The name of this flower that always smiles in our garden is Phanera Purpurea, also called as purple orchid, Hong Kong orchid tree or purple bauhinia. Locally known as Mandara, the combination of the leaves and flowers of this plant look like many beautiful butterflies are surrounding the tree, just about to take off. It has a stimulating and fresh effect on one’s mind. This snap was taken in my home garden.
I also remember seeing an orange variety of this flower in the Agumbe Ghats some years back.
There is a white variety of this flower which is known as ‘Battalu Mandara’, where Battalu means ‘containers’ in Kannada.
These flowers are considered to have medicinal properties.
Like butterflies..
Don’t they look like green and purple butterflies?
Green butterflies flying away…!!!
Chaayaamalikaa 