RAIN LILIES - AS MYSTERIOUS AS CHARMING

By Dr. R Sudarshan

We had even forgotten that we planted them there. But when it rained this weekend at the farm, the blades bore buds of lilies and burst open into petit flowers. The bees, bugs, and butterflies were all now on this patch. And these subtle petals became the cynosure of our eyes. Yes, the dynamics of farm pleasure suddenly changed.

How do rain lilies know to flower exactly after rains? On a day-to-day basis, we water their bed, use sprinklers that simulate rains and even drip irrigate at times. The lilies never bloom for the water we pour at their feet or pate. But when it rains, they invariably bloom.

We looked into theories of photoperiodism, the water pH differential, albedo-based soil moisture retention, and everything possible. But there isn't an answer in science how the humble lily knows the difference between natural rain and irrigation.

We rest our minds for the moment, even as we widely open our eyes. Unbelievable. Yes, seeing is not always believing.

For any relevant query, message 81051 12990.

Padma Farms (Gaddige Road), Farmer's House, 1A, 13th Cross, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore.

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