Get a glimpse of the unique vegetation on Goa's Socorro Plateau

Ayurvedic doctor and naturalist, Dr Maryanne Lobo, leads nature walks through North Goa's lush countryside, educating students, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts on lesser-known species.

A WALK WITH THE DOC

A morning walk with Dr Lobo offers a refreshing and informative insight into the flora of Socorro Plateau, in Bardez.

TEENY TRAP

The Indian Sundew (Drosera Indica) was hard to spot among the tall grass. Its sticky appendages trap insects.

GLORIOUS USES

Another plant seen on the plateau is the Slender Dwarf Morning Glory (Evolvulus Alsinoides). This beautiful flower offers multiple benefits, such as stress relief, body detoxification and enhanced memory when taken in the correct dosage.

BUTTON BLOOMS

You might almost miss the small button like Pipewort blooms that grow up to 20 cm in height,  and are common on the plateau.

ON SOLID GROUND

Almost impossible to see with the naked eye, the tiny mauve-coloured Murdannia is a non-leafy, three-lobed flower that grows on the rocky ground.

HEALING TOUCH

Hidden in the thick foliage of the plateau, the Solanum Indicum or African eggplant, is a shrub which produces berries, while its stem and branches are covered in curved prickles. Ancient Ayurveda has long relied on the plant's healing properties to treat asthma, dry cough and fever.

GREY MATTERS

As you walk around, you may spot the beautiful lavender-blue Lark Daisy (Centratherum punctatum), which is native to Brazil. The oil extracted from this plant can help prevent and reduce hair loss and premature greying.

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