Sikkim - Noble Dendrobium

Botanical Name: Dendrobium nobile

'Dendrobium nobile flower', by Fan Wen, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Importance

Dendrobium is a member of the orchid (Orchidaceae) family. It is originally reported to be from China, but it is also widespread in the tropical to sub-tropical Himalayas and North-East India. This specie has a high horticultural and economic value due to its beautiful and long-lasting flowers. It is generally exported to Europe and many other countries for cultivation.

Uses

The flower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries to treat thirst, fever, diabetes, infection, inflammation, cancer, protect eyesight, and improve appetite and digestion. Interestingly Noble Dendrobium has been added to the European Union novel foods catalogue and termed as unsafe for human consumption within food supplements without a safety assessment.

Bibliography

https://www.opss.org/article/dendrobium-why-it-supplements

http://bsienvis.nic.in/State_flower/Sikkim%20State%20Flower_29_11.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendrobium_nobile

Tamil Nadu - Flame Lily, Glory Lily

Botanical Name: Gloriosa superba

Local Name: Known as Kaanthal in Tamil

'Gloriosa rothschildiana', by Jean-Jacques, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Reason for being the state flower, Economic, Cultural Significance and its Uses

The Flame Lily is promoted by the government of Tamil Nadu for various reasons. The seeds of the plant comprises of therapeutic properties hence they are exported to western countries for medicinal use. The chemical 'colchicine' extracted from the seeds, is used in treating joint pains and rheumatism. Due to severe climate change, it has become endangered and needs protection.

Locally it is known as Kaanthal and is ranked first in the list of commercially cultivated medicinal plants for more than 25 years. The farmers cherish it as it brings in a lot of money.

It has historic and cultural importance too. The ancient poem 'Kurinji Paattu' in sangam literature on 99 flowers also begins with the name Kaanthal defining its importance.

Symbolic Meaning

The flower symbolizes passion, pride, honour and glory, but can also represent purity and beauty.

Bibliography

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/tamil-nadu-goes-all-out-to-promote-flame-lily/article5382874.ece/amp/

https://byjus.com/questions/what-is-the-state-flower-of-tamil-nadu/

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/jan/09/glorious-flame-lily-is-also-money-spinner-1749222.html

Telangana - Flower of Matura Tea Tree

Botanical Name: Flower of Senna auriculata/Cassia auriculata

Local Name: Known as Tangedu in Telugu

'A Cassia auriculata shrub', by Thamizhpparithi Maari, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Reason for being the state flower, Religious and Cultural Significance

The Tangedu flower is offered to goddess Durga as ritual. On the last day of Bathukamma, a floral festival celebrated across Telangana, women create floral stacks and immerse them in lakes, rivers and other waterbodies. The act spreads the medicinal value of the flowers as the water seeps below the surface, replenishing the ground aquifers.

The cultural importance of Tangedu is notable, especially in rural Telangana. Flowers like jasmine and rose are usually considered elite, while Tangedu is adorned by the women living in rural parts of the state.

Tangedu flowers are seen in the images of goddess Parvathi in rural Telangana. Mostly it has been chosen as the state flower due to its religious and cultural significance.

Symbolic Meaning

The gregarious flowering pattern of the Tangedu flowers symbolizes the mobilization of all human resources for Telangana state’s development.

Uses

The flower buds and powdered dried flowers are used in case of diabetes. The seeds are found to have effective properties that can cure eye infections.

Bibliography

https://telanganatourism.gov.in/blog/5-02-2018-tangedi-puvu.html

https://www.stumagz.com/why-tangedu-as-state-flower-of-telangana-/

https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/cassia-auriculata-incredible-health-benefits-and-medicinal-uses-of-avartaki