3. Arali, Nerium plant, Dog-bane, South-sea rose
• Scientific Name : Nerium indicum
• Common Name : Arali, Nerium plant, Dog-bane,
South- sea rose, Adalpha
• Family : Apocyanaceae
It is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant growing 1 m
tall.The plant is a popular shrub of Kerala garden grown for their
extremely beautiful flowers. They grow as herbs, shrubs, trees
and even as climbers. Their leaves are simple and alternate and
flowers in beautiful inflorescence. Production of profuse sap is a
specialty of the members of this family. This sap though
poisonous (causes nausea and brain-damage if injected) is of
much medicinal value (used for the treatment of scabies).
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 03
4. Glory Bower, Glory Bush, Scent Malli
• Scientific Name : Clerodendrum philippinum
• Common Name : Ammam, Chendumulla, Motormohini
Glory Bower, Glory Bush, Scent Malli
• Family : Verbenaceae
This beautiful perennial shrub, Cashmere Bouquet grows to
heights of 5’ to 8', has large downy mid-to-dark green leaves, and
flowers in tight clusters that are very fragrant in the evening, with
a scent reminiscent (to my nose at least) of the soap “Cashmere
Bouquet”. Cashmere Bouquet Clerodendrum attracts bees and
butterflies and is easy to propagate by root cuttings. This plant
does not need a lot of fertilizer in fact over-feeding will cause it to
grow excessively leafy at the expense of blooms.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 04
5. Arumasam, Krishna kireedam or Pagoda plant
• Scientific Name : Clerodentron paniculatum
• Common Name : Arumasam, Krishna kireedam or
Pagoda plant
• Family : Verbenaceae
The plant is a shrub that grows mostly in the wild but capable
of excelling any garden-grown plant for its beautiful terminal
inflorescence that lasts about six months. Orange-red- bell
shaped flowers open row by row in the terminal cluster. Leaves
are simple and dark green. Pagoda flower is an erect, open
semiwoody shrub with large evergreen leaves and huge showy
clusters of orange-red or scarlet flowers held above the foliage.
The plant sometimes has many stems and gets 3-5 ft tall,
spreading 2-3 ft across.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 05
6. Chemparuthi or Rose-mallow or sorrel
• Scientific Name : Hibiscus rosasinensis
• Common Name : Chemparuthi or Rose-mallow or
sorrel
• Family : Malvaceae
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree
growing 2.5–5 m (8–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) wide, with
glossy leaves and solitary, brilliant red flowers in summer and
autumn. The plant is a widely cultivated garden plant that bears
long stalked single auxiliary (that arises from the axis of the
leaves) flowers. A hibiscus flower is a typical one with sepals,
calyx and petals and a long stalk formed of the fusion of male
stamen bearing stalks that protects the long tube from the female
part. Leaves are simple alternate dark green with toothed ridges.
Plants are either herbs or shrubs and even as trees.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 06
7. Bougainvillea, Kadalasupoovu-chedi
• Scientific Name : Bougainvillea glabra
• Common Name : Bougainvillea, Kadalasupoovu-chedi
• Family : Nyctaginaceae
It is an evergreen, climbing shrub with thorny stems. It usually
grows 10–12 ft (3.0–3.7 m) tall, occasionally up to 30 ft (9 m).
Scandent shrub. Spiny hooks up to 1 cm long, slightly curved.
Leaves 4-10 x 1.7-5 cm, ovate to cordate, upper ovate
acuminate, acute or shortly acuminate, sparsely pubescent;
petiole 0.3-1 cm long. Bracts 3, 3.5-4 mm long, ovate, acuminate,
nerved, magenta coloured. Flowers 3, c. 2 cm long; Sepals 5,
acute, c. 2.5 mm long, tip villous, yellow above, lilac beneath,
alternating with 5 irregular and adnate yellow lobed appendages.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 07
8. Nandiarvattom ,Crepe jasmine,Carnation of India
• Scientific Name : Tabeamaemontana diverticata
• Common Name : Nandiarvattom or Crepe jasmine or
Carnation of India
• Family : Apocyanaceae
The plant generally grows to a height of 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) and
is dichotomously-branched. The large shiny leaves are deep
green and about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and 2 inches (5.1 cm)
in width.The plant is a small shrub that produces white fragrant
flowers throughout the year, leaves are simple, dark green, fruits
are rarely produced; propagation done mainly through stem
cuttings. These flowers are considered sacred and used for
temple performances.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 08
9. Bridal Veil, Nodding Clerodendron
• Scientific Name : Clerodendrum wallichii
• Common Name : Bridal Veil, Nodding Clerodendron,
Wallich's glorybower
Family : Verbenaceae
Native to India, this graceful shrub grows up to 7 ft and has
pointed narrow leaves 4-9 inches long. Pendulous white blooms
hang down over this plant's shiny green leaves. A spectacular fall
flowering shrub that is true to its name. The white flowers are held
in loose panicles, which are more or less pendulous.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 09
10. Desert Rose, Impala Lily
• Scientific Name : Adenium obesum
• Common Name : Desert Rose, Impala Lily
• Family :Apocynaceae
It is an evergreen or drought-deciduous succulent shrub (which
can also lose its leaves during cold spells, or according to the
subspecies or cultivar). It can grow to 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) in height,
Succulent fleshy, briefly deciduous shrubs trunk often swollen at
base. Leaves simple, alternate, spirally-arranged, mostly crowded
together at the ends of the branches. Flowers in terminal
corymbs.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2 | 10
11. Thechi, West Indian jasmine or Jungle geranium
• Scientific Name : Ixora coccinia
• Common Name : Thetti, Thechi or West Indian jasmine
or Jungle geranium
• Family : Rubiaceae
This is an evergreen shrub that grows to less than 8 feet.
Flowers are in cymose recemes; generally brick-red to yellow in
color. Thetti is also a sacred plant and used in temple rituals. It is
a widely grown garden plant; leaves are simple and dark green;
has extensive use in Ayurvedic medicines.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 11
12. Kashithetti, Savam-nari, Madagascar periwinkle
• Scientific Name : Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)
• Common Name : Kashithetti, Nithya Kalyani or
Madagascar periwinkle
• Family : Apocynaceae
It is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant growing 1 m tall.
It is an herb that bears white or pink flowers on all seasons.
Leaves are small, simple and green; fruits paired follicles (2 to 4
cm long). Periwinkle contains alkaloids of medicinal values and
cultivated in large scale.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 12
13. Bleeding heart, Glory bower, Kadalapoovu
• Scientific Name : Clerodendrum thomsonae
• Common Name : Bleeding heart, Glory bower,
Kadalapoovu
• Family : Verbenaceae
It is an evergreen liana growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall, with ovate to
oblong leaves 8–17 cm (3–7 in) cm long. Related to the beauty-
berry bush and lantana, this vine is powerful in color. The white
calyx's and scarlet flowers would make even the most drab tree
glorious. They bloom sporadically Spring through Fall with the
heaviest concentration of bloom in the Summer. It holds itself by
wrapping around any support it can reach, so once started,
further training is not needed. It is often grown in pots as a
standalone plant.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 13
14. Mandaram or Dwarf white bauhinia
• Scientific Name : Bauhinia acuminata
• Common Name : Mandaram or Dwarf white bauhinia
• Family : Fabaceae
It is a garden grown plant that grow only up two meters in
height. Generally dwarf bauhinias bear white shiny flowers on all
seasons; flowers are with five petals; leaves camel-foot shaped
and broad, fruits are pods (15 cm in length and 1.5 cm broad;
bear 6 to 10 seeds.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 14
15. Kongini or bendhi or Pot-marigold plant
• Scientific Name : Calendula officianalis
• Common Name : Kongini or bendhi or Pot-marigold
plant
• Family : Austeraceae
Calendula officinalis is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous
perennial, growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall, with sparsely branched
lax or erect stems. The plant is a weak stemmed annual herb with
compound dark green leaves; it is widely grown for its aromatic
and beautiful flowers (inflorescence with outer layer of petals
forming the colorful part); aromatic compounds and dyes
extracted from flowers.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 15
16. Mulla or Jasmine
• Scientific Name : Jasminum grandiflorum
• Common Name : Mulla, Malli or Jasmine
• Family : Oleaceae
It is a scrambling deciduous shrub growing to 2–4 m tall. This is
one of the most popular flowers for its enchanting fragrance;
flowers are white, five petalled, with tubular stalk; leaves generally
simple and dark-green. About 200 species exist in this group.
Jasminum sambac has many petals (called chendu-mulla
meaning bouquet jasmine.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 16
17. Kanakambaram, Abuli or fire-cracker plant
• Scientific Name : Crossandra infundibuliformis
• Common Name : Kanakambaram, Abuli or fire-cracker
plant
• Family : Acanthaceae or Ruellia
It is an erect, evergreen subshrub growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) with
glossy, wavy-margined leaves and fan-shaped flowers, which
may appear at any time throughout the year. The plant is a very
popular flowering plant as its brightly colored flowers (blue to
golden yellow). This plant is a shrub with simple oval leaves and
its ripe fruits bearing pods burst when come in to contact with
water; hence a favorite game for rural children and gained it the
name fire-cracker plant
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 17
18. Thulasi or Holy basil plant
• Scientific Name : Ocimum tunnuiflorum or Ocimum
sanctum
• Common Name : Thulasi or Holy basil
• Family :Laminaceae
Holy basil is an erect, many-branched subshrub, 30–60 cm (12–
24 in) tall with hairy stems. Leaves are green or purple; they are
simple, petioled, with an ovate, up to 5 cm (2.0 in)-long blade
which usually has a slightly toothed margin; they are strongly
scented. It is an herb with medicianal values (about three feet in
height) with small aromatic simple leaves; flowers terminal
racemes.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 18
19. The sago cycas, King sago palm, Sago palm
• Scientific Name : Cycas revoluta
• Common Name : The sago cycas, King sago palm,
Sago palm
• Family : Cycadaceae
This very symmetrical plant supports a crown of shiny, dark green
leaves on a thick shaggy trunk that is typically about 20 cm (7.9
in) in diameter, sometimes wider. The trunk is very low to
subterranean in young plants, but lengthens above ground with
age. It can grow into very old specimens with 6–7 m (over 20
feet) of trunk; however, the plant is very slow-growing and
requires about 50–100 years to achieve this height. Trunks can
branch multiple times, thus producing multiple heads of leaves.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 19
20. Century plant, American aloe, Aanakaitha
• Scientific Name : Agave americana
• Common Name : Century plant, American aloe
• Family : Agavaceae
It has a spread around 6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m) with gray-green leaves
of 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) long, each with a prickly margin and a heavy
spike at the tip that can pierce deeply. Rosette of leaves to 3 m
wide from a short stout stem; roots fibrous. Leaves lanceolate,
rigid, grey-glaucous to light green, base sheathing, margins
toothed (to 1 cm); apical spines to 4 cm, brownish. Scape to 8 m;
bracts 3-angular, flower-bearing on upper third. Inflorescence of c.
25 umbellate clusters of flowers.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 20
21. Song of India, Pleomele, Reflexed Dracaena
• Scientific Name : Dracaena reflexa
• Common Name : Song of India, Pleomele, Reflexed
racaena
• Family : Dracaenaceae
Dracaena reflexa is a popular ornamental plant, both in the
landscape and the home. It may reach a height of 4–5 m, rarely 6
m in ideal, protected locations, D. reflexa is usually much smaller,
especially when grown as a houseplant. It is slow-growing and
upright in habit, tending to an oval shape with an open crown. It
can be enjoyed as a specimen plant, accent, or pruned to create
a border. Several cultivars have been selected, particularly
variegated clones with cream and yellow-green margins. It
performs well as a houseplant, tolerating infrequent waterings. It
prefers bright, filtered light, without direct sun exposure, restricted
outdoors.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 21
22. Croton, Kozhivalan
• Scientific Name : Codiaeum variegatum
• Common Name : Croton
• Family : Euphorbiaceae
It is an evergreen shrub growing to 3 m (9.8 ft) tall and has large,
thick, leathery, shiny evergreen leaves, alternately arranged, 5–30
cm (2.0–11.8 in) long and 0.5–8 cm (0.20–3.15 in) broad. The
croton appears to have it all: colorful foliage, nearly limitless leaf
forms and a cultish following. But these plants have a drawback—
they're difficult to please indoors. In their native habitats, crotons
like humid, warm conditions with dappled light and plentiful water.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 22
23. Giant Taro, Chembu, Eezhachembu
• Scientific Name : Alocasia macrorrhiza
• Common Name : Aanachembu, Aassamchembu,
Chembu, Eezhachembu,
Marenchembu, Pazhchembu
• Family : Araceae
Stout perennial herbs; stem horizontal or erect, 4-5 cm thick. The
whole plant can stand 12-15 ft (3.7-4.6 m) tall and spread 6-10 ft
(1.8-3.1 m) across. Leaves several, to 48 x 33 cm; ovate, acute,
proximal lobes rounded; nerves to 8 pairs, lowest pair bear the
lateral nerves of the lobes, intercostae parallel, joining at the
middle. Peduncle to 30 cm long, stout; spathe to 28 cm long,
constricted at middle, yellowish green; spadix to 20 cm long,
cylindrical, 1-1.5 cm thick, continuous.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 23
25. Aambal or Water-lily
• Scientific Name : Nymphaea nouchali
• Common Name : Aambal or Water-lily
• Family : Nymphaeaceae
The plant is known by many names like water lily, star-lotus,
Nymphaea stellataetc. It is an aquatic plant with stem submerged
in the ground and long petiole holding flat round leaves above
water level. Their size is about 20–23 cm and their spread is 0.9
to 1.8 m. Water-lily flowers are brightly coloured from red to blue;
many petalled and float over water surface.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 25
26. Thamara, Kamalam, Padmam or Indian lotus
• Scientific Name : Nelumbo nucifera
• Common Name : Thamara, Kamalam, Padmam or
Indian lotus
• Family : Nelumbonaceae
It is an aquatic plant that grows in fresh water lakes and ponds
with stem buried in the ground. The plant normally grows up to a
height of about 150 cm and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters,
but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5
meters. The leaves may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while
the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter. Lotus leaves
are round and floats on water connected to the stem with long
stalks. Flowers are fragrant and have many red to white colored
petals. Lotus is a sacred flower by Hindus and goddess.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 26
28. Jathimalli or Common jasmine or Poet’s jasmine
• Scientific Name : Jasminum officinale
• Common Name : Pitchi, Jathimalli or Common jasmine
or Poet’s jasmine
• Family : Oleaceae
Common jasmine can grow upto 15-30 ft (4.5 – 9m) Semi
evergreen or deciduous climbing shrub, produces a large flush of
bountiful clusters of 3-5 fragnant flowers.A weak stemmed climber
plant that bears extremely aromatic white flower clusters; this
plant’s leaves, roots and flowers have medicinal value. Leaves
are pinnately compound with seven leaflets with a larger one at
the tip.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 28
29. Kulamariyan, Madhumalti or Chinese creeper
• Scientific Name : Quisqualis indica
• Common Name : Kulamariyan, Madhumalti or Rangoon
or Chinese creeper
• Family : Combretaceae
The Rangoon creeper is a ligneous vine that can reach from 2.5
meters to up to 8 meters. The leaves are elliptical with an
acuminate tip and a rounded base. They grow from 7 to 15
centimeters and their arrangement is opposite. The flowers are
fragrant and tubular and their color varies from white to pink to
red.The plant is an invasive, spiny creeper that grows wild and
spread quick covering the whole area by producing roots and
fresh spouts from creeping stem. Its inflorescences are pendent,
flowers five petalled, rich in honey with a tubular stalks; appear
white when freshly blown and turns red by passing of the day.
Leaves of this plant are used as anti-worm potion.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 29
30. Mexican creeper, Queen’s wreath or Coral vine
• Scientific Name : Antigonon leptopus
• Common Name : Kadaladi, Mexican creeper, Rosa De
Montana, Queen’s wreath or Coral vine
• Family : Polygonaceae
Antigonon leptopus is a fast-growing climbing vine that holds via
tendrils, and is able to reach 25 ft or more in length. The plant is a
tendril-climber that grows wild it is invasive and troublesome. Its
profuse flowers that grow in beautiful inflorescences are capable
to make it a garden plant blush. Its flexible stem is used to make
baskets by the tribal people.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 30
31. Asparagus fern, Lace fern, Climbing asparagus
• Scientific Name : Asparagus setaceus
• Common Name : Asparagus fern, Lace fern, Climbing
asparagus, or Ferny asparagus
• Family : Liliaceae
Herbs, stems climbing, much branched, to several meters upto 10
- 12 feet, slightly woody near base; branches spreading
horizontally, with branchlets and cladodes arranged in one plane,
frond-like. Cladodes in fascicles of 10-13, 4-5 mm, very slender,
slightly trigonous. Leaf spur short, occasionally spinescent on
main stems. Flowers solitary or in clusters of 2 or 3; pedicel short,
articulate at middle.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 31
32. Nagavalli, Pambuvalli, Snake Climber
• Scientific Name : Bauhinia scandens
• Common Name : Nagavalli, Pambuvalli, Snake Climber,
Snake Bauhinia
• Family : Fabaceae/Leguminosae
Snake Climber is a large, woody liana, gets its name from the
snake-like twists of its stem. Another name, monkey-ladder
comes from the flattened parts of the stem with indentations that
look like steps. Branches are cylindric when young, flattened
when old, forming "monkey ladders.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 32
33. Golden pothos, Money plant, Silver vine
• Scientific Name : Epipremnum aureum
• Common Name : Golden pothos, hunter's robe,
ivy arum, money plant, silver vine,
Solomon Islands ivy and taro vine
• Family : Araceae
E. aureum is an evergreen vine growing to 20 m (66 ft) tall, with
stems up to 4 cm (2 in) in diameter, climbing by means of aerial
roots which adhere to surfaces. The leaves are alternate, heart-
shaped, entire on juvenile plants, but irregularly pinnatifid on
mature plants, up to 100 cm (39 in) long and 45 cm (18 in) broad;
juvenile leaves are much smaller, typically under 20 cm (8 in)
long. The flowers are produced in a spathe up to 23 cm (9 in)
long.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 33
35. Alari, Ezhachampakam, Calachuchi, Frangipani
• Scientific Name : Plumeria rubra
• Common Name : Calachuchi, Frangipani, Alari,
Ezhachampakam, Velachampakam
• Family :Apocynaceae
Deciduous trees, grows upto to 10 m high. It grows as a
spreading tree to 7–8 m (23–26 ft) high and wide, and is flushed
with fragrant flowers of shades of pink, white and yellow over the
summer and autumn. Leaves simple, alternate spiral, clustered;
latex milky, estipulate; petiole 6-8 cm long, stout.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 35
36. Chempakam or Joy-perfume tree
• Scientific Name : Michelia chempaca
• Common Name : Chempakam or Joy-perfume tree
• Family : Magnoliaceae
In its native range Magnolia champaca grows to 50 metres (160
ft) or taller. Its trunk can be up to 1.9 metres (6.2 ft) in diameter.
The tree has a narrow umbelliform crown. The flowers are cup
shaped and fleshy; as a primitive feature petals and sepals
undistinguished (these parts are called tepals); flowers highly
fragrant hence used as room fresheners; perfumes are extracted
from its flowers.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 36
37. Mula, Muncha, Mungil, Bamboo
• Scientific Name : Bambusa bambos
• Common Name : Mula, Muncha, Mungil, Bamboo
• Family : Poaceae/Gramineae
Culms from a thick stoloniferous rhizome, erect, to 30 m tall
and10-20 cm across; culm sheaths broadly triangular, densely
brownish-hairy within, and scattered hairy without. Leaves to 20
cm long; sheaths to 12 x .2 cm, linear, glabrous; ligule short,
entire; petiole short. Inflorescence a compound panicle with the
spikelets in heads.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 37
38. Lady of the Night, Night blooming Cereus
• Scientific Name : Epiphyllum oxypetalum
• Common Name : Dutchman's Pipe, Lady of the Night,
Night blooming Cereus
• Family : Dracaenaceae
It is a species of cactus and one of the most cultivated species in
the genus. E. oxypetalum blooms rarely and only at night, and its
flowers wilt before dawn. Stems are erect, ascending, scandent,
or sprawling and profusely branched. Primary stems are terete,
up through 6 m long, flattened laterally, and ligneous at their
bases. Unarmed; primary stems terete, laterals flat, to 30 x 10
cm, elliptic-acuminate, green, margins undulate-crenate. Flowers
campanulate, to 30 x 15 cm, nocturnal, nodding; tube to 20 x 1
cm, longer than limb; scales numerous, near apex.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 38
39. Kanikkonna or golden-shower tree
• Scientific Name: Cassia fistula
• Common Name: Kanikkonna or golden-shower tree
• Family: Fabaceae
The golden shower tree is a medium-sized tree, growing to 10–
20 m (33–66 ft) tall with fast growth. The plant is the State of
Kerala’s official flower, as the name denotes its flowers are
golden-yellow and grown in long pendent inflorescence. The
‘golden shower tree’ produces flowers early and considered as a
clarion-call of the arrival of Vishu or Vaishakh a festival of flowers.
A fully blown golden shower tree is a treat to the eye of the
beholder and the fallen petals on the ground gives it the name
‘golden-shower’ tree.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 39
40. Ashokam, Galasoka, Anganapriya ,Ashoka tree
• Scientific Name : Saraca ashoca
• Common Name : Ashokam, Galasoka, Anganapriya or
Ashoka tree
• Family : Caesalpiniacea
The ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original distribution was in the
central areas of the Deccan plateau, as well as the middle section
of the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the Indian
subcontinent.The plant is a holy tree for Indians; leaves flowers
etc are extensively used in the preparations of Ayurvedic
medicins. Ashoka plant bears beautiful scarlet colored flowers on
all seasons and is widely grown in front of Indian houses. Ashoka
gives dark shades in hot seasons for rest and recoup of the
members of the family and hence called ‘Angana-priya’ (darling of
the front-yard).
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 40
41. Cannon ball tree, Nagalingamaram
• Scientific Name : Couroupita guianensis
• Common Name : Cannon ball tree, Nagalingamaram
• Family : Lecythidaceae
Couroupita guianensis is a tree that reaches heights of up to 35
metres (110 ft). The leaves, which occur in clusters at the ends of
branches, are usually 8 to 31 centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long,
but can reach lengths of up to 57 centimeters (22 inches). The
flowers are born in racemes up to 80 centimeters (31 inches)
long. Some trees flower profusely until the entire trunk is covered
with racemes. One tree can hold as many as 1000 flowers per
day.
Indigenous planting and Kitchen Garden species| ALDS 01 | P2| 41
42. KITCHEN GARDEN & HERBS
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 42
44. Chakka (Jack fruit)
• Scientific Name : Artocarpus heterophyllus
• Common Name : Chakka (Jack fruit)
• Family : Moraceae
Plavu is a large evergreen spreading tree known for the
largest tree borne fruit in the world. Jack fruit tree is mostly
seen in the tropical lowlands and mainly in Kerala. This fruits is
large and fleshy and are covered with thorny tubercles. Unripe
fruits can also be cooked. The seeds may be boiled or baked.
There are a number of varieties of jackfruits, the honey-jack
(muttan varikka/thaen varikka) is considered the sweetest and
the best in its Family. The flesh is starchy and fibrous and
provides energy. Jack fruit tree is used in the treatment of
various diseases such as vitiated vata, pitta, diarrhea, and skin
disease, urinary retention and general weakness. The timber of
the tree is used for making furniture as it is termite-proof.
Almost of all the Parts can be Utilized.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 44
45. Kaithachakka (Pine Apple)
• Scientific Name :Ananas comosus
• Common Name : Kaithachakka (Pine Apple)
• Family :Bromeliaceae
This fruit is seen in most of the parts of India Especially in
Kerala. The peculiarity of this fruit is that it it contains small
throwns. For eating this fruit you have to remove the outer
layer containing throwns. This fruit has a taste of sour and
sweetness also. This is good for digestion and it is mostly used
as juice. This is cultivated large scale in many places in Kerala.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 45
46. • Scientific Name : Mangifera indica
• Common Name : Manga (Mango)
• Family :Anacardiaceae
Mango is known as the king of fruits, is one of the most
popular of the tropical fruit varieties. Mango has undergone
considerable varietal differentiation. In India alone, over 100
named varieties are known. Apart from these, millions of
seedling trees grow throughout the country, each of which has
its own distinctive characteristics. A major portion of mango
trees in Kerala are of seedling origin. Tender and mature but
unripe mangoes are extensively used for making pickles. Ripe
fruits are eaten as such. A variety of products are made out of
this. They are canned mango slices, mango pulp, jam, juice,
custard powder, ready to serve mango beverages, toffees etc
are these.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 46
Manga (Mango)
47. • Scientific Name :Carica papaya
• Common Name : Omaikka (Papaya)
• Family :Caricaceae
The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya. It is a very
large plant and has a single stem that grows to a height of
around 5 to 10 meters tall. The leaves are seen only in the top
of the trunk and are arranged in a attractive spiral manner. The
ripe fruit is eaten whereas the unripe fruit of papaya is cooked
and eaten. They are used to make curries, salads and stews. It
has high amount of pectin in it that can be used to make jellies
also. Some of the various uses of papaya are that it is used as
a cooking aid, in medicine etc
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 47
Omaikka (Papaya)
48. • Scientific Name : Musa spp.
• Common Name : Vazha (Banana)
• Family :Musaceae
Banana is also a main attraction of kerala. About 50-60 tonns
of bananas is exported from Kerala every day. a lot of varieties
are available in the market with different colours, sizes and
taste. The popular varieties include palayankodan,
sahasrapadali, ayiram poovan, poovan, nenthran,
kumpillaannan, malayannan, thottannan, kadali, rasakadali
(njaalipoovan), chenkadali (kappa), kaliyethan, chengali,
aattunenthran, pachakkappa, robesta, matti, padatti, peyan,
monthan, annan etc. The colours are yellow, purple and red.
Ripe bananas are very sweet and they can be eaten whereas
unripe can cooked. The banana plant’s trunk when peeled has
a tender core which is edible when cooked. Similarly the flower
is also used for delicious dishes. Banana leaves are often used
as plates or disposable food containers where people consider
it as a plate to have their food on this leaf. It is also an old
Trtadition of kerala.Taking banana helps to reduce the risk of
colorectal cancer and breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma in
women.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 48
Vazha (Banana)
49. Seethaappazham (Custard Apple)
• Scientific Name : Annona reticulata
• Common Name : Seethaappazham (Custard Apple)
• Family :Annonaceae
This is another fruit that is common in Kerala villages and very
tasty also. This fruit comes from the tree atha. This fruit is
almost size compared to apple. It contains a lot of seeds
coated with edible white portion .This fruit is very tasty and
posses medicinal qualities. Now, It is disapperaring from the
society
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 49
50. • Scientific Name :Anacardium occidentale
• Common Name : Kasumanga (Cashew Fruit)
• Family :Anacardiaceae
The cashew is a tree which is native to northeastern Brazil. It
is plenty in Kerala. We Export it to other countries. They are
grown mainly for the cashew nuts and cashew apples. While
processing cashew we obtain the cashew nutshell liquid which
is rich in anacardic acids. This can be used effectively against
tooth problems as they are harmful to the gram-positive
bacteria. They also act best against many other gram-positive
bacteria. The cashew nut is a favourite snack of all and they
are consumed as such or lightly salted or sugared
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 50
Kasumanga (Cashew Fruit)
51. • Scientific Name : Syzygium cumini
• Common Name : Njaval (Black Plum)
• Family :Myrtaceae
The fruit is known for its sweet, sour and astringent flavor. It is
a large evergreen tree with white fragrant flowers and black
fruit with pink juicy pulp. This fast growing tree lives for more
than 100 years. The wood is strong and is water resistant.
Because of this it is used in railway sleepers and to install
motors in wells. This tree starts to flower in the months March
to April every year. The The fruit is green and changes to a
pink to shining black colour when it matures.. The seed has
medicinal values and is used in ayurveda to control diseases
like diabetes and also for digestive ailments. The leaves and
bark are also useful for controlling blood pressure. Wine and
vinegar are also made from the fruit. It is a high source of
vitamin A and vitamin C.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 51
Njaval (Black Plum)
52. • Scientific Name : Pithecellobium dulce
• Common Name : Kodukappuli (Manila Tamarind)
• Family : Fabaceae
An apple a day keeps a doctor away’ may be modified thus ‘A
kodukappuli a day may indeed keep pain away’. This is an
evergreen tree which grows very fast and has a crooked trunk
with small branches that arise from the base of the leaves. The
flowers are greenish white in colour, fragrant and it produces
pod with an edible pulp. The liquid obtained by boiling the bark
can be used for the curing frequent bowel movement.
Decoctions of leaves are used for digestion problems and used
as abortifacient. The hard timber is used for various purposes
such as for construction, packing cases, making fences, cart
building and agricultural tools etc.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 52
Kodukappuli (Manila Tamarind)
53. • Scientific Name : Phyllanthus emblica
• Common Name : Sheema nelli (Star gooseberry)
• Family : Phyllanthaceae
Indigenous fruit trees like Sheema nelli that does not require
much care and attention is a boon to every households. The
tree often bears fruit twice a year, the first during April to May
and then during August-September also. Star gooseberry fruit
is known to contain extremely high amounts of natural vitamin
C which is an antioxidant with potent anti-ageing properties. It
has only one seed in each fruit. The flowers are male, female
or hermaphrodite and are small, pinkish in colour and appear in
cluster.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 53
Sheema nelli (Star gooseberry)
54. • Scientific Name : Psidium guajava
• Common Name : Perakaya (Guava)
• Family : Myrtaceae
Guava trees are small shrubby evergreen trees, with a lot of
strong bony like branches found in kerala. the main variety of
guava cultivated and sold here is the apple guava. The fruits
are fleshy and have a sweet taste. This fruit is rich in proteins,
carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin
B3, vitamin B4. Natural propagation is by birds and small
animals. Different parts of the tree have medicinal properties.
The decoction of the leaves and bark of this tree are sued for
treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting
and sore throats, and also for regulating the menstrual cycles.
The crushed leaves used when applied on wounds relieves
pain.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 54
Perakaya (Guava)
55. • Scientific Name : Syzygium samarangense
• Common Name : Champakka ( Rose Apple)
• Family : Myrtaceae
It is one of the most commonly seen fruit in Kerala. It is white
when it is not ripen. It turns rose and then red as it ripe. You
can eat it even if it is not ripen, but it will be slightly sour. This
fruit bearing tree grows a maximum of 6 - 7 meters. The fruit
has seeds inside which is bitter in taste. Even though its juice is
not common it is also very tasty.
Champakka ( Rose Apple)
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 55
56. • Scientific Name : Zizyphus jujuba
• Common Name : Jujube ( Elantha)
• Family : Rhamnaceae
It is a small deciduous tree or shrub reaching a height of 5–12
metres (16–39 ft), usually with thorny branches. The leaves are
shiny-green, ovate-acute, 2–7 centimetres (0.79–2.76 in) long
and 1–3 centimetres (0.39–1.18 in) wide, with three
conspicuous veins at the base, and a finely toothed margin.
The flowers are small, 5 mm (0.20 in) wide, with five
inconspicuous yellowish-green petals. The fruitis an edible
oval drupe 1.5–3 centimetres (0.59–1.18 in) deep; when
immature it is smooth-green, with the consistency and taste of
an apple, maturing brown to purplish-black, and eventually
wrinkled, looking like a small date. There is a single hard seed
similar to an olive pit.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 56
Jujube ( Elantha)
57. • Scientific Name : Citrus reticulata
• Common Name : Mandarin (Orange)
• Family :Rutaceae
The orange is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus × sinensis in
the family Rutaceae. It is also called sweet orange, to
distinguish it from the related Citrus × aurantium, referred to
as bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually
(apomixis through nucellar embryony); varieties of sweet
orange arise through mutations.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 57
Mandarin (Orange)
58. • Scientific Name : Citrus decumana
• Common Name : Pomelo (Bamplimas)
• Family : Rutaceae
Typically, the fruit is pale green to yellow when ripe, with sweet
white (or, more rarely, pink or red) flesh, and a very thick
albedo (rind pith). It is a large citrus fruit, 15–25 centimetres
(5.9–9.8 in) in diameter, usually weighing 1–2 kilograms (2.2–
4.4 lb). Leaf petioles are distinctly winged.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 58
Pomelo (Bamplimas)
59. • Scientific Name :Cocos nucifera
• Common Name : Coconut( Thengu)
• Family :Arecaceae
Cocos nucifera is a large palm, growing up to 30 m (98 ft) tall,
with pinnate leaves 4–6 m (13–20 ft) long, and pinnae 60–
90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly, leaving
the trunk smooth. Coconuts are generally classified into two
general types: tall and dwarf.[7] On fertile soil, a tall coconut
palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often
yields less than 30, mainly due to poor cultural
practices.[8][9][10]Given proper care and growing conditions,
coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, taking
15 – 20 years to reach peak production.
Coconut( Thengu)
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 59
61. • Scientific Name :Solanum melongena
• Common Name : Brinjal (Vazhuthana)
• Family :Solanaceae
It grows 40 to 150 cm (1.3 to 4.9 ft) tall, with large, coarsely
lobed leaves that are 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) long and 5 to
10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) broad. Semiwild types can grow much
larger, to 225 cm (7.38 ft) with large leaves over 30 cm (12 in)
long and 15 cm (5.9 in) broad. On wild plants, the fruit is less
than 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter, but much larger in cultivated
forms: 30 cm (12 in) or more in length.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 61
Brinjal (Vazhuthana)
62. • Scientific Name :Lycopersicon esculentum
• Common Name :Tomato (Thakkali)
• Family :Solanaceae
It is one of the most commonly seen fruit in Kerala. It is white
when it is not ripen. It turns rose and then red as it ripe. You
can eat it even if it is not ripen, but it will be slightly sour. This
fruit bearing tree grows a maximum of 6 - 7 meters. The fruit
has seeds inside which is bitter in taste. Even though its juice is
not common it is also very tasty.
Tomato (Thakkali)
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 62
63. • Scientific Name :Capsicum annuum
• Common Name : Chilli (Mulaku)
• Family :Solanaceae
Although the species name annuum means “annual” (from
the Latin annus “year”), the plant is not an annual and in the
absence of winter frosts can survive several seasons and grow
into a large perennial shrub. The single flowers are an off-white
(sometimes purplish) color while the stem is densely branched
and up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. The fruit are berries that may be
green, yellow or red when ripe. While the species can tolerate
most climates, C. annuum is especially productive in warm and
dry climates.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 63
Chilli (Mulaku)
64. • Scientific Name :Amaranthus spp,
• Common Name : Amaranthus (Cheera)
• Family :Amaranthaceae
Usually it grows to a size of 80–120 cm. It has both green and
red varieties, as well as some with mixed colors. The green
variety is practically indistinguishable from Amaranthus viridis.It
flowers from summer to fall in the tropics, but can flower
throughout the year in subtropical conditions. It is
a ruderal species, usually found in waste places or disturbed
habitats.Amaranthus dubius is considered to be a
morphologically deviant allopolyploid. It is very close
genetically to Amaranthus spinosus and
other Amaranthus species.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 64
Amaranthus (Cheera)
65. • Scientific Name :Lagenaria siceraria
• Common Name : Churakka (Bottle gourd)
• Family :Cucurbitaceae
Annual, climber or trailer. Tendril 2-fid. Stem densely hairy.
Leaves palmate, broadly ovate, reniform or sub-orbicular,
cordate, obscurely 3-5-lobed, lobes rounded, 3.0-23 x 4-23 cm;
petiole 2.7-13 cm long with a pair of small apical lateral conical
glands. Both male and female flowers solitary; male peduncle
as long as petiole, female somewhat shorter. Corolla white,
petals of male flower obovate, apiculate, 2.7-4.5 cm long, 1.8-
3.7 cm broad. Staminal filaments 3-4 mm long; anthers oblong,
coherent, included; thecae triplicate. Petals of female flowers c.
30 x 24 mm. Ovary ovoid, villous, 11-17 mm long, 6-8 mm
across. Fruit large, subglobose, ellipsoid, lageniform,
sometimes biventricose, green or greenish-yellow, hairy,
indehiscent. Seeds white, oblong, compressed, slightly
tapered, slightly 2-horned on the shoulders, 7-20 mm long.
Churakka (Bottle gourd)
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 65
66. • Scientific Name :Abelmoschus esculentus
• Common Name : Okra ( Venda)
• Family :Malvaceae
The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in
temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft)
tall. It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus.
The leavesare 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) long and broad,
palmately lobed with 5–7 lobes. The flowers are 4–8
centimetres (1.6–3.1 in) in diameter, with five white to yellow
petals, often with a red or purple spot at the base of each petal.
The fruit is a capsule up to 18 centimetres (7.1 in) long
with pentagonal cross-section, containing numerous seeds.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 66
Okra ( Venda)
67. • Scientific Name :Momordica charantia
• Common Name :Bitter gourd (Paval)
• Family :Cucurbitaceae
This herbaceous, tendril-bearing vine grows up to 5 m (16 ft) in
length. It bears simple, alternate leaves 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in)
across, with three to seven deeply separated lobes. Each plant
bears separate yellow male and female flowers. In the
Northern Hemisphere, flowering occurs during June to July and
fruiting during September to November.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 67
Bitter gourd (Paval)
68. • Scientific Name :Canavalia gladiata
• Common Name : Sword bean (Valaringa)
• Family :Fabaceae
Canavalia gladiata, usually called sword bean, is a
domesticated plant species in the legume (Fabaceae) family.
The legume is a used as a vegetable in interiors of central and
south central India, though not commercially farmed. In Telugu
it is called chamma kaya also called Tammi kaya. In Tamil it is
called valavaraik-kay or valavaran-gai which means, the
vegetable that looks like a sword. In Khmer, it is
called sânndaèk triës The fruits are eaten as a vegetable in
Africa and Asia.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 68
Sword bean (Valaringa)
69. • Scientific Name :Phaseolus vulgaris
• Common Name : French bean (Beans)
• Family :Fabaceae
Bush beans are short plants, growing to not more than 2 feet
(61 cm) in height, often without requiring supports. They
generally reach maturity and produce all of their fruit in a
relatively short period of time, then cease to produce. Due to
this concentrated production and ease of mechanized
harvesting, bush-type beans are those most often grown on
commercial farms. Bush green beans are usually cultivars of
the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 69
French bean (Beans)
70. GROUND COVER & LAWN
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 70
72. • Scientific Name : Geranium macrorrhizum
• Common Name : Bigroot Geranium
• Family :Geraniaceae
This old fashioned tough and aggressive perennial ground
cover is a good choice for gardeners who want to grow low
maintenance plants. The plant barely grows up to 1-1.5 feet tall
and loves the sun. Blooms appear when the weather warms up
in colors like pink, red or pale pink with interesting variegated
foliage. You can also plant it in groups under the trees, the
bigroot geranium is a drought tolerant plant and best grown in
temperates under USDA Zones 4 to 8b.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 72
Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
73. • Scientific Name : Lamium maculatum
• Common Name :Spotted Dead Nettle
• Family : Lamiaceae
Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is notable for both its
variegated foliage and its dense clusters of flowers, which
appear in a variety of colors, including white, pink and purple
(depending on the cultivar). This low growing plant can be
grown diversely in different climates (USDA Zones 3-10),
providing it cool, moist soil and shade to part shade. However,
it must be noted that dead nettle can be invasive and
considered as a weed by many gardeners.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 73
Spotted Dead Nettle
74. • Scientific Name : Portulaca grandiflora
• Common Name : Moss Rose (Portulaca)
• Family : Portulacaceae
This pretty little plant with needle-like foliage and tiny colorful
flowers looks absolutely stunning. It is an annual or perennial
(*in warm tropical and subtropical climates) ground cover that
spreads densely. The blooms come in yellow, pink, red, white,
orange and many more colors. Moss rose is very tolerant of
poor conditions and dry soil.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 74
Moss Rose (Portulaca)
75. • Scientific Name :Helianthemum greenei
• Common Name :Helianthemum
• Family :Cistaceae
Also called ‘Sun Rose’ or ‘Rock Rose’, this subshrub comes
from the family Cistaceae and barely grows up to 1 feet tall.
Providing a well-drained soil and full sun (part shade in warmer
climates) it blooms happily. The showy flowers of this genus
come in shades of orange, pink, yellow, scarlet, and white.
There are some varieties available that bloom for a long
time from spring to fall (autumn). Grows in USDA Zones 5-9,
this plant usually dies back in the colder regions when the
winter perks up, whereas in warmer zones it remains
evergreen.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 75
Helianthemum
76. • Scientific Name : Liriope muscari
• Common Name : Lilyturf (Liriope)
• Family : Asparagaceae
Lilyturf is neither a grass nor a lily. This showy and tough
groundcover has lush and deep green, grass-like foliage
ordered in slightly upright tufts. Spikes of violet or lavender
color flowers appear from late summer until the fall. Lilyturf
(USDA Zones 6-10) requires full sun in colder regions but in
warm subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it in dappled
shade. It can be grown between tall shrubs and underneath the
canopy of trees, also use it for edging walkways or as and a
low border accent. Liriope ‘Muscari’ and Liriope ‘Spicata’ are
two most popular varieties.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 76
Lilyturf (Liriope)
77. • Scientific Name : Galium odoratum
• Common Name : Sweet Woodruff
• Family : Rubiaceae
Sweet woodruff is an excellent ground cover if you want to add
fragrance to your garden. Grows best in part shade to full
shade and on well-drained soil, this plant can grow up to a
height of only 8-10 inches (When in bloom). It starts to bloom
prolifically from mid-spring, sweet woodruff leaves also release
fragrance when crushed.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 77
Sweet Woodruff
78. • Scientific Name : Thymus serpyllum
• Common Name : Creeping Thyme
• Family : Lamiaceae
Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing aromatic flowering herb that is
perennial and hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Just like other thyme
varieties it is edible too. This tiny plant barely grows up to 3
inches tall. It is deer resistant and an amazing alternative
of grasses.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 78
Creeping Thyme
79. • Scientific Name :Cotula coronopifolia
• Common Name : Brass Button
• Family :Asteraceae
If you’re searching for a lawn substitute on which you can set foot
without thinking much then consider growing brass button. It also
forms yellow-golden flowers that appear from spring to summer.
Brass buttons are hardy in USDA Zones 5-10 (but evergreen only
in Zone 8-10), growing in temperates to subtropical climates both.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 79
Brass Button
80. • Scientific Name : Phlox stolonifera
• Common Name : Creeping Phlox
• Family : Asteraceae
This ground cover has pleasant flowers that appear in pastel
hues. Growing this sturdy, low-maintenance plant is possible in
USDA Zones 3-8, it is the plant that can be used in landscaping to
hide the unsightly slope or other difficult areas as it rambles
between rocks or cascades down. It can also be used as
a bordering plant around the flowerbeds.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 80
Creeping Phlox
81. • Scientific Name : Sedum dasyphyllum
• Common Name : Sedum
• Family : Crassulaceae
The genus ‘Sedum’ has a diverse group of ornamental
succulent plants, you can grow low growing sedums as a
ground cover in full sun and well-drained soil. Yellow flowers
appear in summer. The best thing about sedums is there are
about 400 species of them around the world that can be grown
diversely in every climate.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 81
Sedum
82. • Scientific Name : Campanula Portenschlagiana
• Common Name :Dalmatian bellflower
• Family : Campanulaceae
Campanula portenschlagiana or ‘Dalmatian Bellflower’ is a
beautiful annual or perennial plant that forms a mat of small
rounded leaves. The flowers are star-shaped, blue-purple in
color that blooms from spring through summer. Relatively cold
hardy but requires shelter when temperature dips below much.
It grows in full sun and in the part shade too, on a fairly loose,
well drained and alkaline soil.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 82
Dalmatian bellflower
84. • Scientific Name :Stenotaphrum secundatum
• Common Name : St. Augustine Grass, Buffalo grass,
Centipede grass
• Family :Poaceae
Coarse textured grass, Suitable for shady situation, requires
frequent watering. St. Augustine grass is a warm-season lawn
grass that is popular for cultivation in tropical and subtropical
regions. It is a medium- to high-maintenance grass that forms a
thick, carpetlike sod, crowding out most weeds and other
grasses. It’s a dark green grass with broad, flat blades. It
spreads by aboveground stolons, commonly known as
"runners", and forms a dense layer.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 84
St. Augustine Grass
85. • Scientific Name : Cynodon dactylon
• Common Name : Scutch grass, Bermuda grass,
Hariyali, Arugu, Doob grass
• Family :Poaceae
Medium fine textured grass, Suitable for open sunny location;
drought resistant. The blades are a grey-green color and are
short, usually 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) long with rough edges.
The erect stems can grow 1–30 cm (0.39–11.81 in) tall. The
stems are slightly flattened, often tinged purple in colour.
Cynodon dactylon is widely cultivated in warm climates all over
the world.
Indigenous plant species and Kitchen Garden| ALDS 01 | P2| 85
Scutch grass, Bermuda grass