Navratri Day 8: A flower show of purple in Goa

An abundance of purple can be seen all over Goa – from passion flowers to Purple Fest to a popular band, called Purple Rain. Now, feast your eyes on the many shades of purple found in the local flowers and fruits.

BRINJAL

Brinjals (Solanum melongena L.) grow in Goa and find use in culinary preparations such as brinjal pickle and stuffed brinjal (Bharleli Vangi), while a local variety also has a GI tag.

KARVI FLOWERS

The Karvi plant (Strobilanthes callosa) flowers only once in 8 years, and is currently in bloom on hills in certain parts of Goa.

BUTTON FLOWERS

Also known as Globe Amaranth or Button flowers (Gomphrena globosa), the plant is fairly drought resistant and its flowers are used to make garlands in Goa.

HYDRANGEA

Commonly called hortensia, a hydrangea flower ranges in colour from white to pink to lilac to lavender depending on soil pH. Although not native to India, it is currently available in plant nurseries, and makes a pretty sight.

MILKWEED

Calatropis gigantean, known as Ruie or Milkweed, grows wild along Goa’s roadsides, and bears mauve, waxy flowers.

BAUHINIA PURPUREA

On Dussehra day, the leaves of Bauhinia purpurea, locally called aptto, are exchanged as this symbolizes gold and prosperity.

MULBERRY

The ripe fruits of the mulberry tree (Morus alba) are sweet, juicy and a deep purplish black in colour.

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