Himachal Pradesh - Pink Brass, Bell Rhododendron

Botanical Name: Rhododendron campanulatum

Local Name: Known as Burans in Hindi

'Pink Rhododendron Blossom Prashar Himachal', by Timothy A. Gonsalves,

licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Reason for being the state flower

In accordance with the reports of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Pink Rhododendron comes under the list of endangered species of flowers. It is a rare rhododendron that is only found close to the treeline in the high ranges. It is native to India and therefore its designation serves a purpose.

Symbolic Meaning

The plant connotes energy, good vibes and positivism.

Uses

The Rhododendron (consists of many species) leaves and flowers have traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes.

Recent research has tried to examine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, heart and liver protective properties of the Buran flower.

Bibliography

http://hpenvis.nic.in/Database/StateSymbolsHP_3868.aspx

https://www.pansymaiden.com/flowers/meaning/rhododendron/#:~:text=Rhododendron%2C%20is%20native%20to%20sunny,confession%20

of%20love%20and%20friendship.

https://www.ucbmsh.org/colleges-in-dehradun/courses/horticulture-courses-in-dehradun/health-benefits-burans-rhododendron-arboreum

Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh - Flame of the forest, Parrot Tree, Palash

Botanical Name: Butea monosperma

Local Name: Known as Dakh or Palash in Hindi

'Palash flowers in Purulia district', by Satdeep Gill, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Reason for being the state flower

Flame of the forest is the designated state flower of multiple Indian states. The reason is mainly due to its historic existence in the region. These flame-red flowers are a unique identity of Palamu forest of Jharkhand. The LWE activities and drought has led to deforestation of the Palash forests in the last 2-3 decades.

The Palash tree is known to be native to the city of Chandigarh. Whereas Palash was chosen as the state flower of Uttar Pradesh mostly because it has a wide presence in the state and the designation could lead to its promotion and conservation.

Cultural Significance

The Palash flowers bloom during the spring season, right in time when it is used to prepare the traditional Holi colour.

Uses

The flower is used in medicine. It is useful in various skin treatments. It also improves digestion and increases sexual stamina.

Its leaves are used for making plates. It is also used for timber, dye, resin etc.

Interesting Fact

Palash has a mention in the literature of Rabindranath Tagore, Jaydeo and Rudyard Kipling. While Rudyard Kipling called it the 'flame of the forest', Rabindranath Tagore associated it with 'celebration of life’.

Bibliography

https://vikaspedia.in/aspirational-districts/jharkhand/palamu/best-practices/conservation-of-palash-forests-of-palamu-using-sustainable-livelihoodmodel-

for-its-inhabitants

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/chandigarhs-official-flower-dhak-set-for-comeback/articleshow/58728114.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/palash-gets-state-flowers-status/articleshow/8009469.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/showstopper-dhak-flowers-bloom-paint-the-aravalis-red/articleshow/67824026.cms

https://www.theecotrends.com/palash-the-state-flower-of-jharkhand-in-india/

Kerala - Golden Shower

Botanical Name: Cassia fistula

Local Name: Known as Kani Konna Flower in Malayalam

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

Reason for being the state flower, Religious Significance and Symbolism

It is chosen as the state flower as its an essential part of the cultural practices in the state. The flowers are of ritual importance in the Vishu festival of Kerala which symbolizes new beginnings and hope. During Vishu the 'Kannikona' flower is one of the important elements used to adorn the main arrangement which symbolizes prosperity, and this arrangement is the first thing that every family member has to take a look at on the day of Vishu.

When in bloom its yellow flowers are a pretty sight, and the name 'golden shower' explains its look well. The tree was also depicted on a 20-rupee stamp.

It is referred as ‘Swarnapushpa’ or ‘Bahava kephool’ in Hindi. The tree and its flowers are mentioned in some Indian epics like ‘Kishkindha Kanda’ and ‘Aranya Kanda’ in Ramayana as well as in literature, paintings and some contemporary works.

Uses

In India, flowers of the golden shower tree are occasionally eaten by people. The leaves have also been used as an addition to the diets of cattle, sheep, and goats fed with low-quality forages.

Bibliography

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

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/where-have-all-vishu-kanikonna-flowers-gone-60291

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cassia+fistula

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/summer-showers-of-gold-amaltas-tree-indian-laburnum-health-benefits-5187755/