Kannada, one of the classical languages of India, is rich with botanical lexicon. Whether you are visiting a flower market or admiring a garden in Karnataka, knowing the local words for flowers and plants can enhance your appreciation of the region’s flora. Here are some Kannada vocabulary words to help you discuss flowers and plants in this beautiful language.

Hoovu – Flower
Flowers play an important role in Karnataka’s culture, used in festivals, weddings, and daily worship. In Kannada, the word for flower is Hoovu.
ನನ್ನ ತೋಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ವಿವಿಧ ಬಗೆಯ ಹೂವುಗಳಿವೆ. (Nanna toṭadalli bahaḷaṣṭu vividha bageya hoovugaḷive.)

Gida – Plant
The term Gida denotes any kind of plant, from small herbs to large trees.
ನನ್ನ ಮನೆಯ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನೇಕ ಗಿಡಗಳಿವೆ. (Nanna maneya hindina avaraṇadalli anēka giḍagaḷive.)

Sasya – Vegetation
Sasya refers more broadly to vegetation and is used when talking about plants collectively.
ಈ ಪ್ರದೇಶವು ಹಸಿರು ಸಸ್ಯದಿಂದ ಭರಿತವಾಗಿದೆ. (Ī pradeśavu hasiru sasyadiṇda bharitavāgide.)

Kusuma – Blossom
A younger or more delicate flower, particularly when it is opening, is called a Kusuma.
ಪ್ರತಿ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ನಾನು ನನ್ನ ಉದ್ಯಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಸುಮಗಳನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತೇನೆ. (Prati beḷigge nānu nanna udyānadalli kusumagaḷannu nōḍuttēne.)

Thavare – Lotus
The lotus, a significant symbol in Indian culture, is known as Thavare in Kannada.
ತವರೆ ಹೂವು ನೀರಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ತೇಲುತ್ತದೆ. (Thavare hūvu nīrina mēle tēluttade.)

Pushpaka – Inflorescence
The complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts, and flowers is referred to as Pushpaka in Kannada.
ಆ ಗಿಡದ ಪುಷ್ಪಕ ಬಹಳ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿದೆ. (ā giḍada puṣpaka bahaḷa sundaravāgide.)

Vriksha – Tree
Vriksha means tree, an important part of the Karnataka’s landscape.
ಆ ವೃಕ್ಷದ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಒಂದು ಬೆಂಚ್ ಇದೆ. (ā vr̥kṣada keḷage ondu ben̄c idē.)

Patra – Leaf
Patra is a term for leaf, an essential and often discussed part of plant anatomy.
ಈ ಗಿಡದ ಪತ್ರಗಳು ತುಂಬಾ ದೊಡ್ಡವು ಮತ್ತು ಹಸಿರು. (Ī giḍada patragaḷu tumbā doḍḍavu mattu hasiru.)

Balli – Creeper/Vine
Balli refers to creepers or vines, plants that generally climb or sprawl.
ಗೋಡೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಬಳ್ಳಿ ಬಹಳ ಚೆಂದವಾಗಿದೆ. (Gōḍeya mēle beḷeyuva baḷḷi bahaḷa cendavāgide.)

Hulirayara Gida – Shrub
In Kannada, a shrub is referred to as Hulirayara Gida, indicating a bushy, woody plant.
ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಎದುರು ಹುಳಿರಾಯರ ಗಿಡಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲಿವೆ. (Namma maneya eduru huḷirāyara giḍagaḷu ellive.)

Ele – Blade (of grass)
Ele typically means a blade of grass or leaf of a small plant in Kannada.
ಮೈದಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಲ್ಲಿನ ಎಲೆ ಮೇಲೆ ಹನಿಗಳು ಹೊಳೆಯುತ್ತಿವೆ. (Maidānadalli hullina ele mēle hanigaḷu hoḷeyuttive.)

Understanding the local vocabulary is crucial when connecting with the culture and people of any region. By familiarizing yourself with these Kannada botanical words, you will be one step closer to appreciating the natural beauty that Karnataka has to offer. Whether you are an aspiring gardener, a passionate botanist, or simply a lover of nature, knowing these words will surely help deepen your connection with the Kannada speaking world.