Plant introduction - Talinum goes places

I always wonder why I don't find Talinum in Telangana and Rayalseema areas of Andhra Pradesh. Of course I do find this plant occasionally even in these regions, but only in my relatives places who hail from Andhra region.

I strongly believe that this plant has an answer for nutrition security in semi-arid regions as it is highly resistant to drought. The plant thrives well in wet areas but it survives most harsh environments. We are very much attached to it and I managed to have this plant even when I had a very limited growing space.

But when I once had to part with all my plants, I have given all my plants along with the containers to my friends. I have given them for adoption to those who can look after them better than me. But I threw a couple of broken pots containing a few Talinum plants on to the ground from the fourth floor balcony as if I was trying to break my attachment towards them.

An year later, when I was standing in the balcony and looking down at the weeds that germinated after the first showers, I SAW them. I cannot mistake them, bright green oblong succulent leaves of Talinum. They survived the long and hot summer months without a drop of water! They came back to life even though I threw them ruthlessly!!

That moment, I decided to work towards popularizing this plant. I was very happy to see that this plant is listed in Plants for a future database and several others. I was also very much delighted to see this plant finding the first place in my sisters garden, who returned to India and wanted to recreate the domestic garden of our childhood times in the ultra modern Hitech city.



When I was informed that I was to go to Adakkal, this plant came to my mind, and I preferred to carry a Talinum plant in a designer pot instead of my lap top. I collected this plant from one of my friends who adopted my plants a couple of years back.
The plant was well received by Adakkal farmers and I was very much pleased with their reaction. Even if that particular plant dies, the idea or notion of such a plant has taken roots in that area. I will take every opportunity to collect and distribute more such specimens. I wish my future assignment could be popularizing underutilized plants like this. For that matter I like to see all plants listed in the Plants for a future database find a place in a biodiversity park exclusive to such species and promote ecotourism so that entire world (is it too ambitious? Its just a wish! Target population is that. Its O.K.) to know and grow them!!