JOIN USCB Pur a haven for 'bird of paradise'
The district is a haven for the ornamental flower popularly known as ‘bird of paradise.”
Notwithstanding the fact that Chikkaballapur is a drought hit area and a region of depleting water table, the horticultural department has taken the initiative to promote the cultivation of the ornamental flower, bird of paradise, which has a great international demand.
Some villages have been chosen for the cultivation of this floriculture produce. As a first step towards this a workshop on the cultivation of bird of paradise was held recently in Nandi village. The bird of paradise is one of the best known of all the tropical flowers. It is popular used as decor in swanky hotels where they are used as magnificent table centrepieces built about these remarkable flowers.
Surprisingly, birds are easier to grow than many tropical plants. The plant is a vigorous, rapidly growing indoor plant. Birds can be moved outside in the summer, and in warmer climes, will thrive for half the year outside. They typically flower in the late winter or early spring, but under optimal conditions, will flower at various times.
Shape and title
The name Bird of Paradise comes from its spectacular flower shape which resembles a bird's beak and head plumage. It resembles a brightly coloured bird in flight and so the name Birds of Paradise.
Because of the banana shaped leaves and other plant characteristics Birds of Paradise was classified in the banana family Musaceae. It is native to South Africa and bloom from September through May.
The farmers have not been able to take the full advantage of cultivating and marketing this flower as they have no idea of the market, says Additional Horticulture Director D L Maheshwarappa, who spoke at the recent workshop on birds of paradise.
Farmers grow the best horticulture crop but due to lack of knowledge in regard to its marketing are unable to get the best price for it, he said.