Showing posts with label West Sikkim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Sikkim. Show all posts

Wednesday, 11 June 2014

Hydrangea macrophylla (Big leaf hydrangea) - Sikkim Flora

Hydrangea macrophylla (Big leaf hydrangea)
Place : Khechuperi Lake ,  West Sikkim
Date: May 25, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Hydrangea macrophylla (Big leaf hydrangea)
Place : Khechuperi Lake ,  West Sikkim
Date: May 25, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan



Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae
Phylum:         
Class:             
Order:             Cornales
Family:           Hydrangeaceae
Genus:            Hydrangea
Species:           H. macrophylla

Binomial name: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.

Other Names:  bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea, lacecap hydrangea, mophead hydrangea, penny mac and hortensia

Special feature: It is a native to China and Japan.

“H. macrophylla blooms can be blue, red, pink, light purple, or dark purple. The color is affected by soil pH. An acidic soil (pH below 7) will usually produce flower color closer to blue, whereas an alkaline soil (pH above 7) will produce flowers more pink. This is caused by a color change of the flower pigments in the presence of aluminum ions which can be taken up into hyper accumulating plants”. (Source: Wikipedia)

Sunday, 8 June 2014

Aeschynanthus hookeri (Hooker's Blushwort )

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding-heart vine)
Place : Dentam,  West Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Scientific classification
Kingdom:       Plantae
Phylum:          Magnoliophyta
Class:              Dicot
Order:           Scrophulariales
Family:          Gesneriaceae
Genus:           Aeschynanthus
Species:        Aeschynanthus hookeri
Binomial name: 
 
Other Names: 
Special feature:

Friday, 6 June 2014

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding-heart vine)- Sikkim Flora

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding-heart vine)
Place : Legship,  West Sikkim
Date: May 25, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan


Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae
Phylum:         
Class:             
Order:            Lamiales
Family:           Verbenaceae (or Lamiaceae)
Genus:            Clerodendrum thomsoniae
Species:          C. thomsoniae

Binomial name: Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.

Other Names:  bleeding glory-bower, glory-bower, bag flower, bleeding-heart vine

Special feature: It is a native to tropical West Africa from Cameroon west to Senegal.

The plant was named at the request of Rev. William Cooper Thomson (1829-22 March 1878), a missionary and physician in Nigeria, in honor of his late first wife. This plant was very popular during the mid 19th century under the name "beauty bush". It lost favour only when its unusual culture conditions were forgotten. Specifically, its root system must be partially submerged in water most of the time, and it wants very good light.
Source: Wikipedia

Sunday, 1 June 2014

Rubus ellipticus (Yellow Himalayan raspberry) - Sikkim Shrub



Rubus ellipticus (Yellow Himalayan raspberry)
Place : Chayataal, Hee, West Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2014; Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Yellow Himalayan Raspberry, scientifically known as Rubus ellipticus, is a unique plant belonging to the order Rosales and the genus Rubus. This shrub is native to the Himalayan region, including countries like Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka, and it can also be found in Southern China and the Philippines. In Nepali, it is commonly called ‘ऐँसेलु (Ainselu).

The Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus) has a sweet and tangy flavour that is both juicy and refreshing. Its vibrant yellow berries can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a delicious and nutritious treat!

One specific feature of the Yellow Himalayan Raspberry is that it is often used in traditional medicine for various health benefits, such as treating fevers and digestive issues. However, it can also be invasive, spreading quickly in some areas. 

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) - Sikkim Bird

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow)
Place : Dentam, West Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow)
Place : Rongli, East Sikkim
Date: April 10,  2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan


Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Hirundo
Species: H. rustica