Sunday, June 8, 2014

Wild orchids: The Foxtail and the Aerides

The Foxtail orchid was given to me by my friend Kanak Hagjer in Guwahati in 2011.
There it is known as Kapau Phool. When I saw the inflorescence a few weeks ago, I felt thrilled. It is known as Seethe Dande in Kannada, Sita is believed to have woven garlands of this wildflower during her sojourn in the forest for 14 years.
Aerides crispum is another wild orchid native to India. This is called Draupadi Dande. as Draupadi is supposed to have made garlands for her hair using these blossoms, during her sojourn in the forest. Sita had to cook for only three people, so her garland is longer than Draupadi, who had to cook for six!

10 comments:

  1. Exquisite flowers, beautiful colors and wonderful photos as always!! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty! I hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend!!

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  2. I'm so thrilled to see this orchid blooming in what looks like a very lush garden! Beautiful photo. Also enjoyed the stories behind the blooms. Have a lovely Sunday!

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  3. What absolutely gorgeous blooms!

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  4. Always something unexpected makes our day. Very exotic and wonderful orchid. I am
    expecting something not so alluring but quite nice too. The flowers of my wild cottage Gladioli are emerging, looking forward to those.

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  5. Sucha lovely orchids! I never heard about this flowers related to Sita or Draupadi! New information for me!;)

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  6. its often used as temple offerings!


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