Spices,Its not Just a Pinch of Them.

Spices- the most sought by human

Do you believe among the stuffs we use to prepare the dish, the spices were the most sought after item by the people, and by the countries. There were more feudal wars fought between the countries to own the spice producing Islands than for other reasons.Spices are not just great flavoring substance but they are great preservative and flavor enhancer in particular, ingredients like Cinnamon in Cakes,and Saffron in Biriyanis and sweet desserts.

 Spices have different flavours, and characterestic, while some of them serve for more than one purpose.
Spices can improve the taste and give great appeal to dull diets or spoiled food. 
The peculiar flavors stimulate salvation,induces appetite and promotes digestion.

Some spices are used for their taste,(ginger) while others are used for their aroma(cinnamon,clove). Complex flavors can be made by using mixtures of spices (Garam Masala) that compliment each other.

.What are spices?

According to Ayurvedic medicine “Spices can be used for cooling and warming purpose and are used in appropriate quantity to affect balance of the digestive system”

As a example pungent spices like ginger, turmeric, clove can cause sweating ,which may even cause a cooling sensation in tropical climate, while pepper, chillies, paprika can add a sense of inner warmth when used in cooked food in colder climates.

Difference between spice and Herb

Spice

“A spice is defined as an aromatic part of a tropical plant,be it a root (ginger,turmeric)

A bark-cinnamon,resin of bark –Asafoetida,

flower – Saffron,

or seed- Ajowin,cumin,pepper,coriander.

Herb

“Herb is a plant that does not have woody stem and dies at the end of growing season,- basil, thyme, rosemary, mint,parsley.

How is the flavor trapped in Spices?

The aroma and flavor of spices comes from essential oils. These chemical compounds present in most of the spices are volatile in nature.(evaporate when they are exposed, like perfumes) Most of the spices need to be cooked before taken with food.Spices are lipophilic, that is they combine very well with fat substance in high temperature than with water or cold oil.(As you know it as "saute" the first step in any kind of cuisine). when we add the spices the chemical compounds are released, with the heat in the oil the flavors are quickly trapped, and diffuse in the food and in the air. That’s why we get wonderful aroma around the place when spiced foods are cooked up. To aid the release of volatile compounds from the spices ensure the oil is hot and the outer covering of the spices is ruptured by any of these methods, grinding, pounding, grating, and crushing.

The stage at which spices are added to the dish also makes a big difference.When they are added in the beginning they create a good flavor,than they are added in the end of the cooking where their flavor don’t mix with the food and can be noticed distinctively.

How to store the spices

Using a fresh high quality spice can make a difference in the dish cooked.Here are some tips to store the spices in a prime quality.

1. Always buy in small quantities.When you buy see they are fresh,not faded,and are distinctively aromatic.
2. Whole spices last for a longer times than ground ones.
3. Store them in a clean,airtight containers away from air, heat,light and moisture and handle them thoughtfully.(close the lid of the container properly after use,use dry hands)
4. If you buy in larger quantity, take out required amount for the monthly usage in a separate container,rest you pack and store them in a way that it will not come in direct contact with light,heat,moisture or the best way is to store them in Refrigerators .
5. The shelf life of spices varies with form and part of the plant.(spices which have been cut or powdered have more surface area exposed to the air and they lose their flavor more quickly than in their whole form)

whole spice

flowers- 1 to 2 yrs
seeds and barks-2 to 3 yrs , roots-3 yrs
ground spice
seeds and barks -1 year
roots -2 yrs
leaves -1 year

6.Keep them away from cooking stove and microwave.

7.Storing in a glass jar with label(to protect from sunlight,heat)is always preferable.

                                                        Some commonly used Spices

AsaFoetida

Caraway

Cardamom

Cinnamon

Clove

Coriander

Cumin

Fennel

Fennel leaves

Fenu Greek

Ginger

Mace

NutMug

Pepper

Red Chillies

Saffron 

Sumac

Mustard

Vanilla Pod

Turmeric Powder

Tamarind

Major Health Factor

Spices helps to improve your health.They reduce the sodium content in the food while enhancing the flavour of food. Reducing sodium is really a good health factor which directly reduces the risk of high blood pressure, strokes and Haemorrhage.

Some interesting facts about Spices:

• Spices were introduced to Western cuisine by the Romans during the spice trade to the East.
• The word spice is derived from word “species.”
• In ancient times Arabia was the center of spice trade.
• The need to supply spice in the European markets spurred explorations, extraordinary voyages and discovery of new worlds.
• Chocolate pods were valued so much they were used as the equivalent of money by Aztecs.
• Pepper corns were accepted as a substitute of money in Medieval times.
• The use of rare spices in food is considered as a sign of wealth in Rome, where in Europe liberal amount of spice is used to impress or for political gain.

 By looking  at the history,and uses of the  spices,  you can consider how, when to use spices in your cooking to get  new, unexpected flavors to your meals.and also to  have the maximum health  benefits from them and realize why they were part of Indian cuisine  from time unknown.

Heritage of Tea in India

     India, as the world’s largest consumer of tea uses nearly 30 per cent of the global output. India is also the second largest producer of tea. Despite the production, India is also the largest exporter of tea after China.The consumption of tea in India was first clearly documented in the Ramayana (750-500 BC) says that tea was perhaps better known as “Soma” in Indian mythology.
      The cultivation and brewing of tea in India has a long history. Commercial production of tea in India begins with the arrival of the British East India Company, at which point large tracts of land were converted for mass tea production. The widespread popularity of tea as a recreational drink begins in the 1950s, after a successful advertising campaign by the India Tea Board.Assam tea comes from the North Eastern section of the country.It was in Assam that the first tea estate was established, in 1837.

Tea in India
 By and large, tea drinkers in India drink milk tea. There are many other popular variations depending on regional and cultural affiliations.

Tea stalls in India

The now well known Masala Chai, Kadak Chai (typically a feature of the mountain community of North India, this is a very strongly brewed tea, almost to the point of bitterness), Malai Mar Ke Chai (where a generous dollop of full fat added to tea).
  The cultivation and brewing of tea in India has a long history.Outside the home, tea is most commonly and easily found at the ubiquitous tea stalls that present in every street in India. The tea stall has become a part of the urban landscape and a cultural institution.

Kettles used to serve tea

Unlike the British cup of tea, tea in India is not served in a set where the leaves are steeped separately.
  Typically, tea in India is consumed with both milk and sugar but the tea leaves are not prepared separately by being steeped. Instead, the tea leaves are boiled along with additions and then boiled again after the addition of milk and sugar. Sometimes the tea leaves themselves are used as flavouring. In many parts of the country, the most special tea is one where the tea leaves are boiled solely in milk.
 India is also the world's largest tea-drinking nation. However, the per capita consumption of tea in India remains a modest 750 grams per person every year due to the large population base and high

Eco-friendly cups used

chhass(A milk product) consumption.Indian tea is very healthy, especially during the winter as it contains natural immunizers such as ginger, cardamom, etc. Indian tea is very very different from the various kinds of tea that are taken in rest parts of the world.
 
Medicinal use of Tea
The cultivation and brewing of tea in India has a long history of applications in traditional systems of medicine and for consumption.

Right leaf to be plucked.

The practice of Ayurveda has resulted in a long standing tradition of tisanes, (an infusion - as of dried herbs – used as a beverage or for medicinal effects). Traditional Indian kitchens have long utilised the medicinal benefits offered by various plants and spices such as basil (Tulsi), cardamom (Elaichi), pepper (Kali Mirch), liquorice (Mulethi), mint (Pudina), etc., and traditionally, tisanes made with these plant leaves and/or spices have been in use for centuries for maladies ranging from the serious to the trifling. Tea also serves as a mediumq for these traditional tisanes. The taste of chai (sweet and milky) helps disguise the stronger and more bitter flavours of some of the medicinal additives, while other, more pleasant flavours such as cardamom and ginger add a pleasing flavour and aroma to the tea along with health benefits.
1.Tulsi,ginger- used to control cold,cough,fever.
2.pepper,cardamom- improves digestion.
3.ginger-purifies the blood.
4.clove- used as a refreshner.

A tea plantation in Darjeeling

Different Kinds of Tea
Indians love a good cup of tea (chai) whenever possible.Though India is major producer of Tea however, over 70% of it is consumed by Indians themselves. The production of tea really took off during the days of British rule in India, when large tracts of land were converted for mass tea production. If you're a tea lover, don't miss visiting these places where you'll find the best India tea plantations and tea.
1.Darjeeling
The Darjeeling region is cool and wet, and tucked in the foothills of the Himalayans. The tea is exquisite and delicately flavored, and considered to be one of the finest teas in the world. The Darjeeling plantations have 3 distinct harvests, and the tea produced from each 'flush' has a unique flavor. First flush teas are light and aromatic, while the second flush produces tea with a bit more bite. The third, or autumn flush gives a tea that is lesser in quality.
2.Assam
Mostly grown in the Brahmaputra Valley, malty Assamese tea is brightly colored. Jorhat, in the central part of the valley, is often referred to as the "Tea Capital of the World"..Assam tea comes from the North Eastern section of the country. This heavily forested region is home to much wildlife, including the rhinoceros. Tea from here is rich and full-bodied. It was in Assam that the first tea estate was established, in 1837.
3.Nilgiri
This tea comes from an even higher part of India than Darjeeling. This southern Indian region has elevations between 1,000 and 2,5000 metres. The flavors of Nilgiri teas are subtle and rather gentle. They are frequently blended with other, more robust teas.
The mountainous Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, in south India, is known for its distinctive dark and intensely aromatic tea. Tea has been grown there for more than 100 years, and is the most important industry in the regiont tea producing region in the country.
4.Munnar
 Munnar, a popular hill station in south India, you'll be greeted by miles upon miles of lush tea plantations. Once owned by Tata, the largest tea manufacturing company in India, they've now been sold to employees.The tea made here is rich in flavours.
5.Wayanad
Wayanad, a lush mountainous agricultural area of Kerala, also produces a significant amount of tea (in addition to coffee and spices). Most of the tea plantations are located south of Kalpetta.
If you were to visit India, there would be no end to the sights you could see.Make sure you'd take a tour of a tea plantation or two.

"How to make good tea or chai"
Besides the different kinds of tea that come from India, there is also a very unique style of making tea. It's called chai. There are lots of various recipes to make chai, but the basic ingredients are: black tea, milk, sugar, and spices. It's the combination of spices that make chai so wonderful. The most common are cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and even pepper. Even major coffee and tea chains are starting to serve chai in North America. If you're tired of plain tea, give chai a try.

•    To make a strong tea use milk and water in the same quantity.

•     Use high fat milk

•     The best time to drink tea is during evening hours and at the morning time

•     For children one should use only milk and should decrease the tea content.

•     To add more flavor one can use any spices of your choice.

• Ingredients:
• water -200ml
• Milk - 200ml (High fat milk)
• tea powder-3 teaspoons
• ginger- 2 teaspoons ( sliced and crushed) 
• cardamom -2
• sugar -4 teaspoons (double the amount of ginger)

 
Instructions 
    1. Take equal amounts of water and milk in separate vessels

    2.Boil the milk till it becomes thick.
    3.Boil the water, simmer the stove, add teapowder.When the water becomes deep brown in colour add sugar followed by ginger and cardamom.
   4 .Now add milk and boil it again in medium flame.
    5.Filter and serve in tea cups.




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LIST OF POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS AND WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES IN INDIA

               India's wildlife is rich and diverse. Almost 4 % of India's land is under forests. The popular animals found in India are Apes, Asiatic Lions, Monkeys, Snakes, Crocodiles, Buffaloes, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Sloth Bears, Blue Bull (Neelgai), Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Goats and Tigers. Elephants provide maximum excitement while exploring India. India is also famous for its incredible tigers and has the largest number of bird species.
               India is home to several fabulous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which makes this country a nature lover's paradise. The wildlife sanctuaries in India are home to around two thousand different species of birds, 3500 species of mammals, nearly 30000 different kinds of insects and more than 15000 varieties of plants.
               There are as many as 80 national parks and over 441 wildlife sanctuaries in India, covering nearly 4.5% of the total geographical area of the country. Scattered all across the country, these sanctuaries and parks attracts the tourists with their beautiful landscapes, amazing rock formation and diverse range of flora and fauna. Most of these sanctuaries were originally private hunting grounds of the former Indian aristocratic families.

   Some of the very popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are listed below:

1.BANDHAVAGARH  NATIONAL PARK, SHANDOL (MADHYAPRADESH)
 Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh) to Shahdol iS138 km.Time by road is
3 hrs, 20 mins.Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, with an area of 105 Sq. Km. and buffer area of approximately 400 Sq. Km. Of topography varies between steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows. The park derives its name from the most prominent hillock of the area, which is said to be given by Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep a watch on Lanka.
This park has a large biodiversity. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is one of the highest known in India.

2.Bandipur National park.Mysore(karnataka) 
Bandipur National Park is popular for being home to over 75 Royal Bengal Tigers. Asian Elephants and chittals are other prime attractions of the park. One can also spot other wildlife like sambar, wild boar, jackal, gaur, barking deer, langur, etc. as well. Sightings of King cobra, viper, rat snake, python, common cobra, etc. are also common in the park.
The national park is a treat for bird watchers as well. Over 200 species of birds that include grey jungle fowl, red spur fowl, hawk eagle, serpent eagle, parakeets, woodpeckers, scarlet minuets, etc. can be spotted in the park.

3.Bannarghatta national park. Bangalore(Karnataka)
The Bannerghatta National Park is about 30 km from Bangalore situated in Bannerghatta, Anekal Taluk – Bangalore District. The National Park was established in 1974.the reserve forest is spread across 25000 acres. The Bannerghatta National Park consists of Biological Forest (Jungle Safari), a Butterfly Park and a Zoo with a little museum and a theatre.

4.Borivili National Park,Mumbai (Maharashtra)
 The Park was known as Krishnagiri Park during pre-independence period and later as Borivali National Park. In 1990 the park was renamed as Sanjay Gandhi National park. It has the reputation of being the most visited National Park and also being place for  the World’s largest animals. These include Bonnet and Rhesus Macaque, Chital, Indian Hare, Gray Lungur, Sambar deer and may other varieties. park within the city limits. Serene, dense green forests and the abundance of wild life make Borivali National Park unique.

5.Corbett National Park,Garhwal (Uttarpradesh)
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

6.Dachigan Sanctuary.Srinagar(Jammu and Kashmir)
Dachigam National Park is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation.The main animal species that Dachigam is most famous for is the Hangul, or the Kashmir Stag. The other species are Musk deer, Leopard,Himalayan Serow,Himalayan Grey Langur, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Black Bear,Himalayan Brown Bear,Jackal,Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel,Yellow-throated Marten,Jungle Cat, Long-tailed Marmot,Ottermation.There are 24 species of birds live here.

7.Dudhewa  National Park.Lakhimpur.Kheri(U.P)
 Dudhwa National Park, in Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to Nepal border, is one of the major projects for wildlife preservation in India. Spread over an expanse of approximately 811 sq km of marshes, grasslands and dense forests, it is a home for over 38 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles and numerous species of birds.
Major attractions of Dudhwa National Park are the Tigers (population 98 in 1995) and Swamp Deer (population over 1,600) Some rare species inhabit the park. Hispid Hare, earlier thought to have become extinct, was rediscovered here in 1984.In the mid 1980s, Indian Rhinoceros was reintroduced into Dudhwa from Assam and Nepal.The other animals to be seen here include Swamp Deer, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Jackal, Civet, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat.
The park has a rich bird life, with over 350 species, including the Swamp Francolin, Great Slaty Woodpecker and Bengal Florican. Dudhwa also boasts a range of migratory birds that settle here during winters. It includes among others, painted storks, black and white necked storks, Sarus Cranes, woodpeckers, barbets, kingfishers, minivets, bee-eaters, bulbuls and varied night birds of prey.

8.Eravikulam Rajmallay National park.Idduki(kerala)
This sanctuary is situated 15 km from Munnar.A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills.
Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of Himalayas, stands majestically in the core area of the national park. The slopes of the hills abound in many kinds of rare flora which include rare terrestrial and epiphytic orchids, and beautiful wild balsams. Important fauna here are the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, leopard, tiger, Indian bison, etc.

9.Ghana Bird Sanctuary.Bharatpur(Rajasthan)
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur is India's best known bird sanctuary. This 28.7 square kilometre mixed wetland, woodland, grass and scrub is home to 400 plus species of birds.
If you are new to birding or you are visiting India for birding, Bharatpur should certainly be at the heart of your plans. Winter (Nov - Mar) is the best time to visit the sanctuary when Palearctic migrants join the residents. An average day can still throw up many rare and threatened species like the Sociable Lapwing, Indian Courser, Imperial, White-tailed, Greater and Indian Spotted Eagles, Darters, Black-necked, Painted and Asian Openbill Storks, Common, Sarus and Demoiselle Cranes, Dalmatian Pelicans, Black Bittern, Greater Painted Snipe, Large-tailed, Indian and Grey Nightjars, Dusky Eagle Owls, Marshall's Iora, Siberian Rubythroat and Brook's Leaf Warblers. The 20 species of ducks, innumerable waders and raptors, water-seeking birds and approachable passerines all add to make Keoladeo a true birder's paradise.

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LIST OF NATIONAL ANIMAL,TREE,BIRD, FLOWER,

NAME OF THE COUNTRY   NAME OF THE TREE  NAME OF THE FLOWER NAME OF THE BIRD NAME OF THE ANIMAL

FINLAND                           BIRCH TREE               LILY OF THE VALLEY     WHOOPER SWAN    BROWN BEAR
                                                                                                                    


LUXEMBERG                     NO OFFICIAL TREE     ROSE                             GOLDCREST           LION


CUBA                                PALMA REAL              BUTTERFLY JASMINE    CUBAN TROGAN      CUBAN CROCODILE


ESTONIA                           OAK                            CORN FLOWER             CHIMNEYWALLOW  BARN SWALLOW


SLOVENIA                        TILIA                           CARNATION                  REDBIRD                  AFRICAN LION


BARBADAS                       FIG                             PRIDE OF BARBA            BROWNPELICAN     DOLPHIN


UKRAINE                          PINE,WILLOW             SUNFLOWER               NIGHTINGALE           NO OFF ANIMAL


SLOVOKIA                      LINDER                         ROSE                             PHOENIX         BEAR


EGYPT                            CARIB                            LOTUS                            STEPPE EAGLE       CAT


CZEC REPUBLIC             LIME                                ROSE                            FALKAN,SOKAL      LION


HUNGARY                        NO OFF TREE                TULIP FLOWER            TURUL                     SAKEN FALCON


IRELAND                         SESSILE OAK                 SHAMROCK                LAPWING                  STAG


THAILAND                       GOLDENSHOWER          RACHAPRUEK            SIAMESEFIREBACK   ASIAN ELEPHANT


SCOTLAND                     SCOTS PINE                   THISTLE                    GOLDENEAGLE          UNICORN


ALBANIA                         OLIVE                            RED POPPY                 PEACOCK                  GOLDEN EAGLE



TRINIDAD                       PINK POUI                       CHOCONIA                  SCARLETIBIS          RUFOUSVENTED                                                                                                                                                CHACHALACA



BULGARIA                     MAPLE TREE                    ROSE                             MAGPIEROBIN       NO OFF ANIMAL


ARGENTINA                   JACARANDA                     CEIBO                         RUFOUSHOMERO    NO OFF


COCTARICA                  GUANACASTE                   ORCHID                       CLAYTHRUSH        WHITE TAILED DEER


SOUTH AFRICA             YELLOWWEED                 PROTEA                        BLUECRANE            SPRINGBOLE


PERU                           CINCHONA                        KANTUTA                    ANDEANCOCK          VICUNA

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MOST BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS IN THE WORLD

There are so many beautiful animals in the world including human being.But these five are considered as most beautiful (colorful )in their kind.


1. MANDARIN DRAGONET GOBY ; PISCES.
It is a small brightly colored member of the dragonet family native to pacific.This is one of the only two animals species known to have blue coloring because of cellular pigment,the other being the closely related fish psychedelic mandarin.



2.ORIENTAL FIRE BELLIED FROG: AMPHIBIANS

These frogs are found in Northeastern china,Korea and South Japan.They are medium sized and growing into size of 2 inches.The pupil of this frog are triangular shaped.





3.MADAGASCAN DAY GECKO :REPTILES

This lizard is one of the largest living day Geckos.It is about 22cm in length.This

KNOW ABOUT ESTONIA'S NATIONAL TREE,FLOWER,BIRD AND ANIMAL

NATIONAL TREE: OAK TREE    
The oak tree is not a single species, but about 600 species of this tree exist worldwide. These belong to the genus Quercus. This genus, which includes deciduous and evergreen species, is native to the northern hemisphere. These trees bear flowers in spring, and the acorn (which is actually a nut) is its fruit. Most acorns contain only one seed, and take between 6 to 18 months to mature, depending on the species.

oak tree

leaves of oak tree

The oak tree is synonymous with strength, power, and endurance. Because of this, it has been adopted by many countries as the national tree, including England, Germany, France, and the United States. Other countries that have adopted the oak as their national tree include Estonia, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Basque Country, Galicia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Wales
oak trees can live up to 200 years or more, and mature trees have the capacity of absorbing more than 50 gallons of water in one day .
The oak tree is associated with several mythologies. In Norse mythology, it is the sacred tree of Thor, the thunder god. The Greek mythology presents it as the sacred tree of the king of gods, Zeus. And in Slavic mythology, it is the tree of utmost importance to god Perun.
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TEN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RAIN

1.Rain drops vary in size from 0.02 inch to about 0.31inch.
2.Heavy raindrops can fall at speed up to 22 miles per hour.
3.All precipitation starts as ice or snow crystal at cloud level.
4.The umbrella we use to protect from rain was originally intended for shade from the hot Egyptian sun.
5.The king of Thailand makes it rain because he perfected and holds the patent on a form of cloud seeding.
6.The heaviest average rainfall (about430 inches)occurs in Chirapunji where as much as 87 feet of rain has fallen in one year.
7.Greek god Zeus is believed to be god of rain.
8.The E mas national park and Chapada dos Veaduros in Brazil is the best rainforest because of its rich fauna and flora.
9.The day after tomorrow (2004)may not be the greatest movie but the New york city rain scenes in that movie have been best rain scene ever made.
10.The Atacama desert spread between the pacific ocean and the Andes mountains in northern Chile has not experienced rain in its entire recorded history.

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KNOW ABOUT CUBA'S NATIONAL ANIMAL,BIRD,TREE AND FLOWER

1.NATIONAL TREE: PALMA REAL
Palma real is the island's national tree and symbol.It is recognized by cubans as the "Queen of the fields" because of the majestic structure,its peculiar size.palma real is a one species of a palm tree family scientific name Roytonea regia.It can grow upto 80 and 100 ft high with a growth rate of about

palma real

1 foot a year.The tree is crowned at the top with long leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length.This palm bears small purple fruits that are inedible and flowers in the summer with yellow blooms at the crown.


2.NATIONAL FLOWER:BUTTERFLY JASMINE.
Butterfly Jasmine has delicate white petals arranged in an open position on a dark green stem.The brilliantly white colored flowers have a rich and heady scent that many have described as truly

butterfly jasmine

delicious.The white mariposa resembles a butterfly with its  open petals and graceful lines.The lovely flower grows wild beside water resources such as rivers and lagoons.The flower represents purity,rebellion,and independence.


3.NATIONAL ANIMAL: CUBAN CROCODILE
The Cuban crocodile can only be found in Cuba in the Zapata Swamp in the northwest of the country and the Lanier Swamp Isla de Juventud. It is one of the most threatened crocodiles of the New World. The average length of adults is about 11 feet, and some crocodiles can reach as high as 16 feet.

cuban crocodile

Coloration is darker on the top with patterns of black and yellow speckles and lighter underparts. The head is short and broad, and it possesses a bony ridge behind the eyes. Its toes are short and lack webbing, indicating that it spends more time on land then other crocodile species, and its tail is marked with black blotches or bands. The Cuban crocodile has about 68 teeth, which are helpful for crushing turtle shells.
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4.NATIONAL BIRD: CUBAN TROGAN
The Cuban Trogon or Tocororo (Priotelus temnurus) is a species of bird in the Trogonidae family.

cuban trogan

The Cuban Trogon is very colorful with a green back, blue crown, red belly and beak, and white throat and chest. These colors mimic the colors of the Cuban flag which is why it was chosen to be the national bird of Cuba. It has a long fluffy tail which is very unique amongst Trogons. From beak to tail, this beautiful bird is between ten and eleven inches. In flight, these birds travel in pairs creating a large amount of noise because of their rough, graceless flying technique. The Cuban Trogon is very common and can be found all over the island of Cuba.The Cuban Trogons most common call is toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro, which is where its local name 'toco' was derive. 
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KNOW ABOUT FINLAND'S NATIONAL TREE,FLOWER,BIRD,AND ANIMAL .

BIRCH TREE

BIRCH TREE

BIRCH TREE: NATIONAL TREE
Birch tree are midsized, and can grow from 30 to 65 feet tall.The most distinctive characterestic is its bark, which enable easy identification.The sharp edges of the leaves are typically green,and usually turn yellow in fall.A fully grown birch tree is capable of producing 1 million seeds per year.People from (national tree of finland)Finland use the leaves of this tree to make tea.

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WHOOPING SWAN

THE WHOOPING SWAN: NATIONAL BIRD
The whooping swan CYGNUS CYGNUS is a large hemispere swan.An old name for whooping swan is elk.
These swans have a deep honking call and despite their size they are powerful fliers.Whooping
swan can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to their wintering site in southern Europe
 and Eastern Asia.Whooping Swan is the national bird of Finland and is featured on the Finnish 1 euro coin .The whooper swan is one of the species to which the agreement on the conservation of African,Eurasian migration waterbird applies.

LILY OF THE VALLEY

LILY OF THE VALLEY:NATIONAL FLOWER
Lily.convallaria majalis is a lovely spring flower that grows wild in moist,shady woodlands.It is native to Europe but can be found North America and Northern Asia.They are low growing plants reaching up to 8 to 9 inches in height.These flowers  are associated with purity and are favourite wedding flowers.The sweet fragrance coupled with the pure white bell shaped flowers provide a romantic touch in any bouquet or arrangement.This flower is the birth flower for the month of May and signifying the arrival of spring and the purity of new life.According to one christian legend Mary's tears at the cross turned into Lily of valley hence the folk name 'OUR LADY'S TEARS'
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BROWN BEAR

BROWN BEAR:NATIONAL ANIMAL
Brown bear are usually larger than black bear have a prominent shoulder hump,less prominent ears and longer,straighter claws.weights vary by age,gender,location,and time of year.Bears weighs about one pound(o.5)kg at birth and attain adult size by age of 6.A large male may weigh up to to 1500lbs in coastal areas up to 500lbs in interior areas.Brown bear have an exceptionally acute sense of smell,exceeding that of dogs,contrary to the popular belief. Bears are not short sighted are not near sighted their eyesight and hearing are comparable to humans.They can run in short burst up to 40 mph are excellent swimmers.By all indications Bears are extremely intelligent and most have individual personalities.

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