Ganga Tulsi, Gangotri: homonym or different species?

Tulsi, an aromatic medicinal plant finds its special place in Hinduism. It is often said that the worship of lord Vishnu is incomplete without Tulsi. But the species of Tulsi used for worshipping the deity varies from place to place. Be it the famous Vrindavan, Badrinath or Gangotri, the variants of Tulsi vary altogether. MostlyContinue reading “Ganga Tulsi, Gangotri: homonym or different species?”

Katapatthar : obscure destination and nature trail

It’s the month of June and summer vacations have just begun. The monsoon season is about to begin and very soon the rivers and canals in Uttarakhand will be overflowing, so we planned for a short offbeat road trip towards the outskirts of Dehradun near a place called Katapatthar. It took us around two andContinue reading “Katapatthar : obscure destination and nature trail”

Forestry for kids: Saving Deodar and Oak forest from invasive vines

Vines and climbers are certain plant species which climb by tendrils or hooks or aerial roots or twining or creeps on the ground. Besides being ornamental, these vines are a component of the biodiversity and help sequester Carbon. But it is observed that few of the climbers, act as semi-parasites on the plants they clingContinue reading “Forestry for kids: Saving Deodar and Oak forest from invasive vines”

Forestry for kids: Tree Plantation for Mother’s Day

One of the most extraordinary relationship in the world is the relationship between the mother and her child. Mother’s are the basic foundation of our very existence and first teacher of our life. The unique relationship is priceless in terms of her unfathomable love, sacrifice and selfless dedication towards her child. Therefore Mother’s Day isContinue reading “Forestry for kids: Tree Plantation for Mother’s Day”

Parody of Indian Mock Strawberry : Potentilla indica

Few days back while I was travelling from Landour to Dehradun and came across Indian Mock Strawberry spread along the lush green hill slopes. Earlier this area was covered with little yellow flowers all over but now the flowers have disappeared and little false strawberries have spanned across. Initially they appeared as if someone hasContinue reading “Parody of Indian Mock Strawberry : Potentilla indica”

Miniature forest of liverworts and mosses: Landour, Mussoorie

The hillside of Landour is rich in diverse species of mosses and Liverworts. It is also home to a distinct liverwort species, Reboulia hemisphearica. It is also known as the Purple fringed liverwort or small mushroom headed liverwort one of the liverworts found in this part of the hillside. These liverworts appeared to me asContinue reading “Miniature forest of liverworts and mosses: Landour, Mussoorie”

Nature’s Lanterns Are Dimming

I am staying in Landour, Mussoorie since last two years , but I didnt observe any firefly species in the area. Local people also told me that they have also not seen fireflies in the area. This was in line with the global trend of disappearance, or migration, of these fascinating creatures. But, this yearContinue reading “Nature’s Lanterns Are Dimming”