13 April 2016

K is for Kaempferia rotunda

Welcome! 
I am writing about herbs in the 2016 April AtoZ blogging challenge. Most of the herbs written in this series are those I have seen or used. I have seen this K herb only once as part of a botanical study tour. I am told the flowers are just as stunning in the wild too.

My K herb is Kaempferia rotunda also known as Bhui Chafa in Marathi or Indian Crocus. The blossoms emerge from the ground before the leaves appear which may explain its local name. Its bulbs remain dormant throughout winter and flowers arise one or two at a time, lasting only for a couple of days. If you are amazed with the flowers, then hold on, because its leaves are said to be stunning. The leaf front is green with silvery marks and is purple on the back. Kaempferia rotunda belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is a native. As I was on a botanical study tour, identification was not an issue! 

;-)


Indian crocus, Bhui champa, peacock ginger

This is one herb I will be looking out for, and I am sure you will too.
Happy herb spotting!
:)

22 comments:

Kala Ravi said...

Would like to know does this Kaempferia have any medicinal significance? Thanks for sharing.
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave

Archana said...

A general Google search did throw up articles discussing medicinal properties of this plant. However I have no knowledge of this field and it would be better to consult an expert. Thanks Kala! So glad to meet you here daily :)

Trisha Faye said...

Very beautiful. You've posted some new and interesting plants!
Trisha Faye
www.herbthyme.wordpress.com

Hill station Reader said...

Beautiful ....

@dixita011 from
Cafenined words

Archana said...

@Trisha - Thank you for the kind words :)

Archana said...

@Dixita - thanks a lot!

Seena said...

So pretty. Kudos to you to find these beauties!
Cheers,
Seena
#AtoZChallenge - K is for Kicks

Penelope Potty Snooper said...

Do you think it's called bhul because it has anesthetic properties?or causes amnesia?

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful herb :) Wow.. You're learning botany... :)
@TirelessReader from
RandomRagas

betty said...

It is pretty! Herbs are a great theme for the A/Z challenge :)

enjoy the rest of it!

betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/

Reema D'souza said...

The flower looks amazing. Hope I am able to spot it someday.

My Era said...

That's beautiful :)
Had it not been for your posts I would have never noticed such beautiful herbs. Though I don't live in the same are as you but still your series has taught me to look around for such herbs in my surroundings.

@theerailivedin from The Era I Lived In

Anonymous said...

Oh, thank God I finally found your blog again. I remember I liked it in the theme reveal but then forgot which it was. :D I hope I'll have the time to read the older posts. So informative and beautiful!

Rian from
Rian’s Randomness

Archana said...

Thank you Seena. :)

Archana said...

@bellybytes - its bhui chafa. Bhui would refer to earth. Thanks for stopping by!

Archana said...

@Shalini - yes, learning botany at this stage of my life! its great as I dont have to give any exams!! ;-)

Archana said...

Thanks @betty. Hope you are having a great time too!

Archana said...

@Reema - good luck!! :)

Archana said...

@ My Era - That's great! Do share the flowers and trees that catch your attention! Thank you for the kind words! :)

Archana said...

@riandurants - Your words made my day! thank you so much. You can follow the blog or follow me on Twitter so you get updates! :)

Unknown said...

wonderful flower. who will not feel like having in his garden. let us explore the source and inform all on this sight. thks for for posting keep learning post such another flowers

anand patil

april 23 2017

Unknown said...

I have planted this plant and waiting for flowers but leaves are also so beautiful