crepe ginger

Crepe ginger (Hellenia speciosa) is a plant species that is not drought tolerant. For optimal growth, this plant species must be watered regularly when cultivated as a houseplant. Crepe ginger grows best in partial to full shade.

Orchid Tree

19. Orchid Tree

Orchid Tree (Bauhinia purpurea) is a flowering deciduous tree species native to India and Myanmar. Its hard wood is useful in cabinetry and tools. Its genus name Bauhinia is to commemorate the botanist Bauhin. It produces purple flowers every spring and is designated as the city flower of Hong Kong, China.

Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Common turmeric

20. Common turmeric

Common turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and the roots of this plant are often used as cooking for a seasoning agent. They can be used fresh or ground after boiling and drying. The distinctive orange color of the ground-up root is an identifying trait; Tumeric can also be used as a dye.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

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More Plants in Kerala

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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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Most Common Plants

In Kerala, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Madagascar periwinkle, Heart of jesus, Common lantana, Pearl millet, and more! There are 50 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.

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