Water lilies and lotuses were once a common sight in the serene ponds and canals of the village landscapes. (Image: DC)
Visakhapatnam: Water lilies and lotus were once a common sight in the serene ponds and canals of the village landscapes. Known as the flowers of the angels, these blossoms, seen in vibrant red, blue and white hues, bring a splash of joy to the village surroundings. In Vizag, these flowers have not only found a new home but their traditional palette is also transforming thanks to the innovative efforts of a city-based water lily hybridiser.
Analendhu Roy, a resident of Madhurawada in Vizag, has been making waves in the horticultural community by creating new colours of water lilies and lotuses through meticulous hybridisation. His father, from West Bengal, moved to Visakhapatnam four decades ago to make a living. Roy initially set up a primary school on the first floor of his residence. He also pursued his passion on the second-floor terrace, cultivating water lilies and lotus plants.
The terrace of Roy's home now serves as a dazzling display of horticultural creativity, with various types of water lilies and lotus plants thriving in large plastic tubs, basking in the sunlight. Roy propagates local water lily and lotus varieties with those sourced from abroad, resulting in many new and unique hybrids. He likens the excitement of this process to the joy of a mother giving birth to a child.
Roy's dedication has led him to establish connections with hybridisers from around the globe. His friendships with experts from Thailand, USA and Germany greatly aided his hybridisation efforts. Among the notable names given to his creations are Maa 9, Pranav 9, Vasant 9 and Nir 9. Currently, Roy boasts a collection of approximately 300 propagated water lily and lotus varieties, some of which have even been exported to other countries.
His terrace garden is a testament to his ingenuity, featuring rare colours, enchanting fragrances and innovative leaf patterns. These hybrid plants have reached five countries, showcasing Roy's contribution to the global horticultural landscape. He spends four hours a day caring for these delicate plants, ensuring they are protected from insects and pests.
“I love water lilies, which are very delicate plants. I am happy to be one of the 25 hybridisers in the world. I collect information from various media to create hybrid water lilies. I follow international conferences related to hybridisation. If I learn new things from anywhere, I first try them on the lilies in my house. Currently, I have about 300 varieties of water lilies and 40 lotus flowers. I plan to create many more water lily varieties," Roy shared enthusiastically with Deccan Chronicle. Roy's story is an inspiring example of how passion and innovation can bring the beauty of nature into the urban jungle, one rooftop at a time.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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