Plantsystematics

Clitoria ternatea is a perennial plant commonly known as the butterfly pea. It is locally termed Aparaijita in Nepal. It is widely cultivated in the tropical region at an altitude of 200m. For centuries, traditional ancient communities have brewed tea from this plant to enjoy its robust antioxidants and health benefits, while also applying it topically for its beautifying and healing properties.

Chhath puja is dedicated to the sun god.  The rising and setting suns are worshipped with devotion in the festival, which is considered an attractive system of prayers to the Sun God.  According to the Hindu festival, it is celebrated on the sixth day after Tihar, or Deepavali. Along with the sun god, Chhathi Maiya is also worshipped on this day. It is widely believed that appeasing the Sun God brings happiness, prosperity, well-being, and longevity to family members.  Some photos of chhath puja festivals at Tinau river of Rupandehi district on Sunday.                                

Marigolds hold a special place as sacred religious flowers, particularly during the Tihar festival, when sisters weave these vibrant blooms into garlands for their brothers. This season, marigold flowers adorn homes, adding a touch of beauty and festivity to every household and creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.  Here are some photos capturing the exquisite blooming of marigold flowers during the near Tihar festival, where children revel in the beauty of these vibrant blossoms.                                                                                                                              ...

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Rhododendron arboreum is locally known as laaligurans. It is considered as National Flower of Nepal. Flowers are so attractive that may attract anyone to pick them from their natural habitat. It belongs to Ericaceae family found at an altitude of 1200 to 4000m. Flowers are deep red or pink in colour. Normally, flowering and fruiting will occurs on the month of March-April and September-October. Nectar is brewed to make wine and also treat the dysentery and diarrhoea. Its corolla is used in case of fishbone stuck in the gullet. Juices of petals are also used as a good drink for summer and heart tonic. Also it is used for the treatment of high altitude sickness, headache, mental retardation, fever, stomachache, etc. Dry petals are used for making herbal tea as it helps in digestion. Agricultural wines are also prepared from their flowers since their ancient time. Fig: Rhododendron arboreum Smith. Beautiful Rhododendron tree of Achham, Nepal. Some Rhododendron trees of Achham, Nepal.

It is an evergreen tree, dioecious, grey bark with about 2-10m tall with about 40cm long trunk. Branchlets and buds are tomentose. Leaf blade narrowly elliptic-obovate or lanceolate-obovate to cuneate-obovate, adaxially dark green, rarely glandular, base cuneate, obtuse tip. Male inflorescence branched, erect or pendulous at apex. Male flowers without bracteoles. Stamens 3-7, anthers red, ellipsoid. Female inflorescence erect, many flowered, axiliary fascicles well spaced at maturity. Female flowers with 2 bracteoles, ciliate and golden glandular. Ovary velutinous, stigma 2, bright red . Drupes many per infructescence, red at maturity, usually ellipsoid and papilliferous. It is locally termed as Kaphal in Nepal found at an altitude of 1200-2300m. Ripen berries are edible. Local tribes mainly used it for making pickles and refreshing drinks. Traditionally, the bark has been used for the treatment of cough, asthma, fever, chronic bronchitis, diarrohea, rheumatism, etc. Some photos of Myr...