State Flower of Meghalaya

Meghalaya, the treasure trove of nature is endowed with some rare natural wonders like, the Seven Sister Falls, Cherrapunji, village of Mawsynram, Mawsmai Cave, Double-decker Living Root Bridges, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, and rarest of Orchids. The rich biodiversity in state and the appropriate climatic conditions have helped many unique flora species to thrive in this land of the clouds! They are a piece of beauty. And when you think of the most significant State Flower of Meghalaya, flower that represents the beauty and exclusivity of this mountain clad place, you'll come up with one name, that is, Lady's Slipper. The botanical name of Lady's Slipper is Paphiopedilum insigne (insigne meaning something remarkable). They look remarkable indeed. In their Khasi language, this flower is commonly known as TiewKnupmawiang. Lady's Slipper is kind of orchids having a form that is similar to that of women's shoes. This shape is typically caused by the flowers' modified labellum, which trap the insect for pollination.

In Meghalaya, floriculture is primarily carried out as a hobby by flower enthusiasts. Farmers are now more conscious of the commercial aspects because to the recent rise in the price of planting supplies like seeds and cut Flowers as well as the market demand for them. Although commercial floriculture is a relatively new industry in Meghalaya, it has a very high potential for growth given the state's advantage of having the widest variety of weather conditions in the region. A proof to this is the state's diverse wild Orchid population, which is the largest concentration of any one species ever documented. The farmers have benefited greatly and positively from these floriculture ventures. 

You know why Meghalaya is called the 'the land of Orchids' - there are up to 325 kinds of orchids in Meghalaya, which grow abundant throughout the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills in meadows, wetlands, and even by the side of the road. In Meghalaya, orchids can be seen growing at varied altitudes, primarily on trees, moss-covered rocks, and even on the ground. That's how, Meghalaya got its Orchid connection! Here you can find numerous orchid species, including Phaius, Dendrobium, and Cymbidium species.

The Lady's Slipper Orchid, State Flower of Meghalaya, a member of the Orchid family, can be found growing in rocky crevices or on slopes of the Garo and Khasi Hills, ideally in shaded areas. The population of this species is declining fast as a result of extensive habitat degradation and over-exploitation by the so-called 'nature lovers'! It is a declared extinct species. Tourists in huge numbers come here to visit the caves and they almost dump trashes inside, creating more danger for the flora species! That's the reason, many varieties are getting exhausted in these regions.

In the Khasi and Jaintia hills, very primitive families of floras are found, like that of the Elaeocarpaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Anonaceae, Ranunculaceae, Piperaceae, Menispermaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Lauraceae, Myricaceae, Lazarbiaceae, and primitive genera, including Sarcandra, Corylopis, Myrica, Magnolia, and Michelia. 

Recently though, a rare red flower Sapriahimalayana has been located while on a cave expedition in the remote hilly regions of Songket, nearby Tangnub village in Meghalaya. The flowers were spotted outside the caves, though they were first documented by an eminent British Botanist in 1844 from the forests of heavenly Mishmi Hills, in Arunachal Pradesh. The deep crimson blooms with yellow spots grow alone or in clusters of three to five. Throughout its range, which extends from North Eastern India to Southwestern China, Thailand, and Vietnam, it is a rare species. These rarest of flowers were spotted on places in Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam.

Like other states in India, people of Meghalaya are also fond of decorating their home and courtyards with exquisite flowers, found on this picturesque landscape. The local flower ranges are quite fascinating and the mostly used flowers for the décor are the Dahlia, Canna, Gladiolus, Begonia, Tropaeolum, Aster, Polargonium, Antirrhinum, Crinum, Celosia, Kniphofia, Impatiens, Chrysanthemum, Petunias, Pansy, Calendula, Sweet peas, and Salvia. The poor climbers like the Bougainvillea, Rosa, Jasminum, and others are rather common to find.

So, going through the flower baggage of Meghalaya if you feel intrigued to send State Flower of Meghalaya or some rare orchids from Meghalaya to your Indian friends and relations, just log on to India-flowers-gifts and we'll do it for you, with swift & secure flower dispatches, better order tracking facilities and dynamic customer support network.

Author Name : Ananta Patra

Word Count : 730

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Posted by: IndiaFlowersGifts.com

Posted on: 1/11/2023 5:52:55 AM

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