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Glorious! Superb!

This flower, Glory Lily, blooms around Ganesh Chaturthi. It is locally known as Gowri Hoovu (Gowri flower).



I was under the impression that this plant was a weed. We didn't plant it and I don't know how it came to be there. I noticed the plant about 2-3 years ago, when it bloomed for the first time. Since the flower is so unique, I decided to keep the plant.

Today's edition of the local newspaper carried an article on the flower. Gowri hoovu is called so, because, it is considered to be a special offering to the Goddess on the day of Gowri pooja (Ganesh Chaturthi eve, usually). What tickled me was the botanical name - Gloriosa superba . According to the article, the gora scientists exclaimed 'Glorious! Superb!' when they saw the flowers for the first time and decided to name the flower so!!

This tickled me so much that I decided to google it up. I couldn't locate the last bit of information ... maybe, it is a tall tale!!

However, I came across some other interesting bits. This plant, inspite of being poisonous, has several medicinal uses. And, quite surprisingly, it is a plant that is fighting for survival (must take care to preserve the one in our garden).

Another bit of news is that it is the national flower of Zimbabwe and the state flower of our neighbour- Tamil Nadu!
That's a little odd! Because, the flowers are red & yellow- the only two colours in Karnataka's flag ;)
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Comments

  1. Amit05 August, 2014

    Marathi name "Agnishikha" Flower

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Soumya05 August, 2014

      'Agnishikha'... Fiery crest.... such an apt name for this flower :)

      Delete

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