The Indian flowers are an integral part of the Indian ecosystem and they are also an inseparable part of the Indian culture. The Indian flowers are found in almost all parts of the country and the Indian people plant flower trees in gardens, in order to decorate themselves and also to enhance the beauty of their residence. The flowers have a special place in the Indian literature, just like the world literature the Indian literary personalities have quoted flowers in most of their notable creations. The Ancient literature in India is also replete with names of various flowers. Historical records prove that people in all ages and periods in India have used flowers mainly for decorative purposes and also for wishing good luck to their near and dear ones.
The ancient Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana have descriptions about different kinds of Indian flowers. The Indian flowers have been an integral part of Hindu worshipping for past several centuries. The Indian people like offering flowers to the God, as a symbol of their love and devotion. The association of Lord Krishna with the Kadamba tree (Anthocephalus indicus) is a legend. Apart from Lord Krishna, almost all the other Gods and Goddesses also have their respective flower of liking. The famous Indian flower and also the National Flower of India, Lotus has a mention in the ancient Sanskrit scripture of the Vedic era. The renowned Indian literary personality, Kalidasa has also mentioned about Lotus in his play Shakuntala. Lotus is mentioned in the creations of the other poet and novelists like Asvaghosa (A.D.100), as well.
Several beautiful flower trees are mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit work of Panini in Ashtadhyayi, as well. Historical evidences prove that the flowering trees were commonly grown in the gardens during the Hindu-Buddhist periods. During the Buddhist period, the Indian people used to lay out gardens around the monasteries and stupas and it is said that Lord Buddha was born under a tree in a garden. The Bodhi tree, under which The Buddha attained nirvana, is sacred to the Buddhists.
The Indian flowers are used quite extensively by the Indian people during wedding ceremonies. In fact, no wedding can be celebrated in India without flowers. They set the exact joyous mood and tone for the event and are mainly used as garlands, decorations, and as bouquets. A flower can easily brighten a room and can make it more colourful, vibrant and appealing.
The Indian flowers are mainly grown in the gardens, bushes, roadsides, forests, etc. and they are of two principal types, like fragrant or decorative flowers and the wild flowers. Indian flowers include the orchids, rhododendrons, musk rose, begonia, balsam, globe amaranth, gloriosa lily, foxtail lily, primula, blue poppy, lotus, water lily, etc. Most of these Indian flowers are also being widely cultivated in different countries in the world.
There are also several Indian flowers that have won the hearts of people from all over the world. Some of these flowers include the jasmine, madhavi, rose, peacock flower, sunflower, queen`s flower, marigolds, bulbs, saffron flower, Rio Grande Trumpet Flower, Gul Mohr flower, etc. Apart from the decorative or ornamental flowers, there are also numerous wild flowers found in India. The Indian wildflowers are also found throughout the country and some of the most notable amongst them include the Hibiscus Lobatus, Katechendu, Cup -Saucer, Pandhra Kuda 4, Ranjire, Glory Lily, Commelina (Kena), Sesamum Orientale (Ran Til), Ceropegia, Begunia, etc.
