Indian Petals in the Wind Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lotus

The lotus plant often has its roots in the soil of the lake or pond with the leaves and flower floating above water. Its ability to remain untouched by the filth it grows in has frequently drawn praise in the epics of ancient India. Not surprisingly, the flower is one of the national emblems of India and also used as an election symbol by the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), one of the two main political parties in the country.

Answer: Flame of the Forest

The bright orange colour of the flower has led to it often being associated with fire. It is also regarded as a harbinger of spring in many parts of India. The palash has been designated as the state flower of the northern state of Jharkhand.

Answer: Thailand

The cassia fistula ranges from the southern parts of Pakistan right up to Thailand and is even found on the island of Sri Lanka. Thailand has designated this tree as its national tree and its flowers as its national flower. Commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, the wood of the tree has also been used to build houses in south India.

Answer: No

Deriving its name from Hindu mythology, the Brahma Kamal is actually part of the Asteraceae family. The plant has various medicinal properties and is extensively in herbal medicines.

Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. The islands are a union territory of India. The Vanilla andamanica is native to this group of islands.

Answer: Uttarakhand

The Valley of Flowers National Park is found within the western Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. Accessible only on foot, reaching the place entails a trek of around 17 km from the nearest town. The valley is found in full bloom from late July to early September, a period which coincides with the monsoons.

Answer: Tree of Sorrow

The nickname 'tree of sorrow' was given as the flowers bloom during the night and become dull once day breaks. The tree is also scientifically named Nyctanthes arbor-tristis which translates to 'sad tree'. The leaves of the tree are also commonly used in Assamese cuisine.

Answer: Crimson

The Erythrina variegata has bright crimson or scarlet flowers that occur in clusters and paint a striking picture along with the tree's black seeds. It is sometimes also called the Sunshine tree, another ode to the bright blooms. The flower grows wild in forests across the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: Magnolia

The Magnolia champaca is commonly known as champak. In India, the flower is used widely as an offering at the temple. Young girls in south India will be frequently found wearing garlands of champak in their hair. The fragrant flowers are also used to make oils and perfumes.

Answer: Frangipani

The frangipani is native to various parts of the world including Mexico, Central America, India and tropical islands like Fiji. It is believed that the name frangipani is derived from an Italian aristocrat who first used the flower to make perfumes.

In India, the flower is commonly called champa. According to cultural myths in parts of south India, married women should not pass by the tree without picking one of its blooms and wearing it in their hair. Failure to do so would sadden the tree and may result in the woman becoming a widow. Widows in the past were not allowed to wear flowers and thus insulting the tree would result in the woman losing her right to wear flowers.