Kerala’s tropical climate and rich biodiversity provide a unique opportunity for landscaping with a wide variety of plants. Here are some plants commonly used for landscaping in Kerala:

Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera): The iconic coconut palm is synonymous with Kerala’s landscape. It provides shade, beauty, and valuable coconut fruit.

Areca Palm (Areca catechu): Also known as the betel nut palm, the areca palm is often used for its elegant and slender appearance.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): With its large, glossy leaves, the rubber plant is an excellent choice for adding greenery to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.): These vibrant, colourful vines are commonly used for their striking blooms that add a splash of colour to Kerala’s landscapes.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Known locally as “Chembarathi,” the hibiscus is a popular flowering shrub with vibrant red, pink, and yellow blooms.

Ixora (Ixora spp.): These evergreen shrubs are valued for their clusters of small, bright flowers in various colours.

Bamboo (Bambusa spp.): Bamboo is versatile and is used for creating screens, fences, and even furniture in Kerala’s gardens.

Arecanut Palm (Areca catechu): Known as “Adakka” in Malayalam, the arecanut palm is appreciated for its ornamental value.

Ferns (Various Species): Kerala’s humid climate is ideal for various fern species, making them popular choices for shady areas.

Orchids (Various Species): Orchids thrive in Kerala’s climate and are often grown as decorative houseplants or in outdoor gardens.

Banana Plant (Musa spp.): Banana plants are both functional and decorative, producing delicious fruit while adding a tropical touch to landscapes.

Frangipani (Plumeria spp.): Known for their fragrant, exotic flowers, frangipani trees are cherished for their beauty and sweet scent.

Ficus Trees (Ficus spp.): Ficus trees, including the weeping fig, are commonly used for their lush foliage and air-purifying qualities.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum): Croton plants are appreciated for their vibrant, multicoloured leaves, which add a touch of colour to gardens.

Adenium (Adenium obesum): Also called the desert rose, adenium are small, drought-tolerant shrubs with beautiful pink or red flowers.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe vera is not only a useful medicinal plant but also adds a unique texture to gardens.

Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica): Known for its medicinal properties, neem trees are valued for their shade and pest-repelling qualities.

Palms (Various Species): Besides coconut and areca palms, other palm species like the fishtail palm are used for their elegant appearance.

Spider Lily (Hymenocallis spp.): Spider lilies produce striking white, fragrant flowers and are often used in garden borders.

Screw Pine (Pandanus spp.): Known as “Thazhuthama” in Malayalam, screw pine plants are used for their unique foliage and fragrance.

These plants are just a glimpse of the rich botanical diversity you can incorporate into your landscaping projects in Kerala. The choice of plants often depends on factors such as climate, location, and personal preferences, allowing for endless possibilities in creating stunning and diverse landscapes.