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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

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