The botanical wonder of the nature " GLORIOSA SUPERBA "

by Hem Bhandari
(Mumbai , India)

I,being a nature lover and a keen photographer,have always loved to explore the destinations,not popular amongst the conventional holiday makers.My photography kit is a vital part of my belongings while on my excursions and capturing nature in its different forms is my prime mission,at the cost of all other factors.


I do love writing too,therefore all my stories/blogs etc.are always a pictorial descriptions, as I firmly believe ;;

" 1 Photograph is equivalent to 1000 words".

So, friens this instance of my outing describes my travel to an almost unknown destination called Girivan,abound 180 Kms from Mumbai, in the western ghatshills of India.I did not know anything about this place.As usual,I freeked out with my Photography kit in search of anything of my liking.

Destiny did not test my patience for long and suddenly I saw something coloufful at some distance,which attracted me.I was thrilled with joy,moment I approached it closer.It was a wild plant with lovely/colurful flowers,which I had never seen before.Clicked many photos from different angles and returned with anxiety" Whats its Name , What are its characristics "???

I pooled all my resourses to know whatever maximum I could gather about this wild plant/flower,just clicking the photos was half job done.Friends I would like to share with you all , my search details about it.

This wild plant/flower is botanically called as "Gloriosa Superba".

There are several common names for it in English such as Gloriosa lily,Flame lily, Glory lily etc. The name/description which striked me the most is how an ancient Indian Poet " Kalidas" has described it in his Sanskrit verses. He described it as " Agnisikha". For my international friends, I will give its English equivalent as " The tip of the flame". I am sure all those who love a poet's imagination will like this terminology " Agnisikha".



Looking at the flower,its the perfect description of twisted yellow, orange & red coloured petals of the flower converging towards the center at the top. !!!,which absolutely resembles the tip of the flame. I am not mentioning this as I am an Indian, but I feel it would be endorsed by many all over, who have love for a poet's imagination.

Another remarkable things about it it is the National Flower of Rhodesia Presently Zimbabwe. This herb finds its existence in the wet tropical climate zones ranging from Africa,India,Malaysia to Indonesia. All parts of this plant are dangerously toxic,if ingested.This herb is used in traditional medicines for many ailments.

The Indian Post released a Postage Stamp of Rs.2/- denomination on 01.7.1977,to commemorate this wonderful creation of the nature. Having narrated all this I would also like to present 3 Pictures of this plant/flower and 1 picture of the Indian Postage Stamp,I just described.

After experiencing all this,I was so amazed pleasantly,that an ordinary looking wild growth could be of such great International significance !!

After all abobe , I realised what a wonderful place I visited, with complete ignorence about it. This has further engraved in my concept that,if you wish to enjoy nature in its unspoilt form,you must explore unknown/sparingly known destinations , in quest of spectacular creations of the nature.

I do hope the readers will share my experience with interest and some of them could endorse my views too.

Best Wishes