THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2024
Meliston Fernandes
Goa, with its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, transforms into a vibrant paradise during the rainy season. The monsoon showers breathe life into the flora, making the region a hotspot for a variety of wildflowers that add splashes of color to the surroundings. These wildflowers not only enhance the beauty of Goa's landscapes but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. They support a variety of insects and other wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. The blooming of these flowers during the monsoon also attracts tourists, nature photographers, and botanists, highlighting Goa's natural heritage.
“Wildflowers are good for pollinators like bees, wasps and butterflies. Goa being a part of the Western Ghats are blessed with a variety of small, mini and some large wild flowers. Goa is home to a rare flower Dipcadi goenensis, discovered by Dr Ashish Prabhugaonkar, a Goan botanist. The once in 7 years flower, Karvi flowered the last year and the year before. The entire hill gets covered in a blanket of purple. There are insectivorous flowers like Drosera indica and Utricularia that control insect population on the plateaus and grasslands and when the season is over they add to the biochemistry of the soil. Certain wild flowers find their place in ethno botanic practices,” says Dr Maryanne Lobo, an Ayurvedic physician and nature lover who conducts plant trails teaching people about plants and ethnobotany of the region.
The Football Lily, scientifically known as Globba marantina, is a captivating wildflower found in the lush landscapes of Goa. With its distinctive spherical blooms resembling miniature footballs, this unique flower adds a touch of oddness to the lush surroundings. Nestled among the rich greenery of Goa's forests and riverbanks, the Football Lily stands out with its vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking contrast against the greenery. “It is known as dancing ladies ginger as it produces beautiful flowers resembling dancing ladies. In traditional herbal medicine practices, various parts of the plant are sometimes used to treat ailments such as inflammation, pain and digestive issues. Ethno medicinally roots and leaves of Globba Marantina are claimed to be used in management of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, snake bite and conjunctivitis,” says Nidhi Raut Desai, from Assolda in Chandor.
Balsamina, commonly known as the Touch-me-not or Impatiens balsamina, is a charming wildflower species found scattered throughout the vibrant ecosystems of Goa. With its delicate, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white, Balsamina adds a touch of elegance to the verdant landscapes of the region. This dainty flower earned its nickname 'Touch-me-not' due to its unique seed pods that burst open at the slightest touch, dispersing seeds and captivating observers with its interactive nature. Found along riverbanks, forest edges, and garden borders, Balsamina thrives in Goa's tropical climate, attracting pollinators and delighting nature enthusiasts with its ephemeral beauty. “Various parts of this plant find their applications in traditional medicine, especially for treating skin disorders and ailments such as rheumatism, fractures. Juice extracted from plant leaves was used to cure warts and snake bite. Flower is used in treating burns. The seed is expectorant and has been used in treatment of cancer,” adds Nidhi Raut.
Wild til, also known as wild sesame, is a species of flowering plant that grows abundantly in the wild habitats of Goa. Scientifically known as Sesamum mulayanum, this plant is closely related to the cultivated sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) but grows in more natural, uncultivated environments. Wild til is characterized by its small white or pink flowers and slender, elongated seed pods containing tiny edible seeds. In Goa, it can be found in fields, along roadsides, and in other open areas with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight.
The Glory Lily, or Tiger Claws (Gloriosa superba), is a striking wildflower found in Goa, notable for its vibrant, flame-like flowers with recurved petals resembling tiger claws. This climbing plant, reaching up to 3-6 feet, thrives in Goa's warm, humid climate, preferring well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. It's a distinctive part of Goa's natural flora, admired for its beauty and occasionally used in traditional medicine, though caution is advised due to its toxicity. The Glory Lily enhances
the region's landscapes with its unique and dramatic appearance.
Commelina, also known as the Dayflower, is a fascinating wildflower species that graces the diverse landscapes of Goa with its unique blooms. Sporting delicate blue petals and distinctive
arrow-shaped leaves, Commelina adds a splash of color to the lush vegetation of the region. Often found along forest edges, riverbanks, and open fields, this resilient flower thrives in Goa's
tropical climate, showcasing its beauty throughout the year. Named after the Dutch botanists Johan
and Caspar Commelin, Commelina is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological significance.
Hill Turmeric, also known as Curcuma aromatica, is a remarkable wild plant species that thrives in the hills of Goa, adding both beauty and medicinal value to its surroundings. Growing amidst the lush foliage of the Western Ghats, this herbaceous perennial plant is cherished for its vibrant yellow flowers and aromatic rhizomes. As a close relative of the commonly known turmeric (Curcuma longa), Hill Turmeric shares similar properties, often used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Beyond its medicinal uses, the plant contributes to the ecological diversity of the region, attracting pollinators and enriching the soil with its organic matter.
Silver Cockscomb (Celosia argentea), while widely recognized as an ornamental garden plant, also grows as a wildflower in its native habitats, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. In the wild, it often thrives in open fields, grasslands, and along roadsides, where it can take advantage of sunny, well-drained areas. This resilience and adaptability allow the cockscomb to flourish without human cultivation, showcasing its beauty and hardiness in various natural settings.
“Celosia argentea plant shows different physiological effects because of different bioactive compounds present in it and therefore is widely used to cure several disorders such as fever, diarrhea, piles, bleeding nose, mouth sores, itching, wounds, jaundice and gonorrhea It has different pharmacological activity such as immunological activity, cytoprotective, inflammation, antioxidant, haematological, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antimitotic activity, hepatoprotective, anti-metastatic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diarrhead activity, gynecologic disorders, anti-urolithiatic, growth activity and also as disinfectant,” says Apurva Kankonkar, who has done a masters in Pharmacognosy.
Shampoo Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), also known as Awapuhi or Bitter Ginger, is a tropical plant found in Goa, renowned for its pinecone-shaped, fragrant inflorescences that exude a sudsy liquid used as a natural shampoo and conditioner. Thriving in humid, shaded environments with well-drained soil, Shampoo Ginger is not only valued for its practical uses in hair care but also for its medicinal properties and aesthetic appeal in gardens. “Rhizome of Z zerumbet has been broadly applied with significant remedial effects for the remedy of stomach pains, diarrhea, inflammation, flatulence, fever, poisoning, allergies, and bacterial infections. The powder form of rhizome could be applied for treatment of toothache, infections of ear and additionally in form of herbal tea for treating stomach disease. The cooked rhizome juice is an effective material for preventing worms in children” says Apurva.
The pagoda flower (Clerodendrum paniculatum), known for its stunning pyramid-shaped clusters of bright red or orange blooms, thrives in Goa's tropical climate. It is also called bishops crown because of its unique appearance. Reaching heights of 3-8 feet, this plant with large, heart-shaped leaves is popular in local gardens and landscaping due to its vibrant and exotic appearance. It flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with partial shade to full sunlight and requires regular watering without waterlogging. While generally resistant to pests, occasional care against aphids or spider mites is beneficial, making the pagoda flower a striking and manageable addition to Goa's horticultural scenery.
The rainy season in Goa is a time of renewal and vibrant growth. The wildflowers that bloom during this period are a testament to nature's resilience and beauty. Each flower adds its unique charm to the Goan landscape, making the monsoon an enchanting time to explore and appreciate the region's natural splendor.
