Andhra Pradesh- Jasmine

Botanical Name: Jasminum officinale

Local Name: Known as Mallepūvu in Telugu

'Jasminum officinale', by Vengolis, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Reason for being the state flower

It is the most easily cultivated flower in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh government has designated Jasmine as the state flower even though it does not have a cultural significance. Apparently, the intention is to promote Jasmine which is grown commercially in several districts of the state including Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor.

Symbolic Meaning and Cultural Significance

The flower Jasmine symbolizes purity, love and devotion. It is widely used in worship of gods and goddesses and in wedding ceremonies across India. In fact, women in India adorn their hair with Jasmine on auspicious occasions as a good luck charm.

Uses

It is used in a range of cosmetic and healthcare products. It is also used in food and perfumes. A variety of Jasmine known as Chameli is used for making perfumed hair oils.

Bibliography

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/310518/andhra-pradesh-gets-new-state-bird-state-flower.html

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/jasmine-aps-official-flower-spreads-its-fragrance-faraway/

article24306712.ece/amp/

https://www.hinduscriptures.in/vedic-lifestyle/food/flowers/jasmine

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh - Foxtail Orchid

Botanical Name: Rhynchostylis retusa

Local Name: Known as Kopou Phool in Assamese

'Foxtail Orchid', by Rison Thumboor, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Reason for being the state flower

Due to bio-piracy, the plant is on the verge of extinction in India therefore the Foxtail Orchid is recognized as the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. In Assam it also has cultural importance.

Symbolic Meaning and Cultural Significance

The plant is considered to be a symbol of love, fertility and merriment and, for the same reason it plays an essential part in the traditional Assamese marriage ceremony. Similarly, it plays a significant role in the spring festival of Assam the 'Bohag Bihu' as well. They are used to adorn the hair of Bihu dancers as accessories. These orchids are also mentioned in seasonal songs, art and poetry of the Assamese culture.

Uses

Medicinally the plant is used to treat wounds, cuts, bruises and rheumatism. Foxtail Orchids are mainly used to treat asthma, nervous twitching, kidney stones and menstrual disorder.

Bibliography

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhynchostylis_retusa

https://globalorchidtrade.wixsite.com/home/post/dancing-with-orchids-in-assam

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/jul/25/did-you-know-orchids-can-cure-rheumatism-

1848057.html#:~:text=This%20species%20is%20found%20hanging,kidney%20stones%20and%20menstrual%20disorder.

Bihar - Orchid Kachnar

Botanical Name: Bauhinia variegate

Local Name: Commonly known as Kachnar in Hindi

'Kanchanara', by Dinesh Valke, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Reason for being the state flower

It is chosen due to its economic importance. It is cultivated as a decorative plant.

Cultural Significance

All flowers of orchid trees which come in varieties, differentiated by their colour are used in worship. The white blossoms of Kachnar are utilized for adoring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Uses

The plant yields gum. Its bark is utilized for dyeing and tanning. The flowers are consumable as potherb and furthermore, made into pickles. It has different therapeutic properties.

Bibliography

http://bagbani.yolasite.com/kachnar-the-indian-orchid-tree.ph

http://bsienvis.nic.in/State_flower/Bihar%20State%20Flower%20-%20Final%20-

%2010.12.2013.pdf

http://sacredtreesbhu.com/index.php?id=OrchidTree