First In The World

  First Women To Cross Seven Seas in Swimming - Bula Choudhury

Bula Choudhury

First Hindu Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court - Justice Rana Bhagwan Das

Justice Rana Bhagwan Das

First Blind Man to Scale Mount Everest - Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer

First Person to Reach South Pole - Amundsen

Amundsen

First person to reach North Pole - Robert Pearey

Robert Pearey

First Test Tube Baby – Louise Brown

Louise Brown

First Aeroplane To Fly Around The World Without Refueling - Voyager

Voyager

First Women To Swim Across English Channel – G.C Ederle

G.C.Ederie

First Person To Swim Across English Channel – Mathew Webb

Mathew Webb

First Tourist In Space – Dennis Tito

Dennis Tito

First  Living  Being  Sent Into Space – Laika, A Dog

Laika

First Man In The Space – Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Gagarin

First Women In The Space – Valentina Tereshkova

Valentina Tereshkova

First Person To Walk In The Space – Alexei Leonov

Alexei Leonov

First Person To Land On The Moon – Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong

First Women To Climb Mount Everest – Junko Tabei

Junko Tabei

 First Person To Climb Mount Everest – E.Hillary, Tenzing Norgay

E.Hillary, Tenzing Norgay

Read More

Venus Flytrap – Feed On Insects

Venus flytrap is known as Dionaea muscipula. It belongs to the kingdom - plantae, phylum – anthophyta, class – magnoliospdia, order – nepenthales  and family – droseraceae. This is one kind of interesting plant which feed on insects. Venus flytrap is the carnivorous plant. Initially scientist believed this plant to be a myth until they found the physical proof for the existence of such a plant. The plant is innocuous looking rosette. The leaf blades terminate in distinctive bivalve traps with sharply toothed edges. The length of the leaf blade is up to 12cm whereas the trap length is upto 4 cm. the trap of venus flytrap is very powerful as the  ones set by  trappers for wolves, bears etc. it is effective in catching its own small preys.

 The leaves of the venus  flytrap is open wide  and contain stiff hairs on them called trigger or sensitive hairs. The sensitive hairs at  fold of the leaf prevent them from closing every time when a drop of rain falls on it because the leave requires two or more of these hairs triggered in succession. Like other plants venus flytraps gather nutrients form gases in the air and nutrients in the soil. However they live healthier if they get nutrients from insects. Insects are attracted to the small traps. On the inner lobes there are  usually three trigger hair and if an insect lands on lobe and brushes against two of these hairs the trap with snap partially shut  with a speed that amazes onlookers. The teeth are now interlocked preventing larger prey from escaping .  The trap need to close further to produce tight seal for the prey  to be digested.

The outside of the trap is generally green  where as the inner side have red pigments that varies in shade depending on the age of the trap. Venus flytrap needs wet roots, poor acidic soil, high humidity and full sunlight to grow. The recommended soil  mixtures is one that contains sphagnum moss and sand. The plant produces the flowers in  a tall stalk above the leaves. Seeds produces by the flowers are very tiny. The Venus flytrap is listed as an endangered species. Venus flytrap is endemic to a restricted area of the Carolina’s coastal plain including southeastern, North Carolina and northeastern south Carolina.

Read More

Eskimo Curlew (Numenius Borealis)- Shorebird

Eskimo curlew is a small , mostly brown shore bird. It is a medium sized shorebird with a slender, slightly  down curved  bill. It is approximately 30 cm tall, has short bluish gray legs and a rich cinnamon color on its belly and wing linnings. It belongs to the family Scolopacidae. Eskimo curlews migrate from breeding grounds in the Arctic  tundra through  the north American prairies to wintering grounds on the pakpas grasslands of Argentina. Eskimo curlew’s habitat includes grasslands, plowed fields, pastures  and mudflats.  Eskimo Curlew is close to being extinct.

The Eskimo curlew eats both plants and animals. The Eskimo curlew’s diet consist of freshwater insects and  the fruit of Black Crowberry.  It also eats ants, worms and other invertebrates found on shores. In the coastal areas they feed on snails and along the Atlantic coast they eat beetles, spider, moth, seeds and other  berries. The Eskimo curlew is endangered because of unrestricted overhunting for the market, especially during its northward spring migrations. This bird also has a tame nature and is extremely friend, making it easy prey for hunters. Eskimo curlew’s nest are just a hole in the ground. They are lined with decaying leaves and a thin sprinkling o hay. The eggs  have a color similar to that of surroundings grass, being dark brownish green to blue blotched with brown.

Read More

Pothos – Devil’s Ivy

                Pothos  is one of the easiest houseplant to grow.  Its botanical name is Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus aureus. But it is often referred as devil’s ivy or variegated philodendron. These plants can do well in indirect lights. One of the special features of this plant is that it can be grown both in water or in dry soil. Pothos are incredibly easy to root from cuttings. A part of of mother plant can be cut  and rooted in water . pothos also be grown in soil . they will thrive well in nutrient rich soil but do almost  in nutrient poor soil as well.

The natural form of Pothos is a trailing vine. Fluorescent light is acceptable as a light source. Its leaves are pointed heart shaped and can be green or variegated in white, yellow or a paler green. The leaf sizes vary with varieties and growing condition as well. The one that I had is green with white combination. I consider them as a best decorative plant as I can decorate the windows with them. The climbing/trailing habit makes them extremely decorative .Pothos plants prefer to dry out between watering.

 Pothos are poisonous too. The plant can cause irritation and vomiting if ingested due to the fact that it contains calcium oxalates. It is considered toxic to cats, dogs and children. It makes them very sick.

Read More

Portulaca Grandiflora – Sun lovers

                Portulaca  Grandiflora is one of my favorite  plant which doesn’t need any special care and brings the beauty to our garden with its different colors of flowers. It belongs to the family Portulacaceae. It is commonly known as portulaca, moss rose, rose moss and sun plant. Portuclaca flowers  tolerate many kinds of soils  but prefer sandy well drained soils and love the full bright sunlight. These plants will spread themselves very well. You do not need to water often for proper portulaca care. The cylindrical foliage of  portulaca flower retains moisture very well.

The flowers are borne on the stem tips. They open only during bright sunlight and closes at night and on cloudy days. There are many varieties with different colors of flowers such as orange, rose pink, red, yellow, white. The one which attracts me is white and  rose pink with its natural beauty. Moss rose makes a beautiful ground cover in a dry  or rocky area. In warm climates moss rose may self seed. Its reddish brown like stems and bright green leaves are thick , soft and juicy.

 Easily propagated by pinching off the stems of this plant into 2-4 inches length and stick them directly into moist sand or loamy soil and locate it in a sunny area. Portulaca can also be propagated from seeds that are as tiny as dust. Portulaca are originally from the hot, dry plains of Southern Brazil, Northern  Argentina, Uruguay. 

Read More

Lawsonia Inermis – Red Brown Dye

Lawsonia inermis is popularly known as maruthani or marithondi in Tamil  language.  In Bengali it is called as mehedi or mendi. In English it is known as henna tree , camphor or Egyptian privet. Lawsonia inermis is a much branched glabrous shrub. It grows up to 7 m high at its tallest with grayish-brown bark.Its leaves are used as a skin and hair dye . They are almond shaped, tapering at the end attached to the tree.

The leaves are used in India traditionally during auspicious  occasions like marriages. These leaves are ground into thick paste  and was applied in designs on the palm  and sole and was allowed to dry for hours. When the dried  portion is washed off  a red pigmentation is left behind on the applied area. In south India most probably a circular patch is  applied in the centre of the palm and a cap is formed over the fingers. This way of decoration is used by dancers  as well. In north the habit of creating exquisite and intricate designs on the palm as well as the forearm has been in practice.

   The henna was used in the fourth and the fifth centuries in India which was illustrated on Bodhisattvas and deities of cave wall murals. It was probably used in India seven centuries before the mogul invasion.  Lawsonia inermis flowers  are used in traditional medicine and oil for perfumery. They are sweet scented and creamy white in color. The flower has a four greenish yellow petals , four sepals and eight stamens. Its fruits are spherical in shape  and it is brown when ripe .Henna is native to the middle east .In India henna leaves are used   to treat vitiligo  and seeds are used to cure fever.

Read More

Karpuravalli – Cure for Cough

               Coleus Ambonicus is known as karpuravalli in Tamil. This plant should be grown in homes where there are children. It is called as Karpuravalli because it carries the flavor of  camphor. In Tamil karpuram means camphor. Coleus ambonicus is a much branched, fleshy, highly aromatic pubescent herb. The plant is a Malay species,cultivated and found run wild. It grows in Circars,Deccan and Carnatic.Karpura Valli  is a juicy plant. It is most probably found in Indian homes especially in many places in south India. In Malayalam it is called as Oma Valli whereas in Hindi it is called as Ajwain and Kattumaruva in Kannada.

Karpuravalli Leaves

    Karpuravalli  has various medicinal properties. . The leaves contain glucosides of luteolin and apigenin.  Karpuravalli leaf is an excellent cure for cough and cold. Adding this leaves to rasam  during winter season helps us to recover from severe wheezing and  bronchitis related issues. A decotion of Karpura valli and tulsi help alleviate cold and cough. Juice of fresh leaves is used in urticaria and other allergic conditions.  Karpuravalli helps in eliminating toxins from the body and promotes  perspirations. It also increases absorption of nutrients and helps regulate female menstruation. It helps in regenerating cells and tissues and promotes longevity. It is execellent remedy for cough and cold. It prevents gas formation.

Oma Valli Bajji

              

          Karpuravalli  posses muscle-relaxant actions. Crushed leaves are used as a local application to head in headache and to relieve the pain and irritation caused by stings of centipedes. Expressed juice is applied round the orbit to relieve the pain in conjuctivitis.  A favourite Indian dish called Bajeh is made of the mopped leaves.

Read More

Tulsi - Healing Herb

                   Ocimum Sanctum(Holy basil) is commonly known as tulsi. The name Tulsi means “Incomparable one”. It is considered as one of the sacred plant in India. Water mixed with the petals is given to the dying to raise their departing souls to heaven. It has many medicinal properties. Medicine is made from the leaves, stems and seeds. Its leaves sharpen our memory. Hindus used to grow tulsi  palnt in homes,temples.It is also mentioned in many Indian puranaas. It is found growing in natural soils around the world. This plant serves as a repellant in fighting against flies,mosquitoes and insects. Tulsi was mostly used in ayurvedic  preparations for treating many kinds of ailments.

             The leaves of tulsi are extremely useful during rainy seasons. The leaves are effective for ulcer and infections in the mouth. Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat  and also used as a gargle. The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. Its leaves dried in the sun and should be powdered which can be used for brushing teeth. There are many varieties of tulsi.   They are

Krishna Tulsi

•  Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum  tenuiflorum)

It  has a purple tinge to its leaves. This Krishna variety is probably used in making delicious tea and is the most potent,being tested highest in concentrations of adaptogenic  triterpenoic  compounds.

 
•  Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Rama Tulsi

Aromatic species that is used as an incense and for flavouring. It is also called as Holy Basil.This herb is warming,reduces fever and inflammation. It is native to India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Holy Basil is applied to skin for ringworm. It is also used for asthma, headache, stomach upset, tuberculosis, earache etc. In cooking it is added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups for its peppery taste. It is also sometimes referred as “Hot Basil”. It is the most common type found in cultivation in the U.S

• Vana Tulsi(Ocimum Gratissimum)

Vana Tulsi

             This type is very high in eugenol – a great adaptogen fromo the ayurvedic tradition. The plant is handsome and highly aromatic, slightly hairy, woody-stemmed and green leaved . It is the original wild bush basil. Its natural habitat is throughout India and across North Africa and down into East Africa

Read More

Peacock-India's National Bird

 

                       Peacock is the national bird of India. It is known for its beautiful feathers. Actually the word peacock refers to the male peacock. The female is referred as peahen. The female peahen is smaller and brown in color .

PEAFOWL EGGS

 The peahens are known to choose their  mates  according to their color, size and quality of their trains. The peahens  lay 2-3  eggs that can be hatched in twenty eight days. The collective name for peacock  and peahen is pea fowl which belong s to pheasant family. The Indian peacock , Pavo  cristatus is a colorful swan sized bird with a fan shaped crest of feathers.  Peacocks can weigh  up to  four to six kg and the body length of the peacock can go up to 1.5 meters. Generally peacocks can live up to 15 to 20 years . the well cared for captive birds can live up to 40 years and above.

WHITE PEACOCK

                    Blue peacock is  regarded  as one of the attractive bird with its beauty throughout the world . One the unique  feature of blue peacock us their beautiful train  comprising of  tail feathers which is 1.4 to 1.6 meters long  that comprises more than 60 percent of its body length and has markings on it that shine gold, blue, red and green. It look like they have eyes inside this markings. The peacock attracts the peahen  by erecting the train into fabulous fan. In wild peafowl are usually roost in trees at nights  and gather in groups .there are two types of peafowls. The blue peafowls can be found in India and Srilanka. The white peafowls are native to Java and Burma. White peacocks are same as Indian blue peacocks in behavior, size  and the only difference is they are white in color. The white peacock was believed to bring luck and long and happy marriage. The white peacock is the bird of  ethernal  beauty and elegance.

PEAFOWL BREEDS

              The peacocks are mentioned in Greek, Indian, Roman mythologies. In Greek mythology it is known as the Hera which the queen of god. It is also mentioned in ancient Greek play “the birds “ by Aristophanes. The  Hindus considered peacock as the sacred bird because lord muruga son of lord siva  rides on its back. The Phonecians bought the peacock to the Egypt and Syria. Peafowl originally came from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Himalayas. peacocks symbolizes pride, grace and beauty.  Peacock was considered a great delicacy in early days.

            Peacocks eat  termites, ants, locusts, mice, plants, flower petels, seed heads, scorpions, reptiles,ticks, amphibians, anthropods  etc. Peacocks can fly but only for a short distance. Peacocks live anywhere as they are provided with proper shelter. It was said  that  The peacock dances in the  monsoon. The peacock population is dwindling fast due to habitat loss and poaching. In Rajastan thousands of peacocks have been hunted for their flesh and feathers. A survey by People for Animals (PFA) has showed that  as many as 10 peacocks were being killed per day in rajasthan.13 villages in 14 districts are said to be most dangerous places for peacocks in the state. On an average peacock feathers  is sold at US $6 to 8 in international market. Use of poisonous pesticides  in farms also kills the peacock.

      

Read More

Rafflesia – The World’s Largest Flower

 

               Rafflesia  arnoldii the world’s largest flower is from a   rare parasitic, rootless and leafless plant. Rafflesia was first discovered by the  Europeans Sir  Stamford Raffles and Dr. Joseph Arnold in 1816, near the town of  Bencooden in Sumatra. Therefore the this was named as Rafflesia  Arnoldii. The first description of Rafflesia  Arnoldi was given by Robert brown. This largest  tupe of  flower is upto  to  1metre  in diameter and weights  upto  9 kg .It takes around nine to twelve months for the buds to develop into flowers. Rafflesia flower is red in color with five leathery and speckled petals. The centre of Rafflesia flower has a well like structure and inside that well is a central raised disc with many vertical spines. The  Rafflesia  flower lasts around  five to seven  days  and it turns black and rots. It is a rare species that found only in certain areas of south east asia where there is much perciptation, particularly prevalent  in Sumatra. Raflesia grows to be about a yard wide and it smells like rotting meat. The horrid odor helps this rare plat to survive. The foul smell of rotting meat attracts the beetles and flies to pollinate. The flies and beetles should vsit both the  male and female  plants  for successful  pollination. It is a penetrating smell more repulsive then any buffalo carcass in an advanced stage of decomposition. It is a parasitic on members of genus  Tetrastigma. Throughout  its life it parasitizes on the host usually tropical lianas. It is hardly difficult to locate this flower as the buds take many months to develop  and the flower lasts for only few days. This flowers are unisexual.

                    Rafflesia  flower is an iconic symbol of the southeastern  Asian  rainforest. It has many uses too. The flower buds are applies in traditional medicine to promote delivery and recovery during and after child birth. Rafflesia  buds are used by women  to stop internal bleeding  and shrink the womb after child birth in peninsular  Malaysia. It can be used as a food as in Thailand young buds of the flower are eaten as a delicacy. Men uses it as an energy drink or aphrodisiac. Rafflesia  flowers are also used in perfumes, decoration and  boques. The buds  of  Rafflesia are used to make different concoctions for different purposes.

          One has failed to analyze  extensively the chemical properties of rafflesia yet. Preliminary phytochemical  screening however showed no evidence of the flowers medicinal properties.The buds and flowers are have a high content of tannin  and phenols which can be toxic when taken in large quantities. The major threat to Rafflesia is loss of habitat as human population clears rainforest. All the fifteen species of Rafflesia are endangered flowers in South East Asia.

Read More

Read More

Aparajita-Medicinal Plant

                   Aparajita is one of the plant we are familiar with in India. The word  Aprajita means  undefeated.  

Because of its beautiful color and appearance it is cultivated in many gardens. Its botanical name is clitoria ternatea which is a climbing creeper. It belongs to the family  fabaceae,  pipilionacae. Its leaves are dark green in color. There are some  varieties with white, blue and lilac color flowers. In Kerala  its flowers  are referred as  sankhu pushpam or conch shell as it resembles the shape of the conch shell.  It is also known as butterfly pea flower. In Hindi it is known as koyala and dintena in hindi. This plant can be found almost everywhere in  india, Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan, Persia, Mesopotamia, Iraq etc. It posses light, sharp and dry attributes.  The plant can have a single petalled or five petalled combined flower. This herb is mentioned in almost all ancient scriptures of Ayurveda.  It is a perennial twining herb.

                         Aparajita is best known for its medicinal values.  It has various internal and external uses.

 Almost all parts of the plants such as root, leaves, seeds are used for medicinal purposes. The root paste of the white variety plant can be applied to skin diseases. Its roots tied as a garland or waistband around the expectant mother’s neck or waist can favour normal child birth even when caesarean is predicted. The white  aparajita’s root is tied as amulet around the waist about seven days before delivery date. Aparajita alleviates swelling and pain.The white flower extract is used to cure goiter.The root extracts of clitoria are used  for eye, throat infection and urinary problems.

Aparajita  because of its tranquillizing effects on brain can be used in  symptoms like  brain weakness,vertigo and syncope. Aparajita is used for common cold, cough, asthma and it  reduces the irritation of respiratory organs. It is a good blood purifier. It is used in healing ulcers of pylorus, duodenum etc.

 

Read More

Penguins-Sea Lovers

             Penguins are birds which do not fly . They are the birds with black and white feathers. The wings of the penguins are called flippers.      Penguins have knees but it look like they don’t have knees because of their very short legs . The upper part of the leg and knees are covered by feathers making them invisible to us.  Penguins feathers are short, overlapping and densely packed. The overlapping, outer layer feather of an penguin have an waxy oil which makes them water proof when they are in water. The thick feathers of the penguins keep them warm. Their bones are heavy and solid giving them more weight. Mostly flying birds have light weighted bones. Penguins have long and strong beaks. Penguins used to carry the materials needed to build their nest using their beaks. Using their beaks they preen their feathers,  feed  their young ones and spread oils to keep them waterproof. Penguins don not have teeth. The chicks have an egg tooth but that is not the real tooth. Penguins store their food in the stomach and it is regurgitated to the chicks.

Penguins spend almost 75% of their time in underwater  where they can dive, flap wings which look like as they are flying. 

The powerful flippers and streamlined bodies of the penguins make them  a good accomplished swimmers. Among all the birds penguins are the deepest divers and fastest swimmers. Porpoising is an act of leaping in and out of water in a short shallow arc while swimming and penguins are best known for porpoising. Penguins have superior eyesight in underwater then in air which helps them to catch the preys  even in cloudy, murky or dark water. penguins communicate through calls and visual displays. Penguins can sleep for only few minutes of any time in day or night. Penguins are fond of sea and ice. They can live in southern half of the world. We can also find them in shores of Antartica, South of Australia, New Zealand, America, Africa etc.

EMPEROR PENGUIN

 Emperor penguins are the largest of all penguins. On an average they are 45 inches tall and can weigh upto  90 pounds when mature. Emperor penguins spend long  winter on the open ice and able to breed even during this harsh season.

KING PENGUINS

The  rarest penguin in the world is the yellow eyed penguins. At sea yellow eyed penguins forage in pairs or alone. This kind of penguins feed mostly on fish. The largest of 17 penguin species is the king penguin but it is second only to the emperor penguins. They are 35 inches long and can weigh  upto  28 – 30 pounds. King penguins have longest breeding cycle among all penguins.

AFRICAN PENGUIN

The only penguin that lives in Africa is the African penguin which is a popular tourist attraction. They are 24-28 inches long. Fairy penguins are little penguins which are found in Australia which is a mjor tourist attraction. Fairy penguins can live for an average of 7 years.

Scientist found  32 species of extinct penguins. African penguins are the endangered species which is  facing threats from habitat loss from human development ,fisheries depletion etc. Penguins are exploited for food, oil and skins.

Read More