Lantern Flowers

Ceropegia fantastica is an endemic species to the Western ghats with a narrow distribution range across Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka.  It is categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN Red list of Threatened species. 

Ceropegia juncea is distributed in peninsular India including the dryer parts. It is adapted to the dry and arid climatic conditions well by having very minute fleshy leaves; a thick succulent stem and funnel shaped flowers. That’s why it is called ‘Leafless Goglet flower’. 

The twinner grows on the thorny shrubs like Acacia and Capparis sp. where it is merges in the plant. Notice the thick succulent, twining cylindrical stem with tiny leaves.  

Mainly found in the high altitudes regions between 800-1400m, Ceropegia sahyadrica is found across the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The plant is an erect herb with stout stem and greenish-white flowers. It grows in boulder crevices and on hill slopes.