Indian Turnsole - Heliotropium indicum

Indian Turnsole - Heliotropium indicum

Habitat:

Its is a small herbal plant and native to India. It is found in all kinds of jungles specially near  the stream. It can even be seen near gutters / sewage water outlets in urban areas.

The spiral-kind inflorescence is unmistakable characteristics of this flower. Flowers are seen on one of the petiole which is around 1 ft tall. Flowers are tiny and violet faint violet in color. Mature flower turns white.Butterflies from tiger species are often seen nectoring on these flowers.

Photography tips:

• Macro lens is must to get close-ups of the flowers.
• Choose the best bunch of flowers. Mostly the half of the fluorescence is matured flowers which are faded and dried. Avoid such petiole. 
• Capturing the shape of the inflorescence is very common. Capturing a nectoring butterfly on the flower can be the cherry on the ice-cream.

Quick Facts:

Common Name: Indian Helitrope, Indian turnsole
Marathi: Bhurundi (भुरुंडी)
Botanical Name: Heliotropium indicum
Family: Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not- family)

Ref: http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Indian%20Heliotrope.html

Grey Count (Tanaecia lepidea)

Grey Count (Tanaecia lepidea)

Occurrence and Appearance:

Caterpillar of Grey Count

Grey count is nymphalid type butterfly found commonly in south of South Asia. It is found in Konkan and Sahyadri region in ample. Butterfly could be easily identified from the presence of off-white colored long brand on lower sides of both upper wings. In size and shape, Grey count resembles with Common Baron butterfly. 

Plumbago auriculata ( चित्रक )

Plumbago auriculata ( चित्रक )

Plumbago is an introduced shrub, native to South Africa, which is perennial (active throughout the year). There are three varieties I am going to write about, variation mainly being in the flower color - Red, Blue and white.  

The leaves are pale green and plant is green throughout year and flowers except the winter months. Flowers appear in bouquet of 8-15. Shrub is dense and I have seen it grown upto 5-6 feet height whereas Wiki reports that it can ascend upto 20 feet.

PhotoQuote: Flower feeds the soul !

PhotoQuote: Every flower enjoys the air !

Mexican Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana)

Mexican Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana)

Mexican Prickly Poppy is an introduced flower in India [1]. Its almost seen in every wasteland and cant be missed because of some features like: catchy yellow color, bottle-green colored leaves with spines. Another reason being its all year flowering season. In konkan like areas where flowers blooming in dry season are pretty low. 

Two photos presented here are shot at Vangani. I have seen this flower at Matheran, at height of about 1000 m. Its Marathi name is Firangi dhotra. My speculation that like other 'dhotra' plants this must also be toxic, and in fact it is. Its also a medical plant used for curing Malaria in Mali [2].

The Sanskrit name svarnakshiri is given because of the yellow juice (Svarna - Gold; Kshiri - Juice ) [1]. 

Torch Ginger

Torch Ginger

On the last day of one of Cotigao trip, we all (Me, Deepak, Rajas Deshpande, Priti patel and Blaise) were searching for a butterfly mud puddling spot on the way from Cotigao to Netravalli. 

We stopped at a place to inquire tot he people about any such spot. Luckily we were near to one nursery, where some unseen plant was planted. I took so many photos, as it was indeed something spectacular. When returned home, I found it was indeed the plant was lesser known to many people - Torch Ginger.

Common Jay - Graphium doson

Common Jay - Graphium doson

Common Jay, is a tailless swallowtail common to the gardens. It is found all over the India in abundance. A butterfly frequently seen visiting flowers and lantena for nectoring. Flight is quick and powerful. This species may be easily confused with bluebottle species in flight. Common Jay lay egg on the tender leaves and at a height from 1 to 2 meters from the ground. The Polyalthia longifolia (Ashok) and Magnolia champaca ( Sonchafa). Egg is pale yellow in color and perfect round in shape. Initially instar is pale brown which turns dark brown and final instar is pale green in color. Caterpillar forms pale green color pupa on upper side of leaves. Sexes are alike. In general behavior of this species closely resembles that of Tailed Jay.

Quick Facts:
Status: Common
Latin Name: Graphium doson
Wingspan: 70-80 mm
Host plants:  Polyalthia longifolia and Magnolia champaca

Flowering Trees: Helicteres isora ( मुरुड शेंग )

Flower of Indian Screw Tree

A significant plant in terms of ecological and medical use. Its a small tree which grows upto 2 meters. It flowers in September-October. This post-monsoon period is also a high season for butterflies. Butterflies like emigrant , tailed Jay, Wanderer etc. are often seen nectoring on these flowers. Small birds like flower peckers and sun bird favors this plant for nectoring. Red flowers turn pale white when old. Twisted shape of the fruit impart its name "Indian screw plant" to it. 

Quick Facts:
Common Name: Indian Screw Tree
Botanical Name: Helicteres isora
Family: Cacao
Marathi Name: मुरुड शेंग
Location on IITB Campus: Most common tree on Hill side ( in the valley), medical garden

Flower pecker on Murud Sheng

China Pink -

Also Known as Indian Pink. Native of India. According to Ayurveda, every plant on earth is a herb. Amazed to note that such a alluring pink or charming reddish flower can be a medicine and therefore 'a must have plant' in the garden. Blossoms in a bouquet, so goes easily in flowerpot.