Source: ANI
Context: The first-ever export consignment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore was flagged off in February.
About Anthurium Flower:
- Scientific Name: Anthurium (family: Araceae).
- Grown In:
-
- Native region: Americas, from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.
- In India: Widely cultivated in Mizoram and other North Eastern states.
- Features of the Plant:
-
- Herbaceous plants that can grow as epiphytes or terrestrially.
- Inflorescence consists of a spadix and colorful spathe (red, pink, orange, and other colors).
- Produces juicy berries containing seeds.
- Toxic in nature due to calcium oxalate crystals; sap can irritate skin and eyes.
- Significance:
- Significant contribution to India’s floriculture exports (USD 86.62 million in FY 2023–24).
- ‘Anthurium Festival’ is an annual cultural and tourism event celebrated in Mizoram. It showcases the beauty and commercial potential of Anthurium flowers grown in the region.
- Floriculture is commercially cultivated in several states with Tamil Nadu (21%), Karnataka (16%), Madhya Pradesh (14%) and West Bengal (12%).
- The major importing countries from India were U.S.A, Netherland, United Arab Emirates, U.K and Canada.
