Euphorbia milii (Euphorbia) - Sikkim Flora

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae

Phylum:         

Class:              Magnoliopsida

Order:            Malpighiales

Family:           Euphorbiaceae
Genus:            Euphorbia

Species:          E. milii

Binomial name: Euphorbia milii Des Moul.

Other Names:  crown of thorns, Christ plant, Christ thorn

Special feature: It is a native to to Madagascar.

Euphorbus was the Greek physician of King Juba II (about 50 BC to 19 AD) of Numidia (present day Algeria).  King Juba II was the first person to find a succulent-type Euphorbia, and he named it after his physician. {Source: faculty.ucc.edu}

 

The species name commemorates Baron Milius, once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821. It is suspected that the species was introduced to the Middle East in ancient times, and legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Christ. 

The sap is moderately poisonous, and causes irritation on contact with skin or eyes. If ingested, it causes severe stomach pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, and vomiting. (Source: Wikipedia)

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:

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

Nephila pilipes (giant golden orb weaver) - Sikkim Spider

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Class:              Arachnida

Order:            Araneae

Family:           Nephilidae

Genus:            Nephila

Species:           N. pilipes

Binomial name:  Nephila pilipes (Fabricius, 1793)

Other Names: northern golden orb weaver or giant golden orb weaver

Special feature: Females are large and grow to a body size of 30–50 mm (overall size up to 20 cm), with males growing to 5–6 mm. It is one of the biggest spiders in the world.

The Nephila pilipes' web is vertical with a fine irregular mesh and not symmetrical, with the hub is usually nearer the top. Rather than egg sacks being hung in the web, a pit is dug which is then covered with plant debris or soil.

The first, second and fourth pairs of legs of juvenile females have dense hairy brushes, but as the spider matures these brushes disappear.

Source: Wikipedia

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.