Sunday, August 30, 2009

Carissa congesta or Christ's Thorn



In Hindi, Carissa congesta is known as Karaunda. Edible fruits are used for pickles and medicines. This shrub is thorny. Fruits are also eatern by birds.

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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Bacopa monnieri or Thyme Leaved Gratiola


This succulent creeping herb is also knwon as Neer Brahmi. Pale blue or white flowers are short lived. Seen in moist places in dense mats. Plant is used in traditional medicine and is famous as 'memory booster'. Photographed on 17 May 09.

Alhagi pseudalhagi 090509b



This small plant is known in scientific nomenclature as Alhagi pseudalhagi. Quite a common thing, photographed on 9th May 09.

Abutilon indicum or Country Mallow








This wild plant, dominantly common, was photographed on 14 May 2009 in Sonepat. Leaves are quite soft and heart-shaped. Food plant of caterpillars. Used in medicines also.

Abrus precatorius or Crab-eyed Creeper


These beautiful seeds of Abrus precatorius (Crab-eyed Creeper) are toxic, though used for ornamental purposes, its green leaves are eaten with betal leaf. These photographs were taken in Sonepat, growing along a countryside road on 13 April 2009.