Antirrhinum majus

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Antirrhinum majus L.
Common Name : Snap Dragon, Dog Flower, Shwanmukh
Common Name Details :
It is called 'Snap Dragon' because of the opening and closing of the mouth of the flower when squeezed resembles the opening of dragon's mouth.

It is called Dog flower or Shwanmukh mainly because if the sides of the flowers are gently squeezed at the right place rhythmically, it will open "pop" and close "snap" (shut again) like the jaws of a dog.

This fun activity is very popular among the children and even grown-ups.
Plant Family : Scrophulariaceae
Plant Form : Herb
Occurrence (Sectors) : 28
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Van Chetana Kendra

Habit : A small, annual herb.
Leaves : Opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute.
Inflorescence : Termminal racemes
Flowers :
- Showy, zygomorphic, variously coloured-yellow, rose, red, white, mauve, scarlet, pink.
- Calyx 5-partite, lobes 5, ovate.
- Corolla bilabiate personate, tube saccate at the base, throat hairy.
- Stamens 4, didynamous.
- Ovary 2-ceclled, ovules many, anatropous.
Fruit : A capsule with porous dehiscence, many seeded.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : January - April
Significance : It is generally cultivated in the gardens for its beautiful flowers.