Go Indigenous!!

Posted byReemaPosted inGardening BasicsTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The first time I heard the word Indigenous (with reference to plants) I knew for sure they were referring to the genus of plants originating in India!! Well, I did realize that I should refer a dictionary and not come up with my own interpretations!!

So what is Indigenous? Indigenous means originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. (To me, who stay’s in India, the misinterpretation and correct interpretation didn’t really make a difference though 😉 )

So, Why should we go for Indigenous plants?

Because only and only indigenous plants help you attract the fauna!! By fauna, I mean, the birds, bees and other insects!

So how do we identify these native plants?

The simplest and most useful trick I use here in India – I check if there is a name for the plant in local language. If the local language has a name for the plant it definitely is a local/native/indigenous plant.

If I know only the English and/or Botanical name of the plant, I know its not indigenous to India or my State!

Gardener’s Confession: Yes, I do have a few plants that are not indigenous, but a majority of them are Indigenous!! 🙂 😉 🙂

Published by Reema

Entrepreneur | Author of 2 Ebooks | Gardener

33 thoughts on “Go Indigenous!!”

  7. That is so interesting! I did not know that at all. And that leaves me wondering if I know all the names of the plants in my garden in English. And then – how do I know whether something with the Scientific name: Wisteria, Family: Fabaceae, Higher classification: Faboideae, Tribe: Millettieae is English or something entirely different.
    P.S.
    I sometimes have the longing to repatriate all my houseplants; to take the umbrella tree to one country, the yucca plant to another and the ferns to another place entirely. I sit and wonder if they would be happier amongst their compatriots. Is there any hope for me? 🙂
    Kindness – Robert.

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    1. Thank you for visiting and reading my blog Robert! There is nothing wrong with having exotic plants!!
      Its just that the local/native plants attract more birds and bees. 🙂

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      1. But how do the plants feel about that!! *waves arms in air and looks about frantically for assistance as if one of the plants just had a heart attack and the local ambulance team just would not attend*

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  8. Pingback: I Get You | robertcday

  10. Hi Reema, i nominated you for a Mystery Blogger Award! This is in no way obligatory. But I hope you participate. “Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion. Okoto Enigma

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  11. Great post! More of us should try to concentrate on indigenous plants for our respective geographic areas. Looking to our ancestors , grandparents for example, grew or cultivated many indigenous species. Many times those are the plants that are not consumed by local animal populations such as deer and rabbits .

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  12. Hi Reema, love your ideas on indigenous plants. Especially because they help provide food for the native bees!
    We are in Australia and have some beautiful flowers here, but not enough people planting them!! We need more bloggers like you to inspire the growth of natural gardens and encourage the wellbeing of pollinators.
    Without the wonderful work of bees we wouldn’t have much biodiversity or even food for that matter… So it’s scary to think they may not be that far from extinction.
    Indigenous flowers really could help save the life of a bee!
    Thank you for spreading your knowledge and keep planting!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I couldn’t agree more. Bees are our Saviours!! Sorry for the delay in response! Wish you a great week ahead! Happy Gardening 🙂 🙂

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  15. I ‘ve been constantly watching ur pics frm ur garden….i am still searching the bst word frm the dictionary…for the hard wrk rendered by you…n posting the beautiful flowers….as i’m too an admirer of nature….wish u all the best…waiting to see more frm ur garden…….

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