50+ Flowers in Tamil: Names, Meanings & Cultural Guide
From fragrant மல்லி (Jasmine) to sacred தாமரை (Lotus), Tamil Nadu’s flowers are deeply tied to its culture. This guide lists 50+ flower names in Tamil with English translations, uses, and tips for Tamil learners.
50+ Flower Names in Tamil & English
| English Name | Tamil Name (Script) | Transliteration | Cultural Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasmine | மல்லி | Malli | Weddings, hair adornments |
| Lotus | தாமரை | Thamarai | Temple offerings |
| Marigold | சாமந்தி | Saamanthi | Festival decorations |
| Hibiscus | செம்பருத்தி | Sembaruthi | Worship, hair care |
| Neem Flower | வேப்ப மலர் | Veppa Malar | New Year rituals |
| Sunflower | சூரியகாந்தி | Sooriya Kaanthi | Gardening, oil |
| Rose | ரோஜா | Roja | Gifts, decorations |
| Chrysanthemum | செவ்வந்தி | Sevvandhi | Medicinal tea |
| Oleander | அரளி | Arali | Temple garlands |
| Night Jasmine | பவழமல்லி | Pavazha Malli | Aromatic oils |
| Crown Flower | எருக்கம் பூ | Erukka Poo | Lord Shiva rituals |
| Indian Laburnum | கொன்றை | Kondrai | Tamil literature |
| Flame Lily | காந்தள் | Kaanthal | Tamil Nadu’s state flower |
| Crape Jasmine | நந்தியாவட்டை | Nandiyavattai | Garden ornamental |
| Butterfly Pea | சங்கு பூ | Sangu Poo | Ayurvedic drinks |
| Bauhinia | மந்தாரை | Mandharai | Traditional medicine |
| Crossandra | கனகாம்பரம் | Kanakambaram | Hair adornments |
| Periwinkle | சிட்டுக்குருவி பூ | Sittukku Ravi Poo | Cancer research |
| Pomegranate Flower | மாதுளம் பூ | Maadulam Poo | Religious rituals |
| Tube Rose | செண்பகம் | Shenbagam | Aromatic garlands |
| Millingtonia | மராமல்லி | Mara Malli | Timber tree flowers |
| Hiptage | மாதவி | Madhavi | Classical literature |
| Madagascar Periwinkle | சுதர்சனி | Sudarshani | Medicinal uses |
| Palm Flower | பனை மலர் | Panai Malar | Toddy tapping |
| Blue Water Lily | நீலோற்பலம் | Neelothpalam | Pond ecosystems |
Pro Tip: Practice Tamil by saying, “I love மல்லி (Malli) flowers!”
Example Sentences for Learners:
- “I bought மல்லி (Malli) flowers yesterday.”
- “தாமரை (Thamarai) symbolizes purity in Tamil Nadu.”
Flowers in Tamil Festivals
1. Pongal Festival
Homes are decorated with சாமந்தி (Saamanthi/Marigold) garlands to symbolize prosperity.
2. Tamil Weddings
Brides wear மல்லி மாலை (Malli Maalai), a jasmine garland, for auspiciousness.
How to Use Flowers in Daily Tamil Life
Hair Adornments:
Women often weave மல்லி (Malli) into their hair for fragrance and beauty.
Growing Tamil Flowers: 5 Easy Tips
- Jasmine (மல்லி): Needs 6+ hours of sunlight.
- Hibiscus (செம்பருத்தி): Water daily in summer.
FAQs for Tamil Learners
Q: How do you say “sunflower” in Tamil?
A: சூரியகாந்தி (Sooriya Kaanthi). Example: “Sooriya Kaanthi grows tall in summer.”
Q: What flower is used in Tamil temple rituals?
A: தாமரை (Thamarai/Lotus) is offered to Goddess Lakshmi.
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