Top 20 Most Common Trees in Kerala

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Kerala

Kerala, India's distinct climatic and soil dynamics nurture a rich variety of native trees. Among them, Mango tree, Oleander, and Yellow trumpetbush 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. Mango tree, Oleander, and Yellow trumpetbush are revered for their resilience, beauty, and vital contributions to the region's ecological essence.

Most Common Trees

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.

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.

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.

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Yellow trumpetbush

4. 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.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tree species related to the fig tree native to India and Malaysia. The fruit produced by this tree, the jackfruit is a common component of culinary dishes around the world. The ripe fruit has a sweet taste and is often served raw in cold dishes.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Golden shower tree

7. 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.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Red frangipani

9. 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.

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.

Sacred fig

Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, gets its name because it is considered sacred to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Although a member of the mulberry family, the sap of the sacred fig may cause skin reactions if handled.

Orchid Tree

12. 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.

Neem tree

Neem tree (*Azadirachta indica*) is a flowering tree species related to mahogany and with an appearance similar to that of the chinaberry tree. For centuries, it has played an important role in Indian culture. Commercially, the neem tree is used to produce neem oil, pesticides, and cosmetics.

Java apple

Java apple is an evergreen tree that produces edible red fruits. The fruits are alternately known as 'wax apples' for their waxy appearance and turn bright red once they ripen. In Malaya, they are used to make sauces and are stewed with regular apples.

Pomegranate

15. Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Blackboard tree

16. Blackboard tree

Blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) is a perennial evergreen tree that can grow to 40 m tall. It is a tropical tree with fragrant clusters of showy white flowers that bloom in fall. The perfume-like scent of the blossoms is more obvious during the evenings. Most often planted as a street tree. Another common name for this tree is Devil’s tree.

Bridal bouquet

17. Bridal bouquet

Bridal bouquet (Plumeria pudica) is an evergreen tropical tree that features unusual spoon-shaped leaves and is known for its flowers. Unlike other plumerias, these blooms do not have any fragrance. This tropical tree grows in full sunlight and requires well-drained soil.

African tulip tree

18. African tulip tree

African tulip tree (*Spathodea campanulata*) is an evergreen tree that grows best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. African tulip tree is shade-tolerant. It is a fast-growing tree and a prolific seed producer, dispersing seeds that can germinate without light, giving it the potential to become invasive in some areas.

Cashew

It may surprise you to know that cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is related to poison ivy, pistachio, and even mango! It is a tropical evergreen native to Brazil and produces a wood used to build shipping crates, boats, and charcoal. The resin in the shells of the fruits are used to make insecticides and plastics, so the nuts must be separated from the shells before being sold as food. Explorers from Portugal are responsible for introducing cashews to the outside world.

Tropical almond

20. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

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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 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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