Discovering bees, trees and Karvi flowers in Mollem with Eco Treks Goa

In the month of September, Eco Treks Goa organized a farm visit-cum-trek to Mollem. There, the trekkers explored Ras Raj Farm, enjoyed a delicious local meal (including patoli made from ragi), learned about bees and trees, and most importantly, witnessed the flowering of Karvi flowers in a forested area of Mollem.

BEE TECH

Vandit Naik, of Ras Raj Farm, explained bee keeping where he spoke about the different species of bees and how one has to be careful and calm while dealing with them.

OH HONEY, HONEY

At Ras Raj Farm, the honey bee species called Apis cerana indica, are bred. These are locally known as satodyache muss, since they make seven hives, and make around 8 to 13 kg of honey per cycle.

FISHY STORY

Botanist Akshatra Pracy Fernandes educated trekkers about various species of plants and trees. Here, she talks about the fish tail palm and its inflorescence, or flowering stem.

FLOWER POWER

The highlight of the trek was witnessing this bloom of Karvi (Strobilanthes callosa) flowers in the forests of Mollem.

RARE BEAUTY

The Karvi plant blooms once in 8 years (seven years after germination) in the month of September and October, and that’s what makes this plant special. The plant dies after flowering and new saplings emerge from its seeds, thus, completing the cycle.

PRETTY IN PINK

The plant has cone like buds which are first pink in colour.

COLOUR STORY

The violet colour of the flowers increases its chance of pollination. It attracts many bees and butterflies.

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