Medicinal Plants Cultivation and Uses PDF

Medicinal Plants
Cultivation and Uses

The Authors
Dr. R.N. Nakar is currently working as Assistant Professor in

Department of Botany, Sheth PT Arts and Science College, Godhra (Under
Gujarat University), Gujarat, India. Earlier he worked as Research Associate
at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Kukma,
Bhuj, Gujarat,India also worked as Senior Research Fellow in Department of
Plant Physiology, Directorate of Groundnut Research, ICAR Institute. He did
his Ph.D. in Botany on subject entitled “Studies on phenological patterns of
Girnar Reseve Forest, near Junagadh- Gujarat”, has published 9 papers in
Internationals Journals of repute, presented papers in conferences, symposia
and seminars of various levels. He was University first during his M.Sc. He
has recently got International Travel Grant from Science and Engineering
Board, India to present his research paper in International Conference at
Colombo, Sri Lanka. His areas of Interest include Phenology, Plant
physiology, Floristic diversity, Forest ecology, along with MAPs.
Dr. H.L. Dhaduk is currently working as Associate Professor in

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, B. A. College of Agriculture,
Anand Agricultural University, Anand Gujarat. He has vast experience of
research and teaching of 15 years, has published 20 research papers in
reputed Journals of International and National levels. He is also associated
with genetic improvement in Guava and Custard Apple. He has guided 5
M.Sc. students and currently, guiding two M.Sc. and two Ph.D. students. His
areas of interest are Plant breeding, Genetics, MAPs, Conservation of
Biodiversity, is one of the well known members of many National scientific
bodies.
Dr. V.P. Chovatia is currently working as Principal, College of

Agriculture, Amreli (Junagadh Agricultural University), has vast experience
of more than 20 years of research and teaching. He has worked as Principal
Investigator in 8 different projects, also worked as team leader in Bt-cotton
trials in Saurashtra region, Gujarat during 2004 to 2007. He has authored 4
books, published 24 papers in repute Journals of International and National
level. He has guided 12 MSc, 3 Mphil students, and currently guiding 2 PhD
students. His areas of interest include Oil seed crops, sugarcane, and
biodiversity along with MAPs. He was recipient of ICAR Junior Research
Fellowship in 1982, is member of many National scientific bodies.
Medicinal Plants
Cultivation and Uses
Dr. R.N. Nakar

Dr. H.L. Dhaduk
Dr. V.P. Chovatia
2017
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Cataloging in Publication Data--DK

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Nakar, R. N., author.
Medicinal plants : cultivation and uses / Dr. R.N. Nakar, Dr. H.L. Dhaduk, Dr. V.P.
Chovatia.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9789351241263 (Ebooks)
1. Medicinal plants--India--Gujarat. 2. Materia medica, Vegetable--India--
Gujarat. I. Dhaduk, H. L., author. II. Chovatia, V. P., author. III. Title.
QK99.I4N35 2016 DDC 581.634095475 23
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Acknowledgement
Authors wish to thank deeply to Dr. B.K. Kikani and Dr. N.C. Patel (Ex-
Vice Chancellor, JAU), Dr. J.M. Parekhiya (Director of Extension Education,
JAU), Dr. Butani (Principal, Collge of Agriculture, JAU) for their
encouragement. We convey our sincere thanks to Dr. I.U. Dhruj (Associate
Director of Research, JAU) for providing moral support for compiling this
book. We also thank current Vice Chancellor, Dr. A.R. Pathak for giving
inspiration. We convey our sincere thanks to Dr. Maltiben Chauhan
(Professor, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad) and Dr. Padmanabh S.
Nagar (Associate Professor, M.S.University, Baroda) for their technical help
whenever required.
Dr. R.N. Nakar

Dr. H.L. Dhaduk
Dr. V.P. Chovatia
Foreword
India is considered to be hub of medicinal plants. The use of these plants

for curing various diseases has been given in “Charaka Samhita” and in
many Indian Veda and Strata. In recent lime allopathic medicine are being
used for curing diseases. However, these medicine has their own side effect.
Due to awareness of the effect of allopathic, use of Ayurveda medicine is
increasing not only in our country but abroad too. The demand for such
medicine is increasing and farmers can grow important medicinal plants and
earn good profit however, importance of medicinal plants for specific
diseases and its scientific cultivation practices are not known to many. In
view of this, the authors have put their efforts to compile details from various
authentic sources in the current book “Medicinal Plants: Cultivation and
Uses”.
The book “Medicinal Plants: Cultivation and Uses” not only provides
cultivation details and uses, but also includes various local names in different
languages of India. I congratulate authors for their sincere efforts, compiling
gigantic information. I am sure this book will be useful to all researchers,
students and farmers, and finally to whole society.
Dr. A.R. Pathak
Vice Chancellor
Junagadh Agricultural University
Junagadh – 362 001
Gujarat
Preface
Plants are main source of food on earth. They are the only plants with
help of them, world is existed. Plants not only provide food, fodder and
economics but also are highly useful for medicines since ancient period of
Atharva Veda. In earlier literature of Susruta- samhita, description of 700
medicinal plants is given however all of them do not belong to India. But
about 1,500 Indian native plants are believed to be contributed for different
treatments in different diseases. Rigveda reported plants such as Semal,
Palash, Pithvan and Pipal with high significance. However after these veda
there is no clear and precise information regarding these medicinal plants.
According to one estimation, there are about 2,000 medicinal plants or
drugs utilized for various ailments in India but only about 200 are considered
of animal origin and almost same number is of mineral origin. Hence about
1,500 are of plants origin. India has wide range of plants ranging from
Himalayas to Western Ghats but still we are adopting only few plants with
medicinal properties. Gujarat is in the Western Side of India and considered
wide importance of foristic diversity. Areas such as Saurashtra, Kutch, North
Gujarat and South Gujarat harbors great source of plant diversity. There are
mountains such as Aravalli in North side of Gujarat, Girnar and Bardo in
Saurashtra, Kalo Dungar in Kutch provide good research opportunities for
researchers as well as farmers for farming of medicinal plants. Geography
and atmosphere of Gujarat region favors growth of important medicinal
plants.
People have stated different notes describing about various uses of plants
from different areas but still literature availability is not much sufficient for
readers and users. Most of literature is explaining on medicinal uses but very
little literature has given details on their agricultural cultivation at farmer’s
level which is one of the very important aspects of the current time in Gujarat
and country. As we know that there is increasing demand of medicinal trees,
herbs, shrubs and climbers as these medicines don’t have side effects at all!!.
However, still most of people relay on new medicinal systems of Allopathy
and surgery as there is no systematic information on production of medicinal
plants and their marketing. There is lot of confusions on local names of plants
as it varies with place to place but here names are given from authentic
sources along with their scientific names and botanical family. Here
arrangement of chapters in current book is alphabetical by botanical names of
plants. For the convenience of readers, latest names have been written but
some older names, one or more synonyms have been used too.
In this book, short description with fgure along with identification using
botanical keys, cultivation process and harvesting have been compiled of 164
medicinal plant. Moreover, their local names in most of languages including
Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu are also depicted which are of
immense use. Information which is generated in this book has been taken
from authentic sources and publications as well as from ethnobotanic guides
which have been recognized in British Pharmaceutical Codex and/or United
States Dispensatory or which are experimentally proved. However, still many
medicinal preparations based on plants are prepared with proper proportions
of different ingredients, processing and doses which can be used in ailment
treatment and hence we request that nobody of his own self would try to use
any plant mentioned in this book because different conditions need different
treatments and specific prescriptions. Intention of bringing out this
compilation is to provide proper cultivation techniques along with its
scientific detail and medicinal uses of important medicinal plants to farmers,
researchers and students, particularly of Gujarat. We hope that this book
would be useful guide to researchers, students, pharmacists, farmers and all
those who are related with farming and uses of medicinal plants. We also
hope this book will be useful to the society welfare and people would move
towards traditionally useful plant.
Dr. R.N. Nakar

Dr. H.L. Dhaduk
Dr. V.P. Chovatia
Contents
Acknowledgement
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Description of Medicinal Plants

1. Abelmoschus manihot Linn. (Jangli Bhindo)
2. Abelmoschus moschatus Linn. (Musk Dana)
3. Abrus precatorius Linn. (Chanothi)
4. Abutilon indicum Linn. (Atibala)
5. Acacia catechu (L.f) Wild (Khair)
6. Acacia nilotica Delile. (Baval)
7. Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (Acanthospermum)
8. Aconitum ferox Wall.ex.Ser (Indian Aconite)
9. Achyranthes aspera L. (Anghedo)
10. Adansonia digitata L. (Gorakh Ambali)
11. Adenanthera pavonina L. (Coral Wood Tree)
12. Adhatoda vasica Nees (Ardusi)
13. Adiantum capillus veneris Linn. (Hansraj)
14. Aegle mormelos correa ex Roxb. (Bilv)
15. Alangium salvifolium L.f. (Ankola)
16. Allium sativum Linn. (Lasan)
17. Aloe vera Town ex. Linn (Kuvarpathu)
18. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (Saptparni)
19. Amaranthus spinosus L. (Kantanu Kanth)
20. Andrographis paniculata Nees. (Kal Megh)
21. Annona reticulata L. (Ram Phala)
22. Annona squamosa Linn. (Sitafal)
23. Apium graveolens sub sp dulce (Mill) (Ajmo)
24. Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (Agar Agar)
25. Areca catechu Linn. (Shopari)
26. Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Boj. (Samudra Sos)
27. Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Fanash)
28. Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (Barhal)
29. Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari)
30. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem Tree)
31. Bacopa monnieri Linn. (Barami)
32. Balanities aegyptica (L) Delite (Ingoriyo)
33. Baliospermum montanum (Wild.) (Danti)
34. Basella rubra Linn. (Palak)
35. Bauhinia racemosa Lamk. (Ashitro)
36. Benincasa hispida (Thunb). Cogn. (Petha)
37. Bixa orellana L. (Sinduri)
38. Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (Shatodi)
39. Bombax ceiba Linn. (Semlo)
40. Bosewellia serrata L. (Shaledi)
41. Borassus fabellifer Roxb. (Tad)
42. Butea monosperma (Khakhro)
43. Caesalpinia bonduc Linn (Kant Karanj)
44. Caesalpinia sappan Linn. (Pataranjka)
45. Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. (Sultan Champa)
46. Calotropis procera (L.) R.Br. (Akdo)
47. Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew. (Kerdo)
48. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Kag Doliyo)
49. Cassia alata Linn. (Kruminasak Senna)
50. Cassia angustifolia Vahl. (Sona-mukhi)
51. Cassia auriculata L. (Tanner’s Cassia)
52. Cassia fstula Linn. (Garmalo)
53. Cassia occidentalis L. (Kasundro)
54. Cassia tora Linn. (Kuvadiyo)
55. Casuarina equisetifolia L. (Sharu)
56. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Bar Mashi)
57. Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Mal Kankadi)
58. Chlorophytum borivillianum Sant and Fernand (Safed Musli)
59. Cissampelos pariera Linn. (Pathavel)
60. Cissus quadrangularis L. (Had Shankal)
61. Citrus limon Linn. (Motu Limbu)
62. Cleome viscosa L. (Pili Talavani)
63. Clerodendrum phlomidis L.F. (Linn) (Arani)
64. Clerodendrum serratum L. Moon (Bharangi)
65. Cochlospermum religiosa Linn. (Kumbhi)
66. Cocculus hirsutus Linn. (Patal Garodi)
67. Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq (Pathar Choor)
68. Coleus amboinicus Lour. (Pathar Chur)
69. Commiphora whightii (Arn.) Bhand. (Guggal)
70. Cordia dichotoma Forst (Gunda)
71. Crocus sativus Linn. (Keshar)
72. Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Tikhur)
73. Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (Jangali Haldar)
74. Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) (Palmarosa Grass)
75. Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (Nagar Motha)
76. Datura sp. (Daturo)
77. Dendropthoe falcata Linn.f. (Vando)
78. Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. (Shali-parni)
79. Dioscorea sp. (Vidari Kandh)
80. Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey (Shiv Lingi Ni Vel)
81. Eclipta alba L. (Bhangaro)
82. Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Ambala)
83. Embelia ribes Burm.f. (Vav Ding)
84. Ephedra sp. (Som Vel)
85. Eranthemum roseum Nees. (Dashmuli)
86. Erythrina indica Lamk. (Pandervo)
87. Eucalyptus sp. (Nil Giri)
88. Euphorbia hirta L. (Dudheli)
89. Evolulus alsinoides L. (Shankh-pushpi)
90. Ferula assa-foetida Linn. (Hing)
91. Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Vad)
92. Ficus carica L. (Anjir)
93. Garcinia indica Choisy. (Kokam)
94. Gardenia gummifera Linn f. (Nadi-hingu)
95. Gloriosa superba Linn. (Vachh Na)
96. Gmelina arborea L. (Shivan)
97. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. (Madhu Nasini)
98. Hemidesmus indicus (Linn) R.Br. (Anant Mul)
99. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Jasud)
100. Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. (Kutaj)
101. Holostemma annularium (Roxb.) K. Schumn (Chirvel)
102. Juglans regia Linn. (Akhrot)
103. Jasminum grandiforum L. (Champo)
104. Jatropha curcas L. (Ratan-Jyot)
105. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lavender)
106. Lawsonia inermis Linn. (Mehandi)
107. Lepidium sativum L. (Dodi)
108. Leptadenia reticulata W. and A. (Jivanti)
109. Limonia acidissima L. (Kotha)
110. Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell-Arg. (Rohini)
111. Manilkara hexandra Roxb. (Rayan)
112. Mentha arvensis L. (Pudina)
113. Merremia turpethum Linn. (Nashotar)
114. Mesua ferrea L. (Nag Keshar)
115. Michelia champaca L. (Peelo Champo)
116. Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. (Kalam)
117. Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni)
118. Morus alba L. (Shetur)
119. Mucuna pruriens Bak. (Kauwanch)
120. Murraya exotica L. (Orange Jasmine)
121. Murraya koenigii L. (Mitho Limbado)
122. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Kamal)
123. Nymphea stellata Willd. (Kanval)
124. Ocimum basilicum Linn. (Tulsi)
125. Ocimum gratissimum L. (Ram Tulsi)
126. Opuntia fcus-indica L. (Thor)
127. Origanum marjorana L. (Maruwo)
128. Oroxylum indicium L.Ven (Tetu)
129. Pandanus fascicularis Lam. (Kewdo)
130. Passifora edulis Sims. (Kaurav Pandav Nu Phul)
131. Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. (Khajuri)
132. Phyllanthus niruri L. (Bhoi Amali)
133. Piper longum Linn. (Lindi Pipar)
134. Piper nigrum Linn. (Mari)
135. Plantago ovata Forsk (Ishabgul)
136. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Chitrak)
137. Pogostemon sp. (Patchouli)
138. Portulaca oleracea L. (Khursa)
139. Premna integrifolia Linn (Agnimanth)
140. Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Bavchi)
141. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Biyo)
142. Rauvolfa serpentina L. (Sarpa Gandha)
143. Rosa spp. (Gulab)
144. Salvadora persica L. (Pilu)
145. Santalum album Linn. (Chandan)
146. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. (Aritha)
147. Saraca indica Linn. (Ashoka)
148. Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken (Kusum)
149. Semecarpus anacardium Linn. (Bhilamo)
150. Sesbania grandifora (Jacq.) (Sasi Ikkad)
151. Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala)
152. Solanum surattense Burm f. (Kantkari)
153. Spilanthes paniculata Wall. (Marethi)
154. Sterculia urens Roxb. (Kadayo)
155. Stereopsermum suaveolens DC. (Patala)
156. Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (Zer Kochlu)
157. Strychnos potatorum L. (Nirmali)
158. Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Lodhra)
159. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeel. (Jambu)
160. Tamarindus indica L. (Ambali)
161. Terminalia arjuna Roxb. (Arjun Sadad)
162. Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Baheda)
163. Terminalia chebula Retz. (Harde)
164. Theobroma cacao L. (Cacao)
165. Thespesia populnea (L.) Ex.Correa (Paras Piplo)
166. Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers ex Hook. (Gado)
167. Tribulus terrestris L. (Gokhru)
168. Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. (Methi)
169. Tylophora indica (Burm.f) Merrill (Dam Vel)
170. Uraria picta Desv. (Prisna Parni)
171. Urtica dioica L. (Bichhu)
172. Vernonia anthelmintica Linn. (Kali Jiri)
173. Vitex negundo Linn. (Nagod)
174. Withania somniferum Dunal. (Ashwagandha)
175. Zingiber officinale Rose. (Aadu)
References
Appendix I: GLOSSARY [BOTANICAL TERMS]
Appendix-II GLOSSARY [MEDICINAL TERMS]
Introduction
Just after human existence many natural materials were identifed and
plant was one of them. Medicinal plants have deep history. In Rig-Veda
around 400 plants have been shown containing medicinal values. Atharva-
veda also showed plants with medicinal value. There have been references of
medicinal plants in ancient literatures like “Charak Samhita” and Upveda.
Dhanvantri is well known person who is considered as God of Ayurvedic
Medicines. Thus from the time immemorial, medicinal plants and their
derivatives have been main source of affordable health.
Medicinal Plants in different System of Medicines

In most of the known system of medicines, like Ayurveda, Siddha and
Unani, medicinal plants are widely used. Ayurveda is ancient system of
medicine which is even older that traditional Chinese Medicine. Ayurveda is
derived from Indian words “Ayur” and “Veda”. Ayur means life and Veda
means knowledge. Thus, ultimately leads meaning as ‘The Science of Life’.
Ayurveda is similar to Galenical medicine which is based on bodily humours
(doses) and inner life force (Prana) which also known to maintain digestion
and mental activity. Six tests very important in Ayurveda, are Sweet
(Madhura), Sour (Amla), Salt (Lavana), Bitter (Tikta), Pangent (Katu) and
astringent (Kasaya). These most of the properties are provided by medicinal
plants to cure diseases.
Medicinal Plants and Diseases

Plants have been main source of the major raw materials for treating
various diseases and ailments of human being. In the world population is
increasing at rapid rate and deseases are also encountering to people’s daily
lives. Because of side effects and wide spread toxicity synthetic drugs have
lost their importance as that were in earlier days, people are now converting
towards natural drugs which are mainly in the form of medicinal plants.
Some important medicinal plants are Adhatoda vasica, Achyranthus aspera,
Boerhavia diffusa, Acorus calamus, Cassia tora, Cassia fstula, Commiphora
mukul etc. Adhatoda vasica is known as expectorant and antiasthmatic, while
Achyranthus aspera and Boerhavia diffusa are diuretic, Cassia fstula has
catharitic property.
Medicinal Plants Cultivation

Forests are the main source of medicinal plants but wild plants are now
being destroyed at rapid pace by different activities like deforestation,
grazing, for making houses, buildings etc. Some of plants are now a day’s
hard to find as they are very few in numbers. Government has set up some
policies to prevent cutting down some of important trees and conserve
important natural plants. Important plants have been put by government into
different categories such as extinct, endangered, rare and vulnerable So, these
kinds of plants should be grown at commercial level. Farmers should be
encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants. This becomes helpful to farmers as
well as countries’ economy. Some institutions are working for this purpose
are CIMAP (Central Institute on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants-Lackhnow),
NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute, Lackhnaw), RRL(Regional
Research Laboratories under CSIR), CCRAS (Central Council for Research
on Ayurveda and Siddha), CCRIMH (Central Council for Research on Indian
Medicine and Homeopathy), Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
(National Research Centre on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Boriavi,
Gujarat), NBPGR (National Beuro of plant Genetic Resources-New Delhi),
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay), (IIA) International
Institute of Ayurveda, Coimbatore, (SAUs) State Agricultural Universities
and Private Organizations.
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) is well known institute or
national body working on development sector of medicinal plants. Board was
established by Government of India on 24th November, 2000 under
chairmanship of Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Its main
function is to offer financial and technical support for all factors of medicinal
plants cultivation. It also works in co-ordination of all matters related to
medicinal plants like drawing up of policies and strategies for conservation,
cost effective cultivation, providing financial assistance to promotional
schemes and projects and sustainable development of medicinally useful
plants.
Conservation of Medicinal Plants

The high demands of herbal drugs and medicinal plants have been
resulted in over exploited leading to rarity and endangerment of many valued
plant species. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) states
that around 200 plant species of medicinal plants have become endangered
and rare. This is actually warning for society and researchers to take
immediate steps for conservation of medicinal plants. Government has taken
some steps and prepared policies to conserve important plants. Some
important points related with this policy are:
(1) In situ Conservation

In situ conservation allows populations of plant species to be maintained
in their natural and agricultural habitat, thus permitting the evolutionary
processes that shape the genetic diversity and adoptability of plant
populations to operate continuously.
(2) Ex situ Conservation

When germplasm conservation is attempted outside the natural habitat, it
is known as ex-situ conservation. It includes setting of ethnomedicinal plants
garden and gene banks. Gardens have been established by many
governmental and non-governmental organizations, universities.
(3) Legislation
Some important steps are taken by government to prevent important
plants. For example, in 1994, Indian Government banned around 56
medicinal plants for export.
(4) Rules for Proper Identification and Botanical

Names
Priority is given by preparing herbaria. Institutions like National
Botanical Research Institute, Lacknow and Tropical Botanical Garden
Research Institute, Palode are doing such works.
(5) Public Awareness

People should be given knowledge about indigenous plant resources for
health care.
(6) Promote Cultivation

Need is increased due to over progress of industry so, only wild
collections are not only option, but instead farmers should be trained to
cultivate medicinal plants in their farms. Proper market ultra structure and
linking must be developed at district, state and natural level.
Local people and farmers can play vital role in conservation of medicinal
plants of local region however rules set up by government bodies are also
necessary. Accurate knowledge regarding medicinal plants local names,
scientific names, and their cultivation along with their uses enrich people
with vast utilization of these potentially useful plants.
Description of
Medicinal Plants
1: Abelmoschus manihot Linn. (Jangli
Bhindo)
Botanical Name: Abelmoschus manihot Linn.

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bhindo, Jangali Bhindo, Kantalo Bhindo
Hindi: Bhindi, Jangali Bhindi
English: Sunset musk mallow
Introduction
It is Perennial herb growing upto two meter at a fast rate. It flowers from
July to September, and the seeds are ripen from August to October. The
flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are
pollinated by Insects. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and
heavy (clay) soils and well-drained soil. The plant preferes acid, neutral and
basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. A
perennial plant, it is generally tender in the temperate zone but can be grown
outdoors as an annual, fowering well in its first year and setting seeds. It
grows well in an ornamental vegetable garden.
Origin and Distribution

This plant is distributed in East India to South eastern Asia and to North
Australia. Particularly in weste lands and humid areas this plant is found to
be distributed. Plant is native of South eastern Asia.
Cultivation
This plant can be grown easily in any well drained soil. Plants can
tolerate occasional short-lived lows down to about -5°C so long as they are in
a very well-drained soil. Seed are sown during March in a warm greenhouse.
Seed propagation is good and fast method. The seeds are germinated
with two weeks, when it is large enough to handle pick it out into individual
pots and plant out after the last expected frosts. Seeds can be sown in situ in
summer also.
Harvesting
Fruit sets continuously from October to April. As mature pods remain
opened and shatter their seed. Harvesting starts when most pods begin to turn
from green to brown and just start to open. Pods are generally picked when
three-quarters of their body has turned blackish-brown; Seeds are removed
manually. Picking is difficult task because plants, including the pods, possess
hairs that cause itching. In India harvesting has often stopped by the end of
February, as later harvesting rounds yield too little to be economical. Pods
are dried in the shed.
Yield
Average seed yield obtained in India is 0.8-1 t/ha.
Handling after Harvest

After drying in the shade, the pods are threshed by being beaten with
sticks. The husk is then removed by winnowing. Steam distillation of whole
seed give ambrette seed oil, while distillation of ground seed and
hydrocarbon extraction of ground seed produces ambrette seed concrete,
largely consisting of palmitic and myristic acids. Ambrette seed absolute is
prepared from the seed concrete either by neutralization and subsequent
elimination of fatty acids or by steam distillation of the concrete followed by
washing with alcohol.
Medicinal and Economic Importance

Roots provide mucilage which is used in sizing paper.
Seeds yield fatty oil.
Plant also provides fber which has convolutions like cotton fbre and
resembles jute in colour, dry twist and microscopic structure.
Leaves are cooked and eaten. Bark of plant is used in emmegagogue.
2: Abelmoschus moschatus Linn. (Musk
Dana)
Botanical Name: Abelmoschus moschatus

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Muskdana, Lata kasturi
Hindi: Latakasturi,
Telugu: Kasturibendavittu
English: Ambrette plant
Introduction
The plant is cultivated through out India. It is erect herb which is annual
or biennial. It gets 0.6 to 1.8 m height. Leaves are generally simple type but
they vary in shapes, they are 3 to 7 lobed and lobes are narrow-acute, oblong-
ovate, crenate, serrate or irregularly toothed. They are hairy on both surfaces.
Flower are bright-yellow and large. They are usually solitary axillary.
Sometimes in few fower racemes are found. Fruits are hairy and capsular.
Capsule is 6.5 to7.8 cm long. Seeds are many subreniform, black in color,
musk scented.

The genus belongs to trees, herbs and also shrubs. It is native of Tropical
Africa and Asia. Generally 8 species occur in India. Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Gujarat are some of the
states of in India where musk dana is grown.
Cultivation
It grows on rich and well drained soil, sandy and clayey soils are not
suitable for musk dana. It is rainy season crop, and sown in the land ploughed
3 to 4 times and leveled thereafter by planking during June-July which is
generally rainy season. Before soaking seeds are soaked for 1 day and night
(24 hrs), then seeds are sown in furrows 45 cm apart by dibbling one or two
seeds about 2.5 cm deep and 30 cm apart.
Harvesting
Hand picking is the only method for harvesting. Harvesting of the plant
is very arduous. The fruits posses irritating hair causing itching. When fruits
attain blackish color, they are plucked to prevent scattering of seeds. Seeds
are similar to that of ladies finger.
Yield
A normal crop may give a yield of 7.5 to 10 quintal seeds per hectare.
Storage
Dried seeds are stored in polythin bags then they are taken to market.
Diseases and Prevention
After rainy season insects and pest attack on to the stem. It is
advantageous to spray pesticides like Indosulfon and Macrocraptophos to
prevent diseases. Domestic ash, fy ash, neem ash are useful. A solution is
useful which is made from 6 liters of neem oil and one sunlight soap cake
dissolved in 100 liters water. This can be sprayed in one hectare of feld. In
the whole life cycle of plant 4 times spray is useful to prevent disease. In the
evening smoke of gugal is also helpful against diseases. Paste made form
neem leaves and cow urine is also useful in prevention of stem diseases.

Generally seeds, leaves and root are used. Seeds are aphrodisiac,
carminative, demulcent.
Seeds are used in dryness of throat and in inhalation hoarseness.
Seeds made to paste with milk are used to cure scabies.
Seeds are used to protect woolen garments again moth, they are
pounded with cosmetics and used to scent hair.
Its oil is rich, sweet, foral musky distinctly wine or brandy type smell
with bouquet and roundness which is very rarely found in other
perfume material.
It can blend with rose, naroli, methylionones, sandalwood oil etc.
That’s why it is very expensive and used in specific perfumes
3: Abrus precatorius Linn. (Chanothi)
Botanical Name: Abrus precatorius Linn.

Family: Laguminosea- Fabaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Chanothi
Sanskrit: Gunja
Hindi: Gunchi, Rati
Tamil: Kuntumani
English: Indian liqueorice, Jequirity
Telugu: Guruginja
Introduction
It is deciduous climbery coines with tough branches. It is perennial plant.
Leaves are abruptly pinnate with many pairs of leafets are found. Spine is
there at the end of raches. Leafets are oblong, rounded at both ends, thinly
membranous leafets are seen. Flowers are pink in colour; they are clustered
on tubercles arranged along the rachis of one sided pedunculate raceme.
Fruits are pods type, turgid with a sharp defexed beak. Seeds are usually
scarlet with a black spot or sometimes pure white.

Abrus is the genus of shruyby climbers distributed throughout the
tropics. Two species are found in India. It grows up to a height of 1200 m and
above the sea level. It is also found on hedgews and bushes in exposed areas.
The species is native to tropics.
Cultivation
Generally cultivation of this plant is done by seeds and from cutting of
frm shoots. Sandy loamy soil is useful for plants cultivation. Land is prepared
with cow dung, compost mixture of leaf mould, cow dung and sand. During
dry season plants are watered freely. Seeds are directly sown in the soil at 2 x
1m spacing, in the first week of june before the onset of monsoon.
Germination of the seeds will be complete in 15-20 days.These plants are
slowly trained to grow up on the pandal. Ten grams of Urea is applied per
plant after the planting. The plant develops good root system and aerial
growth in the first year. In the second year also, one weeding along with soil
working and manuring are carried out as in the first year. From 3rd year and
onwards, manuring the plants should be continued for regular good yield of
seeds.
Harvesting
Plant start fowering and fruiting in the second year. When the seeds are
ripen, the pods start dehiscing harvesting is done. Then the pods are collected
and seeds are separated at the time of maturity.
Yield
It is estimated that a production of about 1500 kg of seeds can be
obtained from one hactare.
Chemical Constitution
Roots and leaves contain glycyrrhizin, precol, abrol, abrasine and
precasine from roots. Gallic acid, abrine, gypaphorine, alanine, serine, valine,
choline, trigonelline, precatorine, and methyl ester, 5B-cholanic acid, abrin A
and abtrin B from seeds.

The seeds, leaves and roots are useful in the medicinal treatment.
Seeds are used in piles. They are laxative, expectorant and also used
in chronic cyatitis, gleet and gonorrhea.
Leaves are demulcent, locally applied to boils and ulcers
Decoction of plant is used in toothache and tender gums. It is also
used for infammation bladder.
Infusion or root and leaves are demulcent and diuretic which is
applied in fever, chest affection and urethritis.
Bark is astringent and diuretic. Leaf juice is sweet in taste and used
to treat hoar senses. The leaf juice mixed with oil is applied on
painful swellings of the body.
Seeds are used as beads for rosaries. Roots are used as a substitute of
liquorices.
In Punjab fronds are given with pepper as a febrifuge pounded with
honey, they are administered in the catarrhal affections.
It has also proved to be good hair tonic.
4: Abutilon indicum Linn. (Atibala)
Botanical Name: Abuliton indicum Linn.

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Atibala
Hindi: Kanghi
English: Indian mallow, country mallow
Telugu: Tuttur benda
Tamil: paniyartutti
Introduction
It is hairy under shrub of 75 to 200 cm height growing throughout India.
It grows quickly on all types of soil but generally it grows well on to sandy
loam soil. It has good resistant power and can grow on poor soil as well as
saline soil. Leaves are generally 3 lobbed with hairy petiole. Leaves are
broadly ovate or sub orbicular. Flowers are bright yellow in color. They are
solitary and axillary. Fruits are 1 to 2.5 cm length, apprised hairy, ripe carpels
15-20 in number and almost 1 to 2 cm long. Seeds are reniform, blackish
brown in color.

It is still not clear that what is the main native of atibala but it is grown in
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangladesh, and Africa like countries. In
India it is grown in most of the states for its economic and medicinal
importance. In India it is grown in the Gujarat, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh,
Punjab, etc like states. In Gujarat atibala is found in the junagadh, Dang, Val
sad, Katchh, and Jamnagar like districts.
Cultivation
Sandy-loamy soil is quite useful for growth of Atibala but it can grow in
all kind of soils. Generally it is propagated by seed. In the beginning of the
rainy season, seeds are directly being sown in the land in line spacing of 1
meter distance. By proper care plants grow easily. After second year plant is
ready for harvesting. It is free from diseases.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done generally after 2 to 2.5 years when plants bear fruit.
Yield
It yields different items for village level medical treatment. Although it
has not commercial status.

Whole plant is medicinally useful. The leaves are rich in mucilage
and are used as demulcent tonic.
Decoction of the herb can be given in bronchitis, catarrh and
biliousness.
Drug in the form of paste in combination with coconut oil has proved
to be useful in allaying irritation to the skin and reducing swelling
and pain.
Seeds are used in curing piles, in killing thread worms when the
rectum of the effected child is exposed to the smoke of the powdered
seeds.
The decoction can also be used for mouth wash for tooth ache.
Bark of the plant gives good fbers.
5: Acacia catechu (L.f) Wild (Khair)
Botanical Name: Acacia catechu (L.f) Wild

Family: Mimosaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Khair
English: Black cutch, Catechu
Hindi: Khair, Khadira
Telugu: Tella Tumma, Sundra

Khair is tree type of plant which is grown in most of the states in India
but in Gujarat and Utter Pradesh khair is grown as highly profitable crop.
Other states are Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharastra, and
Karnataka which grow khair. Nepal, Burma and Pakistan also grow khair.
Khair is found in most of the districts of Gujarat like Junagadh, Jamnagar,
Dang, Rajkot, Porbandar etc.
Cultivation
Generally there is not proper timing of sowing seeds but it can be sown
in any season. Seeds are sown by dribble method in rows 45 cm apart. Seeds
are buried by a small layer of soil over them. Manure of cow dung is also
applied in the feld. Approximately after 7 to 10 years trees are ready to give
fruits and all other product.
Harvesting
Seeds are harvested in April-May. When seeds are matured they are
collected by shaking branches or pulling down beans with the help of stick or
bamboo. Seeds are dried for 15 days under sun light. Then these seeds are
spread on a clean cloth in and dry and airy place for 4-9 days.
Storage
Dry seeds are filled in the holed bags and then they are stored. For
storing polythin bags or poly bags are not used. These are to be stored on a
clean place little above ground at 25 c moisture free temperature. If we store
seeds for longer time sprouting percentage is declined so they are to be stored
in cold storage. Once seeds are put under strong sun, their edges
automatically start cracking. When seeds get matured they look light brown
in color.

Bark of the tree gives kaththa which is very useful product. Liquid
extract gives to fraction when concentrated and cooled. A less soluble
fraction is separated when it is cooled. This gives White Kaththa.
The highly soluble portion of water extract, when it is evaporated to
dryness, gives Dark Kaththa which is also known as Cutch of
Commerce. Cutch of Commerce contains water soluble tannins
whose building units are catechins.
Acacia catechu is complex mixture of catechins, catechu tannic acid,
catechuic acid, catechu red, tennis, gums, quercetin and ash etc.
Kaththa is used against tooth decay, gum troubles, urinary dis-orders,
leprosy etc.
Bark is used as astringent and digestive which is useful in diarrhea
and cough; it is also applied in eruption on skin.
Cutch is good economic product which is widely used in building
construction, bridge construction, in making of agricultural
equipments. It is also useful in making of knees of boats and good
quality tool handles, good charcoal is also obtained from cutch.
It acts as host for lac insects. Cutch which is obtained from heart
wood serves as useful ingredient of paan chewed in India.
It is useful to make ply wood, dyening canvas, fshing nets and ropes
etc.
6: Acacia nilotica Delile. (Baval)
Botanical Name: Acacia nilotica Delile.

Synonym: Acacia aerabica Willd.
Family: Mimosaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Baval
English: Indian gum, Arabic tree.
Hindi: Babul
Tamil: Karuvael
Sanskrit: Babula
Telugu: Nallatumma
Introduction
There are about seven hundred tropical and subtropical species under this
genus. Nearly twenty five species are native to India. These are trees or
shrubs, erect or climbing in habit of growth and are usually armed. Many
species yield tannin, gum and timber. This is medium sized tree with a short
trunk, usually attaining a height of 15 m, bark is almost black to dark brown,
deeply cracked or longitudinally fssured. Leaves are bipinnate with
spinescent stipules 2.5 to 5 cm long. Flowers are crowded in long-peduncled
globose heads, forming axillary clusters of 2-5 heads, fragrant, golden-
yellow. Pods are white in colour. They are fat containing length of 7-15cm.
Each pod contains 8-12 seeds.
It is distributed in tropic and sub tropic areas of the world. This species
occur throughout in drier region of India. It is distributed in most of the states
like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Orrisa etc. This pant is
native from Egypt south to Mozambique and Natal.
Cultivation
It is cultivated in dry and semi dry regions where sun light is in proper
amount. It is dry evergreen weedy perennial plant. Generally sandy loam soil
is ideal for plant cultivation. Seed propagation is good method although it can
be propagated by cuttings of half ripened shoots. Direct seeding is the
common practice. Stored seed may require scarification. Young seedlings are
said to “require full sun and frequent weeding”.
Harvesting
Harvesting is carried out when fruits are metured. Generally fruits are
taken by hands or they are allowed to fall on land. Gum is obtained from the
bark of the tree. After some year whole plant is cut by axe. Although there
are other sources of gum arabic, trees are still tapped for the gum by
removing a bit of bark 5–7.5 cm wide and bruising the surrounding bark with
mallet or hammer. The gum harvest from the various species lasts about five
weeks. About the middle of November, after the rainy season, it exudes
spontaneously from the trunk and principal branches. The resulting reddish
gum, almost completely soluble and tasteless, is formed into balls.
Bark yields several polyphenolic compounds, catechin, epicatechin,
cpigallocatechin, quercetin, gallic acid, leucocyanidin, gallate, surcrose and
tannin, m-Digallic acid and chlorogenic acid. Gum contains galactose, L-
rhamnose, L-arabinose and its derivatives along with four aldobiouronic
acids. Seeds contain amino acids, fatty acids and ascorbic acid along with
tannin as the major constituent.

Infusion of tender leaves is used as an astringent and remedy for
diarrhea and dysentery.
Decoction of bark is used as a gargle insures throat and toothache.
Dry powder applied externally in ulcers.
Gum is astringent and styptic.
Pods are good fodder for cattle.
Wood is used by poor people for making their houses and making
furniture.
Extensively used, e.g. in India, for frewood and charcoal, this species
has been used in locomotives and steamships as well as industry
balers.
The calorific value of the sapwood is 4,800 kcal/kg of the heartwood
4,950. The species does nodulate and fx nitrogen.
7: Acanthospermum hispidum DC.
(Acanthospermum)
Botanical Name: Acanthospermum hispidum DC.

Family: Acanthaceae
Local Name
English: Acanthospermum
Introduction
This plant is an annual, much branched, erect herb. Leaves are ovate,
sessile, membranous, sub-hispid, sub-dentate. Base of the leaf is cuneate.
Flowers are heterogamous. Many fowered heads are found. In the female
flowers ray forets, seen in one series. Disc forets are tubular in male.
Involucral bracts are found in one series; generally they are five in numbers.
The achenes are tightly covered with prickly bracts of paleae. The forets are
pale yellow in colour. Generally fowering time is August to December.
Distribution
This plant is found in the moist spots the whole year. This is seen in dry
and moist forest areas particularly near the river banks and dams. In Gujarat
this plant is widely seen in the areas near the dams and river banks in Girnar
forest. Origin of this plant is believed to be central and southern Amrica.
Medicinal Uses
This plant is used in the treatment of leprosy.
8: Aconitum ferox Wall.ex.Ser (Indian
Aconite)
Botanical Name: Aconitum ferox Wall.ex.Ser

Family: Ranunculaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vachh P English: Indian aconite P Hindi: Bacchanag,
Bish P Tamil: Vashanabi P Sanskrit: Vatsanava P Telugu:
Ativasanabhi
Introduction
Aconitum is a large genus consisting of about hundred species. Thirty
species are native to India in Himayalayan region. The tuberous roots of
several Aconitum species are used in medicine and number of them is known
to contain highly toxic alkaloids. This plant is perennial herb. Roots are
tuberous, paired. Daughter tuber is ellipsoid to ovoid oblong, 2.5-4.0 cm in
length, with fliform root fbers. Leaves are scattered, orbicular-cordate to
reniform, palmately 5-lobed, resembling those of melon leaves. Petiole and
blade are pubescent. Straight peduncle is also there which bears flowers on
both the sides. Flowers are pale dirty blue and they are borne in dense
terminal raceme. Flowers are 10-25 cm long, helmet-vaulted with a short
sharp beak, resembling a pea fower. Follicles are oblong; Seeds are long,
obpyramidal to obovoid, winged along the raphe.
This plant is distributed in sub alpine and alpine zone of Himalayas up to
3,600m. Origin of this plant is India. Particularly hilly areas are suitable for
its growth. This plant is Shrubberies and forest clearings; It is distributed
from Central Nepal to Bhutan.
Cultivation
This plant can be cultivated by two common methods (1) Seed
propagation and (2.) Vegetative propagation. This plant can thrive well in
most soils and in the light shade of trees. It grows well in heavy clay soils,
moist soil in sun or semi-shade, calcareous soils. It also grows well in open
woodlands A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially
legumes. It is closely related to A. napellus.
Seed propagation is best method for cultivation of the plant. Seed - best
sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratifed and sown
in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle,
prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame
for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division -
best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says
that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants
come into growth very early in the year.
Harvesting and Yield

The plants are uprooted and the root stock is separated and dried in the
sun for 4-5 days. The the roots/tubers are cleaned and sent to market. It is
estimated that each plant will produce about 200 grams of dry root. Thus,
500kg. of dry roots would be available every year. The market rate of aconite
roots is around Rs.100/kg
Chemical Composition
It contains alkaloids pseudaconitine, chasmaconitine, indaconitine and
bikhaconitine recently two new alkaloids, veratroyl pseudaconitine and
diacetyl pseudaconitine.

The root and underground stems are highly toxic. But the toxicity
may be reduced by suitable processing.
In small doses they are beneficial in nasal catarrh, uvula hypertrophy,
sore throat, gibbous, paralysis and chronic fever. In large doses it acts
as narcotic poison and powerful sedative.
Internally, the tincture of root is used in combination with other
drugs for the treatment of fever and rheumatism.
The root is considered to be cardiac stimulant, hypoglycemic,
diaphoretic and antiphlogistic.
Powdered roots in the form of liniment or paste are spread over the
skin in case of arthritis and in scabies.
9: Achyranthes aspera L. (Anghedo)
Botanical Name: Achyranthes aspera L.

Family: Amaranthaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Anghedo
Sanskrit: Apamarga
Hindi: Chirchira, Chichitta
Tamil: Chirukadaladi, Nayurivi
English: Prickly Chaff Flower, Rough chaff
Telugu: Apamarganu, Uttareeni
Introduction
There are about ffty five species under this genus and four are native to
India. It is an erect herb or undershrub which attains a maximum height up to
one meter. Stem is stiff and erect, pubescent, swollen at the nodes. Leaves are
opposite, short-petioled, margins undulate. Flowers are numerous, stiffy
defected against the pubescent rachis in elongate terminal spike, they are 20-
30 in cm. and long. Utricle oblong-cylindrical, enclosed in the hardened
perianth, brown. Seeds are oblong to ovoid. Flowering is found in July to
September.

Achyranthes aspera is native to India. It grows throughout in India. This
species is distributed in different parts of India, tropical Asia, Africa,
Australia, Ceylon and Baluchistan.
Cultivation
This is wild plant. It grows any where. It is naturally produced on weste
lands or it can be propagated from seeds also. Seeds are dipped into soil in
rows. After some days they start to germinate. It grows quickly on land where
there is loam and sunny condition present. The plant prefers light (sandy),
medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and
basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
It is propagated by seed. It is a problematic weed in many parts of India.
This species is rarely cultivated, as it is available in nature in abundance. The
seeds are collected in November/December from the plants before they fell
on the ground and kept well preserved till next monsoon. The area is
ploughed well and continuous furrows are made at 20 cm apart. At the
beginning of the rainy-season, the seeds are directly sown in the furrows
continuously. The seeds germinate soon and the plants get established very
easily with little or no care. The plants can be harvested in the month of
November/December.

Various parts of this species are put to different medicinal purposes.
Therefore, the management of the crop depends mainly on the purpose for
which it is grown.
Roots contain triterpenoid saponins, betaine, achyranthine,
hentriacontane, ecdysterone and two glycosides of oleanolic acid have been
reported. The dried dehusked seeds contain amino acids.

Whole plant is useful as medicinal drug.
Roots are useful as anti-infemmatory and uterine stimulant activity,
are prescribed in the rheumatism, lumbago, osteodynia, dysuria, post-
partum haematometra and dysmenorrheal.
The seeds are nutritious when cooked with milk and is a potential
source of food. Seed powder is used beneficially in the treatment of
bleeding piles.
Roots are astringent, their paste is applied to clear opacity of cornea,
and to wounds as a haemostatic.
It is reported to be useful in cancer.
A decoction of the roots is used for stomach troubles and an aqueous
extract for stones in the bladder.
Decoction of plant is diuretic and used in renal dropsy and
generalized anasarca.
The leaf is used as a remedy for boil and abscess. Leaf juice is useful
in stomachache, bowel complaints, piles and skin eruptions.
Paste of leaf is used to treat bites of poisonous insects, wasps and
bee. Decoction of whole plant is given in the painful delivery.
Roots are used in toothache. In menstrual disorders extracts of the
roots are used.
Seeds are used as brain tonic.
The ash from the burnt plant, often mixed with mustard oil and a
pinch of salt, is used as a tooth powder for cleaning teeth
The ash of the burnt plant is a rich source of potash. It is used for
washing clothes.
10: Adansonia digitata L. (Gorakh
Ambali)
Botanical Name: Adansonia digitata L.

Family: Bombacaceae-Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Gorakh ambali, Rukhdo
Hindi: Gorak Ambali, Gorakh imli
English: Baobab tree, monkey bread tree
Sanskrit: Gopali, Gorakshi, Panchparnika
Tamil: Anaippuli, Paparapulia, Puria
Telugu: Anaipuliamaram, Brahmaamlika
Introduction
The name Adansonia was given in the memory of Michel Adanson
(1727-1806), the species name digitata meaning hand like, is in reference to
the shape of the leaves. This deciduous tree is referred as largest succulent
plant in the world; the baobab tree is steeped in a wealth of mystique, legend
and superstition wherever it occurs in Africa. Main stem of large tree gets 28
m diameter in girth. This tree gets height of 25 m. It has cylindrical trunk
which gives rise to thick tapering branches resembling a root system. This
tree is also known as grotesque. Bark is present on the stem which is 50-100
mm thick. The bark is grayish brown and smooth but can be variously folded
and seamed from years of growth. Leaves are hand sized and divided into 5-7
fingers like leafets. Flowers are large, white and sweetly scented. Flowers are
pendulous type. They emerge in the late afternoon from large rounds buds on
long drooping stalks from October to December. Flowers fall within 24 hours
turning brown and smelling quite unpleasant. Pollination is done by bats in
the night. The fruits are large and egg shaped capsule is found. Yellowish
brown hairs are seen. Fruit consists of a hard, woody outer shell with a dry,
powdery substance inside that covers the hard, black, kidney shaped seeds.
The off white, powdery substance is apparently rich in ascorbic acid. All
though tree is slow growing. So many legends are attached to the plant. For
example it is believed that an elephant frightened the maternal ancestor of the
baobab. In some parts the baobab is worshiped as symbol of fertility. There is
another belief that water in which seeds have been soaked will may attract
crocodiles. It is also believed that a man who drinks an infusion of the bark
will become strong.
This plant is native to tropical Africa, one of the largest and long lifed
tree. The baobab tree is found distributed in South Africa, Botswana,
Namibia, Mozambique and other tropical African countries it is very
common. It grows easily on hot, dry, woodland on stony, well drained soils,
in frost-free areas that receive low rainfall. In South Africa it is found only in
warm parts. In India this tree found in tropical and sub tropical areas. It is
distributed in Gujarat, Maharastra, and Madhya Pradesh like states. It doesn’t
like higher rainfall areas where they are frost free and don’t experience cold
winters.
Cultivation
Baobas are quite easily grown from seed although they are seldom
available in nurseries. Seeds can be collected from dry fruits by cracking the
fruit open and washing away they dry powdery coating. The dark brown to
black, kidney-shaped seeds should be soaked in container of hot water and
allowed to cool, they may then be sown after soaking for 24 hours. Seeds are
best sown in spring and summer in a well drained seedling mixture
containing one third sand. Seeds are covered with sand to a depth of 4-6 mm,
place the trays in a warm semi shaded position and water regularly until the
seeds have all germinated. Germination occurs in two to more weeks.
Seedlings are transplated when they become 50 mm in height into sandy soil
with some well rotted compost and bone meal.

During growth of plant in nursery, damping off fungal disease can attack
on the plant. This can be prevented with fungicidal drench.

Trees with hollow stems are used for various purposes including
houses, prisons, pubs, storage barns etc. Rain water often collects in
the clefts of the large branches. It has been recorded that in some
cases the centre of the tree is purposely hollowed out to serve as a
reservoir for water. A hole is drilled in the trunk and a plug is
inserted so that water can be easily retrieved by removing the plug.
The leaves are said to be rich in vitamin C, sugar, potassium tartrate,
and calcium. They are cooked fresh as vegetable or dried and crushed
for later use by local people. Leaves are used locally for a variety of
infammatory conditions, including insect bites and guineaworm
sores.
Internally leaves are given as an astringent, sudorific, tonic and
febrifuge. Leaves are also used as a lotion in earache and opthalmia.
The root of very young trees is also edible. Seeds are also edible and
can be roasted for use as a coffee substitute.
Fruits are edible, acidic pulp of fruit has been used as a rubber
coagulant, and has been used to curdle milk. Seeds are eaten as nuts.
Powder of seeds is used as a manure.
When wood is chewed it provides vital moisture to relieve thirst,
humans as well as certain animals eat it in times drought.
Bark is used as substitute of cinkona bark. It yields a large quantity
of semifuid, white gum, like tragacanth, wich turns reddish brown on
ageing.
11: Adenanthera pavonina L. (Coral Wood
Tree)
Botanical Name: Adenanthera pavonina L.

Family: Mimosaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Baragunci, Rakt chandan
English: Coral wood tree, Red wood tree
Hindi: Baragunci
Tamil: Vanai Kuntumani
Sanskrit: Kucandanah, Tamarakah
Telugu: Bandigurvina, Mansenikotta
Introduction
This is medium sized, unarmed deciduous tree which can get hight of
around 20 m or more with a clear bole of 6 meter. Bark is grayish brown in
colour and has longitudinal fssures. Leaves are bipinnate, they are 3-6 in
pairs, opposite, leafets are many and alternate, they are ovate-oblong, obtuse,
glabrous, unequal sided, dark green above. Flowers are pale yellow in colour.
They are in short peduncled racemes. Fruits are falcately curved pointed
pods. Valves are spirally twisted after dehiscence. Seeds are shining brilliant
scarlet, lenticular globose.

This is wild tree which is found throughout India. The native of tree is
Southeastern Asia and Malaysia, but widely cultivated and introduced. It is
deciduous tree which belongs to arid and semi arid areas of the Asia. It grows
on a variety of soils, more permanently moist climates throughout the tropics.
(Swarbrick, 1997; p. 15).
Cultivation
This tree is propagated by seeds only. Seeds are sown in ploughed soil.
Rows are prepared for its cultivation. When seedling gets proper height it is
transplanted to the main feld. Generally this tree is cultivated for its bark.
Although leaves and seeds are also obtained for medicinal values.
Seed contain non protein amino acids, via.dakua-methylene glutamic
acid,dakua-methylene glutamine, and traces of dakua-ethylidene glutamic
acid. The karnels contain a pale yellow fat. The fatty acid composition of the
fat is: palmatic, stearic, arachidic, lignoceri, octacosanoic, oleic, linoleic,
elcosenoic, and uncharacterized, the kernels also contain stigasterol and its
glucoside, dulcitol and a polysaccharide the leaves contain octacosanol,
dulcitol, glucosides of P-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Bark contains
stigmasterol glucoside. The heartwood contains srobinetin, chalcone, butein,
ampelopsin and dihydrorobinetin.
Medicinal and Economic Uses

A decoction of the seeds and wood is used in pulmonary affections
and externally applied in chronic ophthalmia.
Seeds show inhibitory activity against trypsin and a-chymotripsin,
but the activity is lost on subjecting the seeds to heat treatment.
Kernels contain a pale yellow fat.
The red heart wood is used as a substitute for true red sandal wood.
Wood is also used for making building and cabinets.
Bark and leaves are astringent, vulneralry and aphrodisiac and are
useful in colonorrhea, haematuria, ulcers, pharyngopathy, vitiated
conditions of Vata and pitta, burning sensation, hyperdipsia,
vomiting, fever and giddiness.
The seeds are bitter, astringent, sweet cooling, aphrodisiac,
suppurative, antiemetic and febrifuge.
Heart wood is useful in dysentery, haermorrhages.
12: Adhatoda vasica Nees (Ardusi)
Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica Nees

Family: Acanthaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ardusi
Hindi: Basak, Arusa, Adulasa
English: Malabar nut
Telugu: Adasaramu
Introduction
Adhatoda vasica is perennial shrub which is grown in moist deciduous
regions and sub mountain regions of the country. Plant is diffuse, branched,
evergreen type. Adhatoda has mainly two species, Adhatoda vasica Nees and
Adhatoda beddomei Clarke.Nees is also known as A.zeylanica Medic.
Morphological and histological variation between these two species was
given by Aiyer and Kollammal (1962). Adhatoda vasica is a large size herb
with dense branches. This shrub can grow to a height of 2.5m or more.
Leaves are broad, elliptic, entire, tapering or acute at both ends. Leaf is
generally green or dark green on upper surface while pale at lower surface.
Inforescence is found to be long pedunculate, short spike dense fowered,
prominently bracteate, and some times it is found as thysiform. In our
country Adhtoda is grown in Punjab, Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat and most of
other states. In Gujarat Ardusi is widely used as medicinal source in most of
the districts like Junagadh, Dang, Porbandar, Jamanagar etc.
Adhatoda is derived from two words ‘Adu’ and ‘Thoda’ which means
that the plant is not eaten by goat. It is distributed to Sri Lanka, Singa pore,
Malaysia, Indo -china and other South East Asian countries. In India it is
grown in most of the states.
Cultivation
Plant can be cultivated with seeds or by using cuttings. Plants are
developed in to polythin bags in the beginning. May-June or September-
October is suitable month. Seeds or cuttings are planted on ridges and
furrows in the ploughed land. When plant gets good height in one or two
months it is transplanted to the feld. Plant is highly resistant in any kind of
land. Plant develops fast in loamy soil with good drainage and high organic
content but it comes up in all type of climates. It can withstand drought to a
great extent.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 6 to 7 months of planting. Leaves, roots and
stems are collected individually. Generally leaves are harvested after 6
months and roots are collected after one and one and half year of planting.
Storage
Storage is done in the polythin bags or in dry or cold storages. They can
be marketed fresh as well as dry.

Leaves, fower and roots of the plant are extensively used as treating
cold, cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Leaves
have anti-viral activity.
Leaves contain alkaloid vaccine and essential oil. Leaves are source
of drug used mainly as an expectorant in the form of juice, decoction
or syrup.
Alcoholic leaf extracts act as hypotensive, bronchodilator, and
respiratory stimulant, antiseptic and anathematic.
In the cigarette, dried leaf is smoked. According to traditional belief,
leaves are useful in anemia and hemorrhage. Leaf juice cures
diarrhoe and dysentery; it is also useful in glandular tumours. Leaf
powder is helpful in rheumatic joints as counter-irritant on
infammatory swellings on fresh wounds.
‘Zeetuss’ is prompt symptomatic multipurpose herbal cough syrup
which is made from extracts of A.vasica, S.xanthocarpum, G.glabra,
A.lebbeck, P.longum, O.sanctum and Z. officinale. This syrup gives
prompt symptomatic relief without any side effects. This is also
proved to be useful in early stages of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Drug is used against senile pruritus and as an antifatigue. The drug is
one of the constituents of dry ‘Geriforte’.
Shoots are used in cases of liver enlargement. Roots are used in case
of mild bronchitis. They are antiseptic and are given in intermittent
fever and pulmonary affictions.
Root extracts are found as antibacterial, aqueous leaf extracts of A.
vasica inhibited Penicillium sp. affecting oil seeds like sesame,
groundnut and castor.
A.vasica is effective in reducing bacterial population of raw water at
pH 6.8 A.vasica leaf powder was effective in reducing population of
Mycobacterium incognita in mint. Leaves are source of essential oil
which is utilized as bronchodilator.
13: Adiantum capillus veneris Linn.
(Hansraj)
Botanical Name: Adiantum veneris Linn.

Family: Polypodiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Hansraj, Hanspadi P Sanskrit: Hanspadi P Hindi:
Hansraj, Mubaraka P English: Maidenhair fern
Introduction
This plant belongs to pteridophyta group of plant. They are mainly grow
near hilly areas where there is lot of moisture remain present. In its structure
it is very simple structure. Stem is blackish in colour. On the stem there are
leaves produced on panducle on both the sides. This species of fern gets
height upto 30 cm. There are numerous varieties in it. These plants occur in
Mount Abu, Alwar, Gwaparnath of Rajasthan.

This plant is distributed in areas where there is lot of moisture present.
This plant is native to Europe and North America. It can be seen in crevices,
cliffs by the sea on basic rocks in damp positions, particularly in the hilly
areas. Plant is produced naturally from the crevices of the stones, from the
corner of the plants etc.
Cultivation
The compost mixture consisting of two parts of organic manure, one part
each of loamy soil and silver sand, mixed with charcoal is used for this
species. Propagated by spores sown in fine sandy soil with leaf mould, and
kept in moist and shades under glass or polythene cover. These plants are
grown under glasshouses in humid situation. It likes a position with plenty of
light but dislikes full sun. It prefers a sheltered shady position, If the plant
dries out temporarily it will lose most of its fronds, though it will usually
resprout from the base. Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a
humus-rich sterilized soil. Germination should take place within 6 weeks. It
should be potted on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large
enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established.
Harvesting
This plant is uprooted from the soil. Generally whole plant is used for
medicinal value.We should not plant outside until the ferns are at least two
years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division is found in
spring or autumn. Best carried out in early spring.
Maidenhair fern contains favonoides terpenoides, tannis and mucilage. It
contains volatile oil, bitter principle, tanning material mucin, gallic acid,
sugars and heterosides of kaempferol, quercetol and juteolol.

Maidenhair fern is still used by Western herbalists to treat coughs,
bronchitis, catarrh, sore throat and chronic nasal catarrh.
The plant also has a longstanding reputation as a remedy for
condition of the hair and scalp.
This plant is also used in diabetes and skin diseases.
It can be also applied in leprosy and hair falling.
The decoction of leaves is taken for acute bronchitis and fever. Tea
made from the leaves is widely used in coughs resulting from colds,
nosal congestion or catarrh. It is also taken along with tea in
abnormal stoppage of the menses.
14: Aegle marmelos correa ex Roxb. (Bilv)
Botanical Name: Aegle marmelos correa ex Roxb.

Family: Rutaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bili, Bil, Bilv
Hindi: Bel, Sirphal
English: Bengal Quince, Bael tree
Telugu: Maredu
Introduction
It is medium sized tree which has long life and gives fruits for long time.
Some tree lives for 100 years and still they are able to give fruits. The trunk is
stout and strong. It is light grey color with soft cork present. It is deciduous
type of tree which shed its leaves during summer generally in the month of
April - May. Although May-June is main fowering season. Leaves are green
and trifoliate with strate branches. Spines are present which are generally
sharp. Leaves usually grouped into 3 and rarely 5 are also found. People in
India believe that leaves are another form of trinetra which means three eyed
god. Tree is highly scared. Leaves are similar to the litchi and mango leaves.
Flowers are fragrant and sweet honey, small inforescence is small, lateral
panicle and greenish -white fower.

Plant has been originated from Eastern Ghats and Central India. Aegle
marmelous is indigenous to Indian subcontinent and spread in tropical and
subtropical regions. This plant is also found at 1200 meters height in
Himalayas. In India it is grown in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chathisgarh,
Uttaranchal, Jarkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Deccan plateau and along the East
Coast. Hindu community grows this tree as religious tree. This tree is also
grown in the Srilanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
etc countries.
Cultivation
It suits sub tropical climate, particularly hot season in summer and mild
cool winter. Although it can survive in any feld but it grows quickly in dry
land. Cultivation is generally done in rainy season. Seedlings are raised in
polythin bags. One year old nursery raised seedlings are transplanted in the
feld after the oneset of monsoon at 7m x 5m spacing. 5meter space should be
between plant to plant and 7 meter space should be there between lines. In the
first year three weeding are done and in second and third year fertilizers are
utilized in two dozes. Irrigation is useful but water logging is not too useful.
Vegetative method and air layering method are also useful in cultivation.
Harvesting
In the 12 to 13 years tree start giving fruits. Generally fruits ripe in the
October –November. In the initial stage a single tree can give 50 fruits but
letter it can give up to 300 to 400 fruits. Ripe fruits are collected and inner
pulp is taken out and it is dried. Dried pieces of the pulp are taken to the
market.
Yield
Each tree gives 10 kg drugs and it is sold at the rate of 5 to 10 Rs. per kg.
The net return of plantation is Rs.7, 000 per hactre which would go up to Rs.
20,000 when it reaches to age of 25 years.

Ripe and unripe fruits give drug which is known as Bel. Bel has been
known to be useful in dysentery and diarrhea. It is proved useful in
appetite and digestion.
Drink is prepared from the fruit which is useful to the patient who
has just recovered from bacillary dysentery.
Root is known as Dashmul of Ayurveda and it used to cure
palpitation of heart.
Fruits provide substance which is gummy in nature-known as gluten
which is highly useful as adhesive; it is also useful in making dye and
varnishes. Outer rind of fruit gives yellow dye.
Marmelosin is obtained from pulp of the fruit which acts as laxative
diuretic. It is cardiac depressant when used in high dose.
Infusion of root is used by tribal people to cure fever.
Leaves are useful for fodder. Wood is utilized to make house hold
articles and cattle sheds.
Roots, stems and leaves contain tennis. Alkaloids, sterols, coumarin
and aromatic components are also present in the plant.
Aegelin, marmelosine, marmelin, o-methyl hayordinol,
allomperatorin methyl ester, o-isopentanyl hayordinol and linolic acid
are also found in the beal tree.
Seed shows antimicrobecterial activity against bacteria and fungi.
They show also antiprotozol activity (Henry and Brown).
15: Alangium salvifolium L.f. (Ankola)
Botanical Name: Alangium salvifolium L.f.

Family: Alangiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ankola
English: Ankol
Hindi: Ankol
Introduction
This plant is genus of shrubs or trees, comprising about 22 paleotropical
species. Two species are found in India.
Description
This plant is small desiduous tree, shrub or strannngler, found in the drier
parets of India and Cylon. It grows vigorously in the forest of South India and
Burma. Flowers are white, fragrant and they are arranged in axillary fascicles.
Fruits are 1-2 seeded. Berries crowned by calyx lobes, yellowish or red when
ripe.

This plant is believed to be originated from India. The plant is distributed
in arid and semi arid forests of India and world.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seed propagation method.

Root bark is anthelmintic and purgative. It is used in fevers and skin
diseases. It is administered in the form of powder.
Wood is olive brown, hard and close grained and weighs 42-56 ib.
per c ft. In south India, it is used for pestles oil mills, cattle bells etc.It
is suitable for inlaying and carving.
Wood is used as fuel. Fruit is edible; seeds contain alkaloids, sterol
and very little amount of fatty oil.
16: Allium sativum Linn. (Lasan)
Botanical Name: Allium sativum Linn.

Family: Lillyaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Lasan
Hindi: Lashun
English: Garlic
Tamil: Vellai puntu
Telugu: Tella- gadda, Velluli
Introduction
Garlic is perennial plant. It has a compound bulb, grayish white in colour
and sub-globular in shape which contain about 4 to 6 cm diameter with 8 to
20 cloves. A thin, white or pinkish sheath covers group of small segments or
cloves. These cloves are attached to wood axis with numerous roots. The
fower of this clove is stronger than other bulb crops. Leaf is hollow which is
similar that in onion. There are two varieties of garlic.
Desi and Acclimatized Varieties

1. Deshi: They are white colored with fairly big bulbs. They contain
good keeping quality and higher yield. Red varieties are more
pungent.
2. Acclimatized varieties: it can be divided in two varieties 1. Early
white varieties and 2. Ooty-1 varieties.
(a) Early White varieties: Fawari, Rajalle Gaddi, Madrasi, Tabity,

Creole, Eknalia, T-56-4, Jamnagar etc are very famous in
Gujarat. Cultiver Jamnagar is best variety because it gives
highest recovery of dehydrated peeled garlic and garlic powder
of good pungency and antibacterial activity.
(b) Ooty-1: Ooty-1 is made from the germplasm assembled at
Vijaynagargam, Horticulture Research Station, and Ooty
(TNAU). It gives good yield than other varieties. Its bulb is big
and weighs 30 to 40 gm. Clump has 20 to 25 cloves. Clones
have fatterning surface inside. It has good resistant power.
Chaubethia is a local selected clone which concludes 18 clones.
Different between Onion and Garlic

Although onion and garlic look similar in morphology but in the onion
single large bulb is produced and in the garlic group of small bulbs which is
called cloves are produced. This is basic difference between onion and garlic.

South Europe and Central Asia is believed to be native place of Garlic. It
is bulb crop which is useful as spice or condiment in India. In India garlic is
grown in most of the states like Orrisa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar,
Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharastra, Orissa, Punjab etc.
Orrisa is state which provides highest yield of garlic in India. Gujarat is at
second place in the production of garlic.
Cultivation
For cultivation well drained loamy soil with presence of humus is good.
Good amount of potash is useful to the garlic. It is generally grown in the late
autumn. Short days are favorable. Not too cold or not too warm condition is
suitable. Garlic is seldom grown in light sandy soils as they lack sufficient
moisture holding capacity. Wet soils tend to produce large discolored bulbs,
which causes injury to the plant. Garlic can also be cultivated from segments
of large bulbs in which each bulb contains about ten small cloves which are
planted. Cloves are sown in September to October. Sowing is done by
dibbing, furrow planting, broad casting like methods. Irrigation is useful; soil
should be irrigated regularly at the interval of 10 to 20 days.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in January to February, generally 4 to 5 moths letter
after sowing when green leaves become yellow or brownish and show signs
of drying up. Plants are pulled out or uprooted with a country plough and are
tied into small bundles then they are kept in the feld or in the shade for 3 to4
days. Thus bulbs become hard.
Yield
India exports 3,776 tones of garlic annually, and gives earning of Rs.
4.90 crores of foreign exchange. In the United States annual growth of garlic
is 750 ha annually.

Garlic is highly nutritious and used in making curries in India. It is
useful for masking favor in salted meal and fsh.
Against all kind of poisons, garlic is used as powerful antidote.
Garlic has antibacterial activity as it contains allicin which is useful
in intestinal disorders and for number of infectious disease. It inhibits
growth of microorganisms.
Bulbs of garlic are used for severe cough and fever; they also
become useful in rheumatism, in improving lungs. It also gives beneft
to the skin diseases.
Garlic is antiseptic and destroys worms and externally it will rid the
skin of parasites.
Allistain I, Allistain II and garlicin have isolated from garlic plant
which are widely used in medicine for animals and human beings
both.
Garlic is also useful in treatment of hypertension, diabetes,
helminthiasis, chronic colitis and gastritis, amoebiasis, rheumatoid
arthritis angina pectoris, fungal infection and bacterial infection and
also it is used in cancer.
Garlic powder is used as condiment, and serves as carminative and
gastric stimulant.
Garlic is also utilized in stomach disease.
17: Aloe vera Town ex. Linn
(Kuvarpathu)
Botanical Name: Aloe Vera Town ex.Linn, Aloe barbadensis ex Linn.

Family: Liliaceae
Local Name
English: Aloe, Barbados,Curacao Aloe
Gujarati: Kuvar, Kuvar pathu
Hindi: Gheekanvar
Tamil: Thazhai, Kathalai
Introduction
Aloe is known as nature’s sun screen. It is commonly grown in deserts
and other dry situations. Although 275 spices of aloe are known but aloe
barbadensis Mill is common in India. Variety is found in saurashtra coast is
the source of Jafarabad aloe. Three varieties of aloes are official Indian
Pharmacopoeia.
1. Curaco aloe- it is known as barbodes and obtained from A.
barbadensis
2. Socotrine or Zansibar aloe- it is obtained from A. perryi
3. Cape aloe- it is obtained from A.ferox and its hybrids
Aloe is perennial plant, having shallow root with short stem. It gets
height of 30-60 cm. Roots are tuberous type and supporting roots are also
present. True stem is absent but it produces bloom stalks. Leaves are feshy
and are 60cm long, 10 cm broad and 3cm thick. Arrangement of feshy leaves
is dense. Plant is grown in typical rosette shape. Flowers are actinomorphic
and are arranged in auxiliary spikes. Flowers have yellow to rich orange
color. Perianth is present in two whorls. In which outer whorl have long
flaments than the inner whorl. Most of the species are male, sterile with
scarcely any fertile pollen.

Plants of Aloe genus are believed to be of old world whose native is
Eastern and Southern Africa, the canary island and Spain. Plant was
distributed from Mediterranean basin to West Indies, India, China and other
countries. It is grown throughout in India. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and
Rajasthan are major states of India which grow aloe spices.
Cultivation
Sandy coastal to loamy soils of the plains with a pH of upto 8.5 are most
useful. Water logging is harmful to the growth of aloe. Land is ploughed
before cultivation. Cow dung is useful to fertile land. In March to June plants
are cultivated. It can be grown in warm condition where yearly rainfall is
almost 35-40 cm per year, although proper irrigation is also essential. Plants
can be propagated by root suckers or rhizome –cuttings. Plants are planted at
spacing of 60 x 30 cm and 60 x 45 cm.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in December to February, Generally after 8 or 9
months of plantation. In the developed areas plants ate removed with help of
tractor-drawn disc narrow or cultivator. In non developed are plants can be
removed manually.
Yield
From second to five years yield is obtained, after which it needs
replanting. On the fresh weight basis yield of the crop on a fresh-weight basis
will be around 11,000 to 14,000.

Gel is obtained from leaves which contain polysaccharides while
acetylated mannose sugar is the major bioactive component. Aloein is
isolated from aloe which is highly useful in medicines.
Aloe has bitter test which is useful against host of diseases related
with digestive system.
Aloe is used for wounds, burns and skin troubles.
Gel is useful in eye troubles, spleen and liver ailments. it is used as
endogenous purgative in indigogenous medicine so it is known as
Musabbar
Aloe has moisturizing and emollient properties as it is used as skin
care. Extracts of aloe or aloin are used in sunscreens, X-ray burns,
and other cosmetics preparation
Aloe extracts are used as a favoring ingredient primarily in alcoholic
and non alcoholic beverages.
18: Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.
(Saptparni)
Botanical Name: Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.

Family: Apocynaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Saptparni
Hindi: Chatiun.
English: Devil’s tree, Dita bark tree
Tamil: Elilupala, Pala, Palai
Telugu: Edakulaphata
Introduction
Saptparni is tall evergreen tree and found in most part of the India. The
name of genera alstonia is given in the memory of well known Botanist
Professor C.Alton (1685-1760) Spices name is scholaris because in old time’s
wood of the tree were used to make slates of students. There is also one
legend for this tree that it is the home of ghosts so it is also known as Devil
tree too.Generally tree contains grey bark and verticillate branches. Leaves
are arranged in 4 to 7 and some times 10 to 24 whorls of 2.5 to 4 cm. They
are obovate, sub-sessile with short petiole (0.5 to 2 cm long) and glabrous.
Leaf is pale green in color at lower side and dark shining at upper part.
Greenish white flowers are present. They are arranged in compact
umbellately- corymbose cymes, calyx is small which has 5 lobes. Fruits are
long slender follicles, occurring in clusters. They are densely ciliate with long
hairs all around. Bark of the tree is gray and rough which excused a bitter
milky sap.

Different views are there for origin of alstonia scholaris but no certain
evidences present in the current time. It is distributed in whole peninsular
India mainly in the moisture areas like Eastern and Western Ghats. In India it
is found to be grown in the Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharastra and in most
of the other states in India. In the east it is distributed to Java and Australia.
Cultivation
It can be grown in all types of soil but it grows well on lateritic soil.
Usually it is propagated by seed. Seedlings are grown for one to two years
and when plant gets proper height they are transplanted to the feld where it
gives good result. Rainy season is the best season for transplanting plant into
feld. Seeds are planted at 2 x 2 m distance, although seeds can be grown
directly in the feld but it takes more time to establish directly in the feld. If
good care is taken by removing weeding and providing proper fertilizers then
within 5 to 6 years plant can be felled.
Harvesting
After 6 to 8 years harvesting can be done. Whole tree is cut to the ground
level and bark of the tree is removed which is then dried under sun. This bark
when becomes dried, small pieces of convenient lengths are prepared and
they are taken to the market.
Yield
From one hactre, production of bark is around 2,500 kg. Drug is sold at
the rate of 25 to 35 Rsper kilograms. So return per hactre would be almost
40,000 to 50, 000 per hactre within 1 to 6 years.
Medicinal and Econonomic Importance

Bark is used as tonic and drug which maintains normal function of
the digestive system. Alcoholic bark has also showed anticancer
activity.
Drug is used in the treatment of intermittent and remittent fevers.
Infusion of the bark is useful in the malaria, bowel complaints and
skin diseases.
Powder is prepared from bark of the tree which is used to cure
diarrhea, catarrhal dyspepsia and dysentery.
It is rich source of alkaloids. Echitennine, echitemine and diatamine
have been isolated from the tree. Alcohol extract of the bark contains
a-amyrin acetate and lupeol.
Latex and coagulum both bear resin.
Wood of the tree is soft so it is utilized in making furniture of
schools, in constructing houses, in the boats etc.
19: Amaranthus spinosus L. (Kantanu
Kanth)
Botanical Name: Amaranthus spinosus L.

Family: Amaranthaceae
Local Names
Hindi: Cauleyi kateli
English: Prickly amaranth
Sanskrit: Tenduliyah
Tamil: Mullukkirai
Telugu: Mullutotakura
Introduction
It is an erect, glabrous, spinous herb, varying in colour from green to red
or purple, 30-60 cm in height with grooved branches and sharp diversed
spines in the leaf axils. Leaves are simple, alternate, ovate, lanceolate or
oblong, entire, glabrous above, main nerves numerous, conspicuous below.
Flowers are small, sessile, yellowish white or pale green in colour, they are
numerous in numbers. They are arranged in dense axillary clusters and in
terminal or interrupted spikes. Fruits ovoid capsules, membranous,
circumscissile about the middle.

The plant is native to tropical America and also found throughout in
India Perticularly in weste lands. Generally it is arid or semi arid herb which
grows in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharastra and most of the other states
of India.
Cultivation
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils
and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic
(alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil. This plant
can be cultivated on any kind of land. There is no extra need of irrigation
facility for the growth of this plant. Generally seed propagation is better
method.
Seed are sown during late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made
in a green house and the plants put out after the last expected frosts.
Germination is usually rapid and good if the soil is warm. A drop in
temperature overnight aids germination of growing plants root easily.
Higher alkanes and their methyl derivatives, higher aliphatic alcohols,
acids and esters, amino acids, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol,
cholesterol, α-spinasterol, α-spinasterol octacosanoate, glycosides of α-
spinasterol and oleanic acid have been reported in the plant.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done by uprooting, by cutting at ground level or by
ratooning. If the crop is directly sown, a once-over harvest by uprooting or by
cutting at ground level may be done 3–4 weeks after sowing. Second harvest
is obtained 3 weeks later from the regrowth of the smallest plants. When
ratooning is practised, the first cutting takes place about one month after
transplanting, and then every 2-3 weeks for a period of 1-2 months. Cutting
should be done at such a height that at least 2 leaves and buds are left behind
for regrowth.The best cutting height is 10-15 cm.
Yield
Commercial growers harvest 1.5-2.5 kg/m2 of an uprooted crop (dry
matter content 16 per cent, edible portion 35-50 per cent); the first cutting of
a ratooned crop may yield 1-2 kg/m2 (edible portion 70-80 per cent),
subsequent cuttings about 1 kg/m2

The harvested plants or shoots are bundled, the roots are washed, and the
produce is packed for transport and then these are taken to the market. In
markets and shops, it is sprinkled with water to keep a fresh appearance. If
uprooted, the vegetable can be kept fresh for some days by putting it in a
basin with the roots in the water. It is sold in bunches or by weight.
Whole plant is medicinally used. The plant is sweet, cooling,
alexeteric, laxative, diuretic, stomachic, antipyretic, febrifuge,
sudorific, galactagogue, haematinic, appetizer and tonic.
It is useful in vitiated conditions of pitta, hyperdipsia, burning
sensation, hallucination, leprosy, eczema etc.
It is also used in bronchitis, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, haemorrhoids,
abscesses, boils, burns, strangury, nausea, fatulence, colic anorexia,
fever, intermittent fever, agalactia, anaemia and general debility.
Roots are thermogenic and haemostatic. They are useful in vitiated
conditions of kapha, menorrhagia, haemoptysis, haematemesis and
leucorrhoea.
20: Andrographis paniculata Nees. (Kal
Megh)
Botanical Name: Andrographis paniculata Nees.

Family: Acanthaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kal megh, Indrajav
Hindi: Kiryat, Kalpnath
English: King of bitters
Tamil: Nilavempu
Telugu: Nela vemu
Introduction
It is small annual herb which is found generally in wild condition but in
most part of country it is also grown as medicinal plant. Stem is erect and
bears nodes and antinodes. It is found in the scrubby and in deciduous forest
and also in the ground under shade of trees and bushes. It grows up to 30 to
75 cms and contains four sided spreading branches. Leaves are short petioled,
opposite lanceolate, glabrous, long and being narrow at both the ends. Leaf
varies in size from 3 to 8 cms long and 12 to 14 mm wide. Axillary horizontal
simple inforescence is found. Flowers are white in color, dotted irregular
bilabiate. Fruits are glabrous containing 22mm length and 3mm width. They
are glabrous. Roots are of tap roots type.
The plant is distributed in tropical Asia about 21 species occure in India,
grown well in tropical and sub tropical region all over the India. It is
distributed from Himachal Pradesh to Assam and Mizoram and all over in
South India.
Cultivation
It can be grown in any type of soil because it is wild plant. Clay soil is
more suitable to the plant. Although seed sowing is ideal but vegetative
methods are also used for propagation. Sowing is done in the rainy season.
Seeds are directly sown in the soil for propagation. Soil is prepared by
repeated ploughing first which is followed by planting. Row method and
Broad Casting method are used. Seeds are sown at distance of 15 x 15 cm.
Proper weeding, irrigation and fertilizers are provided, plant gives yield in 3
to 4 months.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 120 days or 3 to 4 months after sowing when
plant is in full boom. Lower leaves are harvested just after 2 months. Plant
should be uprooted. Healthy plants are left in the feld for seed production.
When capsule matures seeds are removed. Then seeds are dried into open sun
for drying. Stem are the important commercial product. The plants are
uprooted and dried. The dried stems are them marketed.
Storage
Storage is done in the air tight container for further sowing.
Yield
Average yield per plant is about 2.5 tones per hactres. In the market it is
sold at the rate of Rs. 15 to 20 per kg. It is estimated that a production of
4000 kg of Kalmegh from one ha. of plantation. Kalmegh is sold in the
market at the rate of Rs. 5 per kg. Per hectare expenditure reaches upt Rs.
5000 and in the return net return goes upto Rs. 15,000 per hectare.

Entire plant is used for various diseases. The juice of leaves with
certain species is dried and is used in infants to relieve irregular stool
and loss of appetite.
Decotion of whole plant is used by tribal peoples to cure malaria and
dyspepsia and gaseous distention.
Leaves contain glucoside like andrographolide, neo-andrographolide,
panaculoside, favanoides, andrographin, panicalin etc.
It is used specially for children in digestive complains. ‘Aluii’ is
made from the leaves and is given to children for stomach complaints
in Bengal.
Plant is bitter, acrid, cooling, laxative, antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-
infammatory, expectorant, depurative, sudorific, antihelminthic,
digestive and stomachic.
It is useful in hyperdipsia, burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, chronic
fever, infammation, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, leprosy,
Purities, intestinal worm, diarrhea etc.
21: Annona reticulata L. (Ram Phala)
Botanical Name: Annona reticulata L.

Family: Annonaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ram phala
Tamil: Ramasita
Hindi: Ram phala
Telugu: Raamaaphalamu
English: Bullocks heart
Introduction
It is small and deciduous tree or semi desiduous tree. It gets height of
6.1-7.6 m. Leaves are acuminate, 12.7-20.3 cm. long and 3.8-5.1 cm wide.
Flowers are cordate or subglobose, brownish or yellowish, with fat areoles,
7.6-12.7 cm diam. Flowers are produced in summer and fruting occurs in the
end of rainy season. Ripe fruits are sweet and edible but inferior to those of
A. squamosa.

The custard apple is believed to be a native of the West Indies but it was
carried in early times through Central America to southern Mexico. It has
long been cultivated and naturalized as far south as Peru and Brazil. It is also
naturalized in eastern and south India. It is distributed in Arid and Semi arid
countries like India, Burma, Japan, Sri-Lanka etc.
Cultivation
The custard apple tree needs a tropical climate. It fourishes well in the
coastal lowlands. In India, it does well from the plains up to an elevation of
4,000 ft (1,220 m). This species is less drought-tolerant than the sugar apple
and prefers a more humid atmosphere. The custard apple does best in low-
lying, deep, rich soil with ample moisture and good drainage. Seed
propagation is good method. Nevertheless, the tree can be multiplied by
inarching, or by budding or grafting onto its own seedlings or onto soursop,
sugar apple or pond apple rootstocks.

The custard apple has the advantage of cropping in late winter and spring
when the preferred members of the genus are not in season. It is picked when
it has lost all green color and ripens without splitting so that it is readily sold
in local markets. If picked green, it will not color well and will be of inferior
quality. The tree is naturally a fairly heavy bearer. With adequate care, a
mature tree will produce 34-45 kg of fruits per year. The short twigs are shed
after they have borne flowers and fruits.
Chemical Constitutions
Anonaine is obtained from the tree. Nourshinsunine, tannic acid,
oxoushinsunine and reticuline etc. have been also reported.

Mainly fruits are used for medicinal uses.
Ripe and unripe fruits are used in diarrhea and blood dysentery.
Leaves are considered as insecticide, anthelmintic and externally
useful as suppurant.
The leaf decoction is given as a vermifuge.
Crushed leaves or a paste of the fesh may be poulticed on boils,
abscesses and ulcers.
The bark is very astringent and the decoction is taken as a tonic and
also as a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery.
Fragments of the root bark are packed around the gums to relieve
toothache. The root decoction is taken as a febrifuge.
22: Annona squamosa Linn. (Sitafal)
Botanical Name: Annona squqamosa Linn.

Family: Annonaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Sitafal
Hindi: Sitafal
English: Custard apple, Sita phal
Sanskrit: Agrimakhya
Tamil: Sitil
Telugu: Sitafalam, Sitapandu
Introduction
It is small and deciduous tree which is found in the dry and degraded
forest areas. Leaves are simple and alternate, 5-15 x 2-5 cm, lanceolate or
elliptical, tip of the leaf is blunt or slightly pointed, base is also acute and
gland is dotted. Flowers are 2.5 cm long, solitary or several together which
arise from the axils of the leaves, three feshy petals hanging downwards; they
are greenish, pubescent and feebly scented. Fruits are rounded with a deeply
furrowed and wrinkled skin, 5-15 cm long, tubercled, green, feshy, with dark
brown or black seeds embedded in the edible pulp which is white in colour.
Annona is native to tropical America and Africa, widely distributed
throughout tropics and frost free sub tropics. About 8 species and a hybrid,
A.atemoya is grown in India for fruit and root stock. Anonna reticulata and
Anona sqamosa have completely naturalized there. Annona squamosa is the
native of India from its occurrence in the early literature. In India most of the
states are related with the marketing of the Annona.
Cultivation
It can grow on variety of soils including eroded, degraded areas. It grows
in semi wild conditions of forest areas. It prefers warm and dry climate with
moderate winter. Areas having rain fall of 500- 800 mm are considered best
for this species. Normally seed propagation is good method for cultivation.
Because Sitaphal is cross pollinated plant so there will be variation in size
shape and quality of fruits. To avoid this vegetative propagation is used.
Shield budding or Veneer budding on its own fruits give useful results. The
budded plants will come to bearing early with uniform quality of fruits Plants
are transplanted when they obtain optimum height. They are planted in the
feld at 2m x 2m spacing, at the beginning of the monsoon. Farm yard manure
is added to each pit. Pits are prepared of 45x 45 x 45 cm before planting.
Timely weeding and soil workings help the plants to grow better. During the
rainy season, the plants may be given NPK mixture, at the rate of 50
grams/plants in two split doses, preferably along with soil workings.
Watering the plants gives good yield but irrigation is not required.
Harvesting
Plant begins to give fruits in the 3 to 4 years. When fruits are ripen
segments on the skin become fat and the interspace between segments turn
whites. This is perfect time for plucking the fruits. Fully mature fruits ripe
after 2-3 days of harvesting. The fruits are marketed in baskets. Good yield
giving tree provide 60 to 75 fruits.
Yield
From one hactre of plantation, 40,000 fruits are obtained. They can be
sold at Rs. 2 to 5 per each. Generally expenditure in five years reaches upto
Rs. 5,000 and net return will be 15,000 Rs. per hactre.
Storage
Fruits develop black patches in the segments or on damaged spots on the
skin during normal ripening at ordinary temperature, through these are not
considered blemishes, cold storage is not promising either. It was found that
hard and immature fruits chilled at 17ºc or below become discoloured. Ripe
fruits could be stored for 42 days at 5.5 ºc, pulp of the fruit is good but has an
unaatractive appearance.

Fruits bark roots and leaves are used in local areas for medicines.
Sweet pulp is edible and it is very sweet in teste. Fruits is valuable in
recovering after illness.
Refreshing drink is made from the sweet pulp of the fruit.
Roots are used as drastic purgative.
Leaves are good insecticides. Leaves pounded with tobacco leaves
and little quick lime is frequently used locally in ill-conditioned
ulcers to destroy maggots.
Leaves are also used in extraction of guinea worms.
Seeds yield an oil and resin, latter is used as insecticide. Oil obtained
from the seed is used in the manufacture of soaps, ointments,
cosmetics, emulsifers, water proofing agents, shoe and metal
polishes, paints, etc.
23: Apium graveolens sub sp dulce (Mill)
(Ajmo)
Botanical Name: Apium graveolens L.

Family: Apiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ajmo
English: Celery
Hindi: Ajmod
Sanskrit: Ajmoda
Introduction
This is an annual or biennial herb. Stem reaches upto 2-4 m high, erect,
branching. Radical leaves pinnate with deeply lobed segments, cauline 3-
partite. Segments once or twice trifd coarsely toothed at the apex. Peduncle 6
mm or less. Umbell rays are 5-10, pedicles 6-16. Flowers are white, very
small. Fruits are cremocarp. Each fruit with 2 mericarps. It is 1-1.5 mm long
with narrow ridges, broad vittage.

This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is mainly distributed in
Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It is also found in Europe and U.S.A.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds only. It grows best on sandy and silt
loams and is not suited to clayey soils. It requires well prepared and heavily
manured soil. It requires good drainage, but the soil with high moisture
retentive soil. When grown as a garden crop on the hills, seeds are sown in
March-April, seedlings are transplanted in May and the crop is ready in
November to December. In the plains seedlings, preferably brought from the
hills, are transplanted in September-October and the crop is ready in three
months.
Seeds are sown at the rate of one kg per ha. Sowing is carried out in the
middle of July to August in a months period. The land is ploughed
thoroughly and a fine tilth is obtained. The nursery seedlings are transplanted
in the feld in rows of 60-70 cm apart an at 50 cm distance in the lines during
November. The feld is watered after transplanting. Soil is kept loose by hand
hoeing. Fertilizer of 100 kg of Nitrogen per hactare is given in two split doses
along with irrigation. The first dose is given during 30th and 35th day and the
second during 60th and 75th day after transplanting. The crop becomes ready
for harvesting by middle of March. In Punjab and U.P, nursery is raised in
September-October, transplanting is done in January and harvesting is done
in May.

The yield of seed (fruits) is about1000-1200 kg per hactare. The seeds
yield volatile oil (2-3 per cent). Thus 25-30 kg of volatile oil (celery seed oil)
is obtained from one ha. The oil is sold in the market at the rate of Rs.
600/kg. Total expenditure reaches upto Rs. 10,000 per hactare and Gross
return per ha. goes upto Rs.18,000 while net returns per ha. is Rs.8,000.
Choline, Myristic acid, Myristitic acid, Myristoleic acid, Stearic acid,
Apiin, Isoquercitrin, Apigenin; Apigravin, Apiumetin, Apiumoside,
Bergapten, Celereoside, Rutaretin, a-eudesmol, P-eudesmol,santalol, 3-n-
butyl phthalide, sedanenolide. Seeds contain d-limonene, Selinene, Oleoresin.

Whole plant is medicinally useful. Plant is carminative, stomachic,
Anodyne, Nerve tonic, emmenogogue, Stomach trouble.
For complain of depression and sleeplessness it is very useful.
Obstinate retention of urine, throbbing headache, heartburn,
rheumatic pain in muscles of neck and sacrum.
It is used in Dysmenorrhoea with short pains in both ovarian regions
better by fexing legs, left ovarian pain better by lying on left side.
It is also used in itching blotches with burning.
It is also used in intense constriction over sternum, Skin urticaria
with shuddering.
24: Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. (Agar
Agar)
Botanical Name: Aquilaria agaliocha Roxb.

Family: Thymeleacae
Local Names
Gujarati: Agar
Sanskrit: Aguruh, krsnaguruh
Hindi: Agar
Tamil: Agar Agalicandanam, Krsnaguru
English: Aloe wood, Eagle wood
Telugu: Krsnaguru
Introduction
A large evergreen tree about 21 m in height, leaves linear-lanceolate to
ovate-oblong, 5-9cm long, silky glossy and faintly parallel nerved. Flowers
are small, greenish on very slender pilose petioles in shortly peduncled
umbles, on younder branchlets, perianth about 5 mm long, slightly hairy
outside, stamens alternate the perianth, flaments red at the apex, ovary tawny-
tomentose; fruits are slightly compressed, yellowish, tomentose and they are
capsule type. The fungus infected trees furnish agarwood or eagle wood of
commerce which occures as dark coloured resinous fragrant masses in the
centre of the bole. The essential oil from agar wood is valued in high class
perfumery as a fxative.
This plant is found mainly in hilly areas where there is moisture present.
In the forest of Burma, Bhutan, India it is mostly found. In the Assam this
plant species is widely distributed. The genus of trees, distributed in South
China and the Indo Malaysian region also. Two species are recorded in India,
of which Aquilaria agallocha is commercial source of agar wood.
Cultivation
Seed propagation is main method. The seedlings raised and maintained
in the nursery for one year period are good for raising plantation. At the
beginning of monsoon, seeds are sown in the nursery beds. If they are looked
after carefully, seedlings will be ready for the transplanting in the feld at the
commencement of next year’s monsoon. Seedlings are transplanted in the
feld at 5m X 5m spacing in the pits of 45 X 45 X45 cm. The soil is kept loose
and weeding is done. After 20 years period, the trees are injured aftificially at
several spots and the fungi of Fusarium, Aspergillus and Pencillium species
are introduced on the trees. The pegs from trees containing agar wood are
driven into the trees, to infect those trees. This may result into inoculation of
favourable fungi on the injured portion and the starting time of agar wood.
All the plants are exploited at the end of 50 years, when they have the highest
concentration of agar.
Harvesting
After 50 years trees are feeled and harvesting can be done of agar. Agar
wood oil is obtained by steam distillation method. Agar is found in the form
of chips and splinters of fine quality and also as blocks weighing about 0.4
kg. It is estimated that every tree on an average produce 250 kg. of agar
wood. A production of 1,00,000 kg. of wood per ha would be possible which
means 1,000 kg. of oil (at the rate of 1 per cent yield). The market rate of
agarwood oil is revolving around Rs. 1,000/-per kg.
Yield
In 50 years total expenditure reaches upto Rs.1,00,000/-, in which gross
return is around Rs.10,00,000/-. Ultimetly net return goes upto Rs.9,00,000.
That means Rs.18,000/- per hectare is net return.
Chemical Constituents
The normal wood yeidls and essential oil wich contains selinene,
dihydroselinene, two unidentifed sesquiterpene-hydrocarbons, agarol, a
sesquiterpene alcohol, a hydroxyl ketone, five isomeric decenes and rhombic
as 5-isopropyl-7-methyl-5,5,5a,6,7,8-hexahydro-3H-naphtho. Agarwood, on
distillation, yields an essential oil, known as a Agar oil.

The wood is acrid, bitter, thermogenic, digestive, carminative,
deodorant, sudorific, anodyne, anti inflammatory, anti-leprotic,
depurative, cardiotonic, rejuvenating and tonic.
It is useful in vitiated conditions of vata and kapha, halitosis,
dyspepsia, anorexia, cardiac debility, skin disease, leprosy and foul
ulcers.
It is also used in hypothermia, infammations, rheumatoid arthritis,
cough, asthma, highcough, albuminuria and general debility.
An external application of agaru is very useful in vomiting in
children, pectoralgia due to pneumonia and cephalalgia.
The oil is astringent, acrid, bitter, thermogenic, depurative, alexeteric
and antileprotic. It is useful in vitiated condition of vata and kapha.
In rhemunatoid arthritis, cough, asthma, bronchitis, leprosy, skin
diseases and foul ulcers this drug is used.
It stimulates the nervous system.
It helps in digestion and also reduces foul odor and tastelessness
condition in the mouth.
It stimulates heart and also purifes blood.
It is helpful in expelling out the extra mucus in the respiratory tract
thus enabling it to work properly. It is also an aphrodisiac in nature.
It also works as body tonic
Wood is used as third class timber because wood is not durable and it
is used for making bows walking sticks and occasionally for dug
outs.
25: Areca catechu Linn. (Shopari)
Botanical Name: Areca catechu Linn.

Family: Arecaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Sopari
Hindi: Supari
English: Betel nut palm, areca nut
Tamil: Kamugu
Telugu: Poka, Vakka
Sanskrit: Gubak, Pulah
Introduction
Areca means cluster of nuts. As it is widely used with betelvine leaf, it is
known as ‘Betel palm’. The palm is adapted to the coastal belt up to 300 km
from the sea. The tree requires heavy rain fall for its successive growth. Betel
palm is erect, a slender- stemmed. Stem contains height of 30 meter and
length of 15 cm. Leaves are similar to that of coconut. Length of the leaf is
generally 1 to 1.5 meter. Fruit of areca nut is mono-locular or one seeded
berry. It is orange red to scarlet when ripe and consists of a thick fbrous outer
layer. This palm is grown for its fruits. Mature fruit contains three layers;
exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp which are more or less in structure.
Its native is believed to be of Malaysia but no certainty is there.It is
distributed mainly in most of the countries like Srilanka, India, Pakistan and
also in the West Indies and on other islands of the world. In India Sea coast
bearing states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and
Maharashtra, Gujarat grow areca nut palm. In Gujarat districts like
Jamanagar, Juagadh, Rajkot, Porbandar are known to grow areca nut palm.
Cultivation
In India areca nut is grown mostly in high rain fall regions. Laterite soil
of red clay, acidic type is quite useful for the growth of this palm.
Temperature required for this palm is between 4 to 15 c. Extreme temperature
is not so useful for the growth of this palm. It is propagated by seed method
only. Seed nuts are sown as whole. Germination is completed within 53 to 94
days. Direct sowing is useful rather than mudda or baskets. Sprouts are
retained in the sand beds or primary nursery for about six months. Young
seedling at this stage with two or three leaves is transplanted to secondary
nursery beds of convenient width and length. Seedlings are transplanted up to
60 cm and 45 cm depth respectively. Seeds are sown at the spacing of 1.25
meter to 3.6 meter. Plant establishes in the month of September to October.
Fertilizer and proper irrigation is essential for good growth.
Harvesting
There are two types of produce immature green nuts and ripe nuts. There
are various methods for the harvesting of areca nut branches. In regularly
spaced garden, the climber climbs a tree at one end of the garden, harvests the
bunch and sends it down by a rope or gunny bag or drops down the bunch to
the ground. Climber pulls the nearest palm with the help of a hook and
swings to it. In some area of Karnataka and North Kerala, long bamboos with
a sharp sickle or hook attached to the end is also being used for harvesting.
Yield
Each tree on an average yields two to three bunches per year, each
containing 150 to 250 fruits. In certain large types number of fruits in a bunch
may be less, varying from 50 to 100. Small size of nut is compensated by
their large number yield is directly dependent upon several factors viz. nature
of soil, cultural and manorial treatments, density of planting, age of trees,
portion o bearing to non bearing trees in the garden, incidence of pest and
diseases etc. Number of trees is largest variable factor governing yield per
hectare. Trees yield 200 nuts annually.
Storage System
Areca nut is used either raw or cured. The following types are generally
recognized: (1).raw nuts (2).Dried ripe nuts and (3) Processed nuts and (4)
ripe nuts preserved in water or chemicals.
1. Raw nuts: – Ripe nuts are consumed during harvesting season. For
off season use nuts with husk are stored in underground pits (1.2 to
1.5 m deep), nuts are moistened with water and placed in layers,
covered at the top by a mat and a layer of earth.These nuts may also
be kept immersed in water in large earthen wares or in concreate
tanks. Water is changed occasionally to avoid bed smell.
2. Dried ripe nuts: – The whole ripe fruits are dried in the sun for six
to seven weeks so as to get a moisture level of 10 per cent, thereafter
husk is also removed. Drying ripe nuts on cement foor reduces fungas
inferior in colour to the processed nuts and their test is also affected.
A mechanical driver is used to produce challi supari of good quality.
3. Processed nuts: Curing is done to prevent amount of tannin within
nut for curing nuts are gathered while they are three quarters ripe and
the husk is still green. At the proper stage they are moderately frm to
touch and the thumbnail can be pressed through husk up to the
kernel. If the fruits are under ripe, the cured product is poor and
shrunken in appearance and if over ripe, hard and light coloured.
4. Preservation of ripe nuts in water and other chemicals: Fruits
washed first in chlorinated fungicidal spray, then blanched for three
minutes in 0.1 per cent sodium benzoate and 0.2 per cent potassium
metabisulphite, acidifed to a pH of 3.5 to 4.0 by dilute hydrochloric
or phosphoric acid.

The areca nut is common masticatory nut, popularly known as
supari. It is commonly used along with betel vine leaf. Some times it
is used with tobacco for chewing.
Nut comes from tall trees which has greater demand because it yields
good amount of tannin. These tannins are employed for
manufacturing black and red inks.
Nuts are used as tooth powder.
Leaves are used for thatching the houses and the wood are used as
poles for small and big houses.
In the treatment of leucoderma, leprosy, cough, fts, worms, obesity
and anemia it is used as purgative, stimulant and an appetizer.
26: Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Boj.
(Samudra Sos)
Botanical Name: Argyreia nervosa Burm.f. Boj

Family: Convolulaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Samudra-sos
English: Elephant creeper
Hindi: Samandar-ka-pat, Samudra sos, Tameshar
Tamil: Samuttirappaccai, Samuttirappalai
Sanskrit: Vrddhadarukah
Telugu: Candrapada
Introduction
It is very large, woody, climbing herb. It has white and tomentose type
stems. Leaves are simple type, large and ovate. They are acute, base is
cordate type, glabrous above and white tomentose beneath. Flowers are large
and purple in colour. They are silky pubescent without in long-peduncled
cymes inforescence. Fruits are generally dry and globose type. They are
apiculate.

Origin of this plant is Asia. It is believed that plant was originated in
Asia and then naturalized in Hawaii. This is very common climber
throughout India, grows well in sub tropical and semi arid, also found at 900
meter elevation. It is found in moist localities of dry deciduous and moist
deciduous forest areas. It grows well on all types of soil, but prefers well
drained sandy loam soil.
Cultivation
This plant is wild plant plant so it can be easily found any where but its
cultivation is also done for its medicinal uses. It can be propagated by seeds.
The seeds are collected from the previous years crop and kept ready. The feld
is ploughed thoroughly and pits are dug at 3 m x 3m. Since this is a vigorous
climber, pandal of wooden poles or trellies is erected. At the beginning of
monsoon the seedlings attain a height of 30 cm, one weeding around the
plants is carried out. The plants are tranined to climb up the pandal/trellies.
The plant is fertilized with 50 grams of urea/super phosphate.

The first harvesting of the roots can be done at the end of the 2nd year
and every year thereafter. At the end of the second year, alternate plants are
uprooted in the month of May. The roots are separated from the stem and
dried under sun. The dried roots are then marketed. In the place of the plants
exploited, fresh seeds are sown at the onset of monsoon. Thus, every year 50
percent of the plants are exploited and that vacant place is replenished with
new plants. It is expected that each plant will produce one kilogram of root.
Thus, a production of 500 kilogram of roots from one hactare is estimated.
Chemcical Composition
Tannin, and amber-coloured acid-resin soluble in ether, benzole and
partly soluble in alkalies.

Roots are acrid, bitter, astringent, sweet, emollient, thermogenic,
roborant, appetizer, digestive, carminative, aperient, cardiotonic, anti-
infammatory, expectorant, diuretic, aphrodisiac.
They are also rejuvenating, intellect promoting, brain tonic, nervine
tonic and tonic. They are used in vitiated conditions of Kapha and
vata, emaciation,, colic, constipation, cardiac debility, infammations,
cough, bronchitis, strangury, seminal weakness, nervous weakness,
cerebral disorders, synovitis, heamorrhoids, obesity, hoarseness,
syphilis, anaemia, diabetes, tuberculosis, arthritis, ascites,
leucorrhoea and general debility.
27: Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.
(Fanash)
Botanical Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.

Family: Moraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Fanash
Hindi: Kathal
English: Jack fruit tree
Tamil: Pilapalam
Telugu: Panasa
Sanskrit: Panasah
Introduction
It is large evergreen tree with dense crown containing more than 10
meter height with light black motted green or dark brown and rough bark.
Leaves are 5 to 7 long and 2 to 10 cm wide, leaves are elliptic and oblong or
obovate and glabrous. Flowers are variable in size, dark green in color and
always produced on trunks. Fruits are 30 to 60 cm long, 15 to 30 cm in
diameter. When fruits are immature they are pale green but becomes yellow
to brownish when it ripes. Fruits contain many seeds. It is drought resistant
and frost tender species.
Distribution
It grows well in semi humid regions. It is grown into India Pakistan Sri
Lanka and other countries. In India this tree is grown in the Himalayas, jack
fruit is also grown in the Rajasthan, Gujarat, Hariyana, Maharastra and some
other states as well. In Gujarat it is cultivated in nurseries and gardens. It can
be seen in Junagadh, jamanagar, Panchmahal and some other districts of the
states. Origin of jack fruit is still not clear.
Cultivation
There are two varieties of jack fruit Kapa and Barka. Kapa variety has
feshy and crisp peri carp while Barka has thin and sour pericarp. Seed are
sown after their collection. Seed germination rate goes onto 100 per cent.
Seedlings are transplanted in the feld after one year of sowing seeds.
Seedlings are planted at spacing of 10 x10 meter. Pits are prepared and
seedlings are sown into these pits. Farm yard manner and urea are quite
useful.
Harvesting
When tree becomes 10 years old it starts bearing fruits. May - August is
the main fruiting season. Harvesting of fruiting is maximum at 20 to 25 years.
Yield
Fruits give yield of 5000 per hactre and they are sold at a rate of Rs. 10
to 15 each.Net return after 11 th year is around 45,000.
Storage
Mature jackfruit may be stored for three to six weeks at 11-12ºC. Above
this temperature there is increase in acidity decrease in ascorbic acid content
and increase in total soluble solids. Slices of fruits in 50 per cent sugar syrup
with 0.5 per cent citric acid frozen at -29ºC and stored at -18ºC can be kept
for even upto one year.

Jack fruit is used to obtain Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2.
From the bark and fruit milky latex is obtained which is used as a
varnishing material.
The plantation of this species can be profitably combined with
cultivation of other crops.
Fruits are eaten as vegetable or they are used in pickles.
28: Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (Barhal)
Botanical Name: Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.

Family: Moraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Barhal
Tamil: Irapala
Hindi: Barhaal
Telugu: Kammaregu
Sanskrit: Lakucha
Introduction
This is large deciduous tree which gets height of 20-25 meter. Colour of
bark is dark brown, exfoliating in small round woody peels, reddish inside,
softy fbrous with faint streaks of white lates. Leaves are elliptic, oblong or
ovate, broadly cuneate, pinnatifed, serrate, thick like a skin, rough, having
veins in 8-12 pairs. Inforescence is axillary and solitary. Male heads are with
styles exerted to 1-1.5 cm via low papilla everging between peltate bracts.
Fruits are syncarp type, sub-globose, shallowly lobed, 6-12 cm long. They are
yellow and drying to brown in colour. Surface of fruit is pubescent,
irregularly papillate with numerous persistent bracts.

A native of the humid sub-Himalayan regions of India, it grows up to
1,200 m altitude.This species of plant is found in evergreen, semi evergreen
and moist deciduous forests. Although this plant is distributed throughout in
India.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds and root suckers. Generally seed
propagation is good method. But tree population of lakoocha is gradually
decreasing due to poor seed viability and extensive exploitation for food,
timber, and other uses. Seeds, once extracted from the fruit, quickly loose
viability within a week. Vegetative propagation methods such as rooting of
hardwood or softwood stem cuttings have not been successful. Although
micro-propagation method is successful for its rooting and shooting.
Wood contain galangin, artocarpin, cyclortocarpin, norcycloartocarpin,
norartocarpin and resoucinol. Bark gives P-sitosterol, cycloartenol,
cycloartenone, oc-amyrin and lupeol acetate. The heartwood contains
artocarpin, norartocarpin, norcycloartocarpin, cycloartocarpin, resorcinol and
oxyresveratol.
Externally powdered bark is applied to sores to draw out purulent
matter.
A paste of the bark found eneficial by local application in boils and
small pimples.
Lakoocha seeds and milky latex are purgative. Seeds contain
artocarpins, the isolectins which exhibit high haemagglutination
activity
The edible fruit pulp is believed to act as a tonic for the liver
Raw fruits and male fower spike (acidic and astringent) are utilized
in pickles and chutney (sauce).
The lakoocha tree is also valued for feed and timber.
The hardwood sold as lakuch, is comparable to famous teak wood.
Lakuch which is durable outdoors as well as under water is used for
construction, furniture, boat making, and cabinet work.
Tree bark containing 8.5 per cent tannin is chewed like betel nut, and
is also used to treat skin ailments.
It yields a durable fber good for cordage.
The wood and roots yield a lavish color dye.
29: Asparagus racemosus Willd.
(Shatavari)
Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Family: Liliaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shatavari
Hindi: Sat muli, Satawar, Phusar.
English: Shatavari, Wild asparagus
Tamil: Ammai Kodi
Telugu: Calla Gadda
Sanskrit: Abhiru, Shatamuli
Introduction
It is straggling or scandent, much branched and climbing shrub which
grows to 1 to 2 meter in length. The leaves are like pine needles. They are
small and uniform, reduced to minute spinescent structures subtending leaf
like cladodes which are falcate, slightly compressed, channeled beneath.
They are born in axillary clusters of 2 to 8. Flowers are small and they are
arranged in spike type of inforescence. Roots are tuberous and succulent;
they are 30 cm to 100 cm in length. Generally roots are finger type and
clustered. Flowering time of plant is late November. Fruits are of barrises
type and contain one, two or three seeds. Seeds are spherical or
hemispherical. Barries are globose type, purplish black in color when it ripes.
Distribution
Asparagus is found throughout India, in all the states like Gujarat,
Maharastra, Rajasthan etc. It is also cultivated up to 1500 m elevation in
Himalayas also. It is also distributed in Africa, through South Asia to China,
South Malaysia and Northern Australia. Almost 150 species of asparagus are
distributed all over the country. In the Gujarat Shatavari is grown in all the
districts. It is mainly grown in Junagadh, Jamanagar, Bhavanagar, and
Porbandar etc. like districts.
Cultivation
Fertile, moist, sandy- loam soils are ideal for its cultivation though it
grows in a wide range of soils. Asparagus is best grown from its stem disc
but commercially propagated through seeds. Seeds usually start germination
after 40 to 45 days. Seeds are sown at the spacing of 30 x 30 cm. Best time of
planting is June-July. If proper fertilizer and regular irrigation is provided
then we can obtain good yield in two to three years.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after two years of sowing. In which higher root yield
is obtained. If proper irrigation is provided then harvesting of root tubers is
very easy. Roots are cut into peacies of 5 to 15 cm. Then roots are taken to
the market. Roots are used either fresh or dried, for marketing.
Yield
Yield of root tubers per hector is generally 10 to 15 tones. Although over
60 t/h yield is also reported.
It grows wild in the coastal regions of south India, Andaman is
Diseases Control
During May to November stem blight potato is caused by Alternaria
tenuissima. Lesions start appearing on to stem and branches becomes necrotic
that ultimately results into drying of stem. Dithane M-45 at 3 g/liter of water
controls the disease.

Roots and leaves are used as medicine in the Indian system of
medicine. Roots contain protein, vitamin, fat, carbohydrate, and
several alkaloids
Asparagin and asparagamine are isolated from shatavari which are
useful in cancer. Asparagamine contains four antioxytoxic saponins
shatavarin I to IV.
Roots are useful as aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti dysenteric and as
demulcent in veterinary medicine.
Mucilage is also present in roots. Diosgenin has been reported in its
leaves.
It is used as tonic and because of presence of saponin it is also used
as antioxygotic drug.
It is used to prevent abortion and pre-term labour on place of
progesterone preparations. Generally boiled powder with milk is used
to prevent abortion.
Its preparations in milk help in increasing breast milk in lactating
women and it is also useful to avoid excessive blood loss during
periods.
Fresh roots fed to cattle increase milk yield.
Young shoots are eaten raw, made into preserve and candied. Leaves
contain rutin, diosgenin and favonoid glycoside which is identifed as
quercetin-3-glucuronide.
30: Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem
Tree)
Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica A.Juss

Family: Meliaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Limbado
Hindi: Neem, Nimb
English: Neem tree
Tamil: Arulundi
Telugu: Nimbau, Nimbi
Sanskrit: Nimbah, Neta
Introduction
Neem is evergreen tree which is 13 to 20 meter in height and 1.5 to 2.5
m in girth, it has straight stem. Branches form broad crown, Tap root is seen
in this tree. Roots are long and deep, thick grey bark reddish brown inside,
with numerous longitudinal furrows and scattered tubercles. Flowers are
bisexual, greenish white, pentamerous, bracteate and small. Aestivation is
imbricate or valvate. Inforescence is a long, slender, axillary or terminal
panicle. Leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, swollen at the base, 7 to 13 f
oliolate containing short leaves which are glabrous green above and pale at
the lower side. Young leaves are reddish green which turns into lush green.
The genus Azadirachta consists of two species, A. indica and A. excelsa. Fruit
of the neem tree is ellipsoid drupe which is feshy which becomes yellow on
ripening with single seed. Seed is exalbuminous.

It is believed to be native of Upper Myanmar which is found apparently
wild on Siwalic Hills in dry forests of, Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh. It is found in most of the states of India. In Gujarat it is grown in the
most of the districts like Junagadh, Jamanagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, and
Ahmedabad, Val sad, Dang etc. This tree is spread to Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Srilanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thiland, Sudan and also into Middle East.
Presently neem trees are also grown into Mauritius, Central and South
America, Caribbean Island and also in Australia.
Cultivation
Neem tree grows on to dry, slurry, shallow, moderately saline. It suits
alkali soil including black cotton soils, cotton soils, clays and lateritic crusts.
Neem tree is sown by seed method. During June to August, seeds are
cultivated. In the nursery seeds are sown 2.5 cm apart in rows and covered
with rotten straw. Germination takes place in 15 to 30 days. Farm yard
manure is applied rather than chemical fertilizers.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the February to March. Generally fowering occurs
after 5 years during January to May. And leaves are shed during February to
March. Fruits are hand picked to avoid dirt. Fruits are dried under shade.
Fully dried fruits, both whole and decorticated, store well without
deterioration for a year.
Storage
Seeds are stored in to air tight gunny bags or tin containers. It has to be
ensured that seeds don’t contain excess moisture.
Yield
A full grown tree produces about 350 kg leaves. Fruits get matured in
June August and produce about 50 kg berries per tree. Fresh fruits yield 60
per cent dry fruits which yield 10 per cent kernel.

Plant is very useful as it has great medicinal value. Plant is regarded
as the Village Dispensary. Whole plant is used.
Fruits are antiperiodic, anthelminitic, purgative, emollient, tonic,
astringent, diuretic and they are used against piles. Dry fruits are used
to treat cutaneous infections.
Seeds are used against snake bite.
In the chronic skin diseases and ulcers, karnel oil is used. Oil is also
used in the cosmetic preparations like cream, soaps etc.
Flowers are stomachic with tonic effect. Flowers are eaten in the
fever.
Bark contains nimbidin which is a penta-nor-triterpenoid. Bitter ness
of bark is due to the nimbidin. Bark of the tree is useful in malaria
and typhoid fevers in local areas. Bark is antiemetic, astringent and
tonic and also used in liver disorders.
Twigs are used as tooth brushes for its antipyrrhoeal property. They
are effective carminatives and digestives.
Seeds contain Azadirectin which is major active ingredient and have
anti feedant property. It is effective in acute and chronic infammation
including psorasis.
Gum is obtained from the tree which is known as East India gum,
this gum is highly useful in spleen enlargement.
Neem is very useful insecticide. Seed extract is repellent against rice
weevil and four beetle of wheat. Crushed seeds protect pulses from
the bruchid.
The shell from seeds can be utilized to produce activated carbon and
tooth powder. It is also used as a fuel and in thermosetting moulding
compositions.
31: Bacopa monnieri Linn. (Barami)
Botanical Name: Bacopa monneiri Linn. Pennell

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Barami, Sarasvti
Hindi: Jalnim, Barami
Tamil: Nirpirami, Piramiyapundu
Telugu: Sambranicettu
Sanskrit: Brahmi, Saraswati
Introduction
Brahmi is annual herb. It grows throughout in India particularly in wet
places up to 1,200m elevation. It is prostrate or creeping, juicy, succulent.
Roots are produced at the nodes with numerous ascending branches; herb is
simple, opposite, decussate, sessile. Flowers are pale blue or whitish in color,
axillary and solitary; they are on the long slender pedicles. Fruits are ovoid,
acute; capsules are 2-valved and tipped with style base. Seeds are many.
There are three species of bacopa in India.

There is no certainty about the origin of Bacopa monnerie. This herb is
distributed in warmer parts of the world like Africa to America, West Indies
and in India it is grown into moist and marshy places in all plain districts
throughout India. It is abundant on borders of water channels and particularly
where irrigation facilities are available. It is grown in Himalayan regions,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and most of the other states.
Cultivation
Generally propagation is done in the months of June-July. Cold and
humid climates are suitable for its cultivation. Generally sandy, light black
soils are useful. It is propagated through vegetative method generally with the
help of branches. Developed branches are planted in row at 60 x 60 cm
distance.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done from January to March season which comes after 6 or
7 months letter of planting. Plants are pulled by hands and some plants are
kept into feld for its seeds. Pulled plants are dried under sunlight. It takes 8 to
10 days for them to dry.
Storage
Storage is done in the bags in the store houses.
Yield
Per acre we can get 60 to 70 quintals. Its present market value is Rs.
30.00 to 35.00.

Whole plant contains drug. Plant is astringent, bitter, sweet, cooling,
laxative, intellect, promoting and digestive.
Herb contains the alkaloids brahmine and herpestine. Brahmine
which is a cardiotonic is toxic at high doses producing a fall in blood
pressure.
Brahmi is reputed as brain tonic, sharpening dull memory. It is very
effective in anxiety neurosis. It is also safe cardiac stimulant.
It is also useful in infammations, epilepsy, insanity
Juice of the herb is prescribed to children against bronchitis and
diarrhea.
In children stomouch troubles, brahmi is used along with ginger
juice. A poultice made of boiled plant is applied to chest of children
suffering from chronic cough.
It dispels poisonous affections, splenic disorders and impurity of
blood. Brahmi is used in Ayurvedic preparations like Brahmighrtam,
Saraswatarishtam, Brahmitailam and Mirakasneham.
32: Balanities aegyptica (L.) Delite
(Ingoriyo)
Botanical Name: Balanities aegyptica (L.) Delite

Family: Simarubiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ingoriyo
Hindi: Hingor, Hingan, Hingot
English: Balanities plant
Tamil: Nanjunda
Telugu: Gari
Introduction
Ingoriyo is spiny shrub or a small tree, with young tomentose or
pubescent part. Yellowish green branches are seen in the ingoriyo plant.
Spines are present. These spines are very sharp and strong. Leaves are
bifoliate, petioles are short, leafets are lanceolate and base is acute. Small
white flowers are seen some times greenish white flowers are also seen.
Inforescence is short peduncle cymes or fascicles pubescent externally and
they are silk inside. Fruit is 5 to 6 cm long, in a large drupe, 5- grooved, 1-
celled and they are covered with a light grey to dry rind.
Distribution
In India it is cultivated in dry and arid areas. Particularly in Rajasthan,
Punjab and Gujarat like states are known to grow ingoriyo. Although in most
of the states Balanites plant is grown. In Gujarat ingoriyo is grown into
Junagadh, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kutchh etc. like districts.
Cultivation
This plant suits black soils. It does not thrive in rocky areas. It withstands
water logging for long periods. Generally this plant belongs to semi arid and
arid region. This plant can also grow on alkaline and saline tracts in which no
crop or plant grows. Generally ingoriyo is propagated by seeds. The plant
produces tap root which is long. The plantation can be done by direct dibbing
method or in the nursery they can also be raised. When seedlings are grown
in nurseries, they can be transplanted in feld in the next monsoon. Generally
seeds are sown at a spacing of 4m x 2m. Pits are prepared for sowing the
seeds. Farm yard manure and urea is also used for better growth of plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting can be done after 6 to 7 years of planting when fruits are
ripen. Generally in summer, they are collected. Seeds are attached with fruits
so heavily that it is very difficult to remove the seeds from the fruits. The
fruits may be buried in the soil for one or two months or some times
submerged under water for 15 days for easy removal of the seed.
Yield
From one hector of plantation 3000 kg of seeds can be expected. Seeds
yield good oil which is used in soap making, Thus around 1200 kg of oil can
be sold at a rate of Rs. 10/kg. After 9 to 10 year later net return will be
around 8000 per hector.

The pulp of the fruits is useful in cleaning silk, cotton and hair.
The seeds, fruits, bark and leaves are said to be anthelmintic and
purgative.
The woody fruits with seeds extracted are used as a kind of bomb
shell in native fre works.
The seeds are expectorant and colic.
Juice from the bark is used as fsh poison.
33: Baliospermum montanum (Wild.)
(Danti)
Botanical Name: Baliospermum montanum (Wild.) Muell-Arg.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Danti
Sanskrit: Danti
Hindi: Danti
Tamil: Nakatanti
English: Danti
Telugu: Adaviamudamu, Kondaamudamu
Introduction
This plant is looked stout undershrub which obtains height of 0.9-1.8
meter with herbaceous branches from the roots. Leaves are simple, sinuate-
toothed, upper ones are small, lower ones are large, sometimes palmately and
3-5 lobes. Flowers are numerous and are arranged in axillary racemes with
male flowers above and a few females below. Fruits are capsules type and 8-
13 mm long, obovoid, seeds are ellipsoid, smooth and mottled.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is found throughout in
India near water streams and riverside in its natural habitat. It occurs
abundance in North Bengal, Chhatishgadh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Nagpur,
Gujarat, outer Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan.
Cultivation
Generally cultivation is done with the help of seeds and vegetative
method. It thrives best in porous and well drainage soils (pH 5.5-7.0)
however also tolerant to alkaline conditions. Sandy loam and black cotton
soils are well suited for its successful growth. Field is ploughed 2 to 3 times
and brought to a fine tilth. Farm yard manure at 25 tones/ha is applied and
mixed well. Ridges and furrows are opened at 1.5 m apart and planted 1.2 m
within the row. It can be propagated by seeds and terminal cuttings.
Seeds are sown in well prepared, raised nursery beds of 1 x 6 m in June-
july. They are then covered with a light soil and leaf mould mixture and
watered to keep the bed moist. About 5-6 kg of seeds is enough to raise
seedlings to cover a one hectare area. About 75 percent germination is
obtained. Nursery raised seedlings are ready for transplanting after 15-20
days. Seedlings are planted before onset of monsoon or they are directly
sown in the main feld. If the upper portion of the shoot is taken, inforescence
should be removed and only terminal bud is to be retained for satisfactory
results. Crop needs irrigation once in three days during summer and weekly
interval during winter season.
Harvesting
Crop becomes ready for harvesting in 6-7 months after planting. The
crop is harvested by digging and uprooting the individual plants. Then roots
are cleaned and dried.
Yield
On an average a yield of 15 tonnes/ha of dried roots can be obtained
yielding 60-65 per cent of dry matter under proper management conditions.
Roots yield 5 new phorbol esters belonging to diterpene gydrocarbo,
tigliane skeleton viz. mountain, balliospermin etc. Leaves contain fi-D-
glucoside and hexacosanol.

The roots are acrid, thermogenic, purgative, anti-infammatory,
anodyne, digestive, diuretic, diaphoretic, rubefacient, febrifuge and
tonic.
They are useful in anasarca, dropsy, fatulence, constipation, jaundice,
haemorrhoids, leprosy, skin diseases, strangury, vesical cacculi,
wounds, splenomegaly, anaemia, leucoderma, fever and vitiated
conditions of vata.
The leaves are good source of asthma and bronchitis.
Seeds are drastic purgative, rubefacient, hydragogue and stimulant,
and are useful in vitiated condition of vata.
It is also applied in infammation and fatulence.
34: Basella rubra Linn. (Palak)
Botanical Name: Bassela rubra Linn.

Synonym: . Basella alba L. Stewart
Family: Basellaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Palak ni Bhaji, Palak, Poi
Sanskrit: Upodika
Hindi: Poi, Lalbaclu
Tamil: Vasalakkiral,
English: Indian spinach
Telugu: Baccali
Introduction
This is perennial herb which is succulent glabrous twining with white or
red branches. Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly ovate, acute or acuminate,
cordate at base, thick lamina which becomes narrowed into petiole. Flowers
are white or red in spikes inforescence. Bracteoles are longer than perianth.
Fruits are red in colour, sometimes white or black, globose, utricle enclosed
in the perianth.

This plant is believed to be originated from East indies. It is distributed
in India, Malasia and Phillipines, it is also found in tropical Africa, the
Caribbean, and tropical South America. Although it is cultivated plant but it
is grown throughout in India. It grows well on all types of soil. Plant does not
prefer high elevation.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds or by stem cuttings or by root. They are
planted at 50 x 20 cm in strips of 1.5 m apart. The plants are made to grow
onb pergolas erected over the planted strips. The pergolas will be of 1.5 meter
wide, with a distance of 1.5m (unplanted width) in between the two adjoin
ing pergolas. They should be of permanent nature and erected preferably in
east west direction. During non rainy season, crop is irrigated freely.
Fertilizers are also applied liberally at monthly intervals along with irrigation.
The leaves will be ready for first picking in 80-90 days. Later on, they can be
picked up at 15 days interval in rainy and cold seasons and at 30 days interval
in summer months.

Every year, around 12-15 pickings are carried out. A minimum
production of Rs.5000 kg. of leaves can be expected per ha/year.
It contains iodine, fuorine, carotenoids, organic acid, and vitamin-K.

Stems and leaves are sweet, cooling, emollient, aphrodisiac, laxative,
haemostatic, appetizer, sedative, diuretic, demulcent, maturate and
tonic.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of pitta, burning sensation,
constipation, fatulence, anorexia, haemorrhages, haemoptysis.
It is also used in sleeplessness, pruritus, leprosy, urticaria, ulcers,
dysentery, gonorrhea, balanitis, strangury, fatigue and general
debility.
They are especially useful as a laxative in children and pregnant
woman.
35: Bauhinia racemosa Lamk. (Ashitro)
Botanical Name: Bauhinina racemosa Lamk.

Family: Cesalpinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ashitro, Ashatro
Hindi: Kasundro
English: Apta, Sona
Tamil: Archi, Arka
Telugu: Ari
Sanskrit: Ashmantaka, Anupuspaka
Introduction
It is plant of dry and arid areas, this is tree has bluish brown color, rough
bark with deep vertical cracks. Leaves are simple, broader than long,
generally 2-6 cm long. They are leathery grey, pubescent beneath. Leaves are
pubescent beneath, cordate and petiole 1 to 2 cm long. Flowers 8 to 13 cm
long and arranged in long racemes inforescence. They are arranged opposite
to the leaves, small, white or yellow. Fruits are pod type, 12 to 25 cm long
and glabrous; they are turgid and irregularly reticulate outside. In each pods
there are 12 to 20 seeds present.
Cultivation
It generally grows on the dry lands well but grows well on clay, loam
and sandy soils. Plant can be propagated from the seeds. Stump planting is
also good method. Germination capacity of the seeds is 60 to 90 percent.
Seeds are pretreated by soaking the seeds in hot water taken off the fre, for 24
to 48 hours before sowing. In the pits dug one year old nursery raised
seedlings are planted in the feld with the onset of monsoon at 2 x 2 meter
spacing.
In the first year 3 to 4 weedings are required, second year 2 to 3

weedings are required while after 4 to 5 years one to two weedings are
required according to soil requirement. Proper fertilizers should also be given
to the soil for obtaining good results. In the 10 to 12 years pollarding of trees
is carried out to get good quality and quantity of leaves. Care is taken to see
that sharp implements are used for pollarding and no heavy pollarding is
done. Ploughing is done between two plants to conserve rain water.
Harvesting
Leaves are obtained twice, once in chaitra and other is Bhadarvi. Chaitri
crop usually are heavy and superior, these leaves after plucking from the trees
are tied into bundles and then they are dried.
Yield
The market rate of these leaves will be around 4 per kg. Therefore the
gross revenue provides Rs.12, 800. Generally 10000 to 12000 Rs are needed
for plantation and after 10 to 12 years they will be recovered.

The leaves are used for making for beedi wrappers.
Bark is economically useful as it is used to make ropes of good
quality, particularly inner bark is useful.
The pods are eaten during famine.
In South and Eastern Gujarat are this tree is grown specially to get
good income.
36: Benincasa hispida (Thunb). Cogn.
(Petha)
Botanical Name: Benincasa hispida (Thunb). Cogn.

Synonym: Benincasa cerifera Savi.
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Petha
Sanskrit: Kusmandah
Hindi: Petha, Raksa
Tamil: Pusanikka
English: Ash gourd, White gourd
Telugu: Budidagummadi
Introduction
This is large trailing gourd climbing by means of tendrils. Leaves are
large, hispid beneath. Flowers are yellow, unisexual, male peduncle 7.5-10
cm long, female peduncle is shorter. Fruits are broadly cylindrical and they
are 30-45 cm long, hairy throughout, ultimately covered with a waxy bloom.

This herb is cultivated throughout in India. Generally this plant is very
common in hilly areas. In the world China, Iraq, Malaya, Singapore, Turkey
are countries where plant is grown. Plant is believed to be originated in South
Asia.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds only. It needs tropical climate. It grows
well from sea level to hill upto 1300 m. It comes up on all types of soil but
sandy loams and loamy soils with good water holding capacity are the best. It
is an annual and can be propagated by seed. The seeds are dibbled in situ..(2-
3 seeds per pit) at the beginning of monsoon at a spacing of about 3m x 3m.
The vines may be allowed to trail on the ground. There is no need to erect
any trellies for this. Before sowing of seeds, pits are dug and farmyard
manure is added to each while refilling the pit with soil. After the
germination, 1 or 2 vigrous plants are retained per pit. The vine is
supplimented with 10 gram of urea once or twice during July-August and
August-September. The fruits will be ready for plucking in the months of
October-November.

The fruits are collected without damaging the vine and marketed. An
average yield of 10 fruits is obtained from each vine. Thus, a minimum yield
of 5,000 fruits can be obtained fom one hectare.
It contains glucose, rhamnose, mannitol, n-triacontanol, lepeol and β-
sitosterols are found in ash gourd. Seeds contain pure protein and arginine,
histidine, lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, cystine.

The fruits are sweet, cooling, styptic, laxative, diuretic, tonic,
aphrodisiac and antiperiodic.
They are useful in asthma, cough, diabetes, haemoptysis,
haemorrhages from internal organs, epilepsy, fever and vitiated
conditions of pitta.
The seeds are sweet, cooling and anthelmintic, and are useful in dry
cough, fever, urethrorrhea syphilis, hyperdipsia and vitiated
conditions of pitta.
37: Bixa orellana L. (Sinduri)
Botanical Name: Bixa orellana L.

Family: Bixaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Sinduri
Sanskrit: Sinduri
Hindi: Sinduriya, Latkan
Tamil: Sappira viral, Uragumanja
English: Annato, Lipstic tree
Telugu: Jafracettu
Introduction
This is small handsome evergreen tree. Leaves are large, cordate,
acuminate, glabrous on both surfaces. Flowers are white or pink and they are
arranged in terminal panicles. Fruits are reddish brown or green capsules,
clothed with soft bristles. Seeds are trigonous covered with a red pulp. The
term “annatto” referes series of food quality colouring carotenoids produced
from mature seeds.

The plant is originated from tropical America, is widely distributed
throughout in India. This plant is of tropical climate, but it can be grown very
easily everywhere. It can not withstand frost. It grows well on variety of
soils.
Cultivation
Generally this plant is cultivated by seeds only. But vegetative
propagation has also been noted. The feld to be planted is ploughed once or
twice and later on staking is done at 2m x 2m spacing well in advance. Just
before the onset of monsoon, seeds are collected from good trees are dibbed
at every stake. The seeds start germinating within a period of 10 to 15 days.
When seedlings are still small, the gaps due to failure of germination of seeds
are filled up by taking out the excess seedlings elsewhere and transplanting
carefully. Three weedings and soil workings are essential. The plants are
fertilized at the rate of 40 grams per plant in two split doeses of 20 grams
each, immediately after the 1st and 2nd weeding.
In the second year, casualties are replaced by planting branch cuttings.
Two weedings and soil workings are carried out. Application of fertiliazers is
carried out at the rate of 30 grams per plant in one dose, along with 1st soil
working. In the third year, one weeding and soil working is carried out and
one dose of fertilizer at the rate of 30 gram/per plant is given.
Harvesting
Though plants start fowering in the first and second year, it is advisable
to pluck off the flowers to encourage vegetative growth for the better
performance of the plantation in subsequent years. The spiny pod contains
from 30-50 small seeds, which are surrounded by a scarlet aril. The aril yields
the bright yellow Annato dye. The average annual yield of seeds per plant is
one half kilogram in the third year and one kilogram in the subsequent years.
The plant flowers at the end of August, and continues upto middle of
October. The time taken by flowers to convert into fruits is about 90 days.
The fruits should be harvested when a crack found in the stigma and of the
capsule, otherwise the pods burst on the tree and result in the loss of seeds.
After harvesting, seeds and pods are packed in gunny bags and kept closed
for some days and then exposed to the sun. The seeds are taken out by
beating with sticks. The seeds are sun dried and packed in gunny bags for
marketing.
For extracting the dye, the seeds are bruised and the pulp macerated with
hot water in wooden vats, and soaked in it for several days, till the colouring
matter forms a fine suspension. The seeds are then removed, and the brei,
which contains the pigment, is allowed to ferment for a week. The dye,
annatto, that settles at the bottom is separated and dried into cakes.
Yield
The yield is 4.8-6 percent by weight of the seeds. Another method
consists in boiling the seeds with sodium carbonate solution, is flter pressed,
washed and dried. Bixin, when crystallied from glacial acetic acetic acid, is
obtained in the form of rhombic needles.
This plant contains important chemical bixin.
Diseases and Pests
For the most part no insect past or pathogens cause serious damage to
Annato. One reason that insects generally do not cause extensive damage to
this plant is that extra foral nectars attract ants, which keeps intruders at bay.
The other reason is due to the sporadic and highly dispersed pattern of
annatto plantings in backyards and gardens.
Medicinal and Economic Important

The roots, bark and seeds are antiperiodic, antipyretic and astringent.
They are useful in intermittent fevers and gonorrhoea.
The pulp surrounding the seed is a mosquito repellent, and is useful
to treat dysentery.
A non-toxic dye, Annatto dye is obtained from the pulp is used for
colouring edible materials.
38: Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (Shatodi)
Botanical Name: Boerhevia diffusa Linn.

Family: Nyctaginaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shatodi
Hindi: Gadahpurna, Sant, Santhi
English: Horse-Purslane, Hog wood
Tamil: Mukaratte, Mukkurattai
Telugu: Atik, Atikamamidi
Sanskrit: Punarnava, Sophagni
Introduction
This is annual herb which is grown through out in India. It also grows
wild in arid and semi arid region. Stem is branched diffusely. Not so much
thick stem but small branches some times long branches are produced.
Leaves are oblong and ovate with thick arrangement present. Leaves are 1.5
to 3.5 cm long and 2 to 2.5 cm wide. Leaves are generally feshy. Flowers are
minute and small and subcapitate. Inforescence is axillary and terminal
penicles. Roots are tap roots.
Distribution
Genus Boerhavia consisting of 40 species of weeds, distriubuted in
tropical and sub tropical regions. Six species are found in the India. The plant
is known as rakta punarnava on account of its pink flowers.
Cultivation
Plant suits slight dumping places and also sown into sandy soil. In the
Soil which is fertile or with clay or loam, this plant can grow quickly.
Propagation is done by cutting or grafting method. Although seed
propagation is also useful. Generally plant is propagated in the monsoon.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done when roots are dried. It is particularly done by hand
pulling. Generally early summer is best time for harvesting. Roots are dried
under sun and they are stored and taken for market.
Whole plant is used for medicinal purpose because Boerhevia
contains punarnava which is useful drug. It has active principal of
punarnavine.
Drug possesses diuretic properties it is used in asthma and dropsy.
Roots are very useful; hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranoside has been
isolated from the roots. Roots are known to cause anti infammatory
action.
Sterols and ecdysterone has isolated from this plant, ecdysterone is
insect moulting hormone.
Roots have diuretic action. Roots boiled with milk are used in a
single daily dose for maintaing good health.
In dropsy and Chronic renal failure, Juice of leaves is used.
Decoction of the plant is used to cure fuid retention, general
weakness, anemia and viral hepatitis.
39: Bombax ceiba Linn. (Semlo)
Botanical Name: Bombax ceiba Linn.

Family: Bombacaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Semlo, Palas
Hindi: Simul, Semur
English: Red silk cotton, Flame of the forest
Tamil: Kongu, Agigi
Telugu: Adavi burgu, Burgu
Sanskrit: Chirjivi, Apurani
Introduction
This tree is known as fame of the forest. Plant is annual large. Mainly it
is found in the forest region but is also cultivated in the garden and other
places as well. This tree contains beautiful flowers. Height of tree can be up
to 25 meters some times but generally it gets height of 15 to 18 meters.
Specific spines are present on to stem which is hollow. Leaves are large and
its petiole is 2.5 to 3 cm long. Flowers are large red in color, white flowers
are also found and generally they are produced before the leaves. Fruits are
long capsule type which has 15 to 20 cm length. Fruits are silky. Flowers and
fruits are eaten in India.
Distribution
Tree is distributed in the arid and semi arid regions of the world. In
India, tree is widely distributed in Andamans, ascending the hills upto 1500
m or even more. Tree is grown in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma, Africa and
other countries. In India Assam, West Bengal and Adaman are major areas to
grow Bombax ceiba.In Gujarat plant can be seen in Girnar forest, Dang forest
and some other areas.
Cultivation
For cultivation, three methods are there. (1). Direct sowing (2) Entire
sowing and (3) Stump planting.
1. Direct sowing: Seeds are collected from middle of the March to
middle of the May. There are 25, 300 to 38,500 seeds to a
kilogramme. Sowing is done at the commencement of the rains in
prepared mouns of loose, mineral soil at a spacing of 3.7m x 3.7m
using 3-6 seeds per mound.
2. Entire sowing: Sapling for entire transplanting as well as stump
planting are raised in the nursery, they are sown during May to June.
Generally without any pretreatment at spacing of 5 cm in lines which
are 23 cm apart. Irrigation is given till monsoon break. Germination
is completed within two months after sowing.
3. Stump planting: For stump planting, like entire planting stumps are
prepared from one or two year old seedlings. Stump normally
consists of 3.8 cm of short and c-30 cm. of root. Extra root as well as
shoots is cut off and side roots are pruned. Bigger stumps like 60 cm
give good results. Planting is done in crowbar holes or in pits of 30
cm x 30 cm x 30cm after the break of monsoon.

Plantation can be established in 3-5 years with good care and in moist
regions are mature for final fellings on a rotation of 20-40 years depending
upon the growth within 50 years total production including intermediate yield
from thining reaches upto 407 cu.m/ha.
Storage
Storage of timber is done in open stacks for 4-5 months. Timber may be
air seasoned, but kiln seasoning is preferable. Air seasoning process gives
best results on green conversion followed by immersion of the sawn material
in running water for six weeks.

Almost all the parts of the tree are used for different medicinal
purposes like gum, seeds, leaves, fruits or its capsule, bark, cotton
and fower.
Plant contains mucilage, tannin cells and cells and resette crystals of
calcium oxalate in the ground tissue of the root and stem. Gum is
used for Vat diseases in ayurveda.
Fruits are aphrodisiac and ground spike-paste is recommended for
acne.
Seeds provide non drying oil. Which is quite useful
Soft cotton is obtained from the tree is used for filling pillows and
mattresses.
Gum is known as Supari ka phul and contains tannic and Gallic acid.
40: Bosewellia serrata L. (Shaledi)
Botanical Name: Bosewellia serrata L.

Family: Burseraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shaledi
Hindi: Salai
English: Indian olibanum
Tamil: Parangi sambrani
Telugu: Anduga
Introduction
This tree is known for their fragrant resin which has many
pharmacological usesparticularly as anti infammatories. There are four main
species of Boswellia serrata.The gardens depend on the time of harvesting
and the resin is hand sorted for quality. Leaves are deciduous, alternate
towards the tops of branches, one opposite, oblong, obtuse, serrated,
pubescent, sometimes alternate. Very short petiole is present.
Flowers are pale rose or white in colour and arranged in single axillary
racemes shorter corolla with five obovate-oblong, very patent petals, acute
acstivation slightly imbricative. Stamens are ten in numbers. They are
inserted under the disk, alternately shorter; Filaments are subulate and
persistent. Anthers are caduceus, oblong and ovary is oblong and sessile.
Style is one and caduceus, the length of the stamens. Stigma is capitate and
three lobed. Fruit is capsular, three angled, three celled, three valved,
septicidal, valves are hard. Seeds are solitary in each cell surrounded by a
broad membranaceous wing. Cotyledons intricately folded multifd.
Cultivation
This tree is of dry, rocky and plateau areas, often in gregarious form. It
grows easily on arid and semi arid regions. It also grows on all types of soil,
but in good drainage soil plant can grow quickly. It is propagated by
vegetative means. The branch cuttings of 15-20 cm length and thickness of a
finger size are used for preparing nursery. The cuttings are planted in
polypots (20 X 30 X 300) filled with good soil mixed with farm yard manure
in June. The cuttings sprout soon and develop root system. The plants are
looked after properly by timely weeding and regular watering and addition of
fertilizers etc. When plants attain height of 80-90 cm. in next June, when they
are ready for transplanting in the feld. They are planted in pits of 45 X45 X
45 cm at a spacing of 5m X 5m at the beginning of monsoon. They are kept
free of weeds and the soil around the plants is kept loose. Generally they are
not required any watering. In the beginning of rainy season, when they attain
90cm girth at breast height, which is achieved at the ege of 15-20 years, the
trees will be ready for tapping.
Harvesting
The light tapping method is suggested which involves making a
moderate number of blazes in the trees. In this method is trees with more than
90 cm girth are only selected for tapping. The initial blaze of 20cm wide and
30cm in length/height may be made at 15cm above ground level. The blaze
may be made horizontally leaving approximately equal space between the
blazes. The blaze should not have any loose fbre. In the length/height, about
1.6cm may be freshened every time towards the upper edge. Thus, at the end
of season, the final size of the blaze in length/height will be 50cm. surface of
the blaze may be slightly scraped each time taking care that depth is not
increased.Each blaze yield 1 kg of oleoresin.
For continuous tapping, the bole is divided into three zones, each zone
being tapped for one year. Thus the tree zones are covered in 3 years. For
making another horizontal row of blazes in the subsequent years, 7.5 cm
space is left above the blazed portions. The blazes of the subsequent year
should be alternating with the previous year’s blazes. i.e. The previous and
fresh blazes will not be in the same longitudinal row. The size, shape etc of
the blaze before and after freshening, may be same as the first year. Similarly
in the third year the same method will be followed. In the fourth year, blazing
may be continued in the zone, where it was done in the first year. But, this
time, the blazes may be between the previous ones. In 25th year, 400 trees
will be available for tapping from one ha. The oleoresin is sold lat a rate of
Rs.50/-per kg. The oleoresin, when freshly collected is stiky and on exposure
to air, it slowly dries under shade only. When the drying process is over, the
oleoresin assumes crystal form of different colours like green, blue, brown
etc.
Yield
For the first 24 years total expenditure per year reaches upto Rs.30,000
and after that every year 5,000 Rs. are needed. Gross return reaches upto
Rs.20,000 and net return per hectare comes about Rs.15,000 per hectare.
Tree exudes oleoresin on tapping and it is known as Salai guggal,
Indian olibanum of commerce. Good quality light coloureed gum
oleoresin is used to cure rheumatism.
It is stimulant, but seldom used now internally, though formerly was
in great repute. According to Pliny it is an antidote to hemlock.
According to Avicenna it is good for tumours, ulcers, vomiting,
dysentery and fevers.
It is used for leprosy in china. It is also used in bronchitis and
laryngitis.
The ceremonial incense of the jews was compounded of four sweet
scents of which pure Frankincense was one, pounded together in
equal proportion.
It is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch. Pure Frankincense
formed part of the meet offering and was also presented with the
shew bread every Sabbath day.
Boswellia has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Recently, the
boswellic acids that are a component of the resin it produces have
shown some promise as a treatment for asthma and various
infammatory conditions.
In West Africa, the bark of Boswellia dalzielli is used to treat fever,
rheumatism and gastro intestinal problems.
41: Borassus fabellifer Roxb. (Tad)
Botanical Name: Borassus fabellifer Roxb.

Family: Palmae
Local Names
Gujarati: Tad, Tad mad, Div- Tad
Hindi: Tad, Tal
English: Palmyra palm, Brab Palm
Tamil: Panai, Panam
Telugu: Tadi, Tali
Sanskrit: Taladrumah, Tade
Introduction
This is very tall palm with a crown of fan like leaves at the top, attaing a
height of 25 to 30 meters with a trunk of 50 to 60 cm in diagram. The bark is
black in color. Male and female flowers are found on to both male and female
trees. Flowers are originated between leaves. Male flowers are pink in color
and they are arranged in spike type inforescence while female flowers are
greenish in color and they are arranged in paniculate spikes, some times they
are looked like small fruit. Fruits are large drupe type; they are 10 to 15 cm in
diameter with an outer leathery covering. Fruit is covered with covering of
calyx at the top.

This plant is indigenous to India and it is found in most of the other areas
of world which are warmer. In India this palm tree can be seen in Gujarat,
Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and southern part of India. In Gujarat
Tad is seen in Junagdh, Jamanagar, Dang and some other parts. It is also
grown in gardens, Hotels and some important places as attractive tree.
Cultivation
It can grow from sea to altitudes of 500 meters. It grows well in arid
areas with good rain fall. The best method of propagation is direct dibbing of
seeds. Seeds are dibbed at 2 to 2.5 meter distance in lines, which are spaced
at 3 meter apart. Only fresh seeds are used. Normaly in 5 to 6 years tree gets
its shape. Between two crops of this palm space is kept for the cultivation of
other crops like vegetables, annuals etc.
Harvesting
Tree starts giving sap at the age of 12 to 13 years which remain
continuous for next 40 to45 years. Male and female tree both the trees
provide sap. In the male trees fowering shoots are bruised. They are scrapped
with a tapping knife after two days and their tips are freshened everyday.
After one week of bruising sap start oozing out. In female plants tapping
done when nuts are small. From the male tree sap can be collected twice in a
day and it generally gives 60 to 70 percent yield than that of female tree. Pots
are cleaned, heated and smoked inside and then it is used.
Yield
After 12 to 13 years tree start giving yield. Tree gives 2 liters of average
sap everyday which means that total yield per season is 200 liters. Excess sap
is converted into jaggery. Tad jaggery gives 15 to 18 percent of the sap.
Fibers and leaves are also obtained from the tree. Per annuum average 8 to 10
leaves are available. For almost 100 leaves we can earn 30 to 40 Rs. Sap is
sold at the rate of Rs. 5 to 10 per litter in the market. After 16 to 17 years
letter net return will be around 2, 50,000 Rs.
Diseases and Control

Pests Rhinoceros beetle- Beetles bore into unopened tender parts and
spathes and throw the chew fbrous mass. This fbrous mass can be seen in the
holes which are made by beetle at crown region. To control this disease
beetles are hooked and are killed out. Spray of BHC (10 per cent) and sand in
equal proportion is useful. Bud rot is another disease in which fungus attacks
on to bud eats the growing point and ultimately kills the tree. For the control
of the diseases we should cut and remove all the dead roots. These cut ends
are drenched with 1.5 kg of aureofungisol and 1 g Copper sulphate in 5 lit. of
water.

It is multy purpose tree in rural areas because whole plant is useful.
The trunk is often used as pipe after removing the central core, by
splitting into two halves it is used as a drain pipe for conveying
water.
Neera or toddy is obtained from the tree which is sweet sap,
generally neera should be taken before sunrise other wise it becomes
fermented or frothy.
Tad sugar or Jaggery is obtained from the sap. Arrack is another
product which is prepared.Jaggery made out of the juice is very
useful for health.
This is good product which is utilized in bronchitis.
Fruits are useful because they have a laxative effect and the sap is
good tonic. Pulp of the ripe fruits is used for pastry items and also
eaten raw and also mixed with rice four, baked and eaten.
Radicle is full of starch and is a delicacy when baked or roasted.
Dried male flowers, leaf stalks, dried unripe fruits and all other parts
are a good source of fuel.
Spathes are used for making brushes. The fbrous web at the base of
young leaves is used for straining toddy and to make torches. This is
also utilized on to cut wounds.
42: Butea monosperma (Khakhro)
Botanical Name: Butea monosperma Lam.

Family: Fabaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Khakhro
Hindi: Dhak, Palas
English: Flame of the forest
Tamil: Parasu
Telugu: Moduga, Tellamoduga
Introduction
Butea monosperma is medium sized tree. This tree is grown in all over
India in Warmer regions. Flowers are orange- red in color and they are 4.5
cm long on leafess branches. Best fowering time is February to April. Leaves
are trifoliate and leafets are 7.5 to 40 cm wide and 3.5 to 60 cm long, leaves
are glabrous, obovate, ovate rhomboid or elliptic oblong. Fruits are 7 to 20
cm long and oblong, sandy brown in color, fruits are one seeded, densely
hairy which contain dark brown color. Seeds are rounded on edges. This tree
is attached with so religious matters. This tree was described by Valmiki in
Ramayana to express Ravana’s body during war against Rama. Ved Vyas
also took example of palas to describe war of Mahabharata.

This medium sized tree is believed to be originated in India. Although it
is distributed in most of the Asian countries like Burma, Pakistan, Srilanka,
Nepal, Bangladesh etc. In India this tree is distributed in most of the states
like Gujarat, Maharastra, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu etc. most of the districts in Gujarat are known to grow Khakhro
in garden, farm and other places. It can be seen in Rajkot, Jamanagar,
Porbandar, Junagadh and in most of the area of Saurastra and Gujarat
regions.
Cultivation
This tree can be grown in all types of the soil, but it excels in moist black
and alluvial soils. It is drought resistant and frost hardy species, it is valuable
for reclaiming saline soils and waste lands. Seed propagation is good method.
Plantation can be raised both on irrigated and dry lands. Pods are collected
and raised in lines which are 2 meter apart from one to other. Germination of
the seeds takes place within one or two weeks. Germination capacity of the
seed is 75 to 80 percent. Root suckers are also useful in vegetative
propagation; there is need for fertilizer because this is very slow growing
spices. The plant start to produce leaves on 5 to 6 years on large scale.
Weeding and pruning are very useful for grooving plants. Stump planting has
been found to be useful in Butea.
Harvesting
Harvesting done in February to March. Generally plants are cut to the
ground level. The fully grown leaves are plucked with petiole and they are
tied into 25 leaves each. They are then sun dried. Storage is done in dry
places because dry leaves are to be used, they are washed with water to get
fexible and soft leaves.
Yield
From the one hactre around 2, 00,000 leaves are obtained in a year; they
can be sold at Rs.10 to 15 per 500 leaves that mean we can earn Rs. 3,000 per
hactre as net return.

Whole plant is medicinally useful, the flowers and leaves of Buetia
monosperma are astringent, depurative, diuretic and aphrodisiac
which are used against pimples and boils.
Gum is obtained from the bark of the tree which is useful in diarrhea
and dysentery especially in children and weak women. Gum contains
tannins.
Decoction of the gum as a rectal enema would yield instant relief in
pain.
.Flowers and seeds are mixed in a decoction and used as wormicide
against tapeworms and ringworms. Flowers give yellow dye.
Leaves are useful in making dining plates; they are also used in beedi
factories, making parcels etc. Decoction of leaves is used to cure
Leucorrhoea.
Bark and roots give specific fbers which are used to prepare ropes;
bark can be utilized for tanning.
Seeds are useful in the treatment of skin diseases like dhobi’s itch,
ringworm etc. Decoction of leaves obtained by boiling them in water,
may be used as a mouth wash in the treatment of congested and
septic throat.
Tree is used to make the commercial cultivation of lac which stays as
host on this tree. This tree is also useful as source of fuel; leaves are
also useful in coppice management at wide spacing on heavily grazed
grassland.
43: Caesalpinia bonduc Linn (Kant
Karanj)
Botanical Name: Caesalpinia bonduc Linn.

Synonym: Caesalpinia cristata
Family: Caesalpinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kant karanj, Lata karanj, Kakasiyo
Hindi: Kant karenj, Kantikaranja
English: Fever nut
Tamil: Kaliccikkai
Telugu: Gaccakaya
Sanskrit: Kantkikkarajah, Kuberakshi
Introduction
It is large straggling, throny shrub, branches are armed with hooks and
straight hard yellow prickles. Leaves are bipinnate, large, stipules, foliaceous,
pinnate 7 pairs, leafets 3-8 pairs with 1-2 small recurved prickles between
them on the underside. Flowers are yellow in color and in dense long
peduncled supra-axillary racemes at the top. Fruits are infated pods, covered
with wiry prickles, seeds 1-2 per pod, oblong or globular, hard, gray with a
smooth shiny surface.
Distribution
It grows through out in India, in the plains on waste lands and coastal
areas. It is distributed in most of the states like Maharstra, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab etc. In Gujarat Caesalpinia bonduc is grown
in Junagadh, Porbandar, like distraction of Saurastra regions and whole state.
Cultivation
This is cultivated in soft, red black and with adequate water escaping
drainage conditions. Generally every kind of land is suitable. Only the land
where water remains stagnated is not suitable. Generally plant is propagated
through seeds. These are sown around the feld hedge in 4 to 5 rows. This will
protect the feld from stray animals in addition to giving extra income. In
June-July after first rain seeds are sown at 0.5 x 0.5 meter distance in the
trenches made along the hedge. In this way these can be sown in as many
farmers desire. There are 400 to 500 seeds in per kg weight. No manner or
chemical fertilizers are necessary for its cultivation. The plant belongs to
caesalpiniaceae therefore, it improves the fertility of soil and enable in the
nitrogen fxation from the environment into soil. Land is prepared by
preparing drains and ridge in the feld. It is not irrigated in the monsoon
months. In summer, irrigation is required at 15 days intervals. Initially when
plant is small 1 or 2, weeding and hoeing is needed to ensure that the weeds
do not grow wild enough to hamper its growth. These after no need to do
weeding or hoeing.
Harvesting
After two year when plants start giving some fruits, harvesting can be
done. After 3 years each plant can give 4 -5 kg of seeds. If care is not
properly taken then fruits come up in 40 to 50 years.
Yield
Good quality seeds can be sold at Rs. 35.00 to Rs. 50.00 per kg.

Root bark, leaves and seeds are used. The root bark is emmenagogue,
febrifuge, expectorant, anthelmintic and stomachic.
It is useful in amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, fevers, cough, asthma,
intestinal worms, colic, fatulence and dyspepsia.
Seeds are bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic, anodyne, anti-
infammatory, anthelmintic, digestive, stomachic, liver tonic,
depurative, expectorant, contraceptive, antipyretic, aphrodisiac.
Leaves are anthelmintic, emmenagogue and febrifuge, and are useful
in elephantiasis, intestinal worms, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly,
amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, fevers and pharyngodynia.
This plant is also useful in vitiated conditions of tridosa, arthralgia,
infammations, hydrocele, cough, asthma, leucoderma, leprosy.
Lata karanjh can also be used in skin diseases, dyspepsia, dysentery,
colic, haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, hepatopathy, splenopathy,
diabetes.
The de-fated kernels contain a-, (3-, dakua-, 8- and e-caesalpins,
caesalpin F and a homoisofavone, bonducellin.
44: Caesalpinia sappan Linn. (Pataranjka)
Botanical Name: Caesalpinia sappan Linn.

Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Patang, Patarangika
Tamil: Patungam
Hindi: Patang, Bakam
Telugu: Bakamu
English: Sappan wood, Brazil-wood, Bukkum wood
Introduction
This is small tree which gets height of 5-7 m with hard wood, brownish-
red. Stems are prickly. Young shoots are tomentose. Branches are glabrous
covered with short spines. Leaves are alternate, pinnate leafets trapeziform,
glabrous above, tomentose beneath. Inforescence is terminal raceme type.
Flowers are yellow in colour and it is on the penducle with a ferruginous
tomentum. Pod is compressed, with hard shell and sharp horn. Seeds are
yellowish-brown in colour.

This plant grows wild in forest areas. Perticularly in mountains or hilly
areas this tree is very common. It is also cultivated in many places as a hedge
plant.
Cultivation
This tree is cultivated by seed propagation method only. Chemical
Composition
The woody part contains brazilin and brasilein and an essential oil
consisting of D-a-phellandrene, ocimene, tannin gallic acid and saponin.

The trunk wood possesses antibacterial, demulcent and haemostatic
properties.
It is indicated for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, intestinal and
uterine haemorrhages.
It is also used in post-partum haematometra, contusions, wounds,
dysmenorrhoea, colic furnuculosis, impetigo, leucorrhoea and
anaemia.
45: Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. (Sultan
Champa)
Botanical Name: Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

Family: Clusiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Undi, Sultan champa
Hindi: Sultan chamapa
English: Alexandrian Laurel
Sanskrit: Surangi, Punaga
Tamil: Punai
Telugu: Namera
Introduction
It is moderate sized sub maritime, evergreen tree. It has smooth bark
with grey, dark-brown or blackish colour. Leaves are simple and green which
are shining on upper side. They are broadly elliptic, rounded and often
notched at the apex with wavy margins and very close elliptic and lateral
nerves, base is acute and petioles are 1-1.6 cm long, stout, fat. They are 10-18
x 7-10 cm is size.

It grows wild in the coastal regions of south India, Andaman islands,
Burma and Ceylon. It is distributed in most of the states in India like
Karnataka, Maharastra, Gujarat, Punjab and others. In Gujarat this plant is
grown in the Junagadh, Jamanagar, and Porbandar like areas of Saurastra and
other regions.
Cultivation
It grows well in deep soil but often slightly blackish soil is suitable. It is
littoral tree of tropics. It can be grown in all types of soils and climates. It is
sensitive to frost and fre. Too much water logging is not useful.
One year old potted plants give results artificial regeneration. The fruits
and seeds weigh 137 and 212 a kg respectively. The germination percentage
is 60 per cent. (With seed coat) and 90 per cent (when seed coat is removed).
Because of seed coat germination is poor. But when seed coat is ruptured
germination occur in 30 days, generally in month of June. Seedlings attain 30
to 40 cm height in one year. After one year of germination plant is
transplanted in to feld. Pits are prepared of 30 x 30 x 30 cm. they are dug up
in the feld by the end of April, at a spacing of and m x 5m. Between two lines
7 meter distance is kept and 5 meter distance is kept between two plants. Soil
workings and weeding is done in the first year and 2 weeding and soil
working is done in the second year and soil working in the third year and
subsequent years are carried out. Fertilizers are applied to the plant at the rate
of 20 grams per plant in two split doses in first year and 30 grams per plant in
two split doses in 2nd year while 30 grams per plant in single dose in 3rd years
and later.
Harvesting
Harvesting in Sultan Champa can be started from 10 years. Plant start to
give fruits. Harvesting is done by hand. Fruits are collected and stored in the
storage. Seeds are obtained from the fruits.
Yield
Yield of seeds per tree per year is around 10 kg; 20 kg of fruits can be
obtained from the 15 year and onwards. Expenditure is Rs. 3000/- per ha. Up
to 10 th year and later on Rs. 1,000/- per annum, the gross return will be Rs.
7000/- per hectare in 10 th year and 20kg of fruits in 15th year and onwards.
Karnels (43-52 per cent of the fruits) yield 50 to 73 per cent of a dark green
viscous oil known by various names - Domba, Laurel Nut, Dillo, Pinnay or
Poon seed oil.

Oil is obtained from the fruits which are known as poon seed oil.
Both the extracted and expressed oils possess a disagreeable colour
and teste.
Oil is used as bio dieseal.
Resinous substances are found in the oil which varies in quantity
from 10 -13 per cent.
Oil is useful in making soap. It is used as illuminant. Expressed oil
contains 10-13 per cent resins it may be useful as varnish.
Bark is also useful economically because it contains 11.9 per cent
tannin. Pounded bark is applied in orchitis, and its juice is used as
purgative.
A decoction of it is applied as a lotion for indolent ulcers. A
yellowish green aromatic resin possessing emetic and purgative
properties, is obtained as an exudation from the bark.
Leaves are useful as they contain saponin and hydrocyanic acid, and
are poisonous to fsh.
The Cack would be probably suitable for manulel use.
46: Calotropis procera (L.) R.Br. (Akdo)
Botanical Name: Calotropis procera (L.) R.Br.

Family: Asclepiadaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Akdo
Sanskrit: Arkah, Aditya, Mandare
Hindi: Ark, Madar
Tamil: Erukku
English: Gigantic swallow wort, Madar milk weed
Telugu: Jiledu
Introduction
This plant is large hard much-branched milky shrub, very pale in colour,
the branches, leaves and inforescence covered with loose soft white wool.
Leaves are opposite, subsessile, ovate, cordate at base. Flowers are beautiful
lilac, rosy or purple tinted in umbellate lateral cymes. Fruits are feshy
follicles, green. Seeds are with abundant with coma. Another species of the
Calotropis genus is Calotropis gigantia.

This is semi arid and arid area plant. This is found throughout in India.
Particularly in dry places and weste areas this plant is very common.
The dried whole plant is good tonic, expectorant, depurative and
anthelmintic. The dried root bark is a substitute for ipecacuantha. The root
bark is febrifuge, anthelmintic, depurative, expectorant and laxative. It is also
useful in cutaneous diseases, intestinal worms, cough, ascites and anasarca.
The powdered root promotes gastric secretions and is useful in asthma,
bronchitis and intermittent fevers. The flowers are bitter, digestive,
astringent, stomachic, anthelmintic and tonic. They are useful in asthma,
catarrh, anorexia, infammations and tumours. In large doses it is purgative
and emetic.

The dried whole plant is good tonic. It is expectorant, depurative and
anthelmatic.
Dried root bark is a substitute for ipecacuanha, the root bark is
febrifuge, anathelmatic, depurative, expectorant and laxative, and is
useful in cutaneous diseases, intestinal worms, cough, ascites and
anasarca.
The powdered root promotes gastric secretions and is useful in
asthma, bronchitis and dyspepsia.
Leaves are useful in the treatment of paralysis, arthralgia, swellings
and intermittent fevers.
Flowers are bitter, digestive, astringent, stomachic, anthelmintic and
tonic. They are also useful in asthma, catarrh, anorexia, infammations
and tumors.
In large doses it is purgative and emetic.
47: Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew.
(Kerdo)
Botanical Name: Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew.

Family: Capparidaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kerdo
Tamil: Senkam, Sirakkali
Hindi: Karil, Kurel, Ker
Telugu: Enugadanta
English: Caper, Berry
Introduction
This is densely branching strangling glabrous shrub with smooth terete
reen branches. Leaves are simple, caudaceus, found only on young shoots,
linear-oblong, acute, spinous pointed, stipular thorns long, sharp, straight,
orange yellow. Flowers are red in many fowered corymbs on old branches or
short lateral shoots, gynophore about 12 mm long. Fruits are globular,
glabrous, beaked. Seeds are numerous embedded in the pulp.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout India. This is dry and semi dry plant
which is wildly grown in nature.
It contains capparin, capparilin, and capparinin, l-stachydrine,
capparidisine, capparisine, capparisinine, n-pentacosane, n-triacontanol and
P-sitosterol.

The roots are acrid, bitter, thermogenic and anodyne, sudorific,
expectorant, digestive, carminative, anthelmintic, purgative,
antibacterial, stimulant, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac and tonic.
They are useful in boils, eruptions, swelling, chronic and foul ulcers,
cough, hiccough, asthma, vomiting, haemorrhoids, intermittent
fevers.
It is useful in arthritis, odontalgia, lumbago, dysmenorrhoea and
general debility.
The fruits are bitter, sweet, astringent, acrid, thermogenic and
constipating.
They are useful in halitosis, cardiac dis orders, urethrorrhea and
vitiated conditions of pitta.
48: Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Kag
Doliyo)
Botanical Name: Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

Family: Sapindaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kag dolio
English: Ballon vine, Heart pea
Hindi: Kan phuti, Kapalphoti
Tamil: Mudukkottan, Modikkottan
Sanskrit: Sakralata, Indravalli, Kaphamadinka
Telugu: Vekkudutiga.
Introduction
A pubescent or nearly glabrous annual or perennial with slender
branches climbing by means of tendrillar hooks. Leaves are ternately
bicompound, leafets acuminte at the angles. Seeds are black with a large
white heart-shaped aril.
Distribution
This plant is wildly grown in the whole in arid and semi arid regions of
India. This is distributed throughout in India.
It contains alkaloid, 1-triacontanol, and n-pentacosane, n-triacontane, n-
triacontanol, n-triacontanol, n-non-acosane, pelargonidin-3-galactoside,
glucocappasalin, β-sitosterol and phthalic acid.

The roots are diuretic, diaphoretic, emetic, mucilaginous, laxative
and emmenagogue.
They are useful in strangury, fever, arthritis, amenorrhoea, lumbago
and neuropathy.
The leaves are rubefacient and are good for arthritis, otalgia and
ophthalmodynia.
The seeds are tonic and diaphoretic and are good for arthritis and
fever.
The plant has sedative action on the central nervous system.
49: Cassia alata Linn. (Kruminasak
Senna)
Botanical Name: Cassia alata Linn.

Local Names
Gujarati: Kruminasak senna
Hindi: Senna
English: Ring worm senna, winged senna, candelabra bush, craw-
craw plant.
Introduction
This is small shrub, about 1.5m high, with horizontal branches. Leaves
are paripinnate, alternate. Leafets are 8-12 pairs and broadly rounded, oblique
at the base. Twings and petioles usually reddish brown in colour.
Inforescence is axillary and terminal erect spike. Flowers are yellow in
colour. Pods are long, slightly compressed, with winged margin. Seeds are
numerous and black in colour.
Distribution
This plant is grown naturally in wet places and is also cultivated for its
ornamental foliage and showy flowers. This plant is grown throughout in
India.
The leaves contain anthraglucosides, chrysophanic acid and rhein.

The leaves and the stems have antiseptic and laxative properties.
They are prescived for constipation, oedema, hepatitis and icterus in
a tea like infusion.
Dermatomycosis, tinea imbricate, ringworm, scabies and impetigo
are treated externally by rubbing with pounded fresh leaves or by
applying fresh leaf juice on the diseases parts.
50: Cassia angustifolia Vahl. (Sona-
mukhi)
Botanical Name: Cassia angustifolia Vahl.

Local Names
Gujarati: Sonamukhi, Aval
Sanskrit: Swarnpatri, Bhumiari, Bhupadma
Hindi: Sonamukhi
Tamil: Nila virai
English: Senna
Introduction
It is a small shrub which gets height of 61-91 cm. Leaves are paripinnate.
Leafets are in 7-8 pairs, glabrous. They are yellowish green and 2.5-5.1 cm X
0.4 – 1.3 cm. Flowers are yellow in colour. Pods are greenish-brown to dark-
brown in colour. They are 3.4 to 6.8 cm long and 1.9 cm broad. Seeds are 5-
7, obovate and smooth, dark brown in colour.
Distribution
This is grown in most of the states in India. Particularly it is cultivated in
South India, Rajasthan and Gujarat. West Germany is the largest importer of
senna from India. Other major importers in order of importance are Hungary,
Japan, U.K., U.S.A., Netherlands, France and Czechoslovakia. In addition to
senna, there is a demand for calcium sennoside of high purity in these
countries. In India, there are very few units manufacturing calcium sennoside
of 60 percent purity, while the rest are producing material of 16-20 percent
purity only.
Cultivation
It can be cultivated as both rain fed as well as irrigated crops, however,
very heavy rainfall, cool climate and dew formation during the growing
season are not suitable for normal growth and development of plants. It can
be grown as monsoon crop successfully on soils with good drainage. In Tamil
Nadu, it is cultivated in heavy soils after paddy. Water stagnation should not
take place in the plantation, especially during the early stages of crop. This
plant is propagated by seed. The direct sowing of seeds in the soil gives poor
germination. The best way to overcome this problem is to soak the seeds in
water for about 10-12 hours and then used only swollen seed for germination.
This procedure will ensure not only nearly 100 percent plant population.
About 25 kg seeds are required for 1 hactare under rainfed conditions and 15
kg/ha. under irrigated conditions. After onset of monsoon, the land is
ploughed and the feld is cleaned from the weeds. The ridges are formed at a
distance of 45 cm after applying fertilizers at the rate of 25 kg of nitrogen per
hactare (Urea) and 25 kg of phosphorous (superphosphate). The beds of
3.15m x 6.0 m with one meter wide channels are suitable for irrigation and
also for drainage if required.
The crop grows slowly during the early stages. It is important to ensure
that water logging does not occur, especially during early growth. Two
weedings, one after about 20 days and another 30 days after the first, are
essential. After the first weeding 25 kg Nitrogen per hectare in the form of
Urea is applied. The crop is hardy and requires at the most 3-4 irrigations, if
the rain is normal. In absence of sufficient moisture at the time of addition of
fertilizers, the feld is irrigated.
Harvesting
Harvesting of leafets is carried out by stripping the leaves and that of
pods by hand picking. Three strippings of the leaves are possible at an
interval of minimum 20 days. Maximum yield of leafets could be obtained by
initiating stripping on day 90th and subsequently on 110th and 130th day.
Similarly, when the strippings are delayed, the yield is more, but the quality
is poor. An average yield of 1500 kg per hectare of dry leaves and about 750
kg per hactare of pods can be obtained.
Good quality final produce is green in colour. The method of drying
affects the quality of leafets. The leafets dried in an oven at 40ºC is found to
be superior to air dried leafets. Sennoside content also decreases when leafets
are dried in direct sunlight. Quick drying method is most suitable. For the
bulk drying, the harvested leafests are immediately spread in thin layers in
well ventilated, shaded area and the stuff is stirred atleast 3 times per day for
quick and uniform drying. It takes about 4-5 days for the drying of leafets.
The leafets when baled, as is done for cotton, will reduce transportation cost.
The pods contain sennosides A and B, sennidin-8.8-diglucoside,
glycosides of rhein and chrysophanic acid, aloe-emodin, its dianthrone
diglucoside and emodin glucoside. Occurrence of oxymethyl-anthraquinone
has been reported from the fruits. Leaves contain favanols, isorhamnetin,
kaemprerol, rhein, emodin and sennosides A, B, C and D.

Plant is laxative and purgative.
Plant is used in constipation, loss of appetite, hepatomegaly,
spleenomegaly,
It is also applied in digestion, malaria, skin diseases, jaundice and
anaemia.
Because of its beautiful flowers it is cultivated especially for flowers
also.
51: Cassia auriculata L. (Tanner’s Cassia)
Botanical Name: Cassia auriculata L.

Local Names
Gujarati: Avarttak, Tarval
Sanskrit: Avarttaki, Hemapushpam
Hindi: Tarval, Anwal
Tamil: Avaral, Avirai
English: Tanner’s cassia, Tanner’s senna
Telugu: Tangedu
Introduction
This is small branched shrub with reddish brown branches. Leaves are
with subculate glands between all the 8-12 pairs of leafets and a pair of large
obliquely cordate stipules at their bases. Flowers are bright yellow in colour
and they are arranged in sub-terminal axillary corymbs. Fruits are pods type,
fat and thin; papery they are pale brown in colour. Fruits are deeply
depressed between the seeds, transversely veined. Seeds are 10-20 per pod,
obovate, dark brown with hard shiny seed coat.
Distribution
Senna is native of India, Myanmar and Srilanka. Although it has
successfully introduced into African countries. The plant is distributed
throughout central, Western and south India. This is arid and semi arid plant
which requires loamy soil.
Cultivation
Cassia auriculata can be propagated by seed and stem cuttings. For
quick germination seeds are scarifed and held in running water. The seedlings
are fairly resistant to desiccation. Stem cuttings are planted 5–12.5 cm apart
in rows. Thinning is necessary one year after sowing. Weeding and
cultivation stimulate growth but are not absolutely necessary. Limed soil is
reported to increase the amount of tannin. Coppiced plants regrow well.
Harvesting
Starting the third year after establishment, the twig bark of Cassia
auriculata can be stripped and used. Twigs that have not developed a corky
bark are best. Coppiced plants can be harvested annually.

The bark is sun dried in small pieces and stored or marketed. Unstripped
twigs can be directly used by the tanners to make a tanning extract which is
as effective as when made from dried stripped bark. To prepare a yellow dye,
flowers (about twice the weight of the textile to be dyed) are boiled in water.
Then the cloth, previously mordanted with alum, is immersed into the bath,
which is kept boiling until the desired shade is obtained. In Andhra Pradesh
(India), 2.5 kg of broken and cooked Senna auriculata seeds are added to a
vat of indigo of approximately 227 l with 750 g of indigo.
Yield
The yield of green bark of Senna auriculata averages 1500 kg per ha in a
4- year-old plantation of about 9000 plants/ha.
Emodin, chrysophanol, rubiadin are found in the Tanner’s senna.

Roots are astringent, cooling, alterative, depurative and alexeteric
and are useful in skin diseases, leprosy, tumours, asthma and
urethrorrhoea.
Bark is astringent and alternative and a decoction of this used as
enemas and gargles.
The leaves are depurative and anthelminticm and are recommended
for leprosy, skin diseases and ulcers.
The flowers are used in diabetes, urethrorrhoea, nocturnal emissions
and pharyngopathy.
The seeds are astringent. Sour, cooling, constipating, depurative,
aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, stomachic and alexeteric and are useful in
diabetes, chyluria, ophthalmia, dysentyery, diarrhea, swellings,
abdominal disorders, leprosy, skin diseases, worm infestations and
chronic purulent conjunctivitis.
52: Cassia fstula Linn. (Garmalo)
Botanical Name: Cassia fstula Linn.

Local Names
Gujarati: Garmalo
Hindi: Amaltus, cirimalah
English: Amaltus, Indium labernum
Tamil: Aragvadamu, Kopagona
Telugu: Rela
Sanskrit: Rajataru, Kritamalah
Introduction
Medium sized tree Cassia fstula is deciduous tree. This tree flowers in
April and May. At the time of fowering tree is completely nude by shedding
its leaves Process of fowering remains continuous till fresh leaves are born.
Bark is greenish white which remain smooth up to middle age but turn into
rough and brown in old age. Leaves are large, paripinnate type, they are 0.25
to 0.5 meter long and terete rachis are seen. On the upper side copper colour
is found while the inner side is soft browny. Flowers are bright yellow to
golden yellow in color and inforescence is simple raceme type. Bud opens
towards tip of inforescence. Generally flowers open in acropetal manner.
Fruit is dark, cylindrical, woody and 30 to 50 cm long which contains 40 to
100 seeds. Seeds are brown colored and separated from one another by septa.
Garmalo is common tree in India and its native is believed to be India.
Although it is found in Myanmar, Thai land, Vietnam, Java and Philippines
like other countries. In India tree is grown into deciduous forest of hilly and
plain regions like in Siwalik region of Himalayas and other parts of India. In
Gujarat most of the districts are known to grow this tree like Junagadh,
Kutch, Jamanagar, Baroda, Dang etc.
Cultivation
Plant refers well drained soils. It can survive drought condition. Natural
regeneration of plant is occurred by root suckers. Before sowing seeds are
immersed into hot water for 5 minutes for breaking dormancy. Seeds are first
sown into beds. The seedlings are transplanted to polybags when they are 3 to
4 months old. After one year tap roots grows very quickly so pulking of seed
should be done very quickly. When plant gets height of 30 to 50 cm, plant is
sown into feld. Pits are prepared in the felds at the distance of 3 x 3 m.
Seedlings should be regularly weeded till it gets height of weeds.

Most parts of the trees are useful medicinally like leaves, stem, fruits
etc.
Pulp of Cassia fstula is very useful as laxative.
In West Bangal it is used to favour tobacco.
Bark of the tree is utilized for tannin extraction which is used in
leprosy, jaundice, syphilis and cardiac ailments
Bark is also used in hides and dyeing of leather and jute fbers.
Its heart wood is brick red or yellowish in color which is used for
making carts, agricultural implements, posts and beams of buildings.
Pulp of the ripe fruits is a strong purgative.
The gum is also extracted from the stem; this gum is used as
astringent.
Twings are useful to cattles for fodder.
Flowers are used as vegetables and food by Santal tribals of West
Bangal.
Cassia pulp is obtained by extraction of fruit pulp by percolation with
water and evaporation of the strained percolate under reduced
pressure to the consistence of a soft paste, is official pharmacopoeia.
It is used as an ingredient of confection of senna.
53: Cassia occidentalis L. (Kasundro)
Botanical Name: Cassia occidentalis L.

Local Names
Gujarati: Kasaumdi, kashundro
Sanskrit: Kasamardah
Hindi: Kasaumdi, Barikasaumdi
Tamil: Ponnavirai, Peravirai
English: Negro coffee, Stinking weed, Coffee-senna
Telugu: Kasinda
Introduction
This is diffuse offensively odorous undershrub with furrowed
subglabrous branches. Leafets are 3-5, flowers are yellow in colour. They are
arranged on short peduncled few fowered racemes. Fruits are cylindrical type
or compossed, hard, smooth and shiny dark olive-green or pale brown.
Distribution
The plant is originated from tropical America. Plant grows abundantly on
wastelands immediately after the rains and found throughout in India
particularly in the areas of arid and semi arid regions. The plant is of tropical
and subtropical climates. It grows well on variety of soils including poor and
eroded soils. It comes up in areas with a rainfall ranging from 400mm to
2000mm. It thrives well even in areas with heavy biotic pressures.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated through seeds. The area is ploughed and after
obtaining fine tilth, furrows are made at one metre apart. This work is
completed by the end of May. The seeds are sown in the furrows
continuously in the month of June on the onset of monsoon. Fifteen to twenty
kg of seeds is sufficient to cover 1 hectare area. One weeding and hoeing are
carried out in July. Extra weedings from the congested patches may be
uprooted, so that the remaining seedlings are spaced at 45-60 cm apart. The
plants start fowering in September and the pods may be collected from
December-January.
Pods are collected when they become matured. They are then dried,
threshed to separate the seeds. Yield of 2000 kg, seed can be expected from
one hectare.
It contains chrysophanol, emodin, glycosides, physcion, metteucinol-7-
rhamnoside, jaceidin-7-rhamnoside, and 4,4,5-tetrahydroxy -2,2-dimethyl1-
1,1-bianthraquinone, crude protein, ether extra, crude fbre, ash, calcium
phosphorus, iron, niacin, and ascorbic acid, P-sitosterol, emodin, physcion.

The plant is bitter, sweet, thermogenic, purgative, expectorant and
febrifuge, and is useful in vitiated condition of vata and kapha,
cough, bronchitis, constipation, fever, epilepsy and convulsions.
The roots are bitter, acrid, thermogenic, diuretic, anti infammatory,
digestive, stomachic, and tonic.
They are useful in vitiated condition of vata, infammation, diabetes,
strangury, elephantiasis, ring worm, colic fatulence, dyspepsia,
epilepsy, convulsions and scorption sting.
The leaves are bitter, acrid, sweet, thermogenic, depurative,
vulnerary, anodyne, expectorant, alexeteric and aphrodisiac, and are
useful in vitiated condition of vata and kapha, leprosy, erysipelas,
pruritus, wounds and ulcers.
This plant is also used in bronchitis, high cough, asthma,
pharyngodynia, fever and hydrophobia.
The seeds are bitter, sweet, acrid, depurative, diuretic, expectorant,
vulnerary, purgative, stomachic and febrifuge and are useful in
leprosy, erysipelas, ulcers, strangury, cough, bronchitis, highcough,
constipation, fatulence, dyspepsia and fever.
54: Cassia tora Linn. (Kuvadiyo)
Botanical Name: Cassia tora Linn.

Family: Caesalpinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kuvadiyo
Hindi: Chakunda, Panevar
English: Sickle senna, Sickle pod, coffee weed, Tavara
Tamil: Tagarai
Telugu: Tantemu
Sanskrit: Ayudham, Dadamari
Introduction
Kuvadiyo is very common in the midlands and mountains. It is annual
shrubby weed which gets height of 50 to 90 cm. Stem is erect and thin.
Leaves are pinnate and alternate. There are 3 pairs of obovate leafets in
Cassia tora. Flowers are yellow in color; they are 1 to 3 in numbers, some
times four flowers are also seen. An arrangement of fower is axillary raceme
which is generally shorter than leaf. Pod is slender and very long, curved pod
are also seen. Seeds are many in numbers; they are shining dark brown in
color.

There is no certain clue regarding the origin of Cassia tora but it is
distributed in most of the parts. It can be seen in India, Pakistan, Myanmar,
Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea and some other parts of the world. In most of the
states of India Cassia tora is wildly seen on both the sides of road. It is found
in Gujarat, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and most of the other states.
In Gujarat it is wildly seen in Saurastra region particularly in mountainous
area like Girnar Hills and Barda hills. It is also seen in Jamnagar, porbandar,
Rajkot and other areas of Gujarat.
Cultivation
Plants are propagated by seed propagation method. Seeds are sown either
in pod or directly into soil, it can grow on any kind of soil but semi arid land
with good rain is suitable to the Cassia tora plant. Seeds are sown at 0.50
meter distance in lines. Although there is no specific farming method for
cultivation of Kuvadiya.
Harvesting
Hand pulling is the best method for harvesting the plant. After two to
three months when plant starts to give pods at that time harvesting is done.
Generally harvesting is done in September to October. Plants are dried in sun
light and then they are tied together. Then they are taken for storage.
Yield
It is estimated that 1500 kg. of seeds can be obtained from 1 ha. of area.
The seeds can be sold in the market at the rate of Rs.6/kg. Expenditure per
hectare reaches upto Rs.3,000 while gross return goes upto Rs. 9,000 and net
return will be Rs.6,000 per ha.

Whole plant is medicinally useful. Whole plant contains
anthraglucosides which on hydrolysis give emodin and glucose,
chrysophanos and rhein.
Seeds are used in treating insomnia, headache, constipation, oliguria,
cough, ophthalmia, dacryoliths, ambylopia, ocular congestion and
hypertension.
Raw seeds are utilized as laxatives.
Fresh leaves are used in eczema dermatomycosis.
Seeds also give fatty oil consisting of oleic, linolic, palmitic and
lignoceric acids and sitosterols.
55: Casuarina equisetifolia L. (Sharu)
Botanical Name: Casuarina equisitifolia L.

Family: Casuarinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Saru
Tamil: Savukku,
Hindi: Jangali saru
Telugu: Sarugudu, Chavuku
English: Iron wood, she - oak, beefwood
Introduction
This plant is tree which gets height of 25 meters. Branching are drooping
and they are needle like. Leaves are highly reduced and scale like giving the
branchlets a pine needle like appearance. Flowers are anemophilous (wind
pollinated), in which male flowers are borne in spike inforescence. Where
each fower is relatively inconspicuous. Female flowers are borne in globose
heads. Fruit is globose woody aggregate type which resembles with a small
pine cone. It encloses many small winged nuts.
Distribution
This plant is very common along the coast on beaches, rocky coasts,
limestone outcroppings, dry hillsides and open forests in both wet and dry
zones from sea level to mid montane.
Cultivation
Casurina is well adapted to sandy soils of semi arid and coastal humid
climate. It can grow from sea level up to 1300-1500 m elevation. Tree can
tolerate frost, drought, water logging conditions. It grows well under rainfall
varying 900 to 4000m. It can be grown by seeds, also it can be propagated by
stem cutting and air layering. In the month of January-March seeds become
ready for collection. They are very small in size. Seeds are sown in nursery
beds. Adequate amount of sand should be added in nursery soil. By broadcast
method seeds are sown, and then covered with ½ cm layer of soils. They are
also sown in polythin bags. Pricking is done when seedlings obtain proper
height. They are taken transffered to the main feld. Seedlings are planted at
the distance of 10 x 10 x 10 cm or 15 x 10 cm. Generally monsoon planting
gives good result.
Harvesting
The final harvesting of crop depends on the purpose and the situation for
which casuarinas was planted. In general it is grown in the rotation of 6 to 8
years. When planting of casuarinas is done on farm boundary or grown as
windbreak and shelterbelts, trees are not felled up to 15 to 20 years of age.
But time to time these are lopped and pruned so that shading effects on arable
crops are avoided.
This plant contains ellagic acid, beta sitosterol, kaempferol and
glaycosides, quercetin, cupressufivone, isoquerctrin, several common
triterpenoids, trifolin, catechin and epicatechin, cholesterol, stigmasterol,
campesterol, cholest-5-en-3 beta-ol derivatives, tannin, proantho-cyanidins,
juglanin, citrulline and amino acids, afzelin, casuarine, gallicin, catechol
derivatives, gentisic acid, hydroquinone, nictoforine, rutin, trifolin.

The plant is used to treat nervous disorders, diarrhea and gonorrhoea.
This plant is used to treat coughs, ulcers, stomachaches and
constipation.
Bark of the tree is used in dysuria and menorrhagia.
An infusion of the bark is used to treat throat infections, coughs and
stomachaches. Bark infusion is good remedy for coughs, asthma and
diabetes.
Use of infusion of the grated bark is given in the mouth infections
and urinary tract infection.
56: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Bar
Mashi)
Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don

Family: Apocynaceae
Synonyms: Lochnera rosea (Linn.)Reichb; Vinca rosea Linn
Local Names
Gujarati: Bar mashi
Hindi: Sadabahar
English: Madagascar perwincle, rosy fowered,
Tamil: Sudukadu
Telugu: Mallikai
Sanskrit: Nitya Kalyani
Introduction
It is common plant in coastal areas and it is also cultivated. Plant is
perennial herb type which gets height of 30-80 cm. High stems are pinkish
red, much branched. Leaves are opposite, obovate, glabrous on sides, dark
shining above flowers pink or white in the axil of the leaves. Follicle
cylindrical, narrow, slightly arched-recurved in pairs; seeds are numerous,
tiny, blackish-brown.
Distribution
This plant is native of Madagaskar and now it is introduced throughout
the tropics of both hemispheres. This plant is distributed in most of the
countries of Asia like India, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar etc. In
India this plant is distributed in most of the states like Maharastra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc.
Cultivation
Plant grows easily in marginal lands. The areas where annual rainfall is
about 100 cm are suitable for its cultivation. Soil may be ploughed 2 to 3
times and cow dung or compost or 250 kg of bone powder or rock phosphate
in a hectare of land. Seed propagation is the best method. During June July
seeds are sown in nursery beds. Sprouting occurs in 8 to 10 days time. Such
prepared plants are transplanted in the feld in rows, keeping 45 cm distance
between row and 30 cm between plant to plant. For one hectare of land 5 to 6
kg seeds are required. Irrigation should be provided after rainy season at 20
to 25 days intervals. From 60 days of sowing, weeds are removed by weeding
and hoeing practices.
Harvesting
Leaves are harvested twice in a year. After 6 months of sowing day and
second afte 9 months and finally dig out the roots after 12 months. These
roots and leaves are dried under sun light. On maturity of crop the beans are
plucked and dried under sun. There after seeds are taken out and stored.
Yield
From one hectare of land, yield of dry leaves, stem and roots can be 30,
10 and 8 quintals. The market values of dry roots, leaves and stem are Rs. 50
to 60, Rs. 25 to 100 per kg, respectively.
Diseases and Protection

Sometimes die backm patimodak, phugarium, murgan diseases affect the
crop. These can be controlled by spray of dithian Z-78 at 10 to 15 intervals.

Mainly roots and leaves are used. The leaves are used in treating
oliguria, haematuria, diabetics mellitus and menstrual disorders.
The roots and the leaves are used in the form of decoction or extract
are active on hypertension.
The purifed alkaloids extracted from leaves are effective in treating
leukemia.
Alkaloids obtained from roots are used to induce cerebrovascular
dilatation and for hypertensions.
Leaves contain alkaloids, serpentine, ajmaline, catharanthine,
catharanthinole, vindoline, vincaleucoblastine, leurosidine and
vincristine.
57: Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Mal
Kankadi)
Botanical Name: Celastrus paniculatus Willd.

Family: Celastraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Mal kankadi
Sanskrit: Jyotismati, Pitataila
Hindi: Malkangani, Malkunki
Tamil: Valuluvai, Siruvaluluvai
English: Climbing staff tree, balck oil plant
Telugu: Danti cettu, Gundumida
Introduction
It is large climbing unarmed shrub with long slender elongating branches
which are reddish brown and covered with elongate white lenticles. Leaves
are simple, alternate, ovate or obovate, crenulate, coriaceous, glabrous, lateral
nerves arching. Flowers are greenish-white in colour. They are arranged in
terminal drooping panicles. Fruits are capsules types, depressed globose.
When they become ripe they look yellow in colour.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is also found on Hills upto
altitude of 1,200 meter. Shrub is commonly found all over the hilly tracts of
India.
Cultivation
Celastrus paniculatus is propagated through seed. It is found in the hilly
tracts but not above the altitude of 1300 m. It prefers moist shady localities,
shady localities. It grows on all types of soil but needs good drainage. It does
not tolerate salinity/ alkalinity in the soil. The land is ploughed thoroughly till
a fine tilth is obtained. Then continuous furrows and ridges are formed at four
meter apart. The seeds are sown on the ridges at three meter apart at the
beginning of monsoon. At every spot, 3-4 seeds are dibbled. 5-6 kg of seeds
are required to cover one hectare. When the seedlings are 2-3 weeks old, they
are thinned out, leaving one good vigorous plant at each spot. The seedlings
are encouraged to grow on stakes or threads connected to the wires on the
top. These wires rest on poles erected at 5 x 5 m distance. These G.I. wires
are drawn criss-cross, to form one meter squares.
Weedings and soil workings are carried out twice i.e. in July and August.
Thirty grams of NPK mixture is applied per plant in two split doses along
with the soil workings. In the second and subsequent years also, two soil
workings are carried out in June –July and August-September. Fertilizers are
also added as in first year. As an alternative, the plants can also be grown in
older tree plantations and they can be made to climb on those trees.

The plants fower during April-May and the fruits ripe during
October.The ripe pods are collected and washed in bamboo baskets with
water, so as to wash away the aril. The seeds thus separated are dried and
marketed. It is estimated that an annual yield of 1600 kg/ha. of seeds is
expected from one hectare.
This plant contain Sesquiterpene alkaloids, celapagine, celapanigine and
celapanine, hydrolysis gave polyalcohol A, polyalcohol C, Polyalcohol D.

The bark is abortifacient, depurative and a brain tonic.
The leaves are emmenagogue and the leaf sap is a good antidote for
opium poisoning.
The seeds are acrid, bitter, termogenic, emollient, stimulant, intellect
promoting, digestive, laxative, and emetic.
This plant is useful in vitiated condition of pitta and kapha.
This is useful in abdominal disorders, leprosy, pruritus, skin diseases,
paralysis, cephalalgia, arthralgia, asthma, leucoderma, cardiac
debility, infammation, strnagury, nephropathy, amenorrhoea,
dysmenorrhoea and fever and for stimulating the intellect and
sharpening the memory.
The seed oil is bitter, thermogenic and intellect promoting.
It is also used in abdominal disorders, beri-beri and sores.
58: Chlorophytum borivillianum Sant and
Fernand (Safed Musli)
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum borivillionam Sant and Fer.

Family: Liliaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Safed Musli
Hindi: Safed Musli, Dholi Musli
English: Safed Musli
Marathi: Sufed Musli
Malayalam: Swedeveli
Introduction
During rainy season small seedlings of musli are found in forest. Leaves
are yellowish and white fower with 6 petals are arranged on the fowering
stalk, which emerge from the center of the plant. About 20-25 flowers on the
fowering stalk appear in July. The seed is small, black and enclosed in the
holes. 10 to 20 seeds are there in one hole. Seed is very light in weight.
Tubers emerge at the bottom of the plant, the thickness is around 0.9 cm and
the length is 8 cm. Number of tubers vary from plant to plant, age of the plant
and on an average 5-30 tubers per plant can be seen. Tubers are white in
color that’s why this plant is called safed musali.
Safed Musli is found in sub tropical countries like India, China, Japan,
Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka etc. In India it is seen in forest of Himalayas as
well as in Gujarat, M.P, U.P, and Karnataka etc like parts. In Gujarat safed
musli is seen in the forest of Girnar, Barada and Dang specially.
Cultivation
Soil which contains light to medium texture is useful for the growth of
this plant. Well drained fertile soil is most suited. The land should be
ploughed and harrowed so that there should be proper aeration. Well
decomposed FYM about 15 – 20 tones/ ha should be mixed in the soil
properly before planting. Bed furrows of 90 cm broad and 15 cm height are
prepared, water canals are also prepared. Usually safed musli is propagated
by tubers. However the propagation of musli can be done by seed also. But
germination percentage by seed is very less which takes 18 months for
harvesting tubers. Hence sprouted are economical for planting. It takes 6
months for harvesting in the rainy season. Previous year tubers are used for
cultivation.
The bunch of the tubers should be removed from soil in May and tubers
are separated from the bunch in such a way that some portion of crown
should remain attached to each tuber. Tubers separated should be in gunny
bags filled with moisture of fine sand and silt with moist condition, generally
under shade. It can also be kept in saw dust under moist condition. In June
tuber get sprouted naturally and these are used for planting in seed
propagation, where germination is very poor, the treatment with calcium
chloride was found to be good for seed germination. Planting should be done
in June when there is lot of moist, planting is done at the spaces of 30 x 30
cm. Tubers are placed deeply in the soil. Irrigation should be given when
there is required but water should be stagnant for long. Weeding should be
done by hand.
Harvesting
After 6 months of planting, tubers are ready for harvesting. Generally
harvesting is done in December-January, when the matured leaves drop
down. This is the best indication for harvesting tubers. Tubers branches are
removed by digging the soil. Branches when removed from soil, should be
thoroughly washed with water. Such branches are dried in shade for 2 days.
The skin on the tubers should be removed by pressing the tubers by holding
between 2 fingers. Such peeled musli should be again washed with water and
dried under shade. Hard and dried musli are taken to the market. Musli
should be packed in polythene bags.
Yield
Fresh and dried tubers are yielded. Fresh tubers are obtained 1.8-20 tones
per hectare and dried tubers 0.3 -0.4 tones per hectare dried fruits are
obtained. Dried roots are sold about at Rs. 500-800 per kg. Market rate of
musli can reach up to Rs.1000-1200 per kg. The cost of cultivation per
hectare is about Rs. 1 lakh. One can get the minimum profit around Rs.
60,000-70,000 per hectare.

Tubers are greatly used as medicine as it contain steroid sapoginine
(1-2 per cent), protein (10-20 per cent) and calcium to some extent
with some extent with some water soluble minerals.
Tubers are useful in Pitta and vata. as they are fat free. it is effective
on fatigueness, daaha and in blood purification.
It is also useful in certain diseases like renal calculus, dhupani,
sangrahani, leucorrhoea and diabetes.
It is basic ingredient of chyanprash. It is lacting, energetic to heart
Powder is prepared which is used in providing healthiness. It
contains steroids, resin, phonetics, tannins, carbohydrate, calcium,
magnesium and potassium.
59: Cissampelos pariera Linn. (Pathavel)
Botanical Name: Cissampelous pariera Linn.

Family: Menispermaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pathavel
Hindi: Patha, Patha vel
English: Abuta Introduction
The plant is twining shrub. Stem is short, throwing out long herbaceous
tomentose branches. Usaually peltate, orbicular to reniform, more or less
cordate at the base, apex is obtusely mucronate. Male cymes are long
peduncled, axilary or nearly so, many fd, hairy, bracts are minute. Raceme of
female flowers is 1-2, axillary, with large reniform or orbicular bracts. Drupe
type fruits are subglobose, hirsute, scarlet is red. Plant can be collected after
rainy season.
Distribution
This plant is distriubuted in the warmer part of the world. It is found in
tropical and sub tropical India and also in Sri Lanka and Singapore. This is
very common climber of the deciduous forest of the region.
Cultivation
It is found naturally growing in tropical, arid and semi arid areas on
hedges, fences, bushes and trees. It comes up on all types of soil. Water
logging at the root zone is to be avoided. It is very easily propagated by seed.
The seeds can directly be sown in the feld at 3 x 1 m spacing, at the
beginning of monsoon. The soil should be made loose in about one square
foot area with the help of a pick – axe and then the seeds are dibbled.
The germination will be complete within a week’s period after the first
good shower. Since this plant is a climber, some supporting material like
Euphorbia plant or bamboo stake with side branches on, or trees/bushes or
some other means, will have to be provided, Euphorbia plants may be
erected, just like a fence in parallel strips at four meter. apart running in East
West direction. The seeds may be sown in between the strips, and half a
meter away from the Euphorbia on both sides of the strip at one meter
distance. Thus, there will be about 5000 plants in one hectare. The plants are
trained to go up the Euphorbia strips. At the end of one year, in the month of
May, the plants may be uprooted and the roots are harvested.

In the first forthnight of May, the plants are uprooted and the roots are
taken out and dried. Then, they are cut into pieces according to market
requirement and dispatched for marketing. In the second fortnight, the seeds
should be sown for the next year’s crop. It is estimated that a production of
500 kg of air dried roots would be available from one hectare.

Plant is antiperiodic, diuretic, purgative, stomachic.
It is used in diarrhea, dropsy, dyspepsia, in cough, and urinary
troubles.
Plant is also used in fever, diarrhea and dysentery.
Paste of leaves and seeds are used on sores, itches etc.
It is also fsh poison.
Plant yields a strong fbre.
60: Cissus quadrangularis L. (Had
Shankal)
Botanical Name: Cissus quadrangularis L.

Family: Vitaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Had shankal
English: Edible stem vine,Adamant creeper, Bone-setter
Hindi: Asthi shrinkhala
Sanskrit: Asthisrnkhala
Tamil: Pirantai, Vajjiravalli
Telugu: Nalleru, Nulleratiga
Introduction
It is tendril climber which has stout feshy stem. Stem is quadrangularis.
Tendrils are simple, long, slender and leaf opposed, in addition to the normal
roots, some aerial roots arising from the jointed nodes grow downwards and
strike the soil. Leaves are simple and broadly, they are reniform, entire or
toothed, rounded, truncate or cuneate at the base. Flowers are green in colour
and small in size, they are arranged on shortly peduncled cymes inforescence.
Petals are four, hooded at the apex. Fruits are ovoid or globose and they are
berries type. Seeds are ellipsoid.
The plant is distributed throughtout in India. Particularly hadshankal is
found in the arid or hot and semi arid area.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by vegetative propagation. This plant is basically
of tropical climate. It is seen growing in semi arid and arid zones also. It
comes up on all types of soil. However, it does not fourish in highly saline
areas and water logged conditions. It can tolerate partial overhead shade.
It is easily propagated by vegetative propagation. The stem cuttings,
when planted give satisfactory results. The branch cuttings 30-45 cm in
length are planted in the feld at 1m x 0.5 m spacing. The plants need some
support for climbing. The branch cuttings planted directly in the feld at the
beginning of monsoon establish soon and start growing. The plants should be
given fertilizer doses (DAP/Urea) at the rate of 100 gms per plant in two split
doses during monsoon.

The first crop can be harvested at the end of 2nd year. Area is divided
into two parts and harvesting is done in one plot in a year. The aerial portion
of the plants is cut and dried in sun. Since the root is in tact, the plants start
growing again. Thus, 10,000 plants will be available in one ha. area each
year. Each plant is estimated to yield about 100 grams, of dry matter (drug).
A production of 1000 kg. of the drug would be available every year.
The stem contains two unsymmetric tetracyclic triterpenoids, onocer-7-
ene-3a-,21 p,21a-diol and two steroidal prindiples I and II. Prescene of P-
sitosterol, 8-amyrin and 8-amyrone is also reported.

Whole plant is used medicinally.
Plant is bitter, sweet, sour, thermogenic, alternate, laxative,
anthelmintic, carminative, digestive, stomachic, depurative,
haemostatic.
It is aphrodisiac, anodyne, ophthalmic and union-promoting and it is
useful in vitiated condition of vata, helminthiasis, anorexia and
dyspepsia.
It is also useful in colic, fatuelence, skin diseases, leprosy,
haemorrhages, haemoptysis, ophthalmopatht, otorrhoea, chronic
ulcers, tumors, haemorrhoids, epilepsy, convulsions,
spanomenorrhea, fractures, swellings and vitiated conditions of
kapha.
The shoots are useful in colonopathy, scurvy, otorrhoea, asthma,
burns and wounds.
Powdered roots are as well as the stem paste for specific bone
fracture.
61: Citrus limon Linn. (Motu Limbu)
Botanical Name: Citrus limon Linn.

Family: Rutaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Mota Limbu, Motu Limbu
Hindi: Baranimbu, Jambira
English: Lemon tree
Tamil: Malaielumichai, Periya elumichal
Telugu: Bijapuram
Introduction
The lemon tree is small tree or a straggling bush, 3-4.5 m (10-15 ft) in
height, with thorny branches and scented white flowers tinged with pink.
Leaves are light green, oblong to elliptical to ovate, lanceolate, sharp-pointed,
subserrate, petiole narrowly winged, spines small and stout. Fruits are feshy
rind and abundant acid pulp, generally green but gets yellow when they ripe.

It is believed to be Indian Origin of native of India. It is found growing
wild along the foot of North West Himalayas. The lemon grows in many part
of the world but till recently Sicily and some extent Calabria, Italy has been
the home of lemon oil industry. It is also cultivated in California, USA. In
India, the lemon is cultivated in household gardens and small sized orchards
in the Punjab, UP, Maharastra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
and Karnataka. In Gujarat lemon is grown in most of the districts like
Ahmedabad, Surat, Dang, Junagadh, and Jamanagar.
Cultivation
This plant is suitable for shady or sheltered climate. It doesn’t like water
logging. Dry climate is preferable since the plant is susceptible to various
roots and fungal diseases common in a hot and humid climate. Moderate rain
fall is good for the crop. Naturally drained soil is best for growth of this plant
but it can be grown on wide range of soils. It may be propagated through
cuttings or seeds. Budded plants are planted out in feld 6-18 months after
bud-insertion. Lemon is best propagated by budding on a suitable stock.
Harvesting
If plant is grafted then fruits can be picked in 4-5 years and when it is
planted by seeds fruits can be collected when they ripe in 6 to 7 years.
Generally Harvesting is done throuout the year. Lemon fruits when become
yellow they are picked with hands from the plant. Then they are stored. Oil is
obtained from the fruits of the lemon.
Oil Extraction from Lemon Fruits

Oil is extracted in three processes. (1) Spong process (2) Rcuelle process
and (3) the Machine process including the employment of centrifugal
separator, Spong process is the most common process. Fruits in this method
are cut into halves, the pulp removed with a spoon and oil pressed out with a
cup shaped sponge. The fruit is cut into positions, the pulp imperfectly
removed and then pressed out with large round sponge.
Yield
Oil is the main yield of lemon plant. Following are the statistics of export
of lemon oil. Lemon fruits are sold in the market at Rs. 1-2 per fruit.
Following are the statistics of export of lemon oil.
Year Quantity (tones) Value in Lakh Rs.
1994-95 0.15 0.21
1995-96 0.06 0.29
1996-97 0.29 1.71

It has characteristic favoring and odorous constituent. It is because of
citral which is 4-5 per cent, the main constituents are terpens and
sesquiterpenes particularly a-and P-lemonene, which are in largest
amount (up to 90 per cent). The following have also been reported: a-
and P pinepine, l-camphene, nonyl alhedyde, citronellal, bisabolene,
cadinene, methylheptenone, terpineol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate,
limettin (a sort waxy residue- 4:6 dimethoxycoumarin) and possibly
traces of methyl anthranilate.
The lemon fruits are used for various culinary purposes such as in
pickles, chats, lemon pies, lemon cakes, lemon ices and as a favoring
for candies, jellies, jams.
Ripe fruit is largely used in the preparation of cooling beverages and
effervescent draughts.
It is used as bleaching agent and stain remover. Citric acid, rectin and
lemon oil are also obtained from the fruits.
The lemon is used for favorings of all kinds of beverages and soft
drinks and food products like cakes, parastries, pies, candies,
desserts, ice creams, confectioneries etc.
It is also employed in perfumes, toilet waters, eav de cologne, soaps
etc. to which it imparts a refreshing top note.
Lemon extract which is made by dissolving 5 parts of oil in 95 parts
of alcohol is well known favoring material nest in importance to only
vanilla.
The oil is utilized for the preparation of terpeneless oil and
concentrated oils which are more stable on storage and have a better
solubility in dilute alcohol.
62: Cleome viscosa L. (Pili Talavani)
Botanical Name: Cleome viscosa L.

Family: Capparideaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pili talavani
Sanskrit: Pasugandha
Hindi: Hulhul, Hurhur
Tamil: Naivelai, Naikkaduku
English: Wild mustard, Dog mustard, Sticky cleome
Telugu: Kukkavaminta,Nallavaminta
Introduction
This is an annual herb which is very strong and hairs are there on its
surface. Leaves are with 3-5 foliate, gradually becoming shorter upwards.
Flowers are yellow in colour and are arranged in raceme inforescence. Fruits
are hairy and compressed, they are capsule type. Seeds are brownish type
they become black when they ripe.
Distribution
This is very common in arid and semi arid areas of the India. It is found
throughout India. In any waste land this plant is very common. It occurs in
northern tropical Africa, from Cape Verde and Senegal to Egypt, Ethiopia
and Zanzibar. It is also present in Madagascar and other Indian Ocean
islands. Outside Africa it is widespread in peninsular Arabia, tropical Asia,
Australia and tropical and subtropical America.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated for its medicinal values. Propagation is done by
seeds and by vegetative method. It can be grown as rainfed crop. It is
propagated easily by seeds. The area is ploughed throughoutly and a fine tilth
of the soil is obtained. Furrows are made at 30 cm apart and the seeds are
sown in the furrows continuously, at the beginning of monsoon. The
germination is complete in ten days. One weeding and hoeing are carried out
in July-August. Fifty kg of nitrogen, is added to the soil immediately after the
hoeing. The plants start fowering and fruiting from October.
Harvesting
The fruits are collected in month of December. The whole plant is cut
and dried. Then the seeds are separated by threshing the garbage.
Yield
The yield of 1200 kg of seeds is obtained from one hectare.
The aerial parts contain a macrocyclic diterpene, 20-oxocembra-3, 7, 11,
15-tetra en-19-oic acid and a bicyclic diterpene, cleomeolide. Seeds contain
coumarino-lignans, cleomiscosin, A, B, C and D.

Whole plant is medicinaly useful, Plant is acrid, thermogenic,
anthelmintic and sudorific.
The roots are stimulant, antiscorbutic and vermifuge.
The leaf juice is digestive and is good for otalgia.
The seeds are anthelmintic, carminative, constipating, febrifuge and
cardiac stimulant.
Seeds are useful in fever, diarrhea, worm infestations, worm
infestations, cardiac disorders and dyspepsia.
63: Clerodendrum phlomidis L.F. (Linn.)
(Arani)
Botanical Name: Clerodendron phlomidis L.F.(Linn.)

Synonym: Clerodendrum multiforum (Burm.f.)
Family: Verbenaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Arani
Sanskrit: Laghuagnimantha
Hindi: Arani
Telugu: Takkeda, Takkali
English: Arni
Introduction
The plant is perennial shrub. It attains a height of 3 meters and has
creamy white to grey bark with numerous lenticels. Leaves are broadly ovate,
deltoid-ovate or rhomboid-ovate, rarely nearly suborbicular; they are 0.6-8.3
X 0.3-6.5cm in size. Thin hairs are found on the surface of the leaves.
Flowers are creamy white containing pinkish tinge. They are arranged in
axillary dichotomous cymes and terminal panicles inforescence. Fruits are
drupe type, 0.4 - 0.6 cm across, obovoid, glabrous or sparsely hairy.
Distribution
This plant is found in the arid, semi arid, and sub-tropical climatic areas.
It can be grown in any kind of soil. It can withstand with pH value of 0.8. It is
a light demanding species.
Cultivation
Seed propagation is good method. Seeds are collected fresh and sown in
the polypots of 15 X 25 X 200 cm. Polypots are filled with Farm Yard
Manure. After one year when seedlings get proper height, are transplated in
prepared pits of 30 X 30 X 30 cm at 2m X 2m distance. Thus, near about
5000 seedlings are needed for one hectare land. In the beginning of monsoon
planting is done, seedslings require good care of weeding and soil workings.
The plants may also be watered during non rainy season if possible. The
plants may also be given fertilizers.
Harvesting
The roots and stem bark etc. can be harvested at four years duration.
Plants are uprooted and separated, are cut into pieces of proper length and
dried into sun light. Leaves are separately dried by removing stem bark under
shade. Out of 5,000 plants in hectare, around 1250 plants are harvested every
year and planted again in next season. Thus, in the period of 4 years, one
hectare can be harvested.
Yield
An average production of roots from a plant is taken as one kg. Thus a
production of 1000 kg of roots and 400 kg of stem bark and leaves can be
expected from one hectare. The market rate of root is about Rs.15 per
kilogram. Total expenditure per hectare per year is around Rs. 5,000 while
gross return goes upto Rs.19,000. Thant means net return per hectare is
around Rs. 14,000 per hectare.

The root is taken in Dashmula of Ayurveda system of medicine.
The leaves, roots and stem bark are used in the treatment of venereal
diseases.
The root is aromatic, astringent. Its decoction is used as demulcent in
gonorrhoea.
64: Clerodendrum serratum L. Moon
(Bharangi)
Botanical Name: Clerodendrum serratum L. Moon

Family: Verbenaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bharangi
Sanskrit: Kharasakah, Bharangi
Hindi: Bharangi
Tamil: Sirutekku
English: Bharangi
Telugu: Gantubarangi
Introduction
This is slightly woody shrub, stem looks quadrangular in shape. At each
node there are three leaves found, they are oblong or elliptic and some times
they are opposite. They look sharply serrate. Flowers are blue in colour. They
are many in numbers. They are in long cylindrical thyrsus with a pair of acute
bracts at each branching and a fower in the fork. Fruits are generally four
lobed and they are purple in colour. At each lobe, fruits look succulent with
one pyrene.
Distribution
This plant is found throughout in India. It is found in arid and semi arid
region of the world. It has also been distributed up to height of 1,500 meter
elevation.

The roots are bitter, acrid, thermogenic, anti-infammatory, digestive,
carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, depurative, expectorant,
sudorific, antispasmodic, stimulant and febrifuge and are useful in
vitiated condition of kapha and vata.
It is also used in infammation, dyspepsia, anorexia, colic, fatulence,
helminthiasis, cough, asthma, bronchitis, highcough, tumours,
tubercular glands, dropsy, consumption, chronic nasitis, skin
diseases, leucoderma, leprosy and fevers.
The leaves are useful as an external application for cephalalgia and
ophthalmia. Seeds are aperient and are used in dropsy.
65: Cochlospermum religiosa Linn.
(Kumbhi)
Botanical Name: Coclospermum religiosum Linn. Alston

Family: Cochlospermaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kumbhi
Sanskrit: Girisalmalika, Silakarpasika
Hindi: Kumbhi
Tamil: Kattupparutt
English: Yellow fowered cotton tree
Telugu: Konda gogu, Kongu
Introduction
It is a small desiduous tree which gets height of 2.4 to 5.4 meter. Bark is
deeply furrowed and contains fbers. Fibers are smooth and ash coloured.
Bark provides gum. Leaves are palmately containing 5-lobes.They are
tomentose beneath. Flowers are large, golden yellow in colour and they are
arranged in terminal panicles appearing after the leaf fall. Fruits are large,
pear shaped and 3-5 valved capsules type. Numerous seeds are found in the
fruits. They are covered with wooly hairs.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. Perticularly in dry and semi
dry forests of the Asia and India. It is distributed in Burma, China, Japan,
Nepal etc.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seed propagation method.

Dried leaves and flowers are used as stimulant and the young leaves
are used as a cooling wash for the hair.
The gum is known as Katira gum, it is sweet, thermogenic, anodyne
and sedative, and it is useful in cough, diarrhea, dysentery,
pharyngitis, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trachoma.
66: Cocculus hirsutus Linn. (Patal Garodi)
Botanical Name: Coculus hirsutus (L.) Diels.

Local Names
Gujarati: Patal garodi
Sanskrit: Patalagarudah, Chilihindah
Hindi: Patal garodi, Jaljamni
Tamil: Kattukkoti
English: Broom creeper, Ink berry
Telugu: Dusaratiga
Introduction
This is scandent shrub with straggling soft villous young parts. Leaves
are simple, alternate, ovate-oblong, obtuse, speculate, subcordate or truncate
at the base. This plant is soft and villous on both surfaces. Petioles are also
densely vilous. Male and Female flowers are present. Male flowers are small
and arranged in axillary cymose panicles inforescense. Female flowers are
combined together and form axillary cluster of 2-3 flowers. Petals at the apex
are devided into triangular lobes. Fruits are purple coloured and black drupes
type. They are transversely rugose.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout India. It is mainly found in the areas
of of arid and semi arid conditions. Desert forest, deciduous forests are some
of the source of cocculus.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1). By seed propagation and (2)
By vegetative propagation.
Coculous contain cohirsine, haiderine, hamtine N-oxide, trilobine,
isotrilobine, syringaresinol and protoquercitol. The triterpenoid alcohols,
hirsudiol and nonacosan-10-ol have been reported from the plant.
Cohirsitinine, hirsutine, shaheenine, cohirsinine and jamtinine. The plant also
contains cintaons, coclaurine, magnoforine, sitosterol, ginnol and
monomethyl ether of inositol.

The roots are bitter, acrid, themogenic, laxative, alternate, emollient,
aloexeteric, depurative, demulcent, digestive, carminative, diuretic,
aphrodisiac, expectorant, anodyne, antipyretic and tonic.
They are also useful in vitiated condition of kapha and vata,
poisonous bronchitis, gout, cephalalgia, intermittent fevers,
spermatorrhoea, urethrorrhea, burning sensation, tubercular glands,
fractures, hypertension and general debility.
The leaves are mucilaginous, cooling, demulcednt, anodyne and
expectorant and are used in eczema, gonorrhoea, prurigo, impetigo
cough, ophthalmia, cephalalgia and neuralgia.
67: Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq (Pathar
Choor)
Botanical Name: Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq.

Family: Labiatae
Synonymous: Plectranthus barbatus. (Benth).
Local Names
Gujarati: Patha-choor, Gar-mar
Hindi: Pashan bhadi, Pathar-choor
English: Coleus
Introduction
It is an aromatic perennial herb and gets height of 60 cm. It grows well
on dry slopes of the Indian plains and in the foothills of the Himalayas. Roots
are tuber like while stem is erect. Flowers are dark violet to bluish-black.

This plant is originated from tropical Africa. It is distributed in Europe to
Asia. Plant can be seen in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Myanmar, India like
countries. In India mainly this plant is cultivated in south India mainly. It is
also cultivated in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharastra
states. In Gujarat plant is grown in Baroda and other districts.
Cultivation
Hot and humid climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of the
plant. It can be easily being grown in less humid climatic conditions.
This can also be grown in the tropical as well as sub-tropical climates.
For this crop the humidity in the air should be around 83 to 85 per cent.for
the cultivation fertile soil is needed. The red sandy and sandy soils are
suitable. Field is made soft by tilling deep with plough prior to monsoon
season. Cow dung is added in to the feld. Beds are prepared in the feld; raised
beds are made at 60 x 60 cm distance. Generally seed propagation is good
method. But vegetative propagation is also useful. When nursery plants are of
one month age and sufficient number of roots grow on them. Then these are
to be transplanted in the bed at 20 x20 cm distances. If there is no rain at this
time, irrigation is given properly. Irrigation should be given every third day
and gradually changed to once a week, which will enable speedy growth of
the plants. The sowing through stem cuttings is easier and better. The stem
cutting of 10 to 12 cm long (Approx. 4 -5 inch) pieces with 5-6 live leaves
are cut and planted in nursery under shade. This helps in early growth of new
roots. Sufficient is provided to plants in the nursery. In one month of old
plants stem cutting sufficient number of roots grows, they can be transplanted
into the feld. For one acre land around 33,600 stem cuttings are needed.
Harvesting
Plants get matured in about 8 month’s period from the day of
transplantation. The plants are uprooted along with roots. Thereafter, the
roots are separated from plants; they are cleaned, and cut into small pieces
and dried under a shad. Dried roots are filled in bags and are taken to market
for selling.
Yield
From one acre of land an average, 600 to 1000kg of dry roots can be
obtained.

Roots are used as spice and condiment.
They lowers blood pressure, it is antispasmodic.
Roots dilate bronchioles, blood vessels. It also works as heart tonic.
Roots contain volatile oil.
Generally leaves are also of economic importance.
68: Coleus amboinicus Lour. (Pathar
Chur)
Botanical Name: Colius amboinicus Lour.

Family: Lamiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pathar chur, Garmar
English: Countryborage, Indian borage
Hindi: Patta ajavayin, Patharcur
Tamil: Karpuravalli
Sanskrit: Karpuravalli, Sugandhavalakam
Telugu: Sugandhavalkam
Introduction
This plant is aromatic herb which grows in arid and semi arid regions of
the world. It is perennial feshy stem. Leaves are simple and opposite, broadly
ovate, crenate, feshy, and very aromatic. Flowers are pale purplish indense
whorls at distant intervals in a long slender raceme. Fruits are orbicular or
ovoid nut lets.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is also cultivated in the
gardens for its medicinal uses. The plant is distributed all over dry and semi
dry condition where even at 3000 feet at the Himalayan region.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated throughout in India. Plant is grown by cutting
method.
This plant contains thymol, carvacrol and camphor.

The leaves are bitter, acrid, thermogenic, aromatic, anodyne,
appetizing, digestive, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic,
constipating, deodorant, expectorant, lithontriptic, diuretic and liver
tonic.
They are used in cephalagia, otalgia, anorexia, dyspepsia, fatulence,
colic, diarrhea and cholera especially in children, halitosis,
convulsions, epilepsy, cough, chronic, asthma, hiccough, bronchitis,
renal anc vesical, calculi, strangury hepatopathy and malarial fever.
69: Commiphora whightii (Arn.) Bhand.
(Guggal)
Botanical Name: Commiphora whightii (Arn.)Bhand.

Family: Burseraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Guggal
Hindi: Guggal,Gugal
English: Indian Bedellium tree
Tamil: Gukkulu, Kiluvai
Telugu: Konda mamidis
Sanskrit: IIkatah
Introduction
Guggal is small tree or herb which is 3 to 4 meter in height, it has
crooked, knotty and aromatic braches which results into sharp spines.
Younger plants are pubescent and globular. Older bark is papery and peels
are seen in strips from the older parts of the stem. Leaves are sessile, alternate
or fascicied, 1 to 3 foliate, terminal is sessile or subsessile, obovate, serrate
(sometimes serrate only towards apex), they are 1-5 cm long 0.5 to 2.5 cm
broad; lateral when preset, sessile, serrate or entire, it is less than half size of
terminal leafet. Plants are dimorphic, having bisexual and male flowers,
female flowers alone and male flowers alone. Bisexual and male flowers are
sessile, 3-5 mm long, generally red color to pinkish white. Sessile fower
appear singly or in groups of two or three. The calyx is fused with disc
basally; it remains tubular or urceolate, 1-2 mm long. Petals are refexed,
acute, 3-5 mm long. There are 8 stamens some times 10 stamens are seen,
they are 3-5 mm long. The disc is conspicuously toothed. Ovary is 2 locoed
with a sessile 2 lobed stigma. Bracts are 2 in numbers, opposite, glandular
and hairy. Fruit is ovoid, up to 1 cm- long drupe. It gets red color when it
ripes and mesocarp remains yellow.

Commiphora genus have around 165 species in the world, its origin is
believed to be Africa and Asia. This plant is widely distributed in the tropical
regions of Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia, Pacific islands, India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries. Generally four species of Guggal
occur in India. They are Commiphora agollochoa Engl; Commiphora
stocksiana Engl, Commiphora mukul Hook ex stock and Commiphora berryi
(Aen.) Engl. Guggal gum is derived from C. mukul which is distributed in the
states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Cultivation
Guggal is the plant of arid zone which thrives well in arid subtropical to
tropical climate. Growth is faster in the soils which have moisture retaining
capacity. Rainfall in the guggul growing tract may average between 100mm
and 50 mm. It prefers warm, dry climate for a good yield of oleo-gum-resin.
Before rainy season land is prepared well in advance. 2-3 ploughing are done
to fertile soil. Seeds are sown in the pits made at a distance of 3 to 4 m in
rows. Guggal can be propagated by seeds and vegetatively through stem-
cuttings. Air layering has also been successful in this plant. Semi hard wood
cuttings are taken and cut end is treated with IBA or NAA growth regulator
solutions are planted in nursery beds during June-July. The beds are irrigated
lightly after planting and regularly thereafter. Cutting sprout in 10 to 15 days,
becomes ready for planting in the main feld after 10 to 12 months, during the
main rainy season. Seed propagation is not very useful method because seed
germination is slow and is also very poor due to the presence of the hard seed
coat. Seed are mechanically scarifed with sand paper and are kept under
running water for 24 hours. The seedlings may be raised in polythene bags
during the Kharif season and after hardening, may be planted in the main
feld.
Light irrigation during summer season support good growth of the
plants, this crop has not shown good response to fertilizers, except to the
lower level or nitrogen fertilization. Hence, urea or ammonium sulphate at
25/50 g/bush is given twice a year before irrigation. ‘Interculture is confined
to one weeding and hoeing in the early stages of growth.
Harvesting
Guggal plant gets normal height and girth after 8 to 10 years of growth,
when they are ready for tapping. For tapping the gum, which is present in the
balsam canals in the phloem, bark-deep, i.e., a shallow, incision is made on
the bark. If the incision is too deep, plant either dies or yields little resin in
the following years. Period of December to March is ideal for tapping. If
tapping is successful then exudation starts after about 15 to 20 days from date
of incision and continues for nearly 30 to 45 days. A piece of polythene sheet
can be spread on ground to collect exuded gum. A maximum of about 500 g
of gum has been obtained from the plant; Plant which produced gum on
incision usually dies ultimately showing progressive drying and darkening of
incised branch. Drying process slowly extends from incised branched to other
parts of plant and within 8-10 months, has been isolated and its pathogenicity
is being studied.
Yield
Usually the incision is made after November but before April. The resin
is collected at an interval of 10 to 15 days. Weather conditions infuence the
success of obtaining gum. The yield of gum-resin from each plant is about
700 to 900 g.
Diseases
Guggal is attacked by a leaf eating caterpillar Euproctis lanata Walker;
white fy Bemisia tabaci, which sucks the sap of leaves as a result of which
the leaves turn yellow and finally drop off. The rooted cuttings also suffer
from termite attacks in the early stages of growth. The diseases noticed on
this crop are leaf-spot caused by Cercospora spp.

Gum resin is used as incense, as fxative in perfumery, in medicine,
such as substitute for African bdellium (Commiphora myrrha). It is a
common adulterant of myrrh.
Guggal has application in indigenous medicine against rheumatism,
obesity, neurological and urinary disorders, tonsillitis and arthritis.
In hay fever inhalation of fumes from burnt guggal is recommended.
It is also used in chronic bronchitis.
It is useful as stomachic and carminative, stimulating and antiseptic.
It is used to improve digestion.
Guggal gum can decrease elevated lipid levels.
Antibacterial properties of essential oil (22.58 per cent), resin
chloroform extract (33.96 per cent, yield on dry weight), and
sesquiterpenoids, curzerene (8.74 per cent), furanoeudesma-1,3-diene
(11.66 per cent), lindestrene (4.08 per cent), curzerenone (10.97 per
cent), furanodien-6-one (2.04 per cent), 3-methyl-4,5-
dihydrofuranodien-6-one (0.26 per cent), isolated from oleo-gum-
resin of C.mukul bark were evaluated against 19 bacteria.
Essential oil, chloroform extract and sesquiterpenoids were as
effective as kanamycin 9 control) in inhibiting growth of Gram
positive and Gram negative bacteria.
70: Cordia dichotoma Forst (Gunda)
Botanical Name: Cordia dichotoma. Forst

Family: Boraginaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Mota Gunda, Raj Gunda
Hindi: Lasora, Gondi
English: Indian Cherry, Bhokar
Sanskrit: Bahu varah, Slesmataka
Tamil: Naru villi
Telugu: Banka Nakkeru, Batuka
Introduction
Mota Gunda is small tree found in deciduous forest areas. It is common
in arid and semi arid areas to sub tropical areas. It is much benefted if water
is provided. It is a good coppicer. A tree is of 9-10 m tall, with ash colored or
blackish - brown rough and fssured bark. Leaves are 7-18.5 x 5-13 cm,
broadly ovate, elliptic - oblong or suborbicular, coriaceous, glabrous, nerves
3-6 pairs, basal nerves are 3, rarely 5 nerves are seen. Flowers are creamy
yellow or some times white in axillary and terminal cymes. Fruits are Drupe
type 2 to 2.5 cm across, ovoid or rounded glabrous, mucilaginous, bright
yellow with pinkish tinge when ripe.

Mota Gunda or Vad Gunda is distributed in semi arid and arid regions of
the world like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Japan etc. In India Codia
dicotama is distributed in Maharastra, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madya
Pradesh etc. like states. In Gujarat Mota Gunada is grown in most of the
districts like Junagadh, jamanagar, Rajkot, Dang etc.
Cultivation
On variety of soil this plant can be grown. Generally it is propagated by
seeds. The seeds germinate easily. One year old polypot raised seedlings are
good for planting. Seeds are planted at a spacing of 7 x 7cm. Weeding is done
to keep plant clear. Watering the plant in 15 days is advisable. Plant grows
well to artificial watering and manures. Flowering starts in 6-7 years. How
ever, commercial production of fruits can be expected after 10 to 12 years.
Harvesting
After 10 to 12 years, when fruits are fully matured harvesting is done
during March-April. The fruits are picked by hands before they are ripe and
then marketed. Unripe fruits are useful for making pickles.
Yield
Each tree yields about 50 kg of fruits every year which means total fruit
production per hectare is 8000. They can be sold in the market at a rate of Rs.
3/-per kg. Thus net returns after 10 to 12 years are 20,000.

Bark is bitter, astringent, acrid after digestion, constipating,
anthelmintic, cooling and depurative which is useful in fever,
dyspepsia, diarrhea, burning sensation, vitiated conditions of Kapha,
pitta, helminthiasis, leprosy and skin diseases
Leaves are aphrodisiac, and are useful in gonorrhoea and
ophthalmodynia.
The fruits are sweet, cooling, emollient, anthelmintic, purgative,
vulnerary, diuretic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, depurative and febrifuge
whioch are mostly used in vitiated conditions of vata, pitta, ulcers,
leprosy, skin diseases, hyperdipsia, burning sensation, bronchitis, dry
cough, pectoral diseases, strangury, urethralgia urethritis, chronic
fever, arthralalgia, pharyngopathy.
This plant is also used to get relief from splenopathy and ring worm.
71: Crocus sativus Linn. (Keshar)
Botanical Name: Crocus sativus Linn.

Family: Iridaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Eshar
Sanskrit: Keshrar
Hindi: Keshar
Tamil: Kungumapu
English: Saffron
Telugu: Kunkumapuvu
Introduction
This is perennial herb, which is bulbous. Leaves are long, linear and
channeled. Flowers are deep violet in colour. Flowers are funnel shaped; each
fower is stalkless, and appearing in autumn with leaves. Petals, narrow
elliptic, equal, fused below into long slender corolla tuve. Styles are orange
while stigmas are brick red in colour. Approximately 400 hours of work and
15000 flowers are needed to gather one kilogram of dried saffron. This is
because each fower provides only three stigma. This species contain world’s
most important fower.
Distribution
Crocus sativus probably originated from Greece and Western Asia where
some wild species occur which are possibly related. Then it spread in east
ward in Kashmir in India. This plant is distributed mainly in cold regions
where there is high amount of moisture remains.
Cultivation
The plant prefers a well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is free from
clay. It grows well on calcareous soils, and on hot sheltered stony banks.
Plants are very frosts hardy. Plants produce less saffron when grown on rich
soils. It produces also in poor summer. Saffron has been cultivated for over
4,000 years for its stigmas. ‘Cashmirianus’ comes from Kashmir and has
large high quality corms. It yields about 27 kilos of rich orange stigmas per
hectare.
Seed propagation is good method. Seeds are sown in the spring in a cold
temperature around 10-20°C. Germination can take 1 - 6 months at 18°C.
Seedling should not be transplated in first year as in first year; seeds should
be provided proper liquid food. Small bulbs are divided once the when plants
have died down, then planting is done into 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm sized pot.
They are grown for 2 years in green house then. Finally during late summer
they should be transplated in their main position. It takes 3 years for plants to
fower from seed. Clumps are devided in late summer after the plant has died
down. The bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

When plants start fowering, harvesting should be done, for the fowering
period may last only 15 days. The triple stigmas are picked by hand daily just
as the fower opens. Then flowers are allowed to dry. An annual yield of 8-10
pounds of dried saffron per acre is obtained in an established planting.
Storage
After harvesting, storage of saffron is essential, Storage is done in sealed
tin containers. The final product is a compressed, highly aromatic, reddish
brown strands which are about 1 inch long. True saffron has a spicy, pungent
and bitter taste and a tenacious odor.
This plant contains the major volatile components of the oil are safranal,
isophorene, glucoside, corcin, crocetin, pcro-crocin essential oil, also contain
(3- and R-carotene and lycopene.

Saffron, marketed as powder or as “hay” performs the function of a
spice by adding its faint, delicate and pleasing favour to foods, which
can be used in cream, cottage cheese, bouillabaisse, mayonnaise, rice,
cakes, sweetments, chicken, meat, liqueurs and cordials.
A saffron tincture is used to favour essence.
For complains including chorea and hysterical affections it is also
used.
It is used for pain in eyes and top of head. Eyes appear as after
weeping and in smoke.
Ciliary neuralgia, pain from eyes to top of head.
It is also used in theatened glaucoma, and when dark blood hangs
down from the nose.
It is also used in uterine haemorrhages with clots with ling strings,
with pain in left breast.
It can be used in crawling sensation in anus, abdomen and stomach.
72: Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Tikhur)
Botanical Name: Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. Familly: Zingiberaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Tikhur
Hindi: Tikhur, Tikora
English: East Indian arrow root
Sanskrit: Tawakwsra
Telugu: Aararoot
Introduction
It is known asTikhur. Leaves are long. Instead or roots rhizomes are seen
which stores food. Rhizomes are light yellow to little red in color. Leaves are
green to light green.
Distribution
Tikhur grows wild in India and it is also cultivated in South India, Bihar,
Bengal and Maharastra and Gujarat. In Gujarat Tikhur is found in wild
condition in Girnar hills area and some other forests like Dang etc. It grows
in arid and semi arid region.
Cultivation
The sandy clay soil with better water drainage conditions and climatic
conditions in which temperatures ranges between 4º C to 40º C are suitable.
The land is to be ploughed 2-3 times and cow dung is added to soil 50 tones
per hectare.
Generally this plant is propagated through rhizomes. Rhizomes are being

sown at 30 cm distance. Sprouted tubers are cut into pieces which contain
buds (eye). These pieces are sown on the ridges made between drains. They
should be planted in rows and at a distance of 15 to 20 cm. Depth should not
be more than 5-10 cm. Irrigation is essential in the summer before monsoon
but after monsoon irrigation should be continued at 15 to 20 days interval.
Weeding and hoeing work is done at 15 to 20 days after rains.
Harvesting
This plant matures within 7 to 8 months, its tubers are to be removed
from the soil in the months of January to February and dry them under
shaded place. The bold tubers may be preserved for sowing in next crop.
Yield
The yield per hectare can be 40 to 50 tones. The present market value of
rhizomes is Rs. 15.00 to 20.00 per kg, while mother rhizomes @ Rs. 250 per
kg.

Rhizomes are source of starch.
Rhizome extract is being sweet and nutritious.
This plant is used to purify blood.
73: Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (Jangali
Haldar)
Botanical Name: Curcuma aromatica Salisb.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Jangali haldar, Zedo ary
Hindi: Jangali haldi
English: Wild turmeric, Yellow Zedoary
Sanskrit: Aranya harida
Tamil: kastri-manjal
Telugu: kasturi pasupa
Introduction
The rhizomes are light yellow in color which is internally orange. Wild
turmeric is some times used as a substitute for turmeric (C.longa) but not as a
condiment. Leaves are long containing reticulate venation. Leaves are elliptic
or lanceolate-oblong, caudate-acuminate, 30-60 cm long, petioles as long or
even longer, bracts are ovate, recurved, more or less tinged with red or pink,
flowers pink, lip yellow, obovate, defexed, subentire or obscurely three
lobed. Fruits are dehiscent, globose, three valved capsules type.
Distribution
Wild turmeric is distributed through out in India, Cultivated chiefy in
Bengal and Travancore. It is seen to be grown in Gujarat, Maharastra,
Rajasthan Southern and eastern part of India. In Gujarat especially in forest
of Girnar, Dang and Barda turmeric is seen abundant.
Cultivation
It can be grown in tropical diverse conditions from sea level to
moderately high hills and under a moderate temperature where maximum
temperature remains around 30 to 35 c and precipitation rate of 150 to 200
cm or more. Plant can be grown in different soil from light black to sandy
loam and red soils to clay loams where drainage is well and humus content is
high. Land is prepared during early monsoon. Deep ploughing makes the land
with fine tilth. Bed is prepared as 1 to 1.5 m width and 15 to 20 cm high.
Crop is planted in April to May time. Rhizomes are splitted weighing 30 to
40g for planting. Firm yard manner and cattle manner is useful. For one
hactre 2500 kg of rhizomes are required.
Harvesting
Crop becomes ready for harvest in 7-8 months. Land is ploughed and
rhizomes are gathered by hand picking, cleaned of mud etc.
Yield
47500 tones of dry rhizomes valued at Rs. 234 to 754 were exported in
1982-83.

Rhizomes are highly useful. They contain d-camphene, d-camphor,
sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene alcohols, acids and some unidentifed
residues. A sample from India contains 9.4 per cent essential oil,
showing high amount of arcurcumene, P-curcumene and
xanthorhizol. 2-4 methyl phenol is also present.
Rhizomes are bitter, carminative, appetizer and tonic.
Rhizomes are also used in combination with astringents and
aromatics for bruises, sprains, high cough, bronchitis, cough, and
leucoderma and skin eruptions.
Some times wild turmeric is used as a substitute for Curcuma longa
but not as condiments.
Turmeric is an auspicious article in all religious observances in
Hindu households. It is a normal constituent of condiments curry
powders and prepared mustard
An antiperiodic alternative, mixed with warm milk is said to be
beneficial in common cold.
Juice of the rhizome is applied in skin affections. Externally it is
applied in indolent ulcers, and a paste made from powdered rhizome
along with life forms a remedy for infamed joints.
Decoction of rhizome is said to relieve the pain of purulent
ophthalmia oil, has antiseptic properties.
In small doses acts as a carminative, stomachic, appetizer and tonic.
In large doses, it appears to acts as an antispasmodic inhibiting
excessive peristaltic movement of the intestines.
It is used for dying wool, silk and unmornted cotton to which it
imparts a yellow shade in an acid bath.
It is used in dyeing cotton, sometimes in combination with other
natural dyes like indigo and saffower to impart different shades. It is
used as a colouring matter in pharmacy, confectionary and food
industry.
Turmeric paper is official reagent in British pharmacopoeia for
testing alkalinity.
It is stomachic, tonic and blood purifer.
74: Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.)
(Palmarosa Grass)
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.)

Family: Poaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Sugandhit ghas
English: palmarosa grass
Introduction
This plant is in the form of perennial grass which attains height upto
three meters. It grows wild in our forest areas. After the first showers of
monsoon, it starts sprouting and by the end of October-November, fowering
and fruiting is complete and then plant dries.
There are two varieties of this grass namely Motia and Sofa. The
commercial Rosha oil is obtained from motia variety by steam distillation.
The oil of Sofa variety does not possess the minimum requirement of gernol
content and thus is inferior and does not fetch good price. The oil is in much
demand for perfumery and medicinal purposes. Large quantities of this oil
are exported to various countries.

This perennial grass is native to Southeast Asia, especially India and
Pakistan. Mostly this grass is grown for its oil in throught world.
Cultivation
This plant needs well drained soil with irrigation facility in areas with
average rainfall of 1500 m. It grows even in well drained clayey soils, but
does not tolerate water logging. Loamy and sandy loams are the best soils.It
can be propagated either by raising seedling in nursery amd then
transplanting in the feld, and or by planting grass slips, Nursery beds are
prepared by the end of May. Raised beds are preferred, so as to avoid the risk
of washing away the seeds at the time of food watering. Farmyard manure
may be added in good quantity to the feld. The seeds are mixed with fine
sand and sown at a distance of 15 to 20 cm. in lines. The seedlings should not
be very close to each other. About 5 kg of seeds are sufficient for one hectare
of plantation.
Regular watering in less quantity is done. For better growth of seedlings,
urea is applied. After 3-4 weeks, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting
in the feld. At the end of June or in the first week of July, the transplanting of
seedlings shall be done. If irrigation facility is available, transplanting may be
carried out much in advance. The feld is prepared before monsoon and kept
ready for planting. The nursery seedlings are removed without disturbing the
roots and are transplanted in the feld in lines of 45 cm apart and the distance
between plant in the lines is kept 30 cm. In case of root cutting method, the
best oil yieling variety grass is propagated. The root slips from the known
variety of grass are taken out and planted after the first showers of monsoon.
Irrigation is applied for the growth of plant but additional watering induces
decreases oil yield. For first two years there is no need of fertilizers but
during the growing season, addition of fertilizers is good for grsss. Every
year at the time of appearance of new leaves, mixture of Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potash should be added.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in first year when fowering is maximum in the month
of October-November. Esssential oil is available in all parts of the plant
namely inforescence, leaves, stems etc. but is more in fowering plants.
Generally the vegetative portion is cut abouve 10 to 15 cm from the ground
level and entire plant is used for steam distillation of oil. In the subsequent
years 2 to 3 crops are obtained in a year. Palmarosa gives oil upto eight years
period, but after four year, the percentage of oil declines. Therefore it is
advisable to keep the crop upto four years only and replace the same with
new crop later on.
Yield
An oil yield of about 220-250 kg/ha is obtained from second year
onwards from an irrigated crop.
Plant contains geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, geranyl octanoate,
geranyl butyrate, dihemiacetal bismonoterpenoid, cymbodiacetal.
The plant is acrid, bitter, thermogenic, appetizer, carminative,
digestive, cardiotonic, depurative, galactagogue, diuretic, sudorific
and febrifuge and is used in vitiated conditions of kapha and vata.
This plant is also used in vitiated conditions of pita and kapha,
neuralgia, brohnchitis, cough, catarrh, helminthiasis, anorexia,
dyspepsia, colic, cardiac debility, leprosy, skin diseases, aglactia,
strangury, epileptic fts in children, pharyngopathy and fever.
75: Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (Nagar
Motha)
Botanical Name: Cyperus Scariosus R.Br.

Family: Cyperaceae
Local Names
Hindi: Nagar motha
Gujarati: Nagar motha
English: Nut grass, Cyperiol
Sanskrit: Nar gmusta
Introduction
The plant grows wild in damp conditions.Nagar motha a perennial grass,
slender, glabrous ridge 0.5-1.0 m high with under ground, Sympodial
rhizome from which clustered clums shoot out. Rhizomes have length up to
20 cm hardening into wing roots, Leaves are in three rows. Consisting of a
closed sheath and narrow blades. Spikelets in solitary or umbelled heads or
spikes or linear or oblong spikelets with one or more leafy, involucrate bracts
and with bracteoles under secondary division of the inforescence. Rachilla is
persistent. Glumes are distichous, where lowest of two remain empty and
above remain sexual. Fruits are trigonous or triquetrous- nut type. Plant starts
fowering in 6-8 months, when there occurs increase in temperature and
humidity during summer and rainy season plant growth and rhizome
development become faster. In the feld plants have erect shoots and long
pointed drooping leaves.
Distribution
The plant occurs in damp situations of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Punjab, Gujarat and other southern parts of India. About 600 species of
Cyperus are known to grow in India. Of which Cyperus rotundus and
Cyperus scariosus are very useful as aromatic and medicinal plant. They
occur in damp places, road side ditches, river banks and marshy lands. In the
Gujarat Nagar motha is grown in Junagadh particularly in Girnar hills areas,
in Barda hills or Porbandar and some other parts of the state like Dang,
Panchmahal etc.
Cultivation
Medium kind of black soil, marshy lands are suitable for the growth of
plant along with hot climate condition. Although plant may be grown on low
and medium fertile soils. Field is required to be tilled 2-3 times with plough
and leter made plain after mixing 15 tones of cow dung manure per hactre.
Plant is highly affected by shade because under prolonged shading the
development of underground rhizome is adversely affected and may cause
death of shoots. Generally plant is propagated by roots. In starting of
monsoon roots are sown at 15 x 15 cm distances. Per hactre approximately 2,
00,000 plants can be grown of land. Plants become ready for transplanting
after 15-20 days. After monsoon irrigation is given at an interval of 15 to 20
days. It will keep roots moist and help in plant development. Weeding and
hoeing activities are done in September to October; during this season soil
around the plants needs good hoeing.
Harvesting
Crop matures in 18 months. In December-January, when leaves start
becoming yellow, roots may be removed, cleaned, dried under shade and are
stored. Per hactre 12 to 15 quintals of dry roots can be obtained. Roots
contain 0.3 to 0.4 per cent oil.
Yield
Root provides important oil. It is possible to harvest 200-250 quintals
semi dry roots from one hectare land from natural growing conditions. Under
cultivation rhizome yield may go high up to 350 to 500 quintals as per plant
population under wild conditions are very low and the plants are found
growing scattered. Market value of the oil is Rs. 35 to 60 per kg.

Roots are very useful in medicine. Rhizomes are used for washing
hairs
Oil is obtained from tubers (rhizomes) which are used by perfumers
as fxatives.
It forms good substitute for patchouli oil in soaps and other
perfumes.
Oil is also used as hair tonic.
Rhizomes are used for commercial extraction of Cyperus oil and as
such in dhoop, hawan samgries, agarbatties etc. Oil is also used for
favouring of tobacco.
76: Datura sp. (Daturo)
Botanical Name: Datura sp.

Family: Solanaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Daturo, Datura
Hindi: Sadahdhatura
English: Thorn apple, Jimson weed, Stink weed, Mad apple, Thorn
apple
Sanskrit: Dhatturah, Dhusturah
Tamil: Ummattai
Introduction
Datura is genus of poisonous, annual or perennial herbs or shrubs. There
are almost 15 species found in the world from which 10 spices are found in
India. Some of them like D.innoxia, and D.stramonium, D.metel are very
common and they are very useful drug plants.
1. Datura stramonium
This species is a glabrous or farinose annual, usually gets 90 cm height.
In the rich soil it can reach upto 180 cm or more. Stem is erect with spreading
branches. Leaves are pale green in colour. They are obovate or triangular-
ovate, 12.5 to 15 cm long and irregularly toothed. Flowers are 7.5 to 20 cm
long, white or violet in colour. The capsule is erect, 7 x 3.5 cm, ovoid, thickly
covered with sharp spines and dehiscing into 4 valves. The seeds are
numerous and reniform. Its chromosome number is 12 (2n) so it is diploid.
2. Datura innoxia
This species is bushy, coarse and annual attaining a height of 90 to 120
cm. The leaves are dark-green, ovate, often somewhat cardate about 12.5 x
7.5 cm. The flowers are white and fragrant and about 7.5 cm long. The fruits
are about ovate-conical, 5 cm long and exposing a long central column
bearing numerous light- brown seeds and emits a heavy, narcotic odour.
3. Datura metel
D.metel is subglabrous, spreading herb sometimes becoming shrubby.
Leaves are triangular-ovate in out line and unequal at the base. The flowers
are 17.5 cm long some times double or triple, they are white, violet, and
reddish –purple on the out side and white inside. Fruits are globose,
tuberculate or muricate, borne on a short thick peduncle; the capsule dehisces
irregularly exposing a mass of closely-packed, light brown, fat seeds, which
nearly fill the interior. Two improved varieties of D. metel have been evolved
by RRL, Jammu. They are,
(a) PRL-Purple
This is an early fowering type variety in which entire plant is purple and
there are seen dark-green leaves. The yield is about 240-290 q of green herb
and 18-24 q/ha of seeds. The alkaloid content varies from 0.24 to 0.36 in the
leaves and 0.12 to 0.19 in the seeds.
(b) RRL-Green
This is late fowering type variety in which plant is green and there are
seen light green leaves. The yield is 210 q of green herb and 1500-2000 q/ha
of seeds. The alkaloid content varies from 0.24 to 0.28 per cent in leaves and
0.098 to 0.128 in the seeds.

The plant is distributed throughout tropical and warm temperate regions
of the world. It is distributed in India, Africa, Asia, Europe, Mexico, South
America and USA. Generally it is believed to be native of Caspian region of
Europe, North America and Indian subcontinent.
Datura stramonium is believed to be a native of South America and it is
grown on the hills throughout India up to an altitude of 2400 m. It is
commercially cultivated in the USA and Europe with a view to obtain a drug
of uniform potency. In India it is cultivated in the hills of Uttar Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir Valley and some parts of Karnataka.
Datura innoxia is a native of Mexico; it is also found growing in the
Western Himalayas, the hilly regions of the western parts of the Deccan
Peninsula, and a few other places in India. Datura metal is the native of Asia
or Africa. It occurs throughout India and is occasionally grown in gardens.
Datura metel and Datura innoxia are found mainly distributed in the states of
Punjab, Hariyana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra,
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Cultivation
Datura can be sown in the variety of soils but prefer alkaline rich or
neutral, clay, loamy soil also, those tending to saline alkaline reaction, rich in
organic matter, for their successful growth and yield. Clayey, acidic or water
logged soils do not suit this crop. This plant is sensitive to frost and sheltered
situations. Open areas with bright sunshine are therefore preferred for their
cultivation. Generally Datura is grown in warmer parts of the world. It can be
grown upto an altitude of 2400 meter. Plant can’t withstand in high rain fall
or high temperature. Where annual rain fall is 100cm and temperature range
between 10-15 c in winter and 27-28°C in May-June are ideal for its
cultivation. Season of sowing varies for different species of Datura.
D.innoxia is sown as winter or spring crop, seeds are sown in
October or in late January.
D.metel is grown in summer and seeds are sown in March.
D.stramonium is grown in temperate areas like Kashmir valley.
Seeds are sown in March-April and in November in the North Indian
Plains.
Land is ploughed 2-3 times followed by planking. Weeds and stubble are
removed and FYM with a basal dose of fertilizers is incorporated into the soil
during the preparation. About 2 kg of seeds are needed to raise seedlings for
planting one hactre.
Generally seed germination is very low and irregular due to the presence
of an inhibitor. Seed germination can be enhanced by soaking the seeds
overnight in water and washing them repeatedly 2 to 3 times with fresh water
before sowing. It can also be enhanced by freezing and thawing. Seeds are
sown in rows 45-60cm apart and covered with soil. Seeds start germinating
within a fortnight and in a months time, the germination is complete.
Weeding and thinning is done when plants are 10-12 cm high, keeping a
plant to plant distance of almost 30-45 cm. Seedlings are transplanted when
they are 8-12 cm tall and possess four leaves, at a distance of 30-45 cm in
rows which are 45-60cm apart. For getting higher yield spacing of 75 x 75
cm is recommended. Generally transplantation is done in December to
January.
Fertilizers and Irrigation

Datura grows quickly with the application of fertilizers. Nitrogen,
phosphate and potash are useful to growth of Datura. FYM is also essential.
When there is no rains first irrigation is provided after sowing or
transplanting immediately. Then irrigations are given at intervals of 8-10
days depending upon the weather conditions, till the final harvest. Proper
weeding and hoelings are necessary for growth of plant.
Harvesting
Harvesting method is different for different species of Datura. They are
explained below.
D.stramonium: Crop can be harvested in 6-7 months after sowing. Entire
plant is cut when the fruits are mature but green, and partially dried in the sun
or in the shade. Leaves are stripped and separately dried. The seeds are
shaken off from the capsules when the fruits begin to burst.
D. innoxia: Crop is harvested in 6-8 months after sowing for final
harvest. If plants are raised in October or late January harvesting is done in 5-
6 months or one month after fowering which is in April. Fruits when fully
grown or when still green are plucked by hand 2-3 times before the final
harvest. Final harvesting is done with the help of sickle by cutting down
whole the plant. This harvested fruits are spread out under the sun until they
open. Open fruits are threshed with a stick to separate the seeds, which are
dried in the sun and packed in the gunny bags when fully dried.
D.metel: First harvest is obtained in July, in which all the tender
branches along with the leaves are cut. Herbage is dried in the shade
immediately. The harvested plants regenerate and two more harvests are
taken. Second harvest is taken in late August and third one is taken in
October. Plant is cut from the base in the last harvesting, if a ratoon crop is
not desired. Besides foliage, a sizeable number of fruits are also harvested as
and when they ripen.
Diseases
No major pests or diseases are found in India. However, thrips act as
vectors in transmitting the mosaic virus, which can be controlled by spraying
a suitable insecticide like Metasystox.
Yield
D.stramonium gives output of 11.2 to 17 q/ha of leaves and 8-9 q/ha of
seeds, D. innoxia gives yield of 1200-1700 kg/ha of dried seeds with an
alkaloid content varying from 0.2 to 0.35 per cent, and D. metel provides
yield of 240-290 q/ha of green herb and a yield of 210 q/ha of green herb and
15-20 q/ha of seeds can be obtained from the variety, RRL -green.

Leaves flowers roots and seeds are used for medicinal purposes.
Alkaloids of pharmaceutical importance extracted from these plants
at present are hyoscyamine, hyoscine and neteloidin. They are
narcotic, poisonous when used in large doses and medicinal in small
doses.
D.stramonium is antispasmodic and it is used in asthma and
Parkinson’s disease. Dried leaves are used to treat asthma by
smoking it in cigar.
Hysociamine hydrobromine is used as a pre anaesthetic medicine in
surgery, in childbirth, in ophthalmology and prevention of motion
sickness. This hydrobromide is isolated from the plant datura.
Stramonium is obtained from D.stramonium dry leaves and flowers.
It has disagreeable odour and a bitter, unpleasant taste. It contains 0.3
to 0.5 per cent of tropane alkaloids, hyomine and atropine in small
quantity.
Stramonium is narcotic, antispasmodic and anodyne which is used to
relieve the spasms of bronchitis or asthma.
Flowers are used to make poultice which can be applied to wounds to
reduce pain.
Decoction of flowers and roots has been used as a sedative to calm
patients during setting of fractures.
Poultice is also obtained from the leaves which are useful in checks
infammation of breasts caused by excessive formation of milk.
Seeds of D.innoxia are utilized as source of hyoscine
Alkaloids are obtained from different parts of plant like, leaves
(0.41-0.45 per cent), stem (0.25-0.26 per cent), roots (0.21 per cent),
fruits (0.46 per cent) and seeds (0.19 per cent).
77: Dendropthoe falcata Linn.f. (Vando)
Botanical Name: Dendropthoe falcata Linn f.

Synonym: Loranthus falcatus Linn./Loranthus longiforus Desr.
Family: Loranthaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vando
Sanskrit: Vrksadani
Hindi: Banda
Tamil: Pulluruvi
English: Mistletoe
Telugu: Badanika, Jiddu
Introduction
This plant is parasite plant which grows on stem of the other plant and
gets nutrients from the host plant. Bark is smooth and grey in colour. Leaves
are usually opposite type and thick. They are variable in shape from ovate to
linear-oblong. Mid rib of the plant is prominent. Secondary nerves are
obscure. Flowers are orange red or scarlet in short spreading, stout, axillary,
racemes or calyx inforescence. Flowers are bisexual. Fruits are ovoid or
oblong berries type and they are crowned by cup shaped calyx present inside
the fower.
Distribution
This plant is very common throughout in India, occurs as parasite plant
on the other plant and mostly found in tropical and sub tropical regions of the
world.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1.) Seed propagation and (2.)
Vegetative propagation. Although this plant is found to be grown naturally in
moist forests and arid and semi arid forest.
This plant contains cytokinins and casein hydrolysate, quercitrin,
kaempferol, quercetagetin, quercetin, myricetin, an acylxyloside of quercetin,
hyperoside, myricitrin, meratin and rutin.

This plant is cooling, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, narcotic and
diuretic.
It is used in pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, menstrual disorders,
swellings, wounds, ulcers, strangury, renual and vesical calculi and
vitiated condition of kapha and pitta.
78: Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.
(Shali-parni)
Botanical Name: Desmodium gangeticum (L.)DC.

Family: Fabaceae-pepillionaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: shal parni, shal pun, Prasna parni
Hindi: shal van, shal pani
English: Salwan, sap parni
Tamil: Orila, Pulladi
Telugu: Gitanaram, Kolakuporna
Sanskrit: Anshumati
Introduction
D.gangeticum is an annual or perennial, sub erect diffusely branched,
under shrub found almost throughout India. It is found at 2000m in
Himalayas as well. Leaves are unifoliate, alternate, stipulate and ovate-acute.
Flowers are small, pink in colour borne in terminal elongate racemes, with
companulate calyx, papilionaceous corolla is found. Stamens are diadelphous
and sessile, ovule are many in the ovary. Style is fliform and incurved and
stigma, capitate. Fruit is compressed and moniliform. Each fruit has 6-8
seeds. Several variable forms are met within the species.
Distribution
Desmodium is a large genus of perennial or annual herbs or shrubs found
throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. About 38 species
are found in India. Among them D.gangeticum is most useful as drug. It is
seen at high elevation at 2000 meters in Himalayas. It is distributed in Jammu
and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. It can be seen in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and most of the other states of India. In Gujarat it is
widely seen in Porbandar and Junagadh in Girnar hills and Barda hills.

Shal parni is used in Ayurveda as one drug of the Dashmoola. This
species of Desmodium is utilized in the formation of
Dhyavanaprasam and dhanvantharam tailam.
Shaliparni is used as effective cardio tonic with diuretic and laxative
actions.
Roots of this plant are useful as antipyretic, expectorant, alterative
and diuretic actions as they contain pterocarpenoids, gangetin,
gangetinin and desmodin. Aerial parts of this species contain
tryptamine derivatives. Alkaloids from aerial parts have hypotensive
and anticholinesterase activity and they act as stimulants of central
nervous system.
This species is employed as a nervine tonic.
It is useful in burning sensation, fever, dysentery, and thirst and
vomiting and allays difficulty in breathing.
D.pulchellum is used against diarrhea and haemorrhage, D.velutinum
is found to be useful against cancer, D.heterocarpum is useful in anti
infammatory action and D.motorum is used as aphrodisiac.
Plant is useful in curing hazy vision. D.triforum is effective as
antidysentric and galactogogue which can be used against wounds
and abscesses.
79: Dioscorea sp. (Vidari Kandh)
Botanical Name: Dioscorea sp.

Family: Diascoreaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vidari kandh
Hindi: Chupri alu, khamalu
English: Greater yam, Asiatic yam,
Sanskrit: Alukam
Tamil: Perumvallikilanku, kappan kaccil
Telugu: chedupadudumpa
Introduction
Dioscoria is twining annual herb plant which has around 600 species
distributed worldwide, among them 60species are found in India. Stem of
yam is weak, it is rope like structure which climb by twining. It usually
grows to a length of several meters, which have to twine around some
support. Variation is seen in shape and size of leaves ranging from 50 to 200
sq cm. tip of leaf is pointed. The lamina is simple except the species
belonging to the section Lasio phyton (D.hispida and D.dumetorum) which
have trifoliate compound leaves. Lamina surface of D.cayenensis is dark and
glossy, veins remains distinct. The main veins are radiated from the base of
the lamina and the other veins are reticulate. D.rotundata leaf veins contain
variable amount of anthocyanin and petioles are enlarged at two extremes.
Leaf colour is usually green except in D.alata. in which purplish anthocyanin
pigments mark the young leaves and older leaves are quite larger and light
green in colour.
Petiole may be winged or spined. Petiole may bear a set of prominent
spines as in D.alata and D.esculanta or may be dilated into ear like auricles
as D.bulbifera. Base of petiole is swollen. Phyllotaxy may be opposite or
alternate on the lower parts of the stem and ossposite on the top. Flowers are
dioecious but monoecious and hermaphrodite flowers are also seen.
Generally flowers produced in early phase of the plant that is during June in
West Africa. Female flowers are produced later. Roots are fbrous type and
they remain within top 30 cm of soil in upper layer. Roots are developed
early in their life cycle. But in sprouted tuber in storage, numerous short,
stout roots arise at the base and once planted, those roots form a massive
structure. These roots elongate rapidly and become the feeding roots.
Fruits are trilocular, dehiscent capsule type; junction of the locule is
extended out into fattened wings. They are 1-3 cm long. When fruits become
dried, dried fruit dehisces along the 3 sutures, separating the locules and
making it easy for dispersal of the seeds. The plant dies at the end of the
season, but the fruit is undehisced and remains so for several weeks. Seeds
are small, light and possess a fattened wing like structure for its easy
dispersal of wind. Some important species are explained below. Tuber
formation in yam is the onset of meristematic activity at the junction of the
stem. i.e. at the base of the vine and the hypocotyls region. Most of the yam
tubers exhibit strong positive geotropism. In a structure that originates from
the hypocotyls region, the transition zone between the stem and the root as a
lateral outgrowth and hence, it is considered that yam tuber is neither a root
nor a stem structure, not a root wit root cap. It lacks any scale leaves, buds or
eyes from a massive corm like structure located at the base of vine. The corm
is formed very early and later the tuber arises from it. Hence the corm is
considered as the head of the tuber which has several buds presents and end
of the dormancy period of the stored tubers, the sprouting will occur from the
head end of the tuber, near the point of attachment.
Description of the Various Types of Tubers in Yam
Species Tuber Type
D. alata Shape is variable, tuber branching is seen, mostly
cylindrical, brown to black colour, tuber watery in taxure.
Tubers possess a thin layer of fber below the skin.
D.rotundata Tuber shape is cylindrical, skin is thick, smooth and brown,
proviedes good protection in storage, fesh is white, starch
grains are large and ovoid.
D. cayenesis Cylindrical, skin is thick, brown and smooth, provides good
protection in storage. tuber fash is yellow so it is called as
yellow yam.
D. opposita Tubers are very long and thin and hence very difficult to
harvest. It also produces aerial tubers in leaf axils
D.bulbifera Bulbil is the major storage organ, which is used as setts in
the cultivation of this species. Bulbils are produced on the
aerial parts of the plant. The underground tuber is small in
both Asian and African varieties.
D.dumetorum Tubers are bitter and poisonous, because of high content of
alkaloids, dioscorine or its derivatives.
D.trifda Tubers fash may be white, yellow, pink or purple. They are
palatable.
D.hispida Tubers are toxic so it is known as intoxicating yam. They are
made edible after detowicating through running water or
salt-water steeping.
Some of the species of yam is explained below.
1. D. deltodea: Rhizome is superficial, horizontal, tuberous, digitate
and chestnut brown in colour. Vines are glabrous, left twining. Stem
bears alternate petiolate leaves. Lamina is long and widely cordate.
Flowers are borne in axillary spikes, male spikes, 8-40 cm long with
6 stamens. Female spikes are 15 cm long and 3.5 cm broad. Fruits get
matured in 90 days. Capsules have 4-6 seeds that are winged.
2. D.composita: Tubers are large, white and deep rooted. Buds are
confined to the crown portion. The vines are right twinning and
nearly glabrous. Leaves are alternate and have long petioles,
membranous or coriaceous lamina abruptly acute or auspidate
acuminate, shallowly or deeply cordate. The fasciculate inforescence
is single or branched with 2-3 sessile male flowers, with fertile
stamens. Female flowers have bifd stigma, stigma receptivity lasts for
30 hours. Fruits mature in 110 days. Tubers are large, white and deep
rooted.
3. D.foribunda: Vines are glabrous and left twining alternate leaves
which are borne on slender stems with broadly ovate, shallowly or
deeply cordate coriaceous lamina with thick and frm petioles. Leaves
are variegated to varying degrees. Male flowers are solitary or in
pairs. Female flowers have divariate bifd stigma. Capsules are
obovate with winged seeds. Fruits mature in 120 days. Flowers are
insect pollinated. Ants are main agent.
4. D.bulbifera: It is known as aerial yam or potato yam. It is
characterized by the production of large number of bulbils on each
plant which are edible. Bulbils are small, round. They are
characterized by the swellings in the axils of the leaves. Thorne and
pickles are found in many species. Tubers are source of tannins,
alkaloids, and saponions which render them unpalatable or
poisonous. Other medicinally useful species are D.pentaphylla,
D.opposityfolia,, D.hispida etc.

Dioscorea alata spreads from Burma to India, Malaysia, Sumatra and
other parts of South-East Asia. Later, it spreads towards the West, to
Madagascar, East Africa and other parts of the tropics such as West Africa,
West Indies, Pacific Island, and tropical Asia and also to East Africa. After
1500 AD, its cultivation was expanded to west coast of Africa and widely
known as Lisbon yam and grows as main food for ship slaves. It is most
cultivated species of yam in India and it is grown as a subsidiary food.
D.rotundata had been introduced from West Africa to India in 1976 through
IITA, Nigeria in the form of seeds and now it is greatly established. It grows
extensively in West Indies and some extent in East Africa. It has spread from
Senegal to Ethiopia and to Uganda and Angola to Zimbabve.
D. bulbifera is mostly available in West Indies, South Pacific Islands and
also to some extent in India. It is the only edible species, native to both Asia
and Africa. D. esculanta is cultivated in China since the second century. It is
spread widely in South East Asia, Pacific Island and West Indies. In India
wild types are found. Madhya Pradesh, Orrisa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the states which grow this species. During
sixteeth century, D.cayenesis was introduded from West Africa to West
Indies. D.dumetorum is available only in tropical Africa in both cultivated
and wild forms an widely cultivated throughout west Africa 15 N to 15 S. D.
trifda is believed to be originated in South America and its cultivation is
restricted to West Indies. D.hispida extends from Western India to Malaysia
and Papua New Guinea. Cultivated types are poisonous as the wild ones. D.
opposite is extensively cultivated in China and Japan and used for traditional
medicinal purposes in China. D.maxicana, D.composita, D.foribunda are
commercially grown in Maxico.
Cultivation
Dioscorea can be grown in several types of soils. Light or sandy soils
require good irrigation and fertilization, whereas heavy clay soils restrict
tuber growth and harvest and often create water logging. Medium loam and
deep soils provide good yield. Some spicies like D.foribunda and
D.composita are more suited to the tropics; D.deltoida is reported to be a
suitable species for temperate locations. It can grow well in the temperate
regions of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The feld should be ploughed and
harrowed several times, leveled properly nd drainage channels should be
made. Since yams have a high requirement of organic matter for good tuber
formation, a sufficient quantity (20-25 t/ha) of FYM is incorporated at the
time of land preparation. 45 x 30 cm for a 1-year old crop and 60 x 45 cm for
2 year old crop in D.foribunda is found to be optimum under irrigated
conditions.
Deep furrows are prepared at 60 cm distances in which sprouted tubers
are planted. After sprouting is completed, earthing up is done, utilizing the
soil from the ridges.
Propagation
Yams can be propagated by (a) Tuber pieces (b) seeds and (c) by stem
cuttings. It can also be propagated in vitro conditions.
(a) Tuber pieces: Dioscorea grows best by rhizome or tuber method.
Tubers are prepared by cutting 50-60 pieces of rhizome. If pieces are
small then yield is less. In fact 3 types of pieces are utilized for
planting (1). Stems or crowns (2). Middle portions or Medians and
(3). Tips or distal ends. Crown produce new shoots within 30 days of
planting, while others take nearly 100days to sprout. Crown gives
less diosganin compared to the median and the tips, hence the latter
can be used for the extraction of alkaloids and the former can be used
for propagation. Although median and tips can also be useful for
planting. Only healthy tubers are selected to avoid the rooting or
tubers. Healthy tubers must then be dipped in benlate fungicide (0.3
per cent) for 5 minutes followed by dusting the cut ends with 0.3 per
cent benlate powder before planting or storage. The benlate treated
tuber pieces should be kept in raised beds in the shade, covered with
sand and watered daily. After 30 days sand may be removed and the
sprouted crowns taken out and planted in the feld. The median and tip
portion are again covered with sand and watered regularly. Good
time for planting tubers is February-March or June-July.
(b) By seeds: Seed propagation is also useful in some species of
Dioscorea. Seeds contain wide membranous wing that can be
removed without affecting germination. The seeds can be sown either
in raised beds (there should be mixture of loamy soils and FYM.) in
the shade or in polythene bags (filled with sand soil and FYM in
1:1:1).Planting depth should not be more than 1.25 cm and frequent
watering of the beds is essential. The seeds germinate within three
weeks and are ready for transplanting in 3-4 months. Seedlings are
supported immediately. Just before start of the rain we should
transplant seedlings to the feld. Flowering time in Dioscorea is
August to September. So female and male plant should be grown
closer to each other that we can get seeds easily.
(c) By Stem cuttings: Stem cutting is also useful method. Vines are
raised from 50-100g tuber pieces in the green house. One or two
month old vines, are taken and cut into single node cuttings, each
with one leaf. Before planting cutting should be treated with 1 ppm 2,
4-D and 0.1 per cent benlate for 4 hours. The beds are watered
regularly. After rooting, the cuttings are transplanted to polythene
bags and produce about ten leaves in a period of two months.
D.foriblunda can also be done by air and ground layering.
(d) In vitro propagation: Both single nodes and apices explants are
reported to produce full feged plants after 90-100 days. Single nod
leaf cuttings of D.foribunda when used as explants; give 100 per cent
rooting when grown in vitro.
Irrigation and Fertilizers

During summer months frequent irrigation is needed. 4 to 5 days interval
in hot condition is good while in winter 7-8 days gap for irrigation is good for
better growth of plant. This plant grows quickly by application of fertilizers.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium are useful for its growth. A fertilizer
dose of 300kg N, 150 kg P and 150 kg K are useful. The entire quantity of P
should given as a basal dose while N and K are given in four equal split doses
at bimonthly internals commencing from 2 months after sprouting. For
getting good tubers yield and diosgenin content the application of S, Ca, and
Mg are useful.
Harvesting
Harvesting depends on the types of species. Time varies for different
species. In D.deltoidea, harvesting should be done after three years to get
optimum yield from the crop with maximum diosgenin content. Similarly
D.foribunda should be kept at least for two years in the feld for viable yields.
Tubers are harvested generally in the month of February to March when
tubers are in dormant condition. Tubers give maximum yield of diosgenin at
that time. Harvesting can be done by manual labour with pickaxes.
Yield
Average yield varies by species to species. An average yield of 15 to 20
t/ha of fresh tubers can be obtained during the first year, and up to 40 to 50
t/ha during the second year. Diosgenin content of the tubers tends to increase
on an average, from 2.5 to 3 per cent in 1st year and 3-3.5 in 2nd year. On the
basis of prevailing market conditions with dry tubers a net profit of about
Rs.30000 per hactre can be obtained in one year crop while Rs. 60000 per
hactre can be obtained in two year old crop. Yield depends on type of soil.
No major diseases have been recorded to affect this plant. Rotting affects
the crops of D.foribunda tuber pieces during storage in sand beds. This can be
controlled by treating tubers with 0.3 per cent benlate solution. Leaf spot has
also been reported in D.composita which is caused by Drechelera
sorokiniana, can be controlled by spraying benlate solution. (0.1 per cent).

It is steroidal drug which alone constitute about 6 per cent of the total
production of pharmaceuticals.
It has antifertility activity and used in family planning programme of
the developing countries.
Very useful Diosgenin is obtained from the rhizomes of various
species of Dioscorea. It is the major base chemical for several steroid
hormones including sex hormones, cortisones, other corticosteroids
and the active ingredient in the oral contraceptive pill.
The other important sapogenins found from dioscorea are
yamogenin, botogenin and kryptogenin.
Minor sapogenins like pannogenin and tigogenin are also found in
certain cases.
It is estimated that Maxico is world’s highest producer of diosgenin,
producing about 750 tonnes annually. Indian pharmaceutical
companies of India are the largest buyer of Diosgenin.
80: Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey (Shiv
Lingi Ni Vel)
Botanical Name: Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey

Synonym: Bryonia laciniosa Linn.
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shiv lingi
Tamil: Sivalingakkay, Aiviralkkovai
Hindi: Shiva lingi, Ishavar lingi.
Telugu: Lingadauda
Sanskrit: Lingini
Introduction
This plant is slender much branched tendril climber. From a thick
permanent root stock, tendrils 2-fd; Leaves are simple, alternate,
membranous, 5-lobed, scabrid above, pale and smooth beneath deeply
cordate at the base, margins are sinuate, sometimes they are subserrate.
Flowers are yellow in colour, unisexual, males in small fascicles of 3-6.
Females are solitary or a few. Fruits are subsessile globose and are smooth
berry brick red when they ripe with vertical lines. Seeds are yellowish brown
in colour.

This plant is found throughout India. It is found on hedges and bushes
upto 1,200 meter elevation. This is very common in dry and semi dry forest
in India, eastern and central tropical Africa from Mozambique northwards to
the Sudan and Congo Republics, also in tropical Asia, Malesia including the
Philippinesis, and tropical Australasia. Origin of the plant is still topic of
uncertainty.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated through seeds or vegetative means.

The plant is acrid, thermogenic, anti-infammatory, foetid, alterant,
depurative and tonic.
This is also useful in vitiated conditions of Piita, cough, fatulence,
skin diseases, infammations and general debility.
81: Eclipta alba L. (Bhangaro)
Botanical Name: Eclipta alba L.

Synonym: Eclipta prostrate L, Eclipta erecta L.
Family: Asteraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bhangaro
Sanskrit: Bhrangarajah, Tekarajah
Hindi: Bhamgra
Tamil: Kayyantakara, Kalkesi
English: Trailing eclipta
Telugu: Galagara, Guntagalijeru
Introduction
Bhangra is perennial herb, it is erect or prostrate and gets height of 30-40
cm. Stems are purple or green colour, bristly, thickened at the nodes. Leaves
are opposite, subsessile, lanceolate-oblong, denticulate, hirsute on both sides.
Flowers are white in colour and it is arranged in axillary or terminal head.
Generally bisexual flowers are present. Achene 3-angled which is slightly
fattened.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout India. It is mostly found in waste
lands and waste grounds. It also wildly grows on both the sides of the road. It
is common weed of tropical climate. It comes up even on the poor soils.
Cultivation
It is propagated by seeds. The seeds are collected in advance and kept
carefully preserved. The area is ploughed and continuous furrows are made at
25 cm apart. Then the seeds are sown in the furrows continuously, at the
beginning of monsoon. The seeds germinate soon. Weeds are removed and
leaves are collected in December or January.
Harvesting
The leaves are plucked and dried.
Yield
According to estimation, 2000 kg. of leaves are available from one
hectare.
This plant contains thiophene derivatives. The co-occurrence of mono-,
di- and trithiophene acetylenes together with α-terthienyl in this species is
noteworthy. The petroleum ether extract of aerial parts contains a terthienyl
aldehyde, ecliptal besides stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, the aerial parts also
contain 2-an-geloyloxy methylene-5’-dithiophene, 5’-isovaleryloxy
methylene-2-dithiophene. The roots are very rich in thiophene acetylenes.
They contain the dithiphene derivatives 5’-seneocioyl oxymetylene-2
dithiopene, and 5’-tigloy-loxymethylene-2-dithiophene in addition to 2-5-
thiophene.

This plant is bitter, acrid, thermogenic, alterative, anti-infammatory,
anthelmintic, anodyne, vulnerary, ophthalmic, digestive, carminative,
haematinic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, trichogenous, deobstruant,
depurative and febrifuge.
It is useful in the hepatosplenomeglay, elephantiasis, infammations,
vitiated conditions of vata, gastropathy, anorexia, helminthiasis, skin
disesases, wounds, ulcers, ophthalmopathy, debility, hypertension,
strangury, leprosy, pruritus, fever, jaundice, odontalgia, otalgia and
cephalalgia.
It is good for blackening and strengthening of the hair, for stopping
haemorrhages and fuxes, and for strengthening the gums.
The seeds are good for increasing sexual vigour.
82: Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Ambala)
Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis Gaertn.

Synonym: Phylanthus emblica L.
Family: Euphorebiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Amala, ambala
Hindi: Amala
English: Ambala, Indian gooseberry
Sanskrit: Adiphala, Amaloko, Dhauri
Tamil: Nelli
Telugu: Usirikai
Introduction
This plant has many forms like herb, shrub and trees. Some of the
species are often cultivated in green houses for their graceful foliage. Word
phylanthus is derived from Greek word phyllon which means leaf and anthos
(fower) which can be understood as bearing of flowers on the leaves. Embica
is medium sized deciduous tree but grows quite tall reaching a height of 19
meters or even more. Tree is referred as evergreen tree by most of the people.
Stem is mottled and gray color bark is seen. Leaves are feathery, small, fine
and delicate. Tree has a peculiarity of shedding its twings along with leaves
attached. Flowers are greenish, very small and are borne in clusters often on
the naked portion of the twings below the leaves. The tree flowers from
March to May and fruits ripe from November to February. The fruit is nearly
stalking less, smooth, yellowish, green and feshy. The fruit is divided into six
segments through pale linear grooves. The fruit is shiny and the size varies
from small seeds embedded in the fesh. Aonla is hardy plant and does not
require much attention.

Origin of amala plant is tropical southeastern part of India. Plant is
distributed throughout India. It is also grown in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Puerto
Rico, African Countries and many parts of south and Latin America. In India
it grows in Karla, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra,
Orissa and also in the plains of North India. It is seen naturally growing in
mixed deciduous forests of most of the states of India and flowers and fruits
even in hill tracts up to an elevation of 1000m from sea level.
Varieties of Aonla
Many varieties have developed in India. Some of them are described
here.
1. Amrit (NA 6): This is a selection from ‘chakaiya’ and has mid
season maturity. Fruits are most attractive, shining, medium to large
sized. Generally they are 35-37 gm in weight, they contain very low
amount of fbre content. They are very useful for candy making owing
to low fbre content.
2. Neelom (NA 7): This is a selection from ‘Francis’ and has seasonal
meturing. Fruits are medium to large sized containing weight of 35-
37gm with conical apex and free from necrosis. Fibre content is little
higher than NA-6. It is most precocious and prolific bearer (9-7
female fower/ branchlet). An ideal variety for preparation of
processed products and has great commercial promise.
3. Narendra Aonla 9: This variety of Aonla is early maturing and is
the selection of Banarasi. Fruits are medium to large sized, roundish
at the stylar end and fattened. Fruits are pink tinged colored during
early stage. This is good bearer and most suitable for dehydration and
pickling.
4. Anand 1: This is a seedling selection from local seedling population.
Trees of these varieties are tall with upright growth habit. It is
moderate bearer having 1-2 female flowers per branchlet. Fruits are
small with sligh rough and thick skin. Fleshy part of fruit is hard
which contains fbers.
5. Anand 2: This is variety with tall tree, upright growth habit. It is a
good bearer. Fruits are medium to small with rough skin. Female
flowers are 2-2.5 per branchlet. This variety has medium keeping
quality.
6. Anand 3: This variety is moderate bearer with yellowish green fruits.
It contains 6-7 segments. It is developed at GAU, Anand.
7. Luxmi 52: It is recently developed at CISH, Lakhnow.
8. Balwant: This variety is the selection from Banarasi variety of
Aonla. It is early variety with better salt tolerance. Fruits are big to
medium in size containing weight of 40-50 gm. They are round and
fat in structure. The fesh is fbreless.
Cultivation
Amla grows well under tropical or humid tropical condition. A well
distributed rain fall is required for proper fowering and fruiting. Generally
plant grows well in sandy loam-clay soils in India. It requires a deep soil.
Presence of concrete layer at less than 1 meter depth may stop tree growth
after 10-12 years. This can be cultivated in soils from slightly acidic to
slightly alkaline or saline in reaction. Plant can be propagated by seed or it
may also be propagated by Vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
When Amala fruits ripe seed become brown colored in November to
December. Fruits are sun dried for removal of seeds. Fruits are also cut with
the help of stone to obtain seeds. Some of the seeds may be embryo less and
foating them on water just before sowing may be useful to separate seeds
from fruits. Germination of seed is rapid and it is 100 per cent. Seedlings are
raised for rootstock in feld or in pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is done by inarching, budding or layering. The
inarching is similar to that followed in mango and is done in the months of
June and July with 25-30 percent success. There is a drawback with inarching
that a large number of grafts may dry up soon after the season is excised from
the mother plant. Further, a heavy loss may also occur when inarched grafts
are transplanted in feld, due to separation of scion from the stock at the point
of union. Budding is the most successful technique in the multiplication of
Amla. at the point of union. Budding is the most successful technique in the
multiplication of Amla. The bud take as well as survival, both are much
better as a result of patch budding in May. Three different budding methods
namely, shield; patch and fork have been tried with good success in the
months of June to September. Bud take of 100 per cent is obtained with the
fork and patch methods and the maximum success and survival after
transplanting occurs in September budding. Budding methods can be
successfully used to rejuvenate seedling trees or old bearing trees of
gooseberry. Primary branches of such trees are headed back and cut portions
are treated with coal tar. The selected new shoots arising from these stubs are
budded in June to September. The technique of air layering has been tried
with success at Kerala Agricultural University. Use of moss as a media is
found to be best for air layering.
Grafted of budded plants or layers should be planted at the distance of 8-
10 m. The planting is done in June July. Pits are prepared of 1 x 1x 1m size.
In each pit 20-30 kg of compost mixed with red soil is filled in. Plants are
planted in the centre of this pits. This tree needs sharp light and is sensitive to
forst and drought. Under suitable environmental condition the tree coppices
well and pollards moderately well. Growth of plant is fast in starting but later
it becomes very slow.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the 10 to 11 year of planting. How ever it
continues to yield well for about 50 years under well nourished conditions.
Fruits are plucked by hands. Fruits should not be droped on ground because
they can be destroyed and their quality can be degraded.
Diseases
No specific diseases have been noticed.
Yield
Per tree around 100 to 150 kg of fruits are produced. Within one hectare
if there are 150-160 trees are there then they will give yield whole life.

Almost all the parts of alma tree are of great economic importance.
Fruits are very good sources of vitamins and minerals and hence used
as a constituent of food and medicines.
Vitamin c obtained from fruits of amla is more useful than vitamin c
obtained from capsule.
Amala are one of the three constituents of the well known Indian
preparation Triphala. (Triphla is obtained from amla, Terminalia
bellerica and terminalia chebula) Triphla is laxative and it used in the
treatment of enlarged liver, piles, stomach complaints, pain in eyes
etc.
Fruits of Emblica are good liver tonic, raw fruits are cooling and
mild laxative.
Fermented liquor is made from the fruit is useful in indigestion,
anaemia, jaundice, certain heart complaints, cod in nose and for
promoting urination. Dried froots are used in diarrhea and dysentery.
Even pickled fruits are used in Indian medicines. Chyavanpras is
obtained from the fruits of the Emblica. This is used for growth,
vigour, andgeneral health.
Oil prepared from the fruits is said to have the property of promoting
the hair growth.
It is largely used in making inks and dyes and for hair shampoos.
Fruits along with bark are used for tannins and polyphenols.
Several alkaloids, favanoids, quinines, steroids and terpenoids are
also isolated from Amla plants.
Amala candy, preserve, jam, pickle etc. are some of the commonly
made products. Fruits acts as detergent,
Bark and leaves are rich in tannin (21-22 per cent). Wood is also
used for poles and agricultural implements.
83: Embelia ribes Burm.f. (Vav Ding)
Botanical Name: Embelia ribes Burm.f.

Family: Myrsinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vav ding
Hindi: Vay vidang
English: Emblica
Sanskrit: Vidangah
Tamil: Vayu-vilamga
Telugu: Vidanga, Vatuvidanga
Introduction
Vav ding is very common plant in India. It is grown throughout in India.,
It is also grown in the areas up to 1,500 m elevation in hilly regions. It is a
large scandent shrub which has long, slender, fexible branches. The bark is
studded with lenticels. Leaves are simple alternate elliptic-lanceolate and
short. They are glabrous on both the sides, shiny above, silvery beneath gland
dotted, glandular pits near the midrib beneath. Flowers are white or greenish
white. Inforescence is axillary, lax panicled racemes. Fruits are globular dull
red to nearly black berries, longitudinally striated with short slender
persistent pedicel and style base. Seeds are single globose, hollowed at the
base, white spotted, testa are membranous, albumen pitted.
Distribution
This plant is seen to be distributed in tropical and sub tropical countries
like Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc. The plant is
endogenous to India and found throughout in India upto an altitude of 5,000
feet. In India it is grown in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and
most of the other states.
Cultivation
Light and sandy soil with good drainage conditions is suitable for its
cultivation. Dry and temperate climate is good for its better growth. Cow
dung provides good growth to the plant. Generally 7-8 tones of decomposed
cow dung manure is applied in the feld per acre. Plants are propagated
through seeds and vegetative method. The seeds are sown in nursery during
May-June to prepare the plants. The seeds sprout in nearly 30-45 days. After
6 months of sowing plants are ready and should be transplanted in the feld at
a distance of 2 x2 feet in ditches of 1 x 1x 1 feet prepared in advance.
Irrigation should be given at irregular intervals of 15-15 days. Weeding and
hoeing activities are given according to need.
Harvesting
Plant provides fruits after two years generally in August to September.
Fruits are ripen in November to January. The ripped fruits are to be plucked
by hands. Then they are dried under the sun and then filled in the bags for
storage. Roots are also harvested. For that whole plant is uprooted after two
years of age and is separated from plant. Roots are cleaned and dried.
Yield
From the second year onwards nearly 25-30 quintals dry fruits per
hectare can be obtained. In the market these dry fruits are sold at the rate of
Rs. 80.00 to Rs. 100 per kg.
Medicinal and Econonomic Importance

Generally whole plant is used for medicinal value. Roots, leaves and
fruits are used.
Roots are acrid, astringent, thermogenic and stomachic, and are
useful in vitiated conditions of vata, odontalgia, colic, fatulence and
dyspepsia.
Fruits are also acrid, astringent, bitter, thermogenic, anthelmintic,
depurative, brain tonic, digestive, carminative, stomachic, diuretic,
contraceptive, rejuvenating, alterant, stimulant, alexeteric, laxative,
anodyne, vulnerry, febrifuge and tonic, and are useful in vitiated
conditions of kapha and vata, helminthiasis, skin diseases, leprosy,
pruritus, nervous debility, amentia, dyspepsia, fatulence, colic,
constipation, strangury, tumors, asthma, bronchitis, dental caries,
odontalgia, hemicrania, dyspnoea, cardiopathy, psychopathy, ring
worm infection, fever, emaciation and general deability.
Leaves are used as astringent, thermogenic, demulcent and
depurative, and are useful in prutitus, skin diseases and leprosy.
84: Ephedra sp. (Som Vel)
Botanical Name: Ephedra gerardiana Wall.

Family: Ephedraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Som vel
Hindi: Som lata, Phock, Khanda
English: Ephedrine plant
Introduction
Ephedra is small erect shrub with dark green, striated, cylindrical
branches, which are arising in whorls. The branches are green to dark green,
and curved. Nodes and inter nodes are seen clearly. Internodes are 1-4 cm
long and 1-2 mm in diameter. The fruit is ovoid, red, sweet and edible. In
each fruit 1 to 2 or more seeds are enclosed by succulent bracts. There are so
many species of Ephedra like E. intermedia, E.major, E.foliata etc.
Ephedra intermedia
It is densely branched, erect or prostrate shrub, met with in Kanawar and
to lesser extent in Kashmir.
Ephedra major
An upright, rarely ascending, densely branched shrub, twigs of which
closely resemble with E.gerardiana.
E.foliata
A tall, scandent shrub bearing edible fruits found in plains of Punjab and
Rajasthan.
Distribution
It is grown in Russia, UK, Kenya and Australia. A few areas of Northern
Himalayas like higher altitudes of Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, Himachal
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are suitable for its cultivation. 4 species of ephedra
occur in India.
Cultivation
Seed propagation is good method. Seeds have poor viability. Therefore
they are collected fresh from the fruits which are ripe from June to July. The
seeds, when not removed from the fruits germinate viviparously. The seeds
are sown in the nursery beds in September to October. By the end of cold
season, when germination is over weeding is done. Seedlings will be ready
for transplanting in the feld by the onset of monsoon. The feld is thoroughly
ploughed or raked up and unwanted vegetative matter is removed. After
providing for drainage channels, the seedlings are brought from nursery and
transplanted in the feld. In June after one or two pre monsoon showers. At the
spacing of 1 X 1 m plants are planted. After one month of planting first
weeding is carried out. Second and third wee dings are also important in first
year.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done from second year and every year afterwards. The crop
can be retained up to 5 years, after which the crop is renewed once again.
October -November is good time for harvesting when alkaloid contents are
higher at that time. The first harvest is taken in the second year and later on
every year. The aerial branches are cut fush to the ground and the material is
dried completely under shade, before dispatching the same for marketing.
Yield
Every year 2000kg drug/ha is obtained from ephedra. Drug is sold at Rs.
15/-kg in market. Net return per hectare after 2nd year to 5 th year is 15, 000
Rs.

This plant is widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Drug ephedrine is obtained from the plant which is utilized as
effective cardiac stimulant.
Another drug pseudo ephedrine is also obtained from this plant
which is used for different therapeutical uses.
Tincture of ephedra is a valuable cardiac stimulant, especially during
cases of diphtheria and pneumonia.
Decoction of stems and roots is used against rheumatism and
syphilis. It is known remedy for treatment of bronchial asthma, for
which the drug is administered orally or intravenously.
The drug has also been used in havey fevers, and rashes of allergic
origin.
Nasal sprays containing the drug are used against sinusitis and
infammation of mucous membrane.
Overdoses of ephedrine can cause nausea, sweating and skin
infammations.
Rhizomes have large knobs of the size of a foot base and are used as
fuel by Tibetans.
85: Eranthemum roseum Nees. (Dashmuli)
Botanical Name: Eranthamum roseum Nees.

Synonym: Daedalacanthus roseus
Family: Acanthaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Dashmuli
Sanskrit: Dashmulah
Hindi: Dashmula Introduction
It is a perennial herb growing up to 1-2 meters high. Leaves are
oppositely arranged, oblong lance-like with 10-20 cm length. The leaf stalk is
1-3 cm long. Flowers are blue or violet occuring either singly in the leaf axils
or in a spike 10-15 cm length.
Flowers are terminal and found at the end of branches. Flower contains 5
petals and two stamens emerging from the fower tube. The flowers have a
strong fragrance. Flowering is occurred in November to April. It is
commonly found on shady forests of the hills of Western Ghats.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throught India and semi arid regions of the
world. This plant is highly useful in Ayurvedic system of Medicine. In
Gujarat, this plant is found in Gir forest, Sasan, across the river, and very
common in river banks.
Roots are used in rheumatism.
It is also used in the fever and leucorrhoea.
It is cultivated in the garden for their attractive foliage and flowers.
86: Erythrina indica Lamk. (Pandervo)
Botanical Name: Erithrina indica Lamk.

Family: Papilionaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Panderavo, Panervo
Hindi: Pangli, Bombay pangara
English: Indian coral tree
Sanskrit: Rakta puspa
Tamil: Muruka, Kavir
Telugu: Badida
Introduction
Erithrina indica is the tree which is found in sub tropical to tropical
regions of the world. There is legend about this plant that this tree is the part
of Loard Indra. The name of the tree is taken from Greek word Erithros or
Erithrinos which means red color type, Indiga means endogenous to India.
There are three leafets on the stalk, in which middle one is believed to be of
loard Vishnu, right one is of Brahma and left is of loard Shiva. So this plant
became famous because it concluded trimurties. This tree is medium sized or
long tree which some time extends up to 15 meters or so. Branches have
small spines of Prickles. When they are small until then it occurs. Leaves are
larger, containing long stalk and on the stalk three leafets are seen. Leafets
are broad, and ovoid, sometimes length and width are same in size. Upper
side is acute, in the base there is round type. Last leafets are bigger than
lateral leaf. Flowering time is early month of March to May when leaves are
not there. Flowers are arranged in spike inforescence, they are arranged in
clusters. Flowers are shiny red in colour. Calyx is red upper layer or
protective layer. Calyx is polypetalous type. One calyx is larger in size and it
is called standard. Pods are large, in the starting they are green in colour and
finally they obtain grayish black. Broader at the apex and thinner in the base
portions. Seeds are 10 to 12 in fruit. Seed are hairy. Fruits remain on the tree
until leaves are there.
Distribution
Erythrina is a genus of trees or shrubs rarely herbs, usually armed with
spines, wodely This tree is distributed in the tropical and sub tropical regions,
coastal and sub coastal areas of the world. This tree is distributed in Japan,
Russia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. In India tree is found in the Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh etc. In Gujarat this plant is seen to be
distributed in Junagadh, Porbandar, Jamanagar etc.
Cultivation
Light to medium soil can be utilized for cultivation of erythrina.
Although it grows well on fertile soil. Propagation is done by vegetative
propagation method and by seed propagation method. Generally a seed are
grown in nursery beds and after one year when plant gets proper size it is
transplanted in the feld in the beginning of rainy season. 1-1.5 meter long and
10cm wide branches are planted in the particular method that basal portion
remain inside the soil and upper region remain open into air. This specific
method is used for maintaining polarity characteristics of plant. In the plants
liquid moves in upward direction so we should always rise cuttings in such a
manner that polarity is maintained. Some times seed propagation gives good
results but vegetative propagation is more useful than seed propagation.

This tree is grown as it provides protection to the plants as wind
breakers.
Bark is having antipyretic, astringent, tonic, anathematics, anti
infammatory and sedative property.
In conjunctivitis bark is applied externally.
In India this is grown to support other plants as Nagar vela (piper
bettle), Vitis, champa and some other plants.
This plant belongs to laguminoceae family so it fertile soil by adding
nitrogen, because of this character, plant helps to grow tea and some
other crops.
87: Eucalyptus sp. (Nil Giri)
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus citriodora Hook,

Synonyms: E.globulus Lobill., E.teriticornis Sm.
Family: Myrtaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nil giri
Hindi: Nil giri
English: Blue grass, Eucalypt
Sanskrit: Tailparrah
Tamil: Yukkalimaram.
Introduction
E.citriodora is tall, graceful, shaft like tree about 40 m high and the
foliage are strongly lemon-scented. It is perennial trees Leaves are of 5
distinct types. 1- Cotyledonary, 2-Seedling, 3-Juvenile which are opposite for
4 to 5 pairs with a few peltate, adult leaves alternate, 4-Intermediate and 5-
Adult leaves which are lanceolate up to 15 cm long and 3 cm broad,
acuminate, with venation finely marked, lateral; Veins are numerous, oblique,
parallel and widely spreading. Inforescence is usually axillary, corymbose
panicle; umbels- 3-5 fowered on terate 5-7 mm long peduncles. Buds
pedicellate, Calyx is tube hemispherical to cylindrical. Anthers are adnate.
E.globulus is an evergreen glabrous tree, attaining a gigantic height of
55m, highly aromatic. Bark is blue grey. Juvenile leaves opposite for a large
number of pairs, adult leaves are alternate. Inforescence is axillary, usually
solitary, but occasionally in 3-fowered umbels, on a very short or a
rudimentary peduncle. Buds sessile, operculum fattened-hemispherical. Fruits
are sessilec or almost globular to broadly conical 4-ribbed warty.

Almost 700 species of Eucalyptus are found. Some species possess
medicinal value or volatile oils having fragrances varying from camphor,
thymol, peppermint to rose and lemon grass and are native to Australia and
large number of these contain essential oil in their leaves. French botanist
L’Heritier in 1778 first time discovered this plant and called it as Eucalyptus.
Few species are commercially exploited in India. They may be categorized in
three groups.
1. Medicinal oil producing species or cineole rich essential oil
containing species.
2. Perfumery oil producing species or citronellal rich essential oil
containing species.
3. Phellandrene rich essential oil containing species
E.globulus, E.outraliana and E.smithii are species which are useful as it
provides medicinal oil. This species is generally produced in China, Spain,
Portugal, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and India. Perfumery oil producing
species are E.citriodora. India, China and Portugal are the main producing
countries. Phellandrene rich essential oil containing species are E.dives,
E.dives var. A and E.australina var. B. Austrailia is the only country which
produces this species.
Cultivation
E. citriodora is cultivated in medium loam soil, well drained, with
adequate water holding capacity. Euacalyptus globules is medium to light
loam soils, which is rich in organic matter with good water holding capacity.
E.Citriodora grows well up to an altitude of 600 m in subtropical areas as
well as in mediterranean type of climate with moderate summer temperatures
and mild winters. In India, Southern plateau of Karnataka, Maharastra, hills
of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are suitable for cultivation. When cultivated in
North Indian plains the tree thrives well but suffers from a number of
diseases. Generally dry and cool regions are most suited for good growth.
Propagation is done by seeds. Seeds are germinated at moderate temperature
at both high and low temperatures seeds do not germinate. At these two
extreme temperature, if germination takes place, seedlings do not survive.
High and frequent rainfall checks the growth and even death of the plant.
Best time of sowing is February or September. Generally sowing is done
directly or seedlings are rinsed first in nursery. After 4-14 days germination
occurs depending upon atmospheric humidity and temperature. Seedlings are
planted in the feld after 10-16 weeks at a height of 20-30 cm in rainy seasons
of August and September. If seedlings are placed at 90 x 75 cm apart, then
they can produce good amount of herb and oil.
Harvesting
After six or seven months of planting E.citriodora is harvested. When
trees are pollarded at a height of 1-1.25m and after that subsequent harvest
are obtained every four months. Generally three harvests are obtained and in
fertile land with good irrigation and climate 4-5 harvests are obtained. The
pronounced shoot potentially is a very advantageous character for regular
supply of leaves.
Processing and Storage

On an average 200-250 kg/ha of oil can be obtained in southern India.
The oil can be distilled in direct fred feld distillation unit or stills which are
operated by a steam boiler from the leaves of E.ciltriodora or
E.globulus.Leaves separated from the branches are distilled fresh
immediately. Distillation of leaves takes generally 3 to 4 hours. The essential
oil in fresh leaves of E.citriodora is 1-2 per cent and E.globulus is 0.7-1 per
cent. Oil of the Eucalyptus should preferably be stored in Aluminium or
S.S.containers preferably at low temperature. The oil of Species E.citriodora
should not be stored for longer period and required more precaution in
storage than other species.
Yield
Old tree about 6 to 8 years gives 30-60 kg of leaves. They should not be
stored for more than 3-4 days, because of possible decomposition and attack
by insect pests and diseases. The leaves should be dried and spread out in thin
layers on clean yards for a couple of days. The dried leaves are then packed
in polythene bags for longer periods of storage. Rutin contain in leaves vary
from leaf to leaf and from plant to plant. The rutin content is maximum about
20 per cent in young leaves. The content decreases gradually and tips and
decreases gradually in mature leaves up to 3 per cent. The July-August
harvest of 3 year old plants yields the maximum rutin content, when
compared to the other months of the year. Generally rutin content decreases
slightly with the aging of the plant.
Eucalyptus oil is acrid and bitter. It is reputed astringent,
thermogenic, antiseptic, decodorant, stimulant, carminative, and
digestive, cardio tonic, diuretic, expectorant, insect repellent,
rubefacient and antipyretic.
It is useful in healing fatulence, halitosis, worm infestation, cardiac
debility, tuberculosis, chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, pyorrhea,
burns, and dyspepsia and skin diseases.
Any internal consumption of the oil in excess will cause cardiac
debility, vomiting and diarrhea.
E.macrorhycha and E.Youmani provide large scale rutin in Australia
and New Zealand. Rutin content in these species is of the order of 8-
10 per cent. Rutin is used in the treat ment of capillary fragility,
retinitis and possibly, rheumatic fever of haemorrhagic conditions.
Generally capillary fragility occurs in a significant number of cases
of high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions. It is also
utilized in prevention of apoplexy and retinal hemorrhage, in those
cases where capillary fragility is concerned.
It can be used for cases of coronary thrombosis and for the
purification of blood. Rutin also protects against the harmful effects
of X-rays, indicating that it may be of use to persons exposed to
dangerous atomic radiations. Under certain conditions, rutins can
protect animals against histamine shock.
This species is reported to improve the texture and fertility of land. It
is envisaged that in Karnataka, areas around Bangalore, Hassan and
Chikmagalur, which are less useful for other crop production, can be
profitably utilized for the cultivation of the species.
E.citriodora provides essential oil which is used in perfumery; it is
also source of citronella for manufacture of citronellol and menthol.
A small proportion of oil added to germicides and disinfectants made
from other Eucalyptus oils greatly improves their odor. Wood pulp is
suitable for preparing writing and printing paper.
88: Euphorbia hirta L. (Dudheli)
Botanical Name: Euphorbia hirta L.

Local Names
Gujarati: Dudheli
English: Pill bearing spurge, Asthma plant
Hindi: Dudhi
Tamil: Amampatchai arisi
Telugu: Reddinanabrolu Introduction
This plant is erect and annual or perennial plant growing to 50 cm, with
pointed oval leaves and clusters of small flowers. This plant is also known as
Australian asthma weed, snake weed, Cat’s hair etc. This plant is small
annual herb, ascending or erect upto 50 cm high, with round stems covered
with yellowish hairs. Leaves are small, dark green upper side and pale on the
lower side. Flowers are minute, whitis, in small stalked clusteres. Fruitsare
small, hairy, 3-angled, wrinkled, light reddish brown seeds.

This plant is native to India and Australia, pill bearing spurge is now
widespread throughout the tropics. It comes up in tropical climate. It is a
common weed of plantations and agriculatural felds in arid and semi arid
areas.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated by seeds and vegetative method. Seeds are
collected in advance and kept ready before monsoon. The area is ploughed
and cleared of all rank growth. Then seeds are directly sown in the feld in
parallel spaced at 30 cm apart at the beginning of monsoon. Ten-to twelve kg
of seed is required to cover one hectare area. The seeds germinate soon and
plants establish with little care. One weeding with soil working is carried out
in the second month after sowing of seeds.

The plants are uprooted in the month of February/March/April after the
seeds are fallen on the ground. It is estimated that about 1000 kg of dried
drug of Euphorbia would be obtained from one hectare.
Pill bearing spurge contains favonoids, terpenoids, alkanes, phenolic
acids, shikimic acid and choline. The letter two constituents may by partly
responsible for the antispasmodic action of this plant.

A specific treatment for bronchial asthma, pill bearing spurge relaxes
the bronchial tubes and eases breathing.
Mildy sedative and expectorant, it is also taken for bronchitis and
other respiratory tract conditions.
It is most often used along with other anti asthmatic herbs, notably
gum plant and lobe.
In the Anglo American tradition pill bearing spurge is taken to treat
intestinal amoebiasis.
89: Evolulus alsinoides L. (Shankh-
pushpi)
Botanical Name: Evolvulous alsinoides L.

Family: Convolvulaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shankhapushpi
Sanskrit: Vishnukranta, Shankhapushpi
Hindi: Shankhahuli Introduction
This plant is perennial herb with prostrate branches and small elliptic to
oblong, lanceolate, obtuse, mucronte leaves, flowers are mostly in upper
axils. Corollas are blue in colour and rotate and broad funnel shaped, capsule
is globose.
Distribution
It is a common weed growing wildly in open grassy places throughout
India. Mostly found in arid and semi arid regions of the world.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds and vegetative method.
The plant contains an alkaloid shankhapushpine. Fresh plant contains
volatile oil and potassium chloride. It also contains a yellow neutral fat, an
organic acid and saline substances. Three alkaloids evolvine, betaine, and an
unidentifed compound have been isolated.

This plant is used in chronic bronchitis.
It is also used in general weakness.
This plant can be used in fever, nervous debility, loss of memory,
also in syphilis and scrofula.
It is used as Rasayan.
90: Ferula assa-foetida Linn. (Hing)
Botanical Name: Ferula assafoetida Linn.

Family: Apiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Hing
Sanskrit: Hingu
Hindi: Himg
Tamil: Perunk yam
English: Assafoetida
Telugu: Inguva
Introduction
This plant is herbaceous perennial plant, which has feshy, massive and
carrot shaped root with one or more forks. Stem gets height of 1.8-3 meter. It
is solid with membranous leaf sheaths. Leaves are 45 cm long and radicle,
they are shiny, coriaceous with pinnatifed segments and petiole looks
channeled. Flowers are 10-20 in the main and 5-6 in the partial umbels. Fruits
are reddish brown in colour, they are fat and thin. The English and scientific
name for Hing is Asafoetida. This name is derived from the Persian ‘aza’ (for
resin), and the Latin ‘foetidus’ (for stinking).

The origin of this plant is believed to be Iran. This is wild plant in
Punjab, Kashmir and Afghanistan. It grows in arid and semi arid regions of
the world. It grows throughout arid and semi arid regions.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds propagation or by vegetative
propagation method. Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a deep fertile soil in a
sunny position. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country; it
tolerates temperatures ranges -5 and -10°c. Plants have a long taproot and are
intolerant of root disturbance. They should be planted into their final
positions as soon as possible. The whole plant, especially when bruised, has
an unpleasant smell like stale fsh.
Seed are best sown as soon as the seeds ripe in a greenhouse in autumn.
Otherwise they are sown in April in a greenhouse. Seedlings are pricked out
from individual pot as soon as they are large enought to handle. Because
plant doesn’t like root disturbance they are planted in small condition. Give
the plants protection mulch for at least their first winter outdoors.
Harvesting
The resin is extracted after the plant is about four years old. The older the
plant, the more resin it produces. The time to start harvesting the resin from
the succulent stem and the root is just before fowering, in the months of
March and April. An incision is made in the upper part of the root or lower
part of the stem and the exuding gum is collected. Several incisions can be
made in the root/stem till there is no more oozing of gum. This process can
continue up to three months. A single plant can yield up to 1 kilogram of
resin.
This plant provides gum resin. This gum resin contains coumarins, 5-
hydroxy-umbelliprenin, 8-hydroxyum-belliprenin, 9-hydroxyumbelliprenin,
8-acetoxy-5hydroxyumbel-liprenin, assafoetidin, ferocolicin, asacoumarin A
and B, farnesiferol A, -B ana -C and the disulphides, asadisulphide and sec-
butylpropenyl disulphide.

The oleo resin is bitter, acrid, carminative, antispasmodic,
expectorant, anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, nervine tonic, digestive,
sedative and emmenagogue.
It is used in fatulent colic, dyspepsia, asthma, hysteria, constipation,
chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, epilepsy, psychopathy,
hepatopathy and vitiated conditions of kapha and vata.
91: Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Vad)
Botanical Name: Ficus benghalensis Linn.

Family: Moraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vad, Vadlo
Hindi: Bad, Bargad
English: The banyan tree
Sanskrit: Vata
Tamil: Ala, Peral, Alam, Al
Telugu: Marri, Vati
Introduction
It is common tree in whole India. No village would be in India without
any tree of banyan. So many legends are related with this tree. Loard Buddha
obtained his enlightenment after long meditation under a Banyan tree.
According to Mahabhagavata, Savitri worshiped Banyan for saving her
husband Satyavan from Yamadharma. Hindus believe that Lord
Mahavushnu sleeps on the Banyan leaf at the end of creation when the earth
completely submerged under water during jalapralaya. Lord Srikrishna is
known as Vatapatrasai as he slept on leaf during his childhood. The popular
lore is that the name “Banyan tree” derived from Hindi word Baniya which
means merchants. In old days the members of Indian merchant class used to
carryout trade in Persian Gulf, with pearl, dimonds and textile products.
Baniyas frequently sat under this tree and they discussed about business
there.
It is large tree having aerial roots and large leaves. Plant is milky. Leaves
are simple, alternate and broadly elliptic to ovate, subcordate at base, at the
apex leaf is blunt. Inforescence is sessile hypanthodium and fgs are
monoecious (2 cm in diameter). There are 4-5 bracts, copular; 6 mm shortly
connate, obtuse, persistent, tepals are 3-5, shortly connate, glabrous. The fgs
are axillary, globose, turning from green to dark brick red on ripening. The
male and female flowers are seen, with oblong anther and unequal sessile
female flowers. Ovary is obovoid with erect style, tapering and sterile flowers
similar to female flowers, pedicellate.
Distribution
No village in India is without banyan tree. It is distributed in semi topical
and tropical regions of the world. It is grown in Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya
Pradesh, Bengal and other states of India. This tree is grown in throughout
the forest tracts of India mainly in deciduous and semi evergreen forests and
planted extensively, in avenue plantations for shade in villages and roadsides.
It can be seen from sea level to about 1,300 m and in other countries like
Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and some Asian countries.
Cultivation
Banyan tree grow on different kind of soils including shallow and stony
sites or even on rocky crevices. It also thrives on saline soils. It requires a
rainfall of 500-4000 mm. Sub tropical climate, well drained medium to heavy
loamy soils provides a good growth to the plant. Seed propagation is useful
method, natural regeneration is coming up from seeds left over by bids,
monkeys etc. Seeds are germinated on buildings or on walls etc. and grow
into trees. After that they produce epiphytes, which rapidly send roots to the
ground and engulfing the supporting tree finally. Seedlings germinate on the
ground naturally too.
But if we want to grow this plant artificially, dried seeds are sown on
beds or in polythene bags. These seeds germinate poorly, and hence should
be sown thickly in seedbeds and seedlings are pricked out into polybags after
about one month. During the monsoon time seedlings are grown in bags or
beds for one year. Seedlings should be kept moist and in shade. Then they are
planted in the feld in 30 x 30 x 30 m of pits. Vegetative propagation is also
done by cutting long mature stem. Long stem cuttings should be used for
planting during January to March season which is believed to be dormant
season. Plant should be given water regularly, rather than planting only
during monsoon season. Plant grows very quickly by watering, mulching, soil
working, weeding and pruning regularly.

Roots leaves and stem is used widely. Latex is obtained externally
for joint pains, rheumatism and lumbago.
Bark is astringent and cooling.
A decoction of buds in milk curves haemorhages and a paste of
leaves promote suppuration on wounds.
Banyan tree is used in treating skin diseases with the parts like stem
bark, root bark, leaves, new shoot buds, milky latex and aerial roots.
Prop roots are good in checking external as well as internal bleeding
in hoemoptysis, menorrhorgia and ulcers.
An infusion of bark cures dysentery, diarrhea, leucorrhoea, nervous
problem etc. It is also used in treatment of diabetes.
Banyan tooth brushes are very famous. Some people use young buds
of Banyan tree as toothbrush.
Figs are useful food for wild life and avian population. Some tribal
people eat fruits at the time of scarcity.
The tender leaves are lopped for fodder to goats; Cattle eat the wooly
tender prop roots and washer men for boiling the clothes.
Dried roots are also used as fuel wood while dried leaves are used to
make paper plates and cups.
Wood obtained from this plant is highly useful for making pulp. Old
wood is used for making yokes, well curbs, and cart shafts and for
general carpentry.
92: Ficus carica L. (Anjir)
Botanical Name: Ficus carica L.

Family: Moraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Anjir
Hindi: Anjir
English: Common fg
Tamil: Anjir
Telugu: Simaiyatti
Introduction
It is small deciduous tree, reaching 5-8 m in height. Aerial roots are
found in this species. Fig is warm temperature fruit crop. It is grown in wide
range of soils and is known to do well on heavy clays. Leaves are coriaceous,
broadly ovate entire or 3-5 lobed, pubescent benethThey are 7.5- 24.5 x 5-16
cm in size. Fruits are receptacles type, 1.2 - 3.5 cm across, axillary, ovoid-
oblong, thiny pubescent.

This tree is widely distributed in all over the tropical and sub tropical
regions of the world. The native of this plant is Carica in Asia Minor.In India
this tree is known to be distributed in most of the states like Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal etc. This tree is very common in
India.
Cultivation
Fig is cultivated in wide range of soils but it grows well on heavy clays,
rich loams, and light sandy soils, with good drainage. It grows best in light
early rains. For fruit development and maturation light early rains is very
useful. This plant can tolerate more moisture when the crop is grown for use
of fresh fruit, but when it is raised for drying; a warm, moderately dry, fairly
sandy soil with a considerable amount of lime is required.
Plant is propagated by cuttings, layering and propagated by gotee and
seed are also practiced. Patch budding cleft or bark grafting are also possible,
but propagation by cuttings is the most common method followed. Cutting
should be 20-30 cm long and 1-2cm in diameter, this cuttings are taken for
mature wood 2-3 years old and planted at 30 cm apart each way in nursery
beds at the beginning of rains. After a year, they are transplanted in orchards.
Different spacing are adopted depending on local conditions But in normal
case spacing of 3 m in between the lines and 2.5 m from plant to plant in the
lines is recommended. Good irrigation is very useful for the growth of the
plant. After the planting soil is regularly weeded and worked up. Farm yard
manure is also applied.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in two to three years after planting. In proper
conditions trees continue to bear for 12-15 years, after which they show a
marked decline in the yield. Normally, the trees bear two crops in July-
October and January to May. How ever fruits of the first season are sour in
taste, therefore only second crops of good quality which is gathered for
marketing. Generally fruits are allowed to fall on the ground when they are
ripening. For the green fruits they are picked up from the tree by hand or by
bamboo. Especially dried fruits are selected which are fallen on the ground.
Storage
Figs are arranged in wooden racks and turned over daily for 5 to 7 days
to ensure drying. They are pressed fat to economies packing space and to
improve market appearance. Before packing they are dipped in boiling
boiling salt solution of about 3 per cent to render them soft and to improve
the taste First grade fgs possess semi transparent rosy skin, while second
grade fgs are dark and less attractive. Frozen fgs can be held for several
months in good conditions.
Yield
When tree becomes ready for fruits it can give 180-350 fruits per year.
However a minimum of 1 kg dried fruits per tree can be expected. So from
the 1 hactre of land we can get 1000 kg of dried fruits in 6 th years and
onwards. Figs are sold at the rate of Rs.50 per kg in the market. Till 6 to 15
years yearly expenditure is Rs. 13,000 to 14,000 per hactre and net return per
hactre is Rs. 52,000 per year.
Pruning and Notching
To obtain proper height and shape, trees are pruned every year. In
Maharastra light pruning is given in July when trees are headed back to 1.2m
from capacity of trees. While in UP heavy pruning is done when trees are
headed back to 30 - 45 cm height from the ground level. Pruning is done to
induce the growth of the fruit bearing wood and so increase the yield of
fruits. Notching is specific method to increase or stimulate laterals on
vigorous upright branches. Notching is one method to achieve the desired
effect. This consists in giving slanting cuts in the bark, a little above the buds,
and removing a slice of the bark. The depth and width of the notches vary
according to the size of the branch. Restricting the root growth by planting in
50 cm diameter pot, sunk in the soil, gives good yield.

In India no big diseases and pests are recorded on fg plant but in other
countries large number of diseases is seen. Some of the diseases recorded on
fg are explained here.
1. Leaf rust: Rusty pustules are found on the under side of the leaf. The
leaves drop off prematurely and in severe cases affect the yield of
fruits. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture or dusting with sulpher has
been recommended.
2. Stem border: Adult beetle feeds on the bark, leaves and fruits of the
tree but it does not cause big defect to the fg. The grub however eats
the inner bark and xylem tissue, and kills the branches of the entire
plant. As a control measure, the trunk of the tree is protected by paper
painted with coal tar or with wire gauge. (1/16 inch mesh). The grub
is killed by injecting kerosene or chloroform reosote mixture into
hole.

A major portion of fg production is consumed as dry fruit. Fresh and
dried fruits are used for its laxative properties.
It is demulcent, emollient and highly nutritive.
Figs are also utilized in the form of syrup and confection.
Tree of this plant gives latex which contains caoutchouc, resin,
albumin, cerin, sugar and malic acid.
Fig latex is used as an anthelmintic.
Fruits or fgs are useful in the prevention of nutritional anaemias.
Leaves of this plant are used as fodder.
93: Garcinia indica Choisy. (Kokam)
Botanical Name: Garcinia indica Choisy.

Family: Clusiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kokam
Sanskrit: Amlavetasa, Tintidika, Vrksamla
Hindi: Kokam
Tamil: Murgal
English: Kokam, Butter tree
Introduction
This is slender tree which is 4-10 meter tall. Wood grayish white in
colour, bark looks light brown. Bark is thin and smooth. Blaze is bright
yellow. Branches are drooping. They are cylindrical or sub cylindrical,
slender, and hairless. Leaves are opposite and they are 5-10 x 2-5 cm and
inverted egg-shaped-oblong to elliptic lanceolate. Each leaf becomes narrow
at the base, rounded or shortly acuminate at apex, shiny, dark green, lateral
nerves are 7-18 pairs, prominent. Male and female flowers are separated,
feshy and stalked, orange –yellow in colour. Male flowers are 3-8 in cluster,
about 1.2 cm long. Female flowers are solitary, terminal. Berries are
spherical, 3-4 cm across, wine brown or purple or pinkish orange, with
persistent calyx lobes. Fruit pulp are white with red tinge, acidic, feshy.
Seeds are 5-8, fat, smooth, shiny and brown.
This plant is native of Western part of India. It grows well under semi
arid condition. It is widely found in the evergreen forests in Maharashtra,
Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, South Gujarat, Assam and West Bengal like states of
India.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods: (1) By seeds propagation and
(2)By vegetative propagation. It can be grown in a variety of soil and in
different agro-climatic conditions. It can be cultivated by soft wood grafting
and planted in the month of July-August. Weeding and thinning of the plants
may be done as and when required usually after 15-20 days. This plant is
normally grown as rainfed crop. Hence regular irrigations is not required.
Fertilizer
Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, Green
Manure etc. is used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases,
biopesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel,
seeds and leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow’s urine etc.
Harvesting is done in March-April. Fruits and bark are separated and
dried in shade.
The fruit rind contains a polyisoprenylated phenolic pigment, garcinol
and its isomer isogarcinol, along with hydroxycitric acid, cyaniding-3-
glucoside and cyaniding-3- sambubioside, L-leucine and DNP L-leucine
hydrochloride have been reported from the leaves.

The seeds are bitter which are used as a remedy in scrofulous
diseases.
This plant is also used in dysentery, mucous, diarrhea and externally
applied for exocoriations, chaps, fssures of lips and as a substitute for
spermaceti.
The ripe fruit is anthelmintic and cardiotonic.
Root bark, fruits and seed oil are used to cure piles, abdominal
disorders, mouth diseases, cardiac diseases and worm infestation.
94: Gardenia gummifera Linn f. (Nadi-
hingu)
Botanical Name: Gardenia gummifera Linn f.

Family: Rubiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nali hingu, Nadi hingu
Sanskrit: Nadi hingu, Gandharaj
Hindi: Nadi-hingu
Tamil: Kambi, Vella pavetta, Thikka malli
Telugu: Bikki, Sirubikki, Manchibikki, Tellamanga
Introduction
It is small tree or large shrub which gets height of 3-7 meter. Branches
are crooked, twisted and brittle. Thin, smooth, grayish brown bark is seen.
Wood is yellowish white in colour. Leaves are opposite, inverted egg-shaped
to oblong, 4-8 x 2-4 cm, base rounded to slightly heart shaped, apex is
obtusely acute. Margins are entire, leathery, nearly stalklees. Lateral nerves
are in 10-16 pairs, distinct and with a dot-like gland known as domatia at the
axil of the each nerve. Flowers are bisexual, solitary and axillary. Fruits are
berry type, ellipsoid to oblong and they are about 4 x 3 cm, smooth. They are
not prominently ribbed. Seeds are minute and many.
The leaf buds and young shoots of this species yield resinous exudation,
known in commerce as Dikkamali or cumbi gum. Resin is secreted freely in
the form of tears. Shoots and buds are broken off with the tears of resin
attached and marketed either in this form or after agglutination into cakes or
irregular masses. Resin is transparent, greenish, yellowish, with sharp
pungent test and peculiar offensive odour.
Distribution
This plant is very common in the dry and deciduous forest. It is found in
the degraded slopes and in the mountainous areas. 6-8 cm cutting of semi
hard wood
Cultivation
Nadihingu requires laterite type of soil or clay loam soil for better
growth. Stem cutting method is generally used for propagation of the plant.
Cuttings are planted in nursery bed during November-December in the
nursery beds. Rooting occurs after 20-30 days. Regular watering is essential;
in the shade plant grows rapidly. When plant in the nursery gets proper height
it is transffered to the main feld.
This plant contains resin, volatile-oil, colouring matter-gardenin etc.

Resin obtained from the leaf buds is used in curing wounds,
indigestion, gas trouble, piles, chronic coughs, neuropathy, anorexia,
colic, foul ulcers, intestinal worms (especially round worms),
It is also used in cardiac debility, leprosy, skin diseases, intermittent
fever, enlargement of the spleen and obesity.
The plant is one of the ingredients of a veterinary herbal antiseptic
ointement, which is effective in healing wounds, fungal infections
and other skin lesions in cattle. The ointment showed prominent
antimicrobial effect.
95: Gloriosa superba Linn. (Vachh Na)
Botanical Name: Gloriosa superba

Family: Liliaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Vachha nag
Hindi: Kali hari, Languli
Sanskrit: Langali, Agni shikha
English: Glory lily, Gloriosa lily, Tigers claws.
Tamil: Kalapaikkilanku, Nabhikkodi
Telugu: Advi nabhi
Introduction
The name of this plant Gloriosa superba has came from Latin word
gloriosus which means flowers. It is climbing herb which is perennial
growing between 3.5 to 6 m in length, but it is trained at 1.5 meter above
ground level. Roots are tuberous and vines are tall, weak stemmed that
support themselves by means of cirrhosed tips. The leaves are ovate,
lanceolate, acuminate, the tips spirally twisted to serve as tendrils. The
flowers are large and solitary. Inforescence is laxcorymbose. Fruits are of
capsule type, each fruit contain numerous seeds. Seeds are warty and dorsally
compressed.

This plant is believed to be native of tropical Asia and Africa. The plant
grows throughout in India. from the North West Himalayas to Assam and the
Deccan peninsula, extending up to an elevation of 2,120 m, all along the
Western Ghats (Karnataka). In world it grows in Madagascar, Sri Lanka,
Indochina and on the adjacent islands.
Cultivation
This tropical plant can grow in humid and warm areas. Rain fall around
373 cm is good for its growth. Plant can not tolerate continuous moisture
stress; however, it needs frequent irrigations up to the fowering in dry
periods. Plant prefers sandy loam soils on the acidic side, The soil should
have pH between 6-7, well drained soil is useful. Propagation is done by
three methods. (1) Propagation by tubers (2) Propagation by seeds and (3)
propagation by rhizomes.
(1) Propagation by Tubers
Biforked tubers are produced during the growing season of the plant.
This tuber has only one growing bud. Tubers should be handled carefully,
because they are brittle and liable to break easily if the growing bud is
subjected to any kind of damage, the tuber will fail to sprout. The vigor of the
vine and its fowering and fruiting depends on the size of the tuber. Weight of
each tuber should not be less than 50-60 g. Plants raised from smaller tubers
do not produce flowers during their first year. Large tubers are divided into
two by breaking them in the middle. The tuber which is dormant starts
sprouting from the month of May.
(2) Propagation by Seeds
Seed propagation is also good method. Seeds take three to four years for
fowering. Except for experimental purposes, seed propagation is not favored
by the growers.
(3) Propagation by Rhizomes
V-shaped rhizomes are used for commercial cultivation of Gloreosa
superba.
All the grasses are removed and feld is ploughed two to three times until
it is brought to a fine teeth. Field must be leveled and drainage arrangement
should be done. FYM is applied in the feld or compost manure can also be
applied depending upon soil type. Generally one foot deep furrows are
prepared at spacing of 45-60 cm. Treated tubers are planted at a depth of 6-8
cm, keeping a plant to plant distance of 30-45 cm depending upon soil type.
Nitrogen, K20, P2O5 are very useful for growth of this plant. During
sprouting time plant requires frequent irrigation because it helps the soil to
keep surface soft, which helps easy sprouting and emergence of the growing
tip outside the soil. Until fowering is over irrigation should be withheld. In
the initial stages weeding is also necessary for the growth of the plant.
Harvesting
Flowering time of this plant is September to October. The fruit requires
about 105 to 110 days from the set to reach maturity. The right stage of
harvest is hen this capsules starts turning light green from dark green and skin
of the fruit shows shrunken appearance and becomes light in weight. At this
stage when pressed the pod gives a crinkling sound. After picking, the
capsules should be kept in the shade for 7 to 10 days to facilitate the capsules
to open up, displaying deep orange yellow coloured seeds. The seeds and
pericarp are separated manually and they are dried for a week in the shed, by
spreading them uniformly over any clean, dry foor or any platform specially
erected for the purpose. At the later stage seeds are moved into sunlight till
they dry completely. The dried seeds are then packed in moisture proof
containers and stored until exported or extracted for the alkaloids.
Yield
Yield of the seeds differ greatly, depending upon the vigour and age of
the plant, which in turn depend on the size of the tuber. The yield in the
initial stages will be low. But by time to time it increases gradually. After
three years, we can get 200-250 kg/ha of dried seeds from well managed
farm. Yield of pericarp or husk is about 75 per cent of the seeds.

Plant is affected by following fungal and pests diseases.
1. Leaf blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata.
The spores of the fungus are airborne and attack the foliage of the
plant. Leaves turn into light yellow in colour in the beginnng but later
there are produced small spots on the leaves. This desieases is seen
mostly when there is monsoon season. Diseases can be controlled by
spraying 0.3 per cent Dithane M-45.
2. Tuber rot or basal stem rotting and wilting: This disease is caused
by sclerotium fungi which damages to the underground tubers lead to
death of the plant. In the initial stages infected tubers start becoming
soft and the foliage exhibits a yellow appearance and in advanced
stages whole tuber gets infected giving the appearance of a
discoloured mass and the plant dies off. Drenching the soil with
Bavistin @ 0.2 per cent or Cuprassol near the root zone of the plant
has been observed to control the disease.
3. Lily caterpillar: This disease can be marked with red and black
bands on the surface of the plant. They lay a mass of eggs on the
undersurface of a tender leaf or in the crown of the growing shoots.
This disease can be over come by spraying metacid at a concentration
of 0.2 per cent at fortnightly intervals.
4. Green caterpillar: Caterpillar pests are green coloured which attack
the leaves and flowers of the plant. It completely eats away flowers
causing severe damage to the crop.

Seeds, tubers, leaves are mainly utilized for medicinal value.
Tubers are used in medicines as anthelmintic and leaf juice is
reported to kill lice in hair. Its tubers are used as a tonic, antiperiodic,
antihelminthic and also against snakebites and scorpion stings.
Drug obtained from the plant is used as gasterointestinal irritant and
may cause vomiting and purging. It is also used for some times
promoting labour pains and, conversely, also as an abortifacient. It is
considered useful in colic, chronic ulcers, piles and gonorrhoea.
It is used in local applications against parasitic skin diseases and as a
cataplasm in urological pains.
Leaves when applied in the form of a paste to the forehead and neck,
they are reported to cure asthma in children. The leaf juice is used
against head lice.
Alkaloids colchicines and gloricine are isolated from the plant in
which colchicines is highly useful in treatment of gout, common
disorder in the temperate parts of the world. Gout is caused because
of deposition of microcrystal of uric acid in the joints, which is
attributed to a defective regulatory mechanism for endogenous
passive synthesis. Colchicines interrupt the cycle of new crystal
deposition, which seems to be essential for the continuance of acute
gout.
These alkaloids are used as poly ploidizing agents in polyploidy
breeding in crop research. In the old times tubers are used to get
colchicines but seeds also provide colchicines.
96: Gmelina arborea L. (Shivan)
Botanical Name: Gmelina arborea L.

Family: Verbinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: shevan, shivan, savan
Hindi: Gamhar, Kambhari
Sanskrit: Asweta, Bhadra, Gambhari
English: Gumhar,
Tamil: perungumpil, Ummi-thekku
Telugu: Gumartak, Kummadi
Introduction
Savan is desiduous tree which is scattered throughout in India. This tree
is medium in size (20 meter or more) and attains girth of 2 meter. Bark is
smooth and whitis grey in colour. Flowers are in terminal panicles, and
brownish yellow in colour. Fruits are drupe type, feshy, ovoid and 2 seeded.
Leaves are simple type, opposite, broadly ovate, cordate and glandular.
Distribution
This tree is distributed in deciduous forest of tropical and sub tropical
semi arid areas. In India it is widly distributed perticulary in Maharastra,
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and other warm states of country.
Cultivation
This plant is grown in fertile moist valley with good drainage. It can
grow upto 1600m altitude in the hilly areas. It is a light demander and
moderately frost hardy. It is never gregarious in nature.
Clay soil may be avoided. Seed propagation is good method for its
cultivation. Direct sowing, transplanting of nursery raised container seedlings
or planting of stumps have been successful. Six months old seedlings raised
in polypots give excellent results. Althouygh seeds have poor viability.
That’s why seeds are sown directly after their collection. Seeds are planted at
2 x 2 m spacing, The plants are kept free by weeding. Plant is fast growing
but irrigation is also useful for the growth of the plant. Good fertilizers help
plant to give good yield.
Harvesting
Generally harvesting is done in three to four years of planting. Root
portion can be harvested after 4 years. Plant is uprooted by digging around
the plants. The roots dried and dispatched for marketing. Bark is removed
and dried. Then bark is taken for marketing.
Yield
From one hactre of land each year 500 trees are exploided. Area is
replanted, thus covering one ha. over a period of 5 years. It is believed that
each plant gives 2 kg of roots and 500 gms. of stem bark. A production of
1000kg of roots and 250 kg of the stem bark would be available from 500
plants. The drug obtained from the plant is sold at the rate of Rs. 20-30 per
kg. Total expenditure in 6 th year is around 5000 while net return will be
around 20000 Rs. in 6th year and onwards.

Root, stem, drupes, flowers, bark are used in the medicinal
treatments.
The root is bitter tonic, stomachic, laxative a galactogogue. It is
prescribed in indigestion, fevers and anasarca in the form of infusion
or decoction.
The root is one of the ingredients of the ayurvedic drug Dashmoola.
Root powder is also used for gout.
The drupes which are sweetish and bitter, are used as an ingredient of
refregeirant decoction for fevers and bilious affections. Fruit is best
tonic
The tender leaves are demulcent. A poultices of the leaves are used
in head ache in fevers.
The leaf juice is used as a wash for foul ulcers.
Flowers are used for blood diseases. Bark is a bitter tonic and
stomachic and is considered useful in fever and indigestion.
These leaves are sometimes used as feed for eri-silkworms. Leaves
are also used for the fodder for cattle.
97: Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br.
(Madhu Nasini)
Botanical Name: Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br.

Local Names
Gujarati: Madhunashini
Sanskrit: Meshashringi, Madhunasini
Hindi: Gudmar, Meradingi
Tamil: Adigam
English: Periploca of the woods
Telugu: Podapatra
Introduction
It is climber which is large, much branched, woody and has pubescent
young parts. Leaves are simple, elliptic or ovate. They are more or less
pubescent on the both sides. Base is rounded or cordata. Small flowers are
there, they are yellow coloured and arranged in umbellate cymes. Fruits are
slender, follicles upto 7.5 cm long.

This herb is native to tropical forests of southern and central India. It is
found in dry and semi dry forest, arid regions of the world and also grown
upto 600 meter. It is seen coming up on all types of soils. It can grow in moist
localities of semi arid zones also. It tolerates over head shade to some extent.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds and vegetative method.. Semi hard wood
is good for stem cuttings. Stem cutting is planted in polypot in nursery in the
month of October. The cuttings start sprouting within 15-20 days. The plants
grow and by the end of May, they will attain 30-45 cm of height and will be
ready for transplanting in the feld. Afterwords, furrows are prepared at one
meter distance. At the beginning of monsoon in the month of June, plants are
transplanted. In the month of July/August, one weeding is carried out and. In
the first year, the leaves are not harvested, but efforts are made to maintain
the bushy form of the plants. From 2nd year, leaves can be harvested every
year.
Harvesting
Leaves can be harvested from 2nd year and onwards. The leaves can be
plucked in two or three pluckings. Leaves are dried under shade for 2 to 3
days and are packed in polybags
Yield
The leaves (dried) may fetch a rate of Rs.10/- per kg. An yield of 4000
kg of leaves can be expected from one hectare of plantation.
This plant is anti sweet. Gymnema saponins I-V were isolated from the
plant. An aqueous extract of the leaves containes the saponins gymnemic acid
III, IV, V. They have been characterized as 21-0-2-methtylcrotonyl, 21-0-
benzoyl, and 29-0-benzoyl gymnemagenin 3-0-glucuronides, respectively.
Gymnemic acid is also isolated. The leaves contain dammarane-type
saponins, gymnemasides I-VII and gypenoside XXVII.

The plant is bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic, anti-infammatory,
anodyne, digestive, liver tonic, emetic, diuretic, stomachic, stimulant,
anthelmintic, alexipharmic, laxative, cardiotonic, expectorant,
antipyretic and uterine.
It is tonic, which is useful in linflammations, hepatosplenomegaly,
dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, halminthiasis.
It is also applied in the cardiopathy, cough, asthma, brtonchitis,
intermittent fever, amenorrhoea, vitiated conditions of vata,
conjunctivitis and leucoderma.
The fresh leaves are chewed for its property of paralyzing the sense
of taste of sweet and bitter substances for sometime.
98: Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R.Br.
(Anant Mul)
Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.)R.Br.

Local Names
Gujarati: Anant mul
Hindi: Anant mul, Magrabu
English: Indian sarasaparilla
Sanskrit: Anant mullah, Sariba
Tamil: Nannari, Saribam
Telugu: Sugandipala
Introduction
It grows throughout in India. Anant mul is found in tropical and sub
tropical areas of the India. It is perennial, twinning or prostrate, wiry shrub
with woody root stock and numerous slender, terete stems having thickened
nodes. Leaves are simple, opposite, very variable from elliptic-oblong to
linear lanceolate, variegated with white above, silvery white and pubescent at
the lower side. Flowers are 10 cm in length, they are greenish purple in
colour, crowded and arranged in subsessile cymes in the opposite leaf axils.
Fruits are slender follicles, cylindrical, they are 10 cm long, tapering to a
point at the apex, Seeds are fattened, black, ovate oblong and silvery white in
colour. The root is tuberous and dark brown in colour, tortuous with
transversely cracked and longitudinally fssured bark. It has a strong central
vasculature and a pleasant smell and taste.
Distribution
Anant mul is distributed throughout in sub tropical and tropical regions
of the world. It is seen in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Burma etc. like
countries. In India this plant is found to be distributed in the semi desert and
desert areas like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal and some
other states of the country.
Cultivation
Although it is naturally produced in some of the areas of the Gujarat like
in Girnar Hills (Junagadh) and Barda Hills (Porbandar). Plant does not need
any specific farming method for its cultivation but it is spread with seeds.
Seed propagation and vegetative propagation are the two methods for its
cultivation.
Harvesting
Whole plant is pulled by hand or it can be uprooted with falcket. Plant is
dried. and stored.

Stem is very useful as it is bitter, diaphoretic and laxative, are useful
in infammations, cerebropathy, hepatopathy, nephropathy, syphilis,
metropathy, leucoderma, odontalgi, cough and asthma.
The latex is good for conjunctivitis. Root, stem and leaves are
utilized in medicines.
Roots are bitter, sweet, astringent, aromatic, refrigerant, emollient,
depurative, aphrodisiac, carminative, appetizer, anthelmintic, alterant,
demulcent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, expectorant and tonic.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of pitta, burning sensation,
leucoderma, leprosy, skin diseases, pruritus, asthma, bronchitis,
hyperdispsia, ophthalmopathy, hemicrania, epileptic fts, dyspepsia,
helminthiasis, diarrhea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, strangury,
leucorrhoea, syphilis, abscess, arthralgia, fever and general debility.
Other constitutes present in the roots are: P-sitosterol, a-and P-
amyrins, lupeol, tetracyclic triterpene alcohols, small amount of resin
acids, fatty acids, tannins, saponins, a glycoside and a ketone.
Leaves are used in vomiting, wounds and leucoderma. The air dried
roots yield essential oil containing P-methoxy salicylic aldehyde as
the major constituent. The aroma of the drug is attributed to this
aldehyde.
99: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Jasud)
Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa sinensis L.

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Jashud
Tamil: Smparuthi
Hindi: Jasut, Jasum
Telugu: Java pushpamu dasana
Sanskrit: Japa, Java, Rudra pushpam
English: Shoe fower, Rose of China, Chinese hibiscus
Introduction
This is evergreen, woody, glabrous and showy shrub which gets height
of 5-8 feet. Leaves are bright green in colour, ovate, entire till below. They
look coarsely toothed above. Flowers are solitary, axillary, bellshaped, with
pistil and stamens projecting from the centre. Fruits are capsules type and
reddish, they are many seeded. This plant is very common in gardens.

Origin of the plant is unknown. Although some people think that origin
of plant is Southeast Asia and China. It is commonly cultivated as garden
shrub because it looks so beautiful in the garden. It is cultivated from the sea
level to 500 meters.
Cultivation
It prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a warm, sheltered
position in full sun. It is not very frost-tolerant and needs to be grown in
essentially frost-free areas. It might succeed outdoors in the very mildest
areas of the country if given a very sheltered warm position. Alternatively, it
might be possible to grow the plant as a tender annual by starting it off early
in a warm greenhouse. If well-grown it can fower and set seed in its first
year. This plant is cultivated by two common methods i.e.through seeds and
vegetative propagation.
Seed are sown early in spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is
usually rapid. Seedlings are grown in individual pot. If plants are grown as
annuals, they should planted out into their permanent positions in early
summer and protect them with a frame or cloche until they are growing away
well. If they are grown as a perennial, then it is better to grow them in the
greenhouse for their first year and to plant them out in early summer of the
following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood are sown in July or August in a
frame or outside in the nursery.
Taraxeryl acetate, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, cholesterol,
erogosterol, lipids, citric, tartaric and oxalic acids, fructose, glucose, sucrose,
favonoids and favonoid glycosides. Hibiscetin, cyaniding and cyanin
glucosides and alkenes are found.

To induce abortion, ease menstrual cramps and to help in childbirth.
It is used to treat headache.
A preparation from the leaves is used to treat postpartum relapse
sickness.
It is also used to treat boils, sores and infammations.
It is very good medicine for hairs.
100: Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.
(Kutaj)
Botanical Name: Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.

Synonym: Holarrhena pubescence (Butch-Ham.) Wallich ex Don.
Family: Apocynaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kutaj
Hindi: Kutaj
English: Kutaj
Tamil: Veppalei
Sankrit: Kutajah
Telugu: Tedlapala Introduction
This plant is small, medium sized deciduous tree. Leaves are opposite,
short petioled, ovate to oblong, elliptic oblong, membranous, pale green.
Flowers are white in colour, fragrant, in terminal or sub axillary many
fowered corymbose cymes. Fruit is of two slender, elongate parallel,
follicular mericarps, 8-16 inches long. Each follicle enclose many seeds.
Flowering time is March to May.
Distribution
This plant is more or less throughout distributed in India upto 1000
ft.This tree us vey common in the Indian forest.
Cultivation
Plant is easily propagated by seed propagation method. Before
propagation, seeds are kept in cotton and allowed to soak for 24 hours in
water. Then seeds are sown in polybags or in nusery beds. Generally seeds
take one week for germination. When seedlings get height of 5 cm it can be
transplanted in the main feld after one year. 30 cm cube pits are prepared
with 6 x 6 meter spacing for planting.

This plant is used as astringent, febrifuge which is used in dysentery,
diarrhea, fever and intestinal worms.
The plant is also useful in asthma, chronic bronchitis, boils and
ulcers.
101: Holostemma annularium (Roxb.) K.
Schumn (Chirvel)
Botanical Name: Holostema annulare (Roxb.) K. Schumn

Synonyms: Holostema ada-kodien Schultes
Local Names
Gujarati: Khirdodi
Sanskrit: Jivanti, Arkapushpi
Hindi: Chhirvel
Telugu: Polagurugu
English: Jivanti
Introduction
This is handsome, laticiferous, twining shrub. Flowers are large and
conspicuous. Leaves are simple, opposite, cordate type. Flowers are purple
colour and they are arranged in axillary umbellate cymes. Fruits are thick
follicles. Length is 9-10 cm. They are cylindrical in shape. Point of the fruit is
blunt. Roots are irregularly twisted, pretty long upto a meter or more, they are
thick and cylindrical.
Distribution
This shrub is found throughout in India. They are generally found in
open hedges and forests. This plant is very common in the arid and semi arid
regions of the world.
Root contains many important chemical constituents. It contained
moisture, protein, sugar, starch, fber and ash. The ash contains calcium and
phosphate.

The roots are sweet, refrigerant, ophthalmic, emollient, alterant,
tonic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, expectorant and galactagogue
They are used in ophthalmopathy, orchids, cough, burning sensation,
stomachalgia, consumption, fever and tridosa.
Leaves, flowers and fruits are eaten as vegetables.
102: Juglans regia Linn. (Akhrot)
Botanical Name: Juglans regia Linn.

Family: Junglandaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Akhrot
English: Common walnut,Persian walnut, European walnut
Sanskrit: Aksotah
Tamil: Akrottu
Hindi: Akhrot
Telugu: Akrotu
Introduction
This plant is very large deciduous monoecious tree with tomentose
shoots. Longitudinally fssured bark is seen. Bark is grey coloured. Leaves are
alternate, imparipinnate. Leafets are entire and aromatic in nature. Flowers
are yellowish green in colour. They are very small. Male flowers are arranged
in pendulous slender catkins inforescence. Female flowers are arranged in 1-3
fowered terminal catkins. Fruits are drupes type. Each fruit has 5 cm length.
Exocarp of the fruit is leathery. Fruits are woody wrinkled. Hard endocarp
encloses 4 lobes. They are corrugated, oily. Seeds are edible.
This plant is cultivated mainly in the Himalayas and Khasia Hills. It is
the native of region stretching from the Balkans eastward to the Himalayas
and southwest China. The plant is distributed in the Europe, America,
Roman, Greece, Bulgaria like countries in the world.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two general methods (i). By seeds and (ii). By
cuttings. Various methods are used for preparing an area for a walnut
orchard, all giving equally good results, when measured by profitable crop
production. Since trees are deep-rooted, soil should be fertile, well-drained,
alluvial, 2 m or more deep, of medium loam to sandy or silt loam texture, and
free of alkali salts, especially excessive boron. Seedling trees show great
variation as to hardiness, type of fruit and fruitfulness.
Persian walnuts are planted in the orchard from 10 to 20 m each way;
however, many spacings are in use depending on the variety and the
cultivation methods to be used. Intercropping young walnut orchard with
trees of a different species may be useful, at least for the first 5–10 years.
Intercropping may be difficult because of irrigation, spraying, and use of
equipment for cultivation of the intercrop. Holes should be dug amply wide
to accomodate roots, a few meter deeper than the roots, and planted no deeper
than they were in the nursery. Roots should never be allowed to dry out
during the transplanting process. Topsoil should be used to fill hole when
planting tree, and frmly tamped around roots. Do not transplant when soil is
wet. Nut trees must have tops reduced or cut back, either before or after
planting, usually to about 1.5-2 m from ground level. Lower buds should be
suppressed so the upper ones will be forced to grow and make the framework
of the tree.
Newly planted trees should be staked, either with a single stake driven
close to the tree and tying it to the stake, or driving three stakes equidistant,
fastening tree to each with stout cord so as not to injure bark. After trees are
planted, they should be watched, and watered during every severe dry spell
until they have become established. When irrigated, total of 2 1/2-5 acre feet
of water per acre should be applied through-out the year, including normal
rainfall. The modifed central leader system of training young walnuts is
recommended for western orchards, in which 4 or 5 main framework
branches spaced both vertically and horizontally are developed; the first
branch should be started no lower than 2 m from the ground.
This plant contains a globulin, juglansin The juglansin has been isolated
from the edible kernel. The nitrogen distribution of the globulin is as follows.
Basic N, 5.41; non-basic N, 11.51; humin N, 0.15; and amide N, 1.78. The
globulin contains cystine and tryptophane.

The leaves and bark are antiscorbutic and detergent, and are useful in
herpes, eczema, scrofula and syphilis. Leaves are astringent, tonic
and anthelmintic.
Fruits are sweet, emollient, thermogenic, aphrodisiac, tonic and
carminative. They are used as alternate in rheumatism.
The expressed oil of the fruit is considered useful against tapeworm
and is used to strengthen and lubricate the muscles.
The kernels are said to posses aphrodisiac properties and are
recommended in colic and dysentery.
103: Jasminum grandiforum L. (Champo)
Botanical Name: Jasminum grandiforum L.

Family: Oleaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Chambeli, Malti
Hindi: Chameli
English: jasmine, Catalonium jasmine
Sanskrit: Jati, Chetaki, Malati
Tamil: Pinchi, Koti malligai
Telugu: Jati, Jaji, Malti
Introduction
Jasmine is an evergreen profusely branched shrub attaining a height of
2m, if allowed to grow and given support can climb to height of 10-12m. It is
a large glabrous shrub erect while young and climbing or scrambling when
older. Leaves are opposite, imparipinnately compound, up to 7 cm long, the
rachis fattened or winged, the leafets are 5-7, elliptic, round elliptic or oval,
the terminal leafet are mostly ovate lanceolate and acuminate. Flowers are
white in colour and they are arranged in axillary terminal long cymes. Bracts
are foliaceous ovate, bracteoles are linear. Calyx is glabrous, five lobed,
subulate. Corrolla has 5 lobes. They are star shaped; elliptic or obovate,
carpels are two. The corolla tube encloses tow stamens borne on short slender
flaments and fruit is a berry type. Generally plant can be identifed with the
help of bushes of 1.5-2 m diameter. Full grown plant form a oval shape look
with leaves and branches both having dark green appearance.
Jasmine is next to the rose in odour. In India white blossoms of the
jasmine is used since the time immemorial. It was used for ceremonial
purpose and for scenting of hair oils and ointments. J. grandiforum was
originated in Indo-Burma region in the foothills of Himalayas. The plant was
introduced in Morocco, Egypt, S.Africa, Syria, Algeria, United Arub
Republic, India and China for commercial plantation. The plant was brought
to North Africa and Spain, apparently by the conquering Moors, for the name
Jasmine is of Arabic origin (Yasmin). It is found in France, Egypt, Morocco,
Algeria and Italy, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. In India jasmine is grown in
the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Gujarat etc. states
in about 8000 hectares.
Cultivation
Plant suits high humidity and soil moisture promotes good growth from
newly planted cutting. Similar condition also favours plant growth which is
found to be maximum during raining season. Although fowering starts fewer
first years of plantation but the economic yield is obtained only in the third
year till 15-20 years. It is propagated by layering and stem cuttings in India,
in France by grafting of J.grandiforum on stocks of J.officinalis which is a
hardy plant resistant to frost, and in Italy by rooted stem cuttings. For
layering, mature shoots, which are one year old, are lowered in soil 10-15 cm
deep after giving a shallow cut in the portion to be lowered, roots in 90-120
days. Rooted layers are separated and kept in moist gunny bags in shade till
these are planted. Ideal time of layering in India is June-December.
Also plantation is raised from cuttings, which are obtained in March
from near mature wood. Each cutting should have 3 or 4 eyes and it should
be 22-25 cm long. Cuttings are buried more than 5 cm deep and are spread 7
cm apart and are ready for transplanting in the feld within 4 to 5 months,
which takes place during March of the following year. The plants are spread
1m in rows, 1-5m apart. Pruning is done every year to get good development
of fresh fowering shoots. Generally December and January is good time for
pruning.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the second year of planting in April and May; hand
plucking is done in the early morning because at that time flowers contain
maximum essential oil. After 10’o clock oil content seems to be decreased.
Normally, hand plucking of the blossom is done.
Yield
In India a yield of 7500-8000 kg per hectare has been reported. In
France, during first year, a one hectare plantation produces 1,200-2000 kg of
flowers. In the second and following years a yield of 3000-4000 kg of
flowers are obtained. In Italy, the yield of flowers from the 3rd year onwards
averages 4500 kg per hectare.
Storage
The oil should be stored in a cool place. When it becomes old it darkens
in colour.
Grading and Processing
Enfeurage method is widely used in India for production of jasmine
attars. In this method dehusked seeds of till (Sesame) and jasmine flowers are
spread in thin layers one over the other for 10 to 12 hours daily. The
exhausted flowers are replaced by fresh flowers and the process is repeated
for 5 to 7 days. One kg of seeds need about 3 kg of fresh flowers. The
perfumed seeds are distilled. Other method of extraction of jasmine perfume
is solvent extraction which is more modern method and recovers particularly
all the odouriferous constituents and is also economical. Hexane or petroleum
ether is used as solvent for extraction. The solvent is recovered by vacuum
distillation and the residue constituents the concrete which is purifed by
extraction with 95 per cent ethyl alcohol whereby jasmine absolute is
obtained. Jasmine concrete is a yellowish brown waxy mass with an odour of
jasmine flowers. The absolute on the other hand is a viscous, clear yellowish
brown liquid possessing a delicate odour of fresh jasmine flowers.

This plant is affected by many pest and diseases. Leaf blight is caused by
Glomerella cingulata which can be controlled by spraying of Bordeax
mixture or organic fungicide.

In countries like India, bulks of the flowers are used in garlands and
decorative bouquets for religious offerings to temples and small
amount is used for production of attar and scented hair oil.
Jasmine concrete and absolute is used in high grade perfumes,
ranking next to the rose in the order of importance. Nearly all high
quality perfumes contain at least a small amount of jasmine oil.
The absolute gives the best results, it blends with any foral scent
imparting smoothnes and elegance to perfume composition.
Jasmine oil is used for perfuming expensive soaps, cosmetics mouth
washes and dentofroces, bath salts, sachets and tobacco. It is also
used in incense and fumigants.
Alcoholic washings of concentrate are used in handkerchief
perfumes.
104: Jatropha curcas L. (Ratan-Jyot)
Botanical Name: Jatropa curcas.Linn.

Local Names
Gujarati: Ratan Jyot
Hindi: Safedaranda, Jangliarandi
Sanskrit: Kananaeradna
Tamil: kadalamanakku, Rattamanakku
Telugu: Nepalmu, Peddanepalamu
Introduction
The genus Jatropha is tropical crop. Jatropa has around 170 species on
the world. Generally it in the form of perennial herb. Jatropa word is derived
from the Greek word Jatros and trophe. Jatros means doctor and trophe
means nutrition. It is desiduous large shrub or small tree. It gets height of 3-5
meter with very smooth grey bark, which excudes whitish coloured watery
latex, when it is cut. Leaves are alternate, green to pale green, broad, cordate,
usually palmately 3 or 5 lobbed glabrous, unisexual; occasionally
hermaphrodite flowers occur. Ten stamens are arranged in two distinct
whorls of five each in a single column in the androecium, and in close
proximity to each other. In the gymnosperm, the three slender styles are
connate to about two third of their length, dilating to massive bifurcate
stigma. The length of petiole ranges between 6-23 mm. The inforesce is
formed in the leaf axils. Small yellowish green flowers are born in loose
penicles of cymes. Fruits are trilocular ellipsoidal. Fleshy exocarp is seen till
the seeds remain matured. Generally they are produced in winter particularly
in the monthe of October-December. Fruits of Jatropa are capsule types and
they get metured in 57 to 60 days after anthesis. Seeds are ovoid and oblong
and black in colour. They are similar to that of castor. After two of four
months form the fertilization, when fruits (capsule type) become green to
yellow, seeds become matured.

The native of the plant is Mexico and Central America. But is cultivated
in Africa, Latin America, India and South Eatern part of the Asia. In earlier
days when its medicinal importance was not very much known at that time
this plant was used for making fencing or shed. In India during 16 th centuary
Portuguese Navigator introduced it first time. It is grown throughout in India
including Andaman Island and generally grown as live fence/hedge for
protection of farmer’s feld against damage which is done by animals and
bulls. Tree grows fast in arid and semi arid condition.
It has good drought resisting capacity. It is suitable for sand dune
stabilization and soil conservation areas. Being hardy, it can be used for the
ecological and economic rehabilitation of wastelands in the tropical and sub
tropical regions of the world. Bio diesel is obtained from the plant so it is
highly economic plant which gives foreign exchange to the country too.
Cultivation
Jatropa can be cultivated in any kind of soils. Generally dry areas where
annual rain fall is between 300-1000 mm can be very useful. The drier
regions of the tropics are also useful. This plant is propagated by seeds and
by branch cuttings. Direct seeding can be done in the feld.
Seed Propagation
When seeds are mixed in soil naturally plant can also be produced. Seeds
are collected in October to December however it varies from place to place
depending upon the climate conditions. For cultivation purpose the seeds
should be collected from superior trees in the month of October to December.
For cultivation purpose the seeds should be freshly collected. Seeds may be
cleaned by blowing or winnowing. Dry up the seeds before storing. Seeds are
stored in the gunny bags.
Seed beds are adjusted that the nursery operations could be carried out
easily without entry in the beds. The length of the beds may be up to 12
meters. Seeds are sown under pan stick nursery operation. One or two healthy
and bold seeds may be sown in poly bags at a depth of 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Seeds
are soaked in cold water to get good germination. Irrigation is very useful for
the growth. FYM and vermicompost manure are utilized. Good time for
sowing is February to March and September to October. Seeds are sown in
furrows of 2 cm depth. After placing the seeds furrow should be covered with
a thin layer of soil and pressed so as to embed the seeds. Deep sowing is not
useful.
Cuttings of 2 to 3 cm should be taken from the base of the stem because
it is healthy portion and gives good results.
Transplanting is done in the rainy season. During this time pits are
prepared of 45 x 45 x 45 cm in the May to June. Firm Yard Manure is also
applied. Dust is used to protect plant against termite. Seedlings are put in the
center of the pit. The soil around the seedling should be pressed and irrigation
should be given, if there are no rains, transplanting can be done in February
to March. Two or three seeds can be sown in each pit.
Prooning, Hoeing and Weeding

Proonign is done to deveop more number of branches at a height of 40-
60 cm. The plant will become bush rather then a medium tree. It will give
vertical woody growth. Plant basin should be kept free from weeds. Two to
three hoeing and weeding are enough.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the month of August to December in North Indian
condition. Fruits can be harvested in two to four months after fowering.
Yield
Yield is obtained from 2nd year and onwards. From one acre plantation
about 800-1000 kilograms yield can be obtained. About Rs. 10,000-12,000
can be earned from one acre plantation of this plant. Oil is also obtained form
the plant. Mechanical processing technique is simple and feasible for farmers.
Solvent extraction can provide 95 to 99 per cent of the total available oil.

Whole plant is medicinally and economically useful. Plant is used in
traditional medicines and its effects for the cure of many diseases.
Jatropine is obtained from the plant which contains anticancerous
properties.
Plant extract is used for wound healing, allergies, burns, cuts and
wounds, infammation, leprosy, leucoderma, scabies, small pox like
dieses.
Juice of leaves is used for plies. Plant juice is purjative.
Seeds are good source of traditional medicines to treat arthritis, gout
and jaundice. Stem is used for dental prolems like toothache, gum
infammation, gum bleeding, pyorrhea etc. Twing sap is used for
wounds and ulcers.
Water exctract of the plant is used for the treatment of HIV tumor.
Jatropa curcas is source of Bio diesel which is highly useful. Oil is
renewable source of energy, it is visible alternative to diesel,
kerosene, LPG, furnace oil,. Coal and fuel wood. It is also used in
resins, polish, paint, soap and candle industries. Jatropa contains
nitrogen (4.4 per cent), Phosphorus (2.09) per cent, and potassium
(1.68 per cent)
Large scale cultivation fertilizes the bare lands and thus it is very
useful in the low rain fall areas for farmers.
Seed oil contains 21 per cent saturated fatty acids and 79 per cent
unsaturated fatty acids.
J.carcas oil is organic fertilizer which is used to make weste lands
into useful lands and it does not impure soil like other chemical
fertilizers.
Plant is used as food for the animal and fshes, rats etc. Bio-fence is
also made to protect other species of plants from jatropa.
105: Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
(Lavender)
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Synonyms: Lavandula officinalis Chaix, L.vera DC, Lavandula lotifolia
Mill Spica DC
Family: Labiatae, Lamiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Lavandar
Hindi: English Lavadula
English: Lavender, Spike lavender
Sanskrit: Lavandin
Introduction
Lavender is a temperate plant and is hardy herbaceous bushy with
straight woody branches 50-80 cm in height. There are 28 aromatic species of
Lavandula but three species are of economic importance. (1) Lavender (2)
Spike lavender and (3) Lavandin
1. Lavender: Lavender It is small perennial shrub. Leaves are opposite,
long, narrow, lanceolate, light grayish green with a downy
appearance. Inforescence at the end of each slender stem where the
densely packed layers of flowers seem to be in whorls, they are in
fact so closely grouped that there are no leaves in the foral sector and
they form a compact spike. Calyx is long, tubular, piloset and 5-
lobed. Whole fower is mauve to violet shade tinged with light blue.
2. Spike lavender: Spike lavender is perennial shrub which gets height
of 60-80 cm. Leaves are dimorphic, linear, lanceolate, narrowly
elliptic to spathulate, much alternated at the base. Primary leaves of
young shoot are up to 6.0 cm long, basal and axillary leaves are small
and fastigiated. Peduncles typically branching, spreading, after very
long spikes often interrupted, compact, rather slender. Bracts are
linear to lanceolate, acute, tomentose, equal to calyx or slightly
longer, medium nerve alone conspicuous. Bracteoles are linear, green
or greenish calyx is up to 5 mm long, marginal teeth obtuse or
rounded.
3. Lavandin: Lavandin is hybrid between lavender and spike lavender
and has characters which are intermediate between the two species.
Lavandin is a shrub which is 40-50 cm tall. Leaves are dimorphic,
linear, lenceolate 4-5 cm long and narrowly spathulate, attenuated at
the base. Basal leaves are smaller and tastigate densely grey. Spikes
mostly at the interior end, compact to obovate, and green or grayish
in color.
Plant grows well in month of March to April. Old clumps are regenerated
quickly but to make it further faster heavy fertilization is required. Flowering
time for this plant is April, May and June.

Lavender is native to Europe bordering western half of the
Mediterranean region extending to eastern coast of Spain, France, Italy and
North Africa. It is cultivated in France, UK, USSR, Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary,
Australia, China and India. Principally Bulgaria and the USSR is now almost
certainly the world’s largest producing region.
Cultivation
The plant can well tolerate temperate up to 26ºC. Light promotes growth
and improves oil quality. In India its cultivation has been found successful at
attitude of 1666 m where summer temperature ranges from 25-35ºC and
winter temperature 0ºC to -8ºC. It grows well on sloppy lands thereby
checking soil erosion to a great extent. It prefers open sunny soils for proper
growth.
Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
Lavender is propagated through seeds and rooted cuttings. Seed
propagation is very easy and economical. Seeds are planted in 1m wide raised
nursery beds in rows 10-12 cm apart. Prior to planting, seeds are mixed with
fine sand or ash as the seeds are very small and planted at a depth of 1-2 cm
and covered with a mixture of FYM and sand. The proper time for plantation
is October to November or March to April. Sprinkler irrigation is essential to
keep the beds moist and seedlings should be pruned regularly. Seedlings of
March April are ready for transplanting in autumn and those of October to
November are ready in March to April. Propagation through cutting is also
useful because genetic purity of the clones is maintained. Cuttings of 10 cm
long are taken from one year old growth and planted in nursery beds and
covered with a mixture of sand and well rotten compost. Cuttings are planted
in the holes at a distance of 7.5 x 7.5 cm and fertilized regularly.
Transplantation can be done in October to November or March to April.
Cuttings or seedlings are planted at a distance of 30- 40 cm in rows 1.2-1.4 m
apart.
Harvesting
Depending upon the exposure of the plantation, plants start fowering
earlier in warmer and low altitude areas and later at higher slopes. Flowers
are cut off with stem lengths not greater than 12 cm as there is no oil in the
stems and leaves. However harvesting of lavender has been mechanized and
at present, most of the lavender is harvested and chopped mechanically by
specially designed tractor mounted harvesters. Generally in full bloom
harvesting is done. Such harvesting is started with 50 percent blossom and
75-90 percent fowering. Harvesting is carried on dry, warm and sunny days.
Oil Extraction
Lavender in fresh conditions should not be stored for a longer time and
immediately distilled. Flowers or fowering tops are distilled by stem
distillation method. Hydro distillation method is not so useful as it causes
ester saponification and thus lowering the ester content in the oil and may
change its composition.
Storage
Oil should be stored in aluminium or stainless steel container and filled
to its capacity, preferable in cool and dry places.
Yield
Fresh spikes are useful for oil. Per hectare 80-100 quintal of fresh spikes
per year is obtained. In Bulgaria and USSR yield goes up to 100-150 kg oil
per hectare has been obtained.

The lavender species can be exploited in number of ways. As a
medicinal plant its dried inforescence has traditionally been
considered to be an antispasmodic, a carminative, a diuretic, a
nervine, a stimulant and a tonic. Lavender has also been an insect
repellent.
Essential oil is obtained from lavender which is antiseptic,
carminative and spasmodic activity. It is also used in cologne toilet
waters, lotions and a wide range of high quality perfumes often with
blending or stretching.
Spike lavender oil is used to scent cheap soaps, polishes, detergents
and liquid cleaners, although the more delicate French oil is also used
in room sprays, deodorants, disinfacectants and insecticides.
The major consumer of lavandin oil is the soap industry, but the oil
also has many applications in men’s colognes and numerous
inexpensive perfumes, detergents, cleaning and washing up liquids,
polishes, talcum powder and hair oil preparations.
106: Lawsonia inermis Linn. (Mehandi)
Botanical Name: Lawsonia inermis Linn.

Family: Lythraceae
Synonym: Lawsonia alba Lam.
Local Names
Gujarati: Mehadi, Heena
Hindi: Mehandi
English: Henna, Egyptian priven, Cypress shrub
Sanskrit: Medhini, Madayantika
Tamil: Mailenati, Marutani
Telugu: Goranta
Introduction
It is found in dry deciduous forests and widely cultivated as a hedge
plant. It is a glabrous much branched deciduous shrub with 4 - gonous lateral
branches often ending in spines. Leaves are simple and opposite, 2-2.5 cm
long, elliptic, acute at either ends or tips, they are obtuse, minutely petioled,
entire, and coriaceous. Flower is 0.5 cm in diameter, greenish-white, sweet
scented, and is arranged in large corymbosely branched terminal panicles
inforescence. Some times flowers are looked like rose colored. Petiole is very
short or absent. Fruits are globose capsule type, 0.5 cm in diameter, ultimetly
one celled, irregularly breaking up; seeds are angular, smooth and pyramidal.
Distribution
This plant is distributed in whole tropical and sub tropical regions of the
world. It can survive well in areas where rain fall is 1000-2000 mm. It is
grown in Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and all the other states
in India. It is observed in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma and some other
countries as well.
Cultivation
This plant can be grown in hot and arid areas although it can survive in
any kind of soil. It grows well in clayey soils possessing good water holding
capacity. It tolerates alkalinity in the soil to some extent. It can be propagated
by seeds and also by branch cuttings. Propagation through cuttings gives
good results. Furrows are prepared at one meter distance in the feld. The 45
cm long cuttings are used for propagation and it should be planted at a
distance of 50 cm distance at the beginning of monsoon. Cuttings are
sprouted quickly. First weeding is carried out in the month of July. By the
end of monsoon plant reaches at the height of 1-2 meter. Plant does not
require artificial watering. However if water is available it is advisable to
irrigate the feld once in a month. Seeds are sown in nursery beds in the month
of March to April. For one hectare of land 20 kg of seeds are required. Seeds
start germinating in 10 to 15 days intervals. When plant gets height of 40-45
cm, these are to be transplanted in straight lines at 30 cm distances in the feld.
At this time the soils should be nicely moist.
Irrigation and Fertilization

Plant is affected by termites so to prevent this plant from them, the land
is tilled 2-3 times with plough and the powdered oil cakes of neem mixed at
the rate of 50-60 kg per hectare is added. It needs very less or no irrigation.
Very less irrigation should be given to this crop; otherwise the color contents
in the leaves will be affected.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 6 months of planting. Leaves are plucked by
hands without damaging stems. In the first year one plucking and in the
second and third year 2-3 pluckings are carried out. These leaves are
collected and dried under shade or sent to distillation plant. A production of
500 kg in the first year, 1500 kg of air-dried leaves per hectare in the 2nd and
subsequent years is expected.
Yield
The yield of oil is on an average 0.75 percent. Thus, the production of oil
from the leaves is taken as 4 kg in the first year and 12 kg in the subsequent
years.

Roots, leaves, flowers, seeds are used for medicinal values.
Leaves are bitter, astringent, acrid, refrigerant vulnerary, diuretic,
emeticm expectorant, anodyne, anti-infammatory, constipating,
depurative, liver tonic, haematinic, styptic febrifuge and
trichogenous.
Flowers are intellect promoting, cardiotonic, refrigerant, soporific,
febrifuge and tonic. They are used in cephalagia, burning sensation,
sardiopathy, amentia, insomnia, and fever.
Decoction is used as gargle for relaxed sore throat. Essential oil is
obtained from flowers by stem distillation. This oil is used in perfume
industry. Herbal hair oil is also made up from this plant.
Henna contains 25-33 per cent water soluble matter, aqueous
solutions are orange in colour and show a green fuorescence. The
principal colouring mater is lawsone, 2-hydroxy-I; 4-naphthaquinone
which is present in dried leaves in a concentration of I-0-I-4 per cent.
Behenic, arachidic, stearic, palmitic, oleic etc.
107: Lepidium sativum L. (Dodi)
Botanical Name: Lepidium sativum L.

Family: Cruciferae
Local Names
Gujarati Dodi, Kharkhodi
Sanskrit Asalika, Asalic
Hindi Chandrashur, Dodi
Tamil Alivirai
English Garden cress,Water cress
Telugu Aditya
Introduction
This plant is erect, herbaceous glabrous annual up to 45 cm in height.
Leaves are entire or variously lobed or pinnatisect, the lower petiolate, the
upper sessile. Flowers are white and small and they are arranged in small
racemes. Fruits are obovate; they are in the form of small pods. Pod is
notched at the apex with two seeds per pod.

The plant has uncertain origin but according to some people Iran is the
place from where this plant has originated. It is also believed to be
naturalized in Britain. It is distributed in whole India.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1).Seed propagation and (2).
Vegetable propagation.
Seeds contain an alkaloid, glucotropaeloin, sinapin, sinapic acid,
mucilaginous matter and uric acid. Saturated acids like stearic, arachidic
behenic lignoceric, loeic and linolenic acids are isolated from the plant.The
unsaponifable mater contain P-sitosterol and a-tocopherol. The oil possesses
anti oxidant properties. The optimum stabilizing concentration when used as
an additive for linseed oil is ten percent.

The roots are bitter and acrid, and they are useful in secondary
syphilis and tenesmus.
Leaves are stimulant, diuretic and antibacterial and are useful in
scorbutic diseases and hepatopathy.
Seeds are bitter, thermogenic, depurative, rubefacient, galactagogue,
emmenagogue, tonic, aphrodisiac, ophthalmic and diuretic.
They are useful as poultices for sprains and in leprosy, skin diseases,
dysentery, diarrhea, splenomegaly, dyspepsia, lumbago,
ophthalmopathy, leucorrhoea, scurvy, seminal weakness, asthma,
cough, hiccough, haemorrhoids and vitiated condition of vata.
It can be asdministered to cause abortion.
108: Leptadenia reticulata W. and A.
(Jivanti)
Botanical Name: Leptodenia reticulata W. and A.

Family: Asclepidaceae
Synonyms: Gymnema aurantiacum Wall. ex Hook.f.
Local Names
Gujarati: Dodi, Nani dodi, khirkhodi
Hindi: Dori
English: Jivanti
Sanskrit: Jivanti
Telugu: Kalasa, Mukkutummudu
Tamil: Palaikkodi
Introduction
This is twining shrub. The stem is with cork like deeply cracked bark,
branches, numerous, younger ones and glabrous. The leaves are coriaceous,
ovate, acute, glabrous above finely pubescent. Flowers are greenish yellow,
and are arranged in lateral or subaxillary cymes inforescence, often with
small hairs. Fruits are follicles sub woody, 6.3-9 cm tapering. The seeds are 6
mm in length.
Distribution
This plant is a small genus of erect or twining shrubs distributed in
tropical and sub tropical parts of Asia and Africa. Mainly two species are
found in India. Leptadenia reticulata is found in sub Himalayan tracts of
Punjab and U.P. and throughout the Deccan Peninsula up to an altitude of
900 m, particularly in hedges. In India plant is distributed in Punjab, Konkan,
Poona and Gujarat. It is also found in the Western Peninsula.
Cultivation
It is mostly grown in hot humid or in semi dry climate. The climatic
condition of Rajasthan and Gujarat are suitable for its cultivation. Generally
sandy or black to medium black soil is useful. This plant is propagated
through seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The first necessity for sowing the seeds is to prepare a nursery in the first
week of June. These seeds are soaked under dark and kept them for 24 hours.
The seeds should be sown at one cm deep in polyethylene bags fled with the
mixture of sandy soil, black soil and cow dung in 2:1:2 ratio.
By Layering Method
The month of July is suitable for planting through air layering. 0.5 to 1
cm thick green branches are selected. Node is selected in the branch. Two
cuts are made at the interval of 5 cm distances. The bark between both cuts
should be totally removed. On the barkless portion coating of siradit which is
a plant hormone is made. Thereafter, burry and cover the branch along with
node under wet black soil. Two Leptadenia reticulata creepers and their
interwoving should not in anyway affect its productivity. The spacing
between two plants should be 3 x 3 m.

The use of carbonic manure is useful. Cow dung manure with carbonic
manure is given to the plant for better growth. Irrigation is provided in
summer at the intervals of 3-5 days and in the winter season 8 to 10 days
intervals. For each plant 8-10 liters of water is sufficient. After
transplantation and in initial days, irrigation is to be given at one day
intervals.
Harvesting
Good crop is harvested in two years to three years. 1100 kg of above
ground parts can be harvested.

Stem, leaves and roots are useful for medicinal values.
Roots of the plants are useful in lactation and skin infection.
Leaves and roots are used in skin diseases, infammation of the skin
and on wounds.
Alcoholic extracts of roots and leaves show antibacterial activity
against gram-positive and gram negative bacteria.
109: Limonia acidissima L. (Kotha)
Botanical Name: Limonia acidissima L.

Family: Rutaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kotha
Hindi: Kotha, Bilin, Kavit, Kaitha, Katbel
English: Wood apple, Elephant apple
Sanskrit: Kapittha, Kapitthah
Tamil: Vilankay, Maram
Telugu: Tora elka, Velaga, Veagapandu
Introduction
It is big tree which often reaches up to height of 15-16 m in height and
60-120 cm in girth. Leaves are pinnate, they are 7-10 cm long, leaf lets are
obovate or ovate. Flowers are polygamous in lax panicles inforescence. Fruits
are wood, globose and hard they are covered with white bloom. Pulp of fruit
is aromatic. Seeds are numerous and small they are covered in pulp.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It can be cultivated from up
to elevation of 500 m in western Himalayas and all plains in the India. It can
be cultivated in almost all conditions and climates. It is grown in Jammu
Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh are some
of the states which are related with the production of wood apple.
Cultivation
There are two types of this species: one with small acidic fruits and the
other with large sweet ones. It is propagated by seeds or by cutting or by
layering. Seeds are used to raise seedlings in polypots in the nursery. After
two years these raised seedlings are transplanted in the feld at 8 m x 8m x
10m spacing. Growth can be increased by using fertilizers because this plant
is slow growing plant. Weeding is done time to time to for raising of
seedlings. Generally after 14 -15 years, plant start to fower and giving fruits.
Harvesting
Ripining period of fruit is November to March. Fruit are plucked from
the trees and taken to market at that time. Fruits can remain without spoiling
for long time.
Yield
Each tree gives 60-70 fruits per year which means it can give 9000 fruits
per hectare. Each fruit can be sold at the rate of Rs.1/-. After 1st 15 years net
return is Rs. 7,000 per year from this plant.

The pulp of raw fruit is useful in arresting secretion of bleeding in
the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea and piles. Pulp of fruit is eaten as
such or with sugar.
It can be used for making sharbats in the same way as Bael. It is
useful in preventing and curing scurvy and fatulence.
The gum is excluded from by the stem has a soothing effect on the
skin and mucous membrane.
Gum is also useful in bowel complaints, dysentery and diarrhea,
tenesmous, etc.
Ripe fruits are aromatic, digestive and tonic. They are useful as
refresher too.
A mixture of the ripe pulp of the fruit, cardamom, honey and cumin
seeds is very useful in preventing cancer of breast and uterus and
cures sterility.
The juice of the tender leaves is used in relieving bowel complains of
children, urticaria, skin eruptions caused by biliousness.
Wood apple is used for treating hiccups.
Powder of leaves dried in shade, with equal quantity of sugar candy,
is useful in spermatorrhoea or involuntary ejaculation, premature
ejaculation and functional impotency. The gum is also found useful
as aphrodisiac.
110: Mallotus philippensis (Lam.)
Muell-Arg.
(Rohini)
Botanical Name: Mallotus Philippensis (Lam.) Muell-Arg.
Local Names
Gujarati: Sundari, Japilo
Sanskrit: Recanakah, Kampillakah
Hindi: Sindur, Kamala, Rohini
Tamil: Manjanai, Kunkumam, Kamala
English: Kamala tree
Telugu: Sundari, Vasanta, Kumkumamu
Introduction
This is very small tree about 10 m in height with grey or pale brown
rough bark with irregular fssures. Leaves are alternate, longer than broad,
three ribbed at the base ovate or ovate lanceolate, entire or shortly serrate, red
glandular beneath. The transverse nervules are prominent. Flowers are
dioecious and small, they are arranged in spikes, the males clustered sessile
or very shortly pedicellate in erect long terminal spikes usually several
together, the females nearly sessile in short spikes; Fruits are globose type,
three lobed capsules covered over with dense reddish brown glandular
pubescence, seeds are black in colour they are smooth and sub globose.
This small tree is distributed throughout India. It is mostly seen in
evergreen and deciduous forests up to 1,500 meter. It is distributed from
India, Sri Lanka and South China to the West Pacific and Australia. In
Borneo collected in Sarawak and Sabah. The plant is endogenous to India.
Cultivation
Tree is frost hardy and drought resistant which falls to the ground in the
beginning of the hot season and germinates in the ensuing rainy season.
Seeds are susceptible to drought and insect attack. Where loose bare soil is
available. Seeds get covered during rains and germination is facilitated.
Artificial propagation is done by soeing fresh seeds by about April.
Germination is rather uncertain and it is advisable to sow seeds quite close at
5 cm distance and to thin out during first rainy season. The more vigorous
seedlings are ready for transplanting during first year. Smaller ones are kept
for another year in the nursery. Line sowing with feld crops has proved
successful. Regular weeding and loosening of soil should be carried out
during first two years and as often as may be nessasary afterwards. The tree
also reproduces from root suckers. Although growth is slow.
Plant contains kamlolenic, conjugated dienoic, linoleic, oleic, lauric,
myristic, palmitic and stearic.

The glandular hairs, which are reddish brown in colour are acrid,
thermogenic, purgative, digestive, lithontriptic, styptic, Vermifuge,
alexipharmic and depurative.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and vata.
It is useful in the verminosis, constipation, fatulence, wounds ulcers,
cough, renal and vesical calculi, hemorrhages, poisonous affections,
scabies, ringworm herpes and other parasitic skin affections.
111: Manilkara hexandra Roxb. (Rayan)
Botanical Name: Manilkara hexandra Roxb.

Family: Sapotaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Rayan
Hindi: Khiri, Khirni
Sanskrit: Rajadanah, Rajadani
English: Rayan, Bakula
Tamil: Nanupala, Palai
Telugu: Khirni, Mangipala
Introduction
It is a large evergreen tree with tough branches, generally attaining the
heights of 10-12 m. The bark is grey and rough. Leaves are simple, alternate,
stiff, leathery, 5-13 x 2-5 cm, obovate or oblong, usually rounded at the top
and narrowing into petiole, glabrous on both sides, dark green and smooth
above, pale beneath, nerves 12-20 pairs, not conspicuous, petiole is 1-1.5 cm.
channeled above, they are glabrous. Flowers are star like white, solitary or 2-
6 together in axils of the leaf. Calyx is rusty tomentose, 6-lobed, refexed,
ciliate, inner 3 narrower than outer 3, corolla, tubular, 18 lobed in 2 series of
6 and 12, stamens are 6. Fruits are berry, 2-2.5 cm, 1 seeded some times there
are two seeds, elliptical or egg-shaped.
Distribution
Genus Manilkara is distributed mainly in tropics, three species of genus
manilkara found in India, in which Manilkara hexandra and Manilkara
littoralis are endogenous to India while M.kauki is exotic and species has
introduced in gardens.This tree is found in evergreen forest and dry parts of
the India. This tree is particularly found in Gujarat, Rajasthan and adjoining
areas.
Cultivation
It is the plant of arid and semi arid climatic zones. In hilly areas, it is
found along with water courses. It is drought resistant and have low needs. It
grows well in light soil and alluvial soil. Seed propagation is good method.
Two years old seedlings are raised in polypots (20 x 30 x 300) are best for
raising plantations. At the beginning of monsoon the seeds are sown in
polypots filled with soil. They are regularly watered on non rainy days. They
germinate without any difficulty. They are kept free of weeds and watered
regularly. When they become two year old, they attain a height of 80-90 cm.
height and are ready for transplanting in the feld. In the area to be planted pits
of 45 x 45 x45 cm are dug at a spacing of 10m x 10m. After adding farm yard
manure to each pit, the nursery raised seedlings are transplanted in the pits, at
the beginning of monsoon. The plants establish soon and start growing.
Regular weeding and soil workings are carried out. Application of fertilizer
(50 grams of urea in 2 split doses per plant every year) helps plant to grow
quickly. The plants are slow growing and they take 12-15 years before
fowering and fruiting. Trees have long life almost more than 100 years.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in 16th years and onwards because in this time tree
becomes capable to give fruits. Maximum yield of fruits are obtained in 25-
30 years of age. In the march fruits are plucked from the tree. Since all the
fruits are not ripe at one time, several pickings of the fruits are necessary.
Yield
Each tree produces about 25kg. initiallty and reach up to 100kg. at the
age of 30-35 years. An average production of 2500 kg of fruits can be
expected from one ha. of plantation. The fruits can be sold at the rate of Rs.
10/- per kg. Total expenditure till 25 years and onwards reaches to Rs. 10,000
per hectare and net return is around Rs. 40,000 per hectare.

Fruits of the tree are edible.
The tree gives gum which has commercial importance.
The oil is also extracted from the seeds is used to adulterate ghee.
Rayan seedlings are in much demand because they are used as stock
for grafting sapota (Manil-kara Zapota) seedlings.
Excellent walking sticks are made out of the branches of this tree.
112: Mentha arvensis L. (Pudina)
Botanical Name: Mentha arvensis L.

Family: Lamiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pudina, Pudino
Hindi: Pudina
English: Mint
Sanskrit: Pudinah, Putinah
Tamil: Putina, Podina, Putina
Telugu: Pudina, Igaenglikara
Introduction
Mentha arvensis is a downy perennial plant with rootstock creeping
along or just under the ground surface. It has a rigid branching, pubescent 60-
90 cm tall stem. The leaves are lanceolate to oblong, 3.7-10 cm long, sharply
toothed, sessile or short petiolated and hairy. Flowers are arranged in cymes
which are usually sessile or rarely pedunclate. Flowers are purplish
minute.Calyx is 2.5 to 3 mm long, narrowly deltoid, acuminate, corolla white
to purple with 4-5 mm length. Plant grows quickly in the April May months
when the temperature reaches around 30ºc. When there is increase in the
temperature growth resumes quickly. Fully developed plants cover the
ground surface complety and give dark green look to entire area.
In India, the plant has been introduced by Arabs and has been cultivated
in the north Indian plains to a limited extent for more than 300 years. As a
source of essential oil the plant was again introduced in Jammu and Kashmir
in 1957. Scientific cultivation and distillation technologies of chamomile
were developed by CIMAP, Lucknow, NBRI, Lucknow and RRL, Jammu. In
India most of the states grow this plant.
Cultivation
In most part of the world Japanees mint is grown in sub temperate to
temperate climate in northern latede which provide ample sunshine during
most part of growing season. Crop suits subtropical and tropical climate with
fairly cold winter and warm summer. High temperatures support vegetative
growth and oil production, while low temperature supports the growth of
underground stolen. It is long day plant which needs more light to grow. It
can be grown in well drained medium or light soils which are rich in organic
matter, contain high nutrients status, have good water holding capacity and
with a pH range of 6-7.5. Water logged and heavy clay soils are to be
avoided.
Plant grows well by vegetative propagation method. Terminal tips and
above ground stems (Suckers) can be used for propagation. Usually planting
material is obtained from the old plantation which has remained dormant in
winter. However it is advisable to plant new crop in small area in August or
beginning of September for stolon production because in nursery plantations
sucker or stolen production is very high compared to the old plantation left
for production of planting material.
Harvesting
Harvesting is an important operation which affects both the production
and quality of oil. It is therefore important to harvest the crop at proper stage
of plant growth. Early harvesting results in lower recovery and poor qualiy of
oil, whereas delay in harvesting results in low production of oil due to the fall
of leaves mainly lower leaves where oil is present in maximum concentration.
Harvesting of Japanese mint is recommended at the time of initiation of
fowering buds which occurs somewhere between 100-110 days after planting
and again and 65-70 days after first harvest. Harvesting should be done on
sunny days and irrigation should be withdrawn a week before harvesting.
Rains at the time of harvest of excess soil moisture in the feld have adverse
effect on oil accumulation in the plant, resulting in low recovery of oil on
distillation. On large plantations it is advisable to use tractor operated forage
harvester or mowsers.
Yield
On an average 20-25 tones of herb per hectare is obtained which on
distillation gives 125-150 kg oil/ha. With newly developed varieties higher
yield of 200-250 oil/ha is obtained.
Storage
The crude oil is made free of moisture by treatment with dehydrating
agents like sodium sulphate, fltered and stored in air tight containers of HDP
and galvanized iron.

Fresh or dry herb is used for the distillation of oil. Japanese mint oil
is generally used as a primary source or menthol. Menthol is used as
a favouring agent in tooth pastes, candies, chewing gums and
mouthwashes etc.
This is also used as an ingredient in a number of medicinal
preparations like ointments, pain balms, cough syrups, cough
lozenges and tabletes as well as a large numbers of beverages and
other items like tobacco, cigarettes, confectionery, betel nut
favouring etc.
Menthol is used as a soothing ingredient in a number of cosmetic
preparations, cologue, deodorants, after shave lotions and perfume
bases.
The oil and menthol are also used in flavouring mouth fresheners,
aerosols, polishes, lipistics and hair lotion. After isolation of menthol,
demantholised oil is used as a favour especially in toothpaste.
113: Merremia turpethum Linn.
(Nashotar)
Botanical Name: Merremia turpethum Linn.

Synonym: Convolulus turpethum Linn.
Family: Convolulaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nashotar
English: Nashoti, Indian jalap, Turpeth
Hindi: Nashotar
Tamil: Shivadai, Kumbam
Introduction
This plant is perennial extensive climber with milky sap. Stems are
narrowly winged and pubescent. Leaves are variable in shape. They vary
from 4.5-14 x 3-13 cm, cordate or truncate at the base, pubescent on both
sides. Flowers are solitary or in few fowered cymes. They are peduncles 1.5
to 9 cm long. Calyx is 15 to 20 mm long. Lobes are subequal, minutely
pubescent, much enlarged in fruit. Corolla are 4 to 5 cm long and white in
colour. Fruits are depressed globose; they are 15 to 20 mm in diameter. Seeds
are dull black in colour, obscurely trigonous.
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed in arid and semi arid regions of the
world. This plant is very common in the Barda hills on the river sides at the
Junagadh, Sasan in the Gir Forest in Gujrat. It is found all over India, upto an
elevation of 900 m. It comes up on all types of soils.
Cultivation
This plant is not under cultivation anywhere in India. It can be
propagated by seed. The area is ploughed thoroughly well and ridges/furrows
are prepared at one meter distance. At the beginning of monsoon, the seeds
are dibbled on the ridges continuously. The seeds soon germinate. For one
hectare area 10 kg of seeds are sufficient. Effortrs are made to get the
seedling at 1m x 0.5m. At the end of 2nd year (in April) the plants can be
uprooted. Immediately after the harvesting, the feld may be prepared.

The drug consists of root and stem. It consists of cylindrical pieces of
1.5-15 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter, often with central woody portion
removed by splitting the bark on one side. Its external surface is furrowed
giving the drug a rope like appearance. The plants are uprooted and dried
under sun before cutting into pieces. A production of 5,000 kg of drug can be
expected from one hectare once in two years.
Roots of the plant has been used for long as a valuable purgative,
known in commerce under the name of Turpeth Root or Indian Jalap.
It is effective as jalap (Exogonum purga) and superior to rhubarb
(Rheum emodi).
White turpeth is preferred to black turpeth, because the black turpeth
causes drastic purgation, vomiting, fainting and giddiness.
114: Mesua ferrea L. (Nag Keshar)
Botanical Name: Mesua ferrea L.

Family: Clusiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nag keshar
Sanskrit: Nag puspah, Nag kesharah
Hindi: Nag keshar
Tamil: Nagappu, Nanku
English: Mesua, Iron wood tree
Telugu: Nageshvar, Gajapuspam Introduction
This plant is medium sized to large handsome tree which is glabrous,
evergreen. It gets height of 18-30 meter. Bark is reddish brown in colour
which peels off in thin fakes. Leaves are simple, opposite, thick lanceolate,
coriaceous, covered with waxy bloom underneath, become red when it gets
young age. They are acute or acuminate. This tree is very common in
Srilanka and declared as National tree of Sri-Lanka on 26th February-1986.

This plant is distributed throughout India. It is found in evergreen forests
upto 1,500 meter. Plant is distributed in Bengal, Assam, Eastern and Western
ghat and also Andaman island. Origin of the tree is India.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (i).By seeds propagation and (ii).
By vegetative propagation.
This plant contains polenske val Hehner val., palmitic, stearic oleic, and
linoleic, palmitostearo-olein, dipalmoto-olein distearo-olein, stearo diolein,
palmito-diolein, linoleodiolein, triolein.

Flowers are astringent, bitter, acrid, midly heating, anodyne,
sudorific, digestive, carminative, constipating, anthelmintic, diuretic,
alexipharmic, expectorant, stomachic, haemostatic, aphrodisiac,
febrifuge and cardiotonic.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of Pitta and Vata, asthma,
cough, hiccough, halitosis,,eprosy, scabies, dermatopathy, pruritus,
pharyngodynia, vomiting, dysentery, haemorrhoids, ulcers burning
sensation of the feet, dipsia, impotency, leucorrhoea, haemoptysis,
strangury, cephalagia, fever and cardiac debility.
Seed oil is used in vitiated conditions of vata and skin diseases.
115: Michelia champaca L. (Peelo
Champo)
Botanical Name: Michelia champaca L.

Family: Magnoliaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Rechampo, Peelo champo
Hindi: Champa
English: Golden yellow
Sanskrit: Champak
Tamil: Sampang
Telugu: Sampangi
Introduction
Champa is evergreen medium sized tree which spread 2.5 to 3 m. It is
tall and gets height of 30 m sometimes. It grows well in the humid area with
plenty of rainfall. Generally it is 6-10 meter in height. Leaves are ovate to
lanceolate, 25 cms long x 6.5 cms across, buds of the plant are silky. There
are three well varieties of champa. They are distinguishing by their flowers.
Flowering time is April to May. Generally flowers are white; sovereign red
flowers 5 to 6.5 cms long and creamy light yellow. All these flowers have
numerous petals. Fruits are produced during July-August. Seeds are available
in late August.
Champa is the native of India, Java, Philippines and Nepal. In India
champa is found in Bengal, Assam, Nilgiris and also in Western part of India
like Gujarat, Maharastra and some other states. It is cultivated for its fragnant
flowers and handsome foliage.
Cultivation
This plant is grown intemperate and sub temperate climate where annual
precipitation is 150-250 cm. Tree can survive well in damp climate and shady
conditions. This tree is propagated either from the seed or cuttings on sandy
soils and planted at a distance of 5-6 m apart. After 4 to 5 years, 12-15
seedlings are planted in the feld. Cuttings of root and shoot are also useful for
propagation. Plant has strong roots which can reach up to deep soil layers.
Too much water lagging is not useful to the plant because some time it leads
to the death of plant.
Harvesting
Flowers are main yield of Champa plant. Flowers are picked up in April
to May and again in September to October. They become brown in a few
hours after being picked, hence to prevent its odour being impaired the oil
must be prepared soon after picking. 375 to 425 weigh one kilogram and
yield 640-670 ppm of an oil on fresh fower weight basis. In India, perfumers
make champa attar mostly. Solvent exctraction method is used to prepare the
oil using benzene as a solvent. The concrete yields by solvent extraction is 26
to27 per cent of steam volatile oils.
Yield
A champa tree yields about 50-100 flowers daily during the season,
which lasts for about 80-100 days. From one kilogram of flowers 640-670
ppm of oil is obtained on fresh weight basis. Storage of oil is done in
aluminum container under dry and cool condition.

Whole plant is used for medicinal and economic uses. Bark of
Champa tree is considered as stimulant, diuretic and febrifuge.
Dried roots and root bark are purgative and emmenagougue. Juice of
the leaves is used in colic.
Flowers and fruits are stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic and
diuretic and are considered useful in dyspepsia, fever and in renal
diseases.
The flowers oil is used as an application in cephalagia, opthalmia,
gout and rheumatism.
Fruits and seeds are considered useful for healing cracks in feet.
Enfureraged flowers in sesame oil yield an excellent product often
used as hairs oil and as a head coolant. The flowers yield dye as a
base for other colours and for dyeing silk and cotton fabrics. The oil
is highly esteemed in perfumery and used for the production of high
grade perfumes.
Champa oil has delightful velvety odour closely approximately to
that of the fower and recalling the fragrance of tea, orange blossoms.
It provides one of the most exquisite raw materials for perfumery,
being used in some of the finest French creations.
Genuine concrete is produced in very small quantities and
commercial champa perfumes are mostly synthetic.
This plant contains cineole, isoeugenol, phenyl ethyl alcohol,
benzaldehyde and methyl anthranilate, benzyl alcohol, p-cresol and
methyl ether.
116: Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth.
(Kalam)
Botanical Name: Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth.

Family: Rubiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kalam
Hindi: Kayim, Kadam Kamgi,
English: Kaim
Sanskrit: Vitanah
Tamil: Katampai, Nirkkatampu, Sinakatampu
Telugu: Nerkadamba
Introduction
It is large and deciduous tree. It has rounded crown and light grey
smooth bark exfoliating in small scales. Leaves are simple, opposite, very
variable, elliptic, suborbicular or obovate, rounded, acute or bluntly
acuminate, glabrous on both sides, main nerves 6-8 pairs, stipules 13 by 5.8
mm, Flowers are greenish yellow, fragrant and in globose heads. Fruits are
oblong capsules with blunt rounded tops and blunt ribs.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is mainly found in
deciduous and evergreen forests. This plant is also seen at the elevation of
1,200 m height in Himalayas. This is widely seen in the Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bengal and also in other states.
Cultivation
This plant is grown in tropical and sub tropical regions but it can be
grown in any kind of lands. This plant is suitable to rich soil but any medium
rich soil is also used for its cultivation. Generally Kalam is propagated by
two methods. (1). Seed propagation and (2) Vegetative Propagation.
Natural reproduction takes place by seeds scattered in the hot season.
Natural reproduction sometimes comes up freely on abandoned cultivation
and also on badly drained ground. Artificial reproduction, seedlings are
raised in boxes and then they are transplanted when 2-3 months old. Trees
grow moderately fast, mean annual girth increment being 0.7 inch.

Roots, leaves and bark of the trees are utilized for medicinal
importance.
The roots and bark are acrid, bitter, stomachic and febrifuge, and
they are useful in gastropathy, colic and fever.
The leaves are acrid, bitter, sweet, styptic, vulnerary, stomachic, anti-
infammatory, anodyne depurative and febrifuge.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of Vata and kapha, internal and
external haemerrhages, wounds, colic, flatulence, dyspepsia,
infammations, myalgia, skin diseases, leprosy, erysipelas and fever.
Stem provides good wood which is used for house furniture.
117: Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni)
Botanical Name: Morinda citrifolia L.

Family: Rubiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Noni
English: Indian mulverry, East Indian mulberry, awl tree
Hindi: Surangi, Bartindi
Sanskrit: Ashyuka
Introduction
This plant is medium sized tree which gets height of 6-8 meter. Young
twings are angular, slightly compressed and grooved. Leaves are opposite,
stipuliferous. They are shining green above and pale below. Margins of the
leaves are undulate type. Flowers are arranged in dense ovoid head
inforescence which is opposite to leaf. Flowers are white in colour then they
become yellow. Fruits are ovoid including many drupelets. Numerous seeds
are embedded in the pulp.

The plant is native of Southeast Asia and now extensively distributed
throughout India, the tropical Pacific and Caribbean. It grows wild and
cultivated for its medicinal uses in South India and Viet Nam. It grows in
relatively dry to moderate wet land, from sea level to about 1500 feet
elevation. It tolerates salinity also.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1).seed propagation and
(2).Vegetative propagation. Noni seeds are reddish-brown, oblong-triangular,
and have a conspicuous air chamber. They are buoyant and hydrophobic due
to this air chamber and their durable, water repellant, fbrous seed coat. A
single large noni fruit can contain well over 100 seeds. Only soft, ripened
noni fruits should be chosen for seed collection. The seeds must be separated
from the fbrous, clinging fruit fesh. Site should be selected where full or
partial sun light reaches well. Heavy soils, compacted areas, and food-prone
sites are not useful for cultivation of noni plant. Young noni transplants do
not grow well where winds are strong. Such conditions may exist along
windward coasts. An appropriate interplant spacing for noni is 10–15 feet. At
12-foot spacing there are 290 plants per acre. Closer interplant distances
result in plant crowding and may exacerbate certain pest and disease
problems.
Seed Scarifying
Scarification of seed becomes helpful in reducing time for germination
Hard seed coat is punctured or nicked for this purpose.
Seed Drying and Storage

Seeds should be cleaned properly and allowed to dry for two to three
days in shade under room temperature seeds should be stored in air tight
container.
Planting
Fresh noni seeds can be planted immediately after extraction from the
fruit. Some growers soak the seeds until they start to germinate, then they are
planted in containers, while others plant fresh seeds without presoaking
treatment. The seedlings are grown for about nine months to a year before
they are transplanted to the feld. Some growers just plant fruit fragments
containing seeds directly into the feld soil. Noni seeds require some months
for its germination. Cultivation of noni plants from stem cuttings (verticals or
laterals) reduces the time required to obtain plants that are ready for
transplanting. Cuttings from stems and branches will sprout roots readily
under the proper conditions. A rooting compound may prove helpful in
promoting rapid root establishment. Branch or stem is removed and checked
for fresh sap fow from the wound. If the sap fows readily, cuttings can be
made from these materials. Cut end of the freshly cut noni stem is inserted
into a pot containing a general-purpose growth medium. Again, an artificial,
pathogen-free medium is preferred to untreated agricultural feld soil.
Irrigation is required in proper amount.

Noni plants can begin to bear fruit about nine months after planting.
Fruits can be harvested at this early stage, although they generally are small
and few. Some farmers choose harvesting during the first and second years in
favor of pruning back the branches instead. This pruning results in a bushy
plant with more vertical and lateral branches and ultimately produces greater
fruit yield. The expected yield from mature, healthy plants is 250-500 pounds
per plant per year, depending on nutrition and plant spacing. However, yields
at some locations can exceed 200 kg pounds per plant per year with good
crop management. Fruits may be picked just before they begin to ripen fully
and turn completely whitish- yellow on the tree. These fruits are suitable for
shipping and will continue to ripen unless measures are taken to retard
ripening. For processing locally, fresh fruits are picked when ripe, just before
they fall naturally from the tree. Juice can be squeezed directly from the
ripened fruits or allowed to drop from the fruits and ferment as in the
traditional method.
Root bark contains morindon, morindin, morindadiol, soranjidiol,
rubichloric acid, alizarin a-methlyl ether, and rubiadin 1-methyl ether.

Root bark has a beneficial effect in hypertension, osteodynia and
lumbago.
A decoction of the leaves taken by mouth in effective for fever,
dysentery and diarrhea.
A poultice of pounded fresh leaves cures furunculosis.
The fruit, taken together with a little salt is stomachic, aperient, and
active on dysentery, uterine haemorrhage, metrorrhoea, cough,
coryza, oedema and neuralgia.
118: Morus alba L. (Shetur)
Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Family: Moraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Shetur
English: White mulberry, white-fruited mulberry
Hindi: Tut, tutri, chinni
Tamil: Musukette, Kambli
Telugu: Reshme
Introduction
This is deciduous tree, 3-15 m high, bark or large stems are brown in
colour. It is rough. Fissures are mostly vertical. Leaves are alternate, very
variable in size and shape, usually broadly oval, 6-18 m long by 2-4.5 cm
wide, apex acuminate; Rounded or cordate shape. Margin is irregularly
dentate or incised-lobate, glabrous or slightly pubescent along the nurve 3,
lateral nerves are forked near the margin; Petiole is usually is 1.8 to 2.5 cm
long. Flowers are monoecious or dioecious and green in colour. Stalk is
frouped. Fruits are aggregate, constiting of all the ovaries of the catkin
forming a crustaceous achene. Name of genus Morus means ‘delay’, referring
to the formation of winter buds late in the season after the weather has turned
cold and the species name, alba, means ‘white’, referring to the whitish color
of the buds.
White mulberry is native to China and has long been cultivated in
Europe. British then introduced plant into North America. This plant grows
wild in India, China, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam like
countries.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seed and vegetative propagation method.
Mulberry seeds are treated before sowing in nursery bed with cold water for
week hastens germination. Kerosene treatment protects seeds from
germination. Seeds are sown during May-June in lines of 20 cm apart.
Germination in mulberry from seeds take place in 6-7 days and completed
within 10-12 days under favourable condition.
Vegetative propagation is also a successful method. Plants are raised by
vegetative methods, are of true type and grow uniformly. Stem cuttings are
prepared from mature shoots with 20-25 cm length having 3 to 5 buds. Time
for planting of cutting is December-January. First cutting are sown in the
nursery beds. After successful regeneration of cuttings in nursery it is
transplanted in the feld. Time for planting of cutting is December-January.
On well cultivated soil, pits of 60 cm3 are dug during October-November. For
winter planting and May-June for July planting at the distance of 6 x 6m.
When plantation is grown for sericulture, planting distance is reduced to 1 x
1m from to 2 x 1 m. Pits are prepared with a mixture of frm Yard Manure and
soil (in the ratio of 1:3)
Harvesting
During December-January, when all shoots of tree are at a height of 1 to
1.5m from the ground level, prooning is carried out. Prooned trees have large
sized fruits. First picking of leaves is carried out 8-10 weeks after planting
under irrigated condition whereas it is done 12-15 weeks after planting under
rainfed conditions. About 10 pickings of leaves are available under irrigated
condition and 6-7 picking under raif ed condition. Regular pruning followed
by regular application of manure helps the plants to produce good amount of
leaves for 15 years.
Yield
Average yield of leaves is 10-15 tonnes per hectare. When mulberry is
raised as a crop, mature fruits are harvested. Harvesting is done in 3-4
pickings. A full grown tree can yield 10 to 15 kg of fruits.
Plant is used in cough, dyspnaea, facial dropsy, oedema.
The leaves are antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemic,
odontalgic and ophthalmic, they are taken internally in the treatment
of colds, infuenza, eye infections and nosebleeds.
A tincture of the bark is used to relieve toothache.
Extracts of the plant have antibacterial and fungicidal activity.
A fbre is obtained from the bark of one-year old stems.
A brown dye is obtained from the trunk.
119: Mucuna pruriens Bak. (Kauwanch)
Botanical Name: Mucuna pruriens Bak.

Family: Papilionaceae, Fabaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kaucha
Hindi: Kaman
English: Common kowich, Kownch
Sanskrit: Atmagupta
Tamil: Punali gali
Telugu: Neela
Introduction
It is slender and climbing annual plant which climbs on the bushes every
year. Leaves are ovate, rhomboid membranous and the petiole is 6-11 cm
long, leafets are 7-12 cm long and petiole of the leaf is 6-11 cm long. Flowers
are arranged in the raceme inforescence. Flowers are purple in color. Pods are
5-7 cm long, bristly red curved or golden colored. Glands are present on
bristles. The seeds are bean shaped and 1 cm in diameter, they are white in
color. Flowering time of this plant is September to October.
Distribution
Plant is grown in whole tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is
reported from Himalayan foothills and from Punjab to Srilanka. In most of
the states like Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharastra etc. kaucha plant is
observed wild.
Cultivation
It is widely observed in the forest areas. Because it is very useful its
cultivation is essential. Generally seed propagation is common for better
growth of the plant. But direct plantation is also useful. After first rainy
season during June to July, one to two seeds are sown under tree because
when it grows it gets support from the tree. No irrigation is required in the
case of continuous rain. But if rain is not continuous then irrigation is
required. Seeds are produced during November to December. If good support
is provided for plant then it can grow very quickly. It is better to plant the
seed in feld directly. The distance between plant to plant should be 1 meter
and row to row should be 2 meters. Let the tree should be allowed to grow for
one year. In the second year we can sow seeds of mucuna by side of each of
the tree. For one hectare of land six kg of seeds are required. In the shade of
these trees other medicinal plants like Rauvofa serpentina and Gloriosa
superba can also be cultivated.
Harvesting
A specific machine is prepared from bamboo and wire on it for plucking
the ripen beans. Dry beans are plucked and stored. The collected beans are
beaten or crushed by sticks to separate the seeds. They are filled in bags then
they are taken to market. Roots are also uprooted in the season of January;
the roots are dried and stored in addition to the seeds.
Yield
The yield of seeds is 20-25 quintals per hectare. Seeds are sold at the rate
of Rs. 15.00 to 25.00 per kg. Supporting plants like Agasthi, Sahjan and
Jatropha are also useful as they provide extra income of Rs. 50.00 thousands
to Rs.1 lakhs per hectare.

Seeds, roots and fruits of the plant are used for medicinal value.
Various uses of seeds as promoters of virility as also Bhavamisra.
Seeds contain L-Dopa (L-3-4-dihydroxyphenylalanine).
Biotransformation of L-tyrosine to L-Dopa has been shown in
suspension cultures. The spicular hairs contain 5-hydroxytryptamine
and a proteolytic enzyme-mucanain.
The seeds have anti-infammatory activity. The indol bases have an
unspecifed spasmolytic action on spasms induced in smooth muscles
by acerylcholine, histamine or oxyocin.
In ayurveda, the seeds are used for male virility. The pods are
anthelmintic and the root powder is laxative. Powder of seeds is used
for curing of Parkinson diseases. The plant also decreases prolaction
rise induced by chlorpromazine.
120: Murraya exotica L. (Orange Jasmine)
Botanical Name: Murraya exotica L.

Family: Rutaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pilo champo
Hindi: Marchula,
English: Orangae jasmine
Tamil: Kari vempu, Tatta veppilai, Katta nartagam
Telugu: Kare paku, Naga golunga Tel, Yerra munukkudsu.
Introduction
It is evergreen shrub or a small tree, with spreading crown, often
crooked, short trunk, bark is yellowish brown, corky, fragrant. Leaves are
imparipinnate; leafets are 3-9, ovate or elliptic- lanceolate or rhomboid,
gland-gotted. Flowers are arranged in corymbose cymes, they are white in
colour. Flowers are fragrant. Fruits are berries type, each fruit is oblong or
ovoid, they are red or deep orange when they ripe. Fruits are 1-2 seeded.

Murraya is the genus of shrubs or small trees distributed from South and
East Asia to Australia. Murraya exotica is commonly grown in gardens for its
glossy green foliage and large clusters of fragrant flowers. It is a popular
hedge plant and is well adapted for topiary work.
Cultivation
It is widely observed throughout India upto an elevation of 1500 m. It is
seen growing on all types of soils. It can tolerate shade to some extent. This
plant is propagated by seeds, cuttings or layering. It can be classifed as a slow
growing species. One year old container plants are recommended for
transplanting in the feld. It can be planted at 3m x 2m x 2m spacing. Normal
care like weeding and soil working are carried out in the first 2 years.
Watering and application of fertilizers are also necessary to boost up the
growth. After 5 years of the planting, the bark can be harvested from the
trees.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 5 years of planting. Bark is also harvested from
the trees from 6th years and onwards. The bark can be removed in small
patches only. The whole length and circumference of the bole is divided into
small squares of 10cm x 10cm. These squares are again grouped into 5 square
groups and only one square is harvested every year from that group. It is
essential to see that the squares exploited are not in continuous vertical line.
Yield
It is estimated that each tree can produce about 1 kg. bark every year.
Thus a production of 1000 kg. of bark can be expected from 1 ha. The market
rate of the bark could be around Rs. 20/- per kg. Total expenditure is Rs.
5,000 per ha. while grow return reaches upto Rs. 20,000/-. That means net
return goes upto Rs.15, 000/- per hectare.

It is vulnerable for the attack of citrus stem borer. It is suggested to cut
and remove the infected branches and affected portions with creosote and
chloroform mixture.

Leaves are stimulant and astringent. They are reported to be used for
diarrhea and dysentery.
Powdered leaves are applied to cuts. Leaves and root bark are some
times used against rheumatism, cough and hysteria.
The twings are used for cleaning teeth. The leaves possess
antibacterial activity against certain bacteria.
Fresh leaves on stem distillation yield a dark coloured volatile oil
with pleasant odour.
Flowers and powdered bark are said to be important ingredients of
cosmetics in South East Asian countries.
The women in this part of the world maintain the freshness and glow
of their facial skin even in their old age and this is attributed to the
bark of this plant that has gone into the cosmetic items.
121: Murraya koenigii L. (Mitho
Limbado)
Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii L.

Family: Rutaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Mitho limbado, Khadi limbado
Hindi: Harri, Gandhela
English: Curry leaf plant
Sanskrit: Giri nimba, Kadarya
Tamil: Kari vepa
Telugu: Charangi, Karepaku
Introduction
Curry leaf is very common in India. It is used in the preparation of
making foods of different kinds. It is small and shrub or evergreen tree which
has smooth, dark brown bark. Leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, 15-30 cm
long, raches terete, pubescent, leafets are 10-25, ovate or lanceotale, 2.5 cm
long, acuminate or retuse, usually irregularly crenate, unequal sided,
pubescent beneath, petiole is very short. Flowers are white in color they are
1-2 cm long in terminal corymbose cymes. Fruits are berry type, globose to
subglobose, pink when unripe, black when ripe. Each fruit is 2 seeded.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout India and other Asiatic countries like
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Japan etc. In India this plant is found in Gujarat,
Madya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bangal and all the other states.
Cultivation
Curry leaf grows well in tropical climate under all types of soils. Heavy
water logging can not be tolerated. It is drought hardy and withstands fre to
an extent. Numerous root suckers are produced. Curry leaf tree coppices well.
Pits are prepared of 60-70 cm depth and diameter and it is filled with
compost and frm yard manure. Propagation is done by two methods. (1). By
root suckers and (2) By seeds
1. By root suckers: Root sucker method is the best method of
propagation. In this method roots are broken off in the soils by a
spade.
2. By seeds: The plant is propagated from seeds. Seeds are sown before
monsoon season and they are retained on nursery bed for one month.
Seeds are sown directly in the pit or seedlings transplanted.
Seedlings with one and half year old are used for planting. The spacing is
kept of 3-4 meter. In raising a plantation, it is spaced 2 x 2 m and pits of 45
cm3 are taken and half filled with topsoil and cow dung. It is planted singly in
homesteads. Planting of uprooted seedlings is done in June-July.
Irrigation and Fertilization

During early growth stages, shade and daily irrigation is required. During
summer months irrigation is to be given. Seeds yield of one tree is reported to
be 20-25 kg. Pest and disease seldom affect the plant. Every year 5 kg of
FYM and 1 kg castor cake may be applied to each plant. Leaves may be
picked in small quantity after 5 to 6 months. Tree goes on sprouting even if
leaves are picked up. The plant lives upto 30 to 35 years and continuously
produces aromatic leaves throughout year.
Harvesting
During the summer season leaves are collected from one and half year
onwards. Irrigation and manuring can improve the leaf yield. The height is
always maintained to make collection easy. First harvest of leaves is done in
the March to May after 8-9 months later of planting and second harvesting is
carried out in the second and subsequent years. Plants are cut above ground
level with a sickle, and the small branches with leaves, or the leaves
separated from branches can be marketed.
Yield
Per year 100 kg of leaves are obtained from a tree so in each harvest
50,000 twings with leaves are obtained.

Curry leaf contains 63.8 per cent water, 6.1 per cent protein, 1 per
cent fat, 16 per cent carbohydrate, and 6.4 per cent fbers, 4.2 per cent
minerals, Vitamin A-12,600 (international unit/100 g), Nicolinic acid
2.3 mg/100g and Vitamin C-4 mg/100g.
Leaves contain oil, glucoside and resins. From the leaves of this plant
volatile oil and koenigin, a crystalline glucoside are extracted.
The leaves and roots are used against Piles, skin diseases and
bacterial infection. It increases digestion and and controls dysentery.
It promots hair growth.
Fresh leaves on stem distillation yield 2.5 per cent volatile oil. The
oil is light yellow in colour, aromatic with spicy note.
It is mainly used for seasoning curry and other food preparation.
Tender leaves are consumed to cure dysentery. It increases digestive
power and makes dishes tasty.
122: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Kamal)
Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Family: Nymphaeaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kamal
Sanskrit: Ambuja, Padma, Pankaja
Hindi: Kamal
Telugu: Kalung, erra-tamara
Tamil: Ambal, Thamarai
Introduction
This plant is perennial aquatic herb. Root stock is stout, cylindrical,
embedded in the mud. Leaves are peltate, radiately nerved. Margines are
wavy. Petiole is long, inserted in the middle of the leaf. Flowers are large,
solitary, handsome and fragrant, rosy or white, carpels numerous, ovoid,
feshy, sunk separately in cavities of receptacle, maturing into nut-like
achenes.

N. nucifera is a native of China, Japan and possibly India. This plant is
very common throughout the world. Mostly cultivated in the ponds and
swamps. Although mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, lotus
root can withstand a considerable degree of frost, and in India it is found
from sea level up to 1,800 m. It is grows well in lakes, ponds and rivers.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated by rhizome. This plant requires large amount of
moisture. From the water surface this plant can grow upto 2.5 metres deep.
However, it is better to grow the plant in shallow water. The optimum depth
is more than 30cm. It helps the plant in warming up quickly, results in better
growth and fowering.
Planting Procedure
Lotus can be planted by using following methods.
1. Pieces of rhizome are planted with the eyes just above the soil
surface and the water level is maintained at about one meter of water
throughout its growing period.
2. Pieces of rhizome are placed horizontally about 15 cm below the soil
surface, and water allowed to cover the soil, but with the crown of the
developing plant just breaking the surface of the water. The water
level is raised as the plant develops.
3. A method of planting in a filled pond is to put sprouting pieces in a
basket, pot, tub or other suitable container filled with a mixture of
soil and compost or FYM, and then place the container in the pond in
such a way that the crown of the plant is just above the water surface.
The container should be on bricks or stones, and as new growth
appears the container is lowered by removal of bricks to maintain the
crowns just on or above the water surface.
4. When grown from seed, the seedlings are raised in nursery beds and
planted out in the ponds after about two months in the manner
indicated in (2).
Seed rate - approximately 45 kg of rhizome pieces are used to plant one
hectare or 10-12 kg of seed. Planting density is low because of the very rapid
growth of the rhizomes, reported as up to 15 m2 per year.

The roots are normally dug by hand after the ponds are drained just
before harvesting, but a mechanical harvesting system is being developed in
Japan. In India the crop is reported to yield 3.5-4.5 t/ha.
The leaves contain alkaloids like nuciferinem roemerine, nor-nuciferine
and the fabonoid-quercetin. The plumules yield proteins, sugars and vitamins.
The receptacles contain quercetin.

The ripe seeds produce a wholesome effect in case of neurasthenia,
spermatorrhea and metrorrhoea.
The leaves and the seed in decoction are effective for insomnia,
haemorrhage and haematemesis.
The plumules, the flaments or the receptacles in the form of a
decoction are used in treating bloody stools, heamaturia, uterine
haemorrhage and haematemesis.
123: Nymphea stellata Willd. (Kanval)
Botanical Name: Nymphea stellata Willd.

Family: Nympheaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kamal
Tamil: Vellampal, Alittamarai
Hindi: Kanval, Kokka
Telugu: Allikada, Tellakaluva
English: Indian water lily, East Indian lotus
Introduction
A large perennial aquatic herb with short, erect, roundish, tuberous
rhizomes; Leaves are foating, peltate, sharply sinuate-toothed, flowers are
large, foating, solitary, variable in colour from pure white to deep red. Fruits
are spongy and many seeded. Fruits are berry type. Seeds are minute. They
are grayish black when they are dried with longitudinal striations. It is an
aquatic species with big white or pale blue flowers. The curry prepared out of
seeds is a delicacy. The rhizomes are also picked. The flowers fetch good rate
in the market. The leaves are used for packing purposes.

The aquatic herb is native of Indian subcontinent. Plant is found
throughout in India in lake and ponds. This plant suits warm climate with
humidity. It is found in ditches, tanks and ponds. Plant needs rich loam with
an addition of plenty of well rotten cowdung manure. The plants are badly
affected by frosts.
Cultivation
Indian water Lily is cultivated by seeds and tubers. The seeds are sown
in shallow pans containing screened sand and kept in water at temperature of
22º-29º, the surface of sand being above 60 cm. deep. When the first foating
leaf develops, the plants may be potted singly, allowed to grow and later
lowered down in the pond in the required position.
The tubers are planted in boxes or half barrels, half filled with soil
consisting fbrous loam of cow dung manure in such a way that their growing
points remain upwards. More soil is put in. The upper 25 or 50 mm thick
layer is of sand. Therse barrels are then lowered in the pond in required
position.Tubers are put down into muck of the bottom. If they don’t stay
there and foat on water surface, mask is wrapped around the tubers and put in
the required places. As regards putting in plants, these are first placed in
baskets in a soil consisting of fbrous loam and well rotten cow dung manure.
These baskets are lowered down in the required position. The plants will rest
properly on this soil and spread their roots at will. The best time for planting
tubers is March/April.

The tubers start ripening after the fowering is over. There will be about
30,000 plants in one hactare. An annual production of 2,000 kg. of seeds per
hectare is expected.
This plant contains Nymphaeine, Nymphalin.

The rhizome is cooling, sweet, bitter and tonic and is useful in
diarrhea, dysentery, dipsia and general debility.
The flowers are astringent and cardio tonic.
Seeds are sweet, cooling, constipating, aphrodisiac, stomachic and
restorative.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of Pitta, dipsia, diarrhea and
dermatopathy.
124: Ocimum basilicum Linn. (Tulsi)
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Linn.

Family: Lamiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Tulsi, Maravo
Hindi: Babui tulsi, Gulal tulsi, Marua
English: Sweet basil, common basil
Sanskrit: Munjariki, Surasa, Varavara
Tamil: Tirnirupachal, karpura tulasi
Telugu: Bhutulasi, rudrajada, Vepudupachha
Introduction
This is very common in India. It is erect, almost glabrous which gets
height of 30-90 cm. Leaves are ovate to lanceolate, acuminate, toothed or
entire, glabrous on both surfaces, glandular, flowers are white or pale purple,
in simple or much branched arrangement in racemes. Flowers are 0.72-1.25
cm long,. Bracts are present they are small and staked, ovate, minute,
caducuos, calyx are 5-toothed, upper tooth is rounded. Flowers are small and
in purple colour. This plant is related with religious retules.

Sweet basil is native of North West India. It is cultivated in France, Italy,
Bulgaria, South Africa and USA. The genus Ocimum is an extremely
versatile group consisting of about 160 species with a geographical
distribution spread over tropical, sub tropical and western temperate regions
of the world ranging from sea level to 550 m in height. The species are
mostly found in rain forest and tropical places receiving higher rainfall. It is
found in wild form in hilly regions of India.
Cultivation
It grows on different kind of soils where pH ranges between 5 to 8.5. It
grows well under varied climatic conditions. It also grows as a wild plant
over hills. In the subtropical climate this plant grows in winter. In the plains
of North India, it grows in summer. The areas where possibilities of falling
snow or frost, the crop of Ocimum basillicum L. does not grow well. The
most suitable temperature for its growth is near 30ºC. This plant can be
propagated by two methods (1) Seed propagation and (2) Vegetative
propagation.
Seed Propagation
By broadcasting method seeds are sown directly in the soil. It is mixed
with sand to ensure an even distribution. Before sowing, the feld is marked
into rows 50-60 cm apart. Seeds are sown at the depth of 2 cm in the soil. If
seeds are sown deeper in the soil then they fail to germinate. The feld is
irrigated after 24 hours depending on soil moisture. Germination starts within
10 to 15 days. After 20-25 days when the seedlings are 10-15 cm tall, first
weeding and thinning is done.
Transplanting
Seeds are sown in the nursery towards end of February to March in
raised bed. Germination is profuse and is completed in about 10 days.
Seedlings with 4-6 leaf stage become ready in about 6-7 weeks for
transplanting. Seedlings may be transplanted at spacing of 60 x 60 cm. The
felds are irrigated both prior to and after transplanting.
During October- December this plant can be propagated vegitatively. For
this purpose cuttings with 8-10 nodes and 10-15 cm length are used. They are
so prepared that except for the first 2-3 pairs of leaves the rest are trimmed
off. Later, they are planted in the well prepared nursery beds or polythene
bags. In about 4-6 weeks time the rooting is complete and they are ready for
transplanting into the main feld. Manure is useful for better growth of plant.
FYM and nitrogen, entire of phosphorus and potassium are given as a basal
dose, and remaining nitrogen is applied in two splits after first and second
cuttings.
Irrigation
In the plains of India Ocimum basilimum L. sown mainly in the months
of July-August. The crop sown at this time does not need irrigation, becomes
its life cycle is nearly 65 to 70 days. As such it requires only 2-3 irrigation.
Harvesting
The crop needs 65 to 70 days to mature. When on nearly 80 percent of
the plants, inforescence appears and its colour changes from green to golden
that is the correct time for harvesting. The crop is harvested at full bloom
stage by cutting the plants at 15 cm from ground level to ensure good
regeneration for further harvests. First harvesting is done at 90 days. Later on
after per 75 days harvesting is carried out.
Distillation of Oil
Harvested plant is spread on the ground before distillation and allowed to
dry for 6-8 hours. This helps in moisture evaporation. The oil is distilled by
water vapour method. Sweet basil contains a clove like scent with an
aromatic somewhat saline taste. It yields a volatile oil (oil of Basil) used as a
favouring agent and also as perfume. Characteristic and composition of oil
from different regions vary. Four types of oils are recognized: (1). Methyl
cinnamate type (2). European type (3). Reunion type and (4). Eugenol type.
Yield
Oil is extracted from the plant. From one acre of plant we can obtain 20
to 25 kg of oil.

The leaves are used mainly in medicinal uses. The oil of basil is used
as favoring agent in confectionery, baked goods, sauces, ketchups,
tomato pastes, pickles, fancy vinegars, spiced meats, sausages, and
beverages.
A tincture of the herb has use in liqueurs, as favour modifer.
The major component of the essential oil is methyl cinnamate,
linalool, or methyl chaviocol in different samples.
Other major components include ocimene, linalyl acetate, eugenol
and transanethole.
125: Ocimum gratissimum L. (Ram Tulsi)
Botanical Name: Ocimum gratissium L.

Family: Lamiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ram tulsi
Tamil: Elucicham tulasi
Hindi: Van tulsi, Ram tulsi
Telugu: Nimma tulasi,Rama tulasi
English: Lemon basil, large basil, shrubby basil
Introduction
This perennial herb is much branched, It gets height of 1-1.5 m. Stems
are quadrangular, pubescent, woody at the base. Flowers are white greenish
to pale yellow, small, simple, or branched racems, moderately close whorled.
Inforescence is axillary or terminal in simple or branched whorled raceme.
Leaves are opposite, apiculate, pubescent on both surfaces.Margins are
coarsely toothed.
Distribution
This plant is grown wild in tropic and sub tropical regions of the world.
It is found throughout India. Plant grows well under warm and humid
conditions.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1) By seeds and (2). Vegetative
method. Long days and high temperatures are beneficial for its growth. It
comes up on varied types of soil, rainging from rich loam to poor laterite,
saline/alkaline to moderate acidic. The soils must have good drainage. It can
tolerate drought and frost, but not water-logging.
The crop can be raised either by direct sowing of seeds or by
transplanting nursery raised seedlings in the feld. However, the latter method
is better and recommended. The raised seeds beds are prepared for raising
seedlings. Sowing of seeds in the beds is carried out. For one hectare 300-400
grams of seeds are required. After sowing of seeds in the beds, a thin layer of
soil is sprinkled over the seeds. The seeds take 8-12 days to germinate and
the seedlings are ready for transplanting in about 6 weeks. A spray of 2
percent urea solution on the nursery raised plants, 15-20 days before
transplanting, helps in getting very healthy plants for transplanting. The land
is ploughed thoroughly and parallel continuous ridges and furrows are made
at 60 cm apart. The transplanting of seedlings at 4-6 leaf stage is carried out
on ridges at a spacing of 60 cm in third week of June The feld is irrigated
immediately after the transplanting. The seedlings establish well within 10
days time. Gaps are filled as early as possible to get uniform crop. In dry
summer months, the feld is irrigated once in 10 days and during other period;
it may be irrigated as and when necessary. About 10-15 irrigations are
enough during the year, and during the successive year, four hoeing,s one
after each harvest are necessary. Fertilizers of 80 kg Nitrogen, 80 kg
phosphorus and 30 kg of potash per ha should be applied in two three split
doses. The crop is renewed after every 3 years.

The plantation becomes ready for first harvest after 90-95 days of
transplanting. Then it may be harvested after every 65-75 days interval. In the
first year, 2-3 and in the subsequent years 4-5 harvests are taken. Harvesting
is usually done on bright sunny days for good oil yield and its quality. The
crop should be cut at 15-20 cm above ground level in first year, 25-30 cm
high in the second year, and 35-45cm high in third year. The oil is mainly
available in leaves. It is therefore necessary to harvest the leaves only. The
crop is harvested just before the fowering stage, when the eugenol content is
maximum. On an average, 400 quintals of fresh herbage in the first year and
700 quintals in the subsequent years per ha can be obtained.
The herbage should be distilled in the fresh stage. However, oil quality
and its yield do not diminish up to 6-8 hours after harvest, but further delay
causes considerable loss in the yield and quality of oil. The yield of oil is 200
kg, 350 kg, 350kg per ha in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years respectively. The
present market rate of oil is around Rs.100 per kg. In the 1st year expenditure
per ha. goes upto Rs.10,000 and upto 3rd year total expenditure goes upto
Rs.40,000. While gross returns per ha. reaches upto Rs.20,000 in first year
and Rs.90, 000 upto 3rd year and onwards. This means net returns reaches
upto Rs.16, 600 per ha/year. Net returns goes upto Rs. 50,000 in 3rd year and
onwards.
This plant contains an essential oil which is made up of eugenol (45-70
per cent), methyl eugenol (20 per cent), carbacol, ocimene, p-cymene,
camphene, limonene, oc-pinene and (3-pinene.

Whole plant is medicinally useful.
Plant is used in treating sunstroke, headache and infuenza.
It is considered to be diaphoretic.
It serves also as material for the extraction of essential oil and
qugenol.
Eugenol is used widely in odontoloty and for the synthesis of
vanillin.
126: Opuntia fcus-indica L. (Thor)
Botanical Name: Opuntia fcus indica

Family: Cactaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Thor
English: Prickly pear, Bele
Hindi: Thor
Introduction
This plant is perennial which grows upto three meter. Large spatula
shaped stem is covered in clusters of spines, brilliant yellow flowers and
roundish purple fruit.
Distribution
This plant is wildly found anywhere in India. It is native of Mexico and
naturalized in sub tropical regions around the world.
Cultivation
Opuntia fcus-indica is a plant easy to propagate. However, for
commercial plantations following a few rules ensures high quality and
vigorous plants. Suitable cuttings also reduce the vegetative phase of the
plant and extend its productive life. Prickly pear can be propagated from
seeds or from cuttings. Seed propagation is not used commercially, but is
used in the breeding of new varieties. When using individual cladodes it is
preferable to use complete pads. However, if the planting material is scarce, it
is possible to use cladode fractions. Dividing the cladode into pieces smaller
than half will reduce the initial size and number of cladodes of the new plant
and it will take longer to reach full size, and also take longer to reach the
reproductive stage. The best season for collecting plant is December to
February. Cladodes should be allowed to heal and dehydrate for better
conservation and establishment. To protect them from rotting they can be
treated with Bordeaux mixture. Following are some planting methods for this
plant.
Planting Methods
Upright Position
Used for early planting, during the dry season. The cladode is buried in
the ground down to half of the cladode.
Flat Position
Suitable for planting during the rainy season. The cladode is placed on
the ground and maintained in place with a small stone or a handful of soil.
This planting method reduces the risk of rotting associated with high
moisture content of the soil.
Planting Date
The shoots are highly susceptible to frost damage, and they start
emerging two to three weeks after planting. Planting should therefore be after
the risk of frost is over. In the highlands, prickly pear is planted during
February to April.
The planting distances for fruit production depend on the possibilities for
crop management, especially weed control. Orchards intended for manual
weeding can be planted using 4 to -5- m between rows. In those orchards
intended for mechanized weed control the rows should be at least 5 m apart.
The distance between plants for both systems is 2.5 to 3 -m. Using a 4 x 2.5
meter planting layout results in a planting density of 1000 plants per hectare.
In the case of 5 x 2.5 the number of cuttings needed to plant a hectare is 800.
The cladodes are separated from the plant by means of a sharp knife a
machete or derho. They should be cut at the joints to reduce the risk of
infection and to accelerate healing.
Harvesting
Harvesting is carried out when fruits are metured. The fruits contain the
lowest water content and, therefore have the highest nutritional value. Under
rainfed conditions, a bele plant can produce at least one layer of pads. They
grow and reach the maximum size at the end of the rainy season. It is
advisable to collect pads not older than two years, that means collecting no
more than two or three layers of cladodes.
Storage
Fresh pads should be stored in a dry shaded location. They can be either
stacked or arranged in rows lying on their sides. Avoid spots that collect
runoff in order to minimize rotting and sprouting. The pads in close contact
with the ground should be fipped over every 4 to 6 weeks to avoid rooting.
Some relief from direct sunrays can be obtained with a thin layer of straw or
grass spread on top of the stacked pads. Direct sunrays induce deformation of
the pads and chlorophyll degradation on the exposed area, thus reducing
nutritional value.
The fruit of prickly pear contains mucilage, sugar, vitamin C and other
fruit acids. The flowers contain a favonoid.

Flowers are astringent and reduce bleeding, and are used for
problems of the gastro intestinal tract particularly diarrhea, colitis and
irritable bowel syndrome.
The flowers are also taken to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
The fruits are nutritious.
127: Origanum marjorana L. (Maruwo)
Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana

Family: Labiateae
Local Names
Gujarati: Maruwo
Tamil: Marruva
Hindi: Maruwa
Telugu: Maruvam
English: Sweet marjorum
Introduction
This plant is aromatic, branched perennial; with heights of 30-60 cm.
Leaves are oblong and ovate. Flowers are small and whitish or purplish in
colour. They are arranged in terminal clusters. Fruit contain minute seeds,
they are dark brown colour.

This aromatic plant is much branched and perennial, native of Southern
Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor and is commonly grown in gardens of
India as savory plant.
Cultivation
Even though it is a perennial in nature, it is often considered as an annual
under cultivation. It is propagated by seeds as well as cuttings. When seeds
are utilized, the seeds are sown in nursery beds. When the seedlings attain
sufficient height for safe handling of plants, the seedlings are transplanted in
the feld at 20-25 cm. apart in lines and the lines are at 30cm apart. The
cuttings are also spaced at the same spacing. The crop is much benefted,
when well rotten farm yard manure is added to the soil at the time of soil for
preparation, and also when watered by sprinkler system. The crop is ready for
harvesting within 3-4 months.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done when plants enter into bloom; the tops are cut and
dried under shade. Since the oil content in the plant is highest before seed
formation, it is advisable to harvest at that stage. After the first harvest, the
plants are watered if possible. The plants sprout again and are ready for the
second harvest in two months period. A production of 25,000 kg of fresh
material of the plant can be expected from one hectare plantation.
Yield
The herbage yield about 75 kg of oil on steam distillation.

Fresh leaves are used as garnish and included in salads.
It is also used for favouring vinegar.
The seeds which are aromatic are used in confectionery.
The leaves and fowering tops, on steam distillation, yield a volatile
oil.
The yield is 0.3-0.4 per cent in case of fresh leaves and 0.7-3.5 per
cent in case of dry herb. The oil is colourless or pale yellow to yellow
green, with a tenacious odour like nutmeg and mint.
Sweet marjoram oil is often confused in commerce with thyme oil
and origanum oil. Oil is used to a small extent in high grade favour
preparation and perfumes, and in soap and liquor industries.
Sweet marjoram is considered as carminative, expectorant and tonic.
The leaves and seeds are astringent.
An infusion of the plant is used as stimulant, sudorific,
emmenogogue and galactagogue.
It is reported to be useful in asthma, hysteria and paralysis.
The leaves and fower tops are used in garlands and bouquets.
128: Oroxylum indicium L.Ven (Tetu)
Botanical Name: Oroxylum indiucm L.Ven

Family: Bignoniaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Tetu
Hindi: Arlu, Aralu, shyonaka
English: Tetu, Indian trumplet tree
Sanskrit: Shyonaka
Tamil: Achi, Pelarianthei
Telugu: Pampini
Introduction
This is small to medium sized desiduous tree with grey-brown,
lenticellular, soft spongy bark. It attains heights of 12 m. Leaves are large,
upto 1.5 m long, pinnate, bipinnate or tripinnate, leafets ovate or elliptic.
Flowers are arranged in large, erect raceme inforescence. They are purple
fesy and foetid. Fruits are capsules, large; fat, sword-shaped, upto 90 x 9 cm
valves, woody, seeds are many and fat, thin with broad silvery wing.

This plant is distributed throughout the country. It grows well the
elevation of 1200m. It is not selective of a particular soil. It produces root
suckers in plenty. It is found in tropical and sub tropical regions of the world
like India, China, Sri Lanka etc.
Cultivation
It requires moderate shade in the early stages. It does not need very
special soil for its growth. It produces plenty of root suckers. The tree
reproduces through seeds. It also can be propagated by artificially sowing the
seeds in the nursery during March-April and transplanting the seedlings in the
first of second rainy season. It can also be propagated by root suckers. This
species is a fast growing one. It is planted in the feld at 5m x 5m spacing.
Workings are done by time to time. The root bark can be extracted after 10-
11 years of age. The root bark becomes ready for use as extraction after ten-
eleven years.
Harvesting
The stem bark can be extracted from the tree after 10-11 years when tree
becomes matured. During the time tree must have produced some root
suckers, which have become independent plants. The stem bark must be
harvested in serpentine fashion. In this method of hgarvesting tree doesn’t
die.
Yield
Each tree can produce about 4 -5 kg of bark after 10 years of plantation.

Root, bark, leaves and fruits are used in medicinal purpose.
Root bark is one of the well known drug Dashmoola in a Ayurvedic
system and it is prescribed fresh. It is cream-yellow to grey in colour,
soft and juicy without any characteristic odour.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of Vata and Kapha,
infammations, dropsy, sprains, neuralgia, hiccough, cough, asthma,
bronchitis, anorexia, dyspepsia, fatulence, colic, helminthiasis,
diarrhea, dysentery, strangury, hout, vomiting, leucoderma, wounds
rheumatoid arthritis and fever.
129: Pandanus fascicularis Lam. (Kewdo)
Botanical Name: Pandnus fascicularis Lam.

Family: Pandanaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kewoda
Hindi: Kewda, Ketki, Keura, Gagandhul
Sanskrit: Ketaki
Tamil: Talai
Telugu: Mugali, Gajangi
Introduction
Kewda is a perennial tall growing shrub, which fourishes under hot and
humid conditions. It is a shrub with fragrant flowers. The average height of
the plant is 4-6 m and is exceptional cases goes up to 10 m. The flowers are
25-50 cm long with an average weight of 100-200 grams without leaves.
Flowering begins in May-June and continues till September to October. The
spadix takes a fortnight to develop to its full size. Older leaves drop whereas
younger once are attached straight.

Kewda plant is ancient and important plant of India. Ganjam district of
Orissa is believed to be origin of Kewda. It is said that the Muslims of West
Punjab were the first to start kewda distillation in the district followed by
several others, especially from the north. It occurs in the coastal regions of
India. Iran and Burma. In India it is distributed over costal Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Gujarat. The Ganjam district of South Orissa
comprising chatarpur, Gopalpur and Berhampur district are the major
production center of different kinds of kewda product.
Cultivation
Kewda is capable of growing in wide variety of soils. However the soil
having the high moisture holding capacity and rich in nutrients content are
most suited for its growth. The plant prefers to grow near the source of water
and tolerates water logging for a long period. It coppice well if main stem is
removed. Under favourable weather conditions rooting is quick from branch
cuttings which are normally used for propagation. Propagation is done by
stem cuttings or branches which are 3-4 years old and have thickness of 10-
15 cm. Sometimes new shoots which emerged from lower portions of main
stem of old branches can also be removed and used for propagation. The best
time for propagation is July to August. It grows well in high humidity, soil
moisture and temperature. Total life span of kewda is 40-50 years. Flowering
starts after 5 years of planting and continues until 40-50 years.
Harvesting
When kewda tree becomes fully grown it bears an average 15 to 20
flowers every season. The main season for collection of flowers starts from
July to August and lasts for 2 to 3 months but some collection is also made in
December to January and April to June. The flowers are plucked simply by
breaking with the help of a hook attached at the top of a stick. A cutting of
the fowering stick is not recommended as this may damage the foral prim or
dia and arrest further fowering. Collection of flowers is completed by early
morning so that these can be supplied to the distillery by 9 am. It is better to
go for distillation o9n same day. The rate of flowers is fxed by the local
committee every year.
Extraction of Oil
Oil extraction is carried out using hydro-distillation unit.
Storage
Kewda oil is precious hence care should be taken for its proper storage.
Normally the oil is stored in ½ to 1 lit. Aluminium bottles filled to its
capacity and properly sealed.

Kewda oil is used in the preparation of high grade tobacco. It is also
used in cosmetics, pan masala and in snuff. The kewda water is used
for favouring syrups, soft drinks and other food preparations.
Kewda attar is one of the most popular perfumes, extracted and used
in India since ancient times. It blends well with almost all types of
fancy perfumes, and is used for scenting clothes, bouquets, lotion,
cosmetics, soaps, hair oils, tobacco and agarbatti.
The leaves are employed for covering huts, for making matts,
cordage, hats, baskets and other fancy articles, they are also used for
making umbrellas. They are good paper making material.
130: Passifora edulis Sims. (Kaurav
Pandav Nu Phul)
Botanical Name: Passifora edulis Sins.

Family: Passiforaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kaurav pandav nu phul
English: Passion fruit, Purple granadilla.
Hindi: Kaurav pandav ka Phul
Introduction
This plant is perennial woody climber which has simple, axillary,
tendrils, often grown on trelies. Leaves are 5-12 x 4-10 cm broadly ovate,
lamina is glabrous. Shallowly to deeply three lobed, lobes of laminate closely
serrate, stipules are linear, small, not gland tipped. Flowers are axillary,
solitary, they are 5.5-7 cm across, petals are light bright blue, corolla are
purple, bluish-purple or lilac. Fruits are beriies type, globose, glabrous,
orange to red brown in colour when they ripe. They are 3.5-9 cm across.

The passionfruit is native from southern Brazil through Paraguay to
Northern Argentina. It has been stated that the yellow form is of unknown
origin, or perhaps native to the Amazon region of Brazil, or is a hybrid
between P. edulis and P. ligularis. The plant is distributed in Australia,
Kenya, Newzeland, USA like countries. In Asia, the plant is distributed in
India, Srilanka, Myanmar like countries.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by seeds and vegetative method. It thrives best in
warm, humid, sub tropical atmosphere. It is not specific to any soil. It comes
up on all types of soil with moisture retentive capacity. It does not tolerate
sunny slopes. It grows well on all types of soils. It responds well to irrigation.
The heavy soil and soils of poor drainage and low fertility are not suitable. It
can withstand light frosts only.
It is propagated by seed or by branch cutting. When the vegetative
method is employed, semi hard cuttings of 3-4 m in length are used. Cuttings
are taken from well matured wood strike root readily and can be transplanted
in the feld in about three months period. The seeds have poor viability.
Therefore, when seeds are used for raising seedlings, the seeds are sown,
soon after collection. Within 2-3 weeks seeds are germinated and become
ready for transplating after 3 months. Seedlings should be 20-25 cm in height
at the time of transplanting. The vines can be grown on trelies, pergolas,
fence, bowers etc. They are grown at a spacing of 3-5 m along low wire
trellies. The seedlings are manured once in a year with well rotten farm yard
manure and little of chemical fertilizers. The chemical fertilizers
recommended are ammonium sulphate, super phosphate and potassium
sulphate in the ratio of 10:6:10. In the months of February/March, the dried
and diseased parts of the branches are pruned out.
Harvesting
The plants start yielding fruits from the second year, but reach maximum
level from 6th year. Maximum yield could be nine kg per plant in a year.
Even though the fruiting is continued through out the year, the main
harvesting period is May-June and September-October. Well coloured fruits
are harvested before they are dead ripe. The fruits stand transport well, due to
the hard rind or shell, but they have short storage life.
Yield
Total expenditure per hectare reaches upto Rs.25,000 in 1st 5 years and
gross return reaches upto Rs. 30,000 while net returns per ha goes upto
Rs.5,000 in 1st 5 years and Rs.20,000 in 6th year and onwards.
Passion fruit contain specific component known as edulin I and edulin II.

Passion fruit juice is used for favouring candy, ice-cream, cake-
fillings, frostings, carbonated beverages and cordials.
The pulp is highly acidic with a pronounced pleasant favour.
The juice is preserved by canning or freezing and used with other
less acidic fruit juiced and in squashes, syrups, cordials, beverages
etc.
Juice from the purple variety is considered superior to that of yellow
variety due to higher percentage of sugars, ascorbic acid and
carotene.
The peel of the fruit can be used for recovery of pectin, for feeding
live stock and as a manure. The seeds yield on cold pressing, an oil
which is used in paint and varnish industries.
The leaves along with leaves of P.incarnata are used in medicines.
131: Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. (Khajuri)
Botanical Name: Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.

Family: Arecaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Khajuri, Kharak, Khakri
Hindi: Khajoor, Sendhi, Shindi
English: Khajoor, Wild date palm
Tamil: Icham
Telugu: Pedd lta
Introduction
This is very tall palm which reach the height of 10-16 meter. There is
large crown seen and it is found up to 1500 m elevation. Trunk covered with
persistent bases of petioles. Leaves are grayish green in colour and they are 3
to 4.5m long with few short spines at the base, pinnate, linear and numerous.
Spines are 15-45 cm long which ends in short points. Flowers are arranged in
spadices type of inforescence. Flowers are small fragrant. Male flowers are
white while female flowers are greenish in colour. Fruit is of 90 cm long.
Fruit is oblong ellipsoid berry type which generally 2.5 x 3.2 cm long. Seeds
are orange yellow in colour. They are 1.7 cm long, deeply grooved, rounded
at the ends.

This plant is endogenous to India. But this plant is widely seen in the
tropical and sub tropical regions of the world. This plant is seen in warmer
parts of the world like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and some other
countries.
Cultivation
Generally it prefers moist alluvial soils which are not too heavy and
clayey. Natural regeneration takes place freely by seed and the young plants
are little subjected to browsing. Artificial propagation may be done by
transplanting nursery raised seedling. The seeds are sown in May and the
seedlings are transplanted in the third year, during the rainy season in the
feld. The feld is properly ploughed and hoed before planting is done. The
plants are planted at 3 m x 3 m espacement. No elaborate after care is
required to be taken. When plants are 5 years old the upper green leaves are
tied up and lower yellow ones are cut away, this is repeated annually.
Meanwhile the soil in the feld is loosened every now and then by ploughing.
Harvesting
Flowering in the palm is occurred in the beginning of hot season and the
fruits are ripen in May and June. After 8-9 years, plants which have grown
artificially becomes ready for tapping. Tapping is done when stem gets height
of 1m. Tapping is done for 25-30 or many more years. Tapping season lasts
for 4-6 months, commencing from October-November. For tapping lower
leaves along one side of the trunk are cut off and the bark removed to expose
the inner soft layer to the extent of 45 cm vertically and half of the
circumference of the tree horizontally. The exposed surface is brilliant white
in the starting but soon it turns into brown. After few days, tapping is started
in the evening by making V-shaped cut in the exposed surface and scooping
out a triangular patch inside the V. The sap exuding from the scooped surface
is run through a bamboo spout into an earthen vessel, internally coated with
lime and is collected early next morning. This tapping schedule is continued
by making fresh cuts to ensure optimum fow of the sap, fruit branches are
usually cut off. By repeated tapping, the palm gets more and more hewed
into, so that at the end of the season exuding surface is 7.5-10 cm deep. Cuts
are made on alternate sides of the trunk in successive season giving it a zig-
zag appearance. As per the new technique developed, the exposed surface is
divided vertically into three equal zones and tapping is done by slicing only
one zone daily, thus affording two days rest to each zone. The yield of the
juice is said to be double in this method.
Yield
Nira and tody are the important juices which are obtained from the plant.
Per tree yield of the plant is reported to vary considerably from 100 to 300
litres in a season, giving 10-13 per cent of its weight as jaggery. Nira is
converted into jaggery and sugar. The product nearly as white as cane sugar
also is obtained after two or three boilings. The palm molasses can be used
for edible purposes and as a source of alcohol. Upto 7th to 8 years total cost
of Rs. 16,000 is needed for the plantation work for one hectare. Tapping is
done in 8th year but every year 500 trees per hectare can be tapped. If the net
profit per kg of jaggery is taken as Rs. 2/- then the net revenue per ha. comes
to Rs. 16,000 so in the 8th or 9 year cost of plantation will be recovered and
from 9th year onwards it will give good return. Profit can be increased by
selling sap as Nira and by increasing the output of jaggery from sap.

Nira and Toddy are the well known drinks that are available from the
tree. Palm jaggery is prepared from the sap which is more nutritious
than cane jaggery.
Fruits are edible and also can be made into jellies and jams.
Leaves of the palm are widely used for thatching and for making
mats, fans, baskets, bags, brooms, etc.
They also yield a fbre which beaches well.
The petioles are beaten and made into ropes. The female spadix
forms a good brush for white washing.
Leaf bud and inner portion of the stem are eaten in times of scarcity.
Roots are used in case of toothache.
132: Phyllanthus niruri L. (Bhoi Amali)
Botanical Name: Phyllanthus niruri L.

Synonym: Phyllanthus amaras, Phyllanthus fraternus
Local Names
Gujarati: Bhoy amali
Sanskrit: Bahupatra
Hindi: Bhoy amali, Jaremala
Tamil: Keela nelli
Telugu: Nela usirika
Introduction
This plant is annual herb which gets height of 30-60 cm. This is quite
glabrous. Stem is often branched at the base, angular. Leaves are numerous,
subsessile distichous often imbricating, elliptic oblong obtuse. Stipules
present, very acute. Flowers are yellowish, very numerous, axillary, the male
flowers are one to three and female flowers are solitary. Capsules are 2.5 mm
in diameter which are depressed globose, smooth scarcely lobed.

The plant is native of India and distributed throughout tropical and
subtropical regions of the world. This plant is distributed in Central and
Southern India extending to Sri Lanka.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods (1). By seed propagation and
(2).By vegetative propagation. It is propagated by seeds. The seeds can be
directly sown in the feld. A quantity of 5-6 kg. of seed is sufficient to cover
one hectare area. The area is ploughed thoroughly well and fine tilth of soil is
obtained. Afterwards, furrows are made at 25 cm. apart. The beginning of
monsoon, the seeds are mixed with sand and sown in the furrows
continuously. The seeds germinate soon. After the germination is complete,
weeding is carried and gaps in the planting lines occurred due to failure of
germination, are filled again. After two months of sowing, second weeding
along with hand hoeing is carried out. Then, 100 kg of urea per hectare is
applied by broad Cast method. At the end of January, the plants are ready for
harvesting. Fruits are collected for the next years crop, while harvesting.
Harvesting
The harvesting is carried out in January/February. The plants are
uprooted and dried in shade for 2-3 days before packing and dispatching for
marketing.
Yield
It is estimated that a production of 1500 kg of the drug is available from
one hectare.
In the aerial part, three crystalline lignans including phyllanthine and
hypophyllanthine have been found. Five favonoids have been identifed,
quercetin, astralgin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin and rutin. Four
leucodelphinidine alkaloids were separated from the leaves and stems, one of
them being an enantiomorph of securinine.

It is used in viral hepatitis, oedema, anorexia like diesese.
The fresh root is used for the treatment of viral hepatitis.
The plant is also used as a diuretic in oedema.
It is also used to increase appetite and locally to relieve
infammations.
Fresh roots are used to relieve digestive troubles of camels.
A decoction of the leaves is used as a refrigerant for the scalp.
Roots and leaves are used as poultice for swellings and ulcers. Latex
is also applied to sores and ulcers. Latex when mixed with oil, is used
in ophthalmia.
Dried leaves are toxic, bitter principle phyllanthin, which is toxic to
fsh and frogs.
133: Piper longum Linn. (Lindi Pipar)
Botanical Name: Piper longum Linn.

Family: Piperaceae
Synonym: Piper methysticum Forster f.
Local Names
Gujarati: Lindi pipar
Hindi: Pipli
English: Indian Long Papper
Sanskrit: Pippali, Kana
Tamil: Thippili
Telugu: Pippallu
Introduction
It is slender sub-scandent herb, branchlets erect, straggling or sometimes
climbing, hairless, with swollen nodes and those of creeping branching with
roots at lower nodes. Leaves are alternate, variable in shape, usually egg-
shaped heart shaped, 7-15 X 4-6 cm, base heart shaped and unequal, apex is
acute to acuminate, margin of leaf is entire, hairless, lower leaves are with
long stalks and upper ones without stalk. Lateral nerves are 5-7 and they are
arising from the base. Male spikes are erect and 2-7 cm long, it is greenish to
yellow in colour. Fleshy, cylindrical, with minute male flowers. Female
spikes are erect, and 1-3 cm long, it is yellow in colour. Fruiting spikes
cylindrically oblong, about 4 X 1 cm. Fruits are berries globose type about 2
mm across, partly sunken in the rachis, compactly arranged, red are
converted in black when they ripe.

Piper is very large genus of shrubs, rarely herbs and trees, found
throughout tropical and sub tropical regions of the world. About 30 species
have been recorded from India of which P.nigrum, the black pepper and
P.betle are widely distributed. Piper longum is slender aromatic climber with
perennial woody roots occurring in the hotter parts of India, from central
Himalayas to Assam, Khasi and Mikir hills, lowes hills of Bengal and
evergreen forest of western ghats from konkan to travankore. It has been
recorded also from car Nicobar Islands West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh,
Karnataka, Kerala and in the most of the states long piper is common.
Cultivation
The plant needs a hot moist climate and elevation between 100 and 1000
m for its cultivation. It can be grown successfully even in areas which receive
heavy rainfall with high relative humidity. In its natural habitat, the plant is
found growing as an under shrub. It can grow well in rich, well drained
loamy soil.
It is also cultivated on a large scale in limestone. Laterite soil with high
organic matter content with good moisture holding capacity is also suitable.
Propagation is done by seeds, suckers or cuttings or by layering of mature
branches at the beginning of rainy season. Stem cutting is good method
which is obtained from one year old growth and 3-5 internodes. Vine cuttings
can be rooted in polythene bags filled with the common pot mixture. The
nursery can be raised during March and April. The cuttings which have been
planted in March-April becomes ready for planting in the main feld by the
end of May. Before planting land should be ploughed 2 to 3 times and leveled
properly. Then the feld is divided into convenient size of plots in which the
pits are dug at a spacing of 60 cm X 60cm. These pits are filled with soil
mixed with well decomposed FYM or compost. In heavy rainfall areas,
channels are made to drain excess water. Rooted cuttings are planted in pits at
the rate of two per pit. The pits are gap filled one month after planting. This
plant is planted as an inter crop with Subabul, Eucalyptus and coconut in
different parts of the country.
Irrigation-Weeding and Mulching

The crop should be irrigated once in a week, if it grown as a pure crop.
In case when crop is grown as an intercrop with other crops, the irrigation
provided to the main crop is sufficient. Generally it is done after the
application of FYM to the beds, earthing up is done from the channels.
During summer to prevent the moisture loss or losses from the soil surface,
the beds should be mulched by dry leaves. Straws are also used for this
purpose.
Harvesting
After six months of planting first harvest is available from vines. The
spikes are ready for harvest two months after of formation on the plants.
Spikes are picked when they are blackish green and most pungent. Harvested
spikes are dried in the sun for 4 to 5 days.
Yield
During the first year, the dry spikes are stored in the moisture proof
containers. During the first year, the dry spike yield is around 400 kg per
hectare. It reaches upto 1000 kg per hectare in the 3 rd year. After three years
the productivity of the vines decreases and should be replanted. Root and
stem are also harvested from 18 months after sowing. While harvesting, the
stems are cut close to ground, the roots are dug up, cleaned and heaped in
shade for a day, after which they are cut in to 2.5 to 5 cm long pieces. The
average yield of dried roots is 500 kg per hectare.

Fruits and roots are used for medicinal uses.
Roots and fruiting spikes are used in treating diarrhea, indigestion,
jaundice, urticaria, abdominal disorders, hoarseness of voice, asthma,
hiccough, cough, piles, malarial fever, fatulence, vomiting, thirst,
oedema, earache, wheezing,
This is one of the ingredients in the Sidha medicine trikadugu. It is
also considered a rejuvenating plant.
134: Piper nigrum Linn. (Mari)
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum Linn.

Family: Piperaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kalomirich, Mari
Hindi: Kalimirch, Kalamorich
Sanskrit: Marich
Tamil: Milagu
Telugu: Kiryalatige
Introduction
It is large genus of shrubs, rarely herbs and trees throughout the tropical
and sub tropical regions of the world. It is branching, climbing and perennial
shrub. Branches are stout, trailing and rooting glaucous beneath, base is acute
rounded or cordate equal or unequal. Flowers are minute in spikes usually
deciduous. Often female bears two male stamens and the male a pistillode.
Fruiting spikes variable in length and robustness, rachies glabrous, fruits are
drupe type, ovoid to globose, testa is thin, albumin is hard. In the wild state
the plant is generally deciduous and rarely bears fruits. Flowering time for
this plant is July-August.

This plant is found the throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the
world. A numerous wild relatives of P.nigrum occurring in tropical/sub
tropical part of India. Black pepper is one of the most ancient crops cultivated
in India. The species has probably originated in the hills of South Western
India, of North Kanara to Kanyakumari. Piper nigrum is cultivated in the hot
and moist parts of India, Ceylon and other tropical countries.
Cultivation
This plant grows well in rich soil or laterite soil or alluvial soils.
Although it can also be cultivated in sandy loam soil along with alluvial river.
This plant requires warm and humid climate. It grows in places where rainfall
is well over 200 cm and not less that 125 cm. The maximum temperature
seldom exceeds 40ºC and the lower temperature 10ºC. In India black pepper
is grown with other crops as mixed crops like jack, mango, coconut bamboo
or arecanut. The vines can be grown as an inter or subsidiary crop along with
other plantations like coffee, cardamom, orange, arecanut, coconut etc.
Plant can be propagated by two methods (1) Vegetative method and (2)
Seed method.
1. Vegetative Propagation
This method is widely selected because of slow regeneration from seeds.
Although it varies from place to place. There are two categories of shoots
preferred for planting, (a). The runners which are usually confined to bottom
portion of the vines and also terminal shoot toward the top region. The
runners form the most common propagatory material. Healthy shoots are
selected and are coiled up on forks as they may not come in contact with soil
and rooting prematurely. The shoots are then cut into pieces of four to five
nodes and then they are planted in the feld or are rooted in baskets. (b). In the
another method terminal shoots are preferred. These cuttings can yield a
satisfactory crop from the fourth year onwards. Propagation through layering
is adopted on a small scale. Grafting propagation has also become useful.
Planting is done in July or August.
2. Seed Propagation
Dried seeds are selected for raising plants. These plants remain
productive for longer period and yield more in the later years. Seeds are taken
from the well ripened selected fruits Seeds are sown in nursery first and then
transplanted into the feld at 4 -5 leaves at stage.
Harvesting
Harvesting varies from region to region according to climate. In coastal
areas harvesting extends from the middle of December to middle of March,
while in cooler regions it is done in the April. In the area of higher elevation
cropping period is delayed.
The pepper vine starts to fruit in the 2nd or 3rd year of plantation. The
yield increases year by year. In well cared gardens and 10th -25th years is the
best period to get good yield. The yield decreases after 13th year. Generally
there are two crops in a year; one is in the August-September and another in
March-April.
Yield
Yield differs in wide range from place to place; the vine under intensive
care remains productive upto 60-100 years. Different varieties give different
kind of results. Like the type Balameotta yield 1-1.5 kg dried pepper per vine
while karimcotta gives 1.0-1.25 kg dried pepper. Balameotta’s maximum
yield has been recorded in Mysore is 3.0-3.5 kg per vine.

Oil of pepper is a valuable adjunct in the favouring of sansage,
canned meats, soups, table sauces and certain beverages and liquors.
It is used in perfumery, particularly in bouguets of the oriental type.
The oil is used in making soaps.
In Indian medicine it is employed as an aromatic stimulant in
cholera, weakness following fever, vertigo, coma etc. as a stomachic
in dyspepsia and fatulence as an antiperiodic in malarian fever and as
an alternative in paraplegia and arthritic diseases.
Oleoresin is obtained from pepper is used as antibacterial and
fungistatic property. Pepper lowers the phagocylic activity of
leucocytes. Extracts having some hypercoagulative effects.
It retards the development of rancidity in fats and meat.
Fruits of pepper can be used after drying as black pepper of after
processing
into white pepper. Green fresh peppers are used in preparing pickles.
Peppers are used among the major condiments employed for seasoning
freshly prepared foods.
135: Plantago ovata Forsk (Ishabgul)
Botanical Name: Plantago ovata Forsk

Family: Plantaginaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ishabgol
Hindi: Ishabgol
English: Blonde psyllium, Psyillum, Ribwort
Sanskrit: Isharbol
Telugu: Ishabgaluvittulu
Introduction
Psyllum is an annual herb. This plant is stemless soft with hairy and
annual leaves. The leaves are 7.5 to 23 cm long, 6 mm broad, narrowly linear
or fliform, finely acuminate entire or distantly toothed, attenuated at the base
and usually 3-nurved. The flowers are arranged in ovoid or cylindrical spikes.
They are 1.3 to 3.8 cm long. Bracts are 4 mm long and broad. The seeds are 3
to 4 mm long, they are boat shaped or ovoid-oblong, smooth and yellowish
brown.

This plant is believed to be originated from Peris. Plantago ovata is
indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia extending up to
Sutlej and Sind in Western Pakistan. In India this plant is cultivated in parts
of Rajasthan and Maharastra. It is mainly cultivated in Mehsana and
Banaskantha districts of North Gujarat, but grows elsewhere in India too.
Indian plantago seeds are superior to that of French or Spanish in quality.
Cultivation
This plant is grown in marginal land where there is good drainage. (PH
should be 7 to 8). This kind of soil is good for cultivation for Plantago ovata
propagation is generally done by seeds. The seeds are sown in the second half
of the October to first half of November. Sowing is carried out in rows or
through the method of sprinkling or spraying. Improved varieties which are
used for cultivation are Gujarat Isabgol 1 and Gujarat Isabgol-2, the other
varieties which are used for cultivation are Trombay selection 1 to 10 and EC
124 -345.
First irrigation is provided immediately after sowing. Second is given
after three weeks and third is given after ear appears. One or two soil
loosening may be undertaken after watering. Cow dung is utilized for
improving productivity of soil.
Harvesting
When plant becomes red at that time crop is matured. First Harvesting is
carried out after 100-130 days. The ripened seeds are separated by rubbing
them between the palms. The cutting is undertaken in the morning hours to
minimize seed loss during harvesting. After harvesting but before crushing
little water is sprinkled over it, helps in separation of seeds. The husk is
removed by winnowing and clean seeds are collected. The seeds are filled in
bags or suitable containers after drying them for 4-5 days.
Yield
For this plant expenditure reaches upto Rs.6000 per hetare in year while
gross return goes upto Rs.12, 000 and net return reaches upto Rs.6, 000/- in
year per hectare.

Downy mildew is the main diseases of plantago ovata. Powdery mildew,
white grab, and Afeeds also affect plants. These diseases and pests can be
controlled by bio techniques.

Seeds and husks are used for the preparation of drugs based on
ayurvedic and allopathic system of medicine.
The seed husk has the property of swelling into jelly like mass, in
presence of water; mucilage relieves constipation by mechanically
stimulating intestinal peristalsis Peristalsis is the contraction of
smooth muscles to propel contents through the digestive tract.
Mucilage is not affected by digestive enzymes and bacteria and can
pass unaffected through the intestines, lining the mucous membrane
and exercising a soothing and protective action. Toxin present in the
guts is absorbed by the gel of the mucilage and do not get absorbed
into the system.
Dried seeds and husks are used as emollients, demulcents and
laxatives and can be used to treat chronic constipation and amoebic
and bacillary dysenteries.
Husks also work as antidiarrhoel drug, the seeds and husk cure the
infammation of the mucous membrane of gastro-instestinal tract,
genitor-urinary tract, dueodenol ulcers, gonorrhoea and piles. They
are also used as a cervical dilator for termination of pregnancy.
Seeds contain a glycoside aucubin which is physically inactive. The
endosperum yields an oil up to 8.80 per cent.
Seed mucilage is also used in cosmetics and as a basic stabilizer in
the ice cream industry. It is also used in calico-printing and in the
preparation of chocolates.
The husk acts as a good binder and disintegrant in compressed
tablets. Treating husks with hot caustic soda and subsequent
neutralization yield a jelly that is used as a substitute for agar-agar.
136: Plumbago zeylanica L. (Chitrak)
Botanical Name: Plumbago zeylanica L.

Family: Plumbaginaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Chitrak
Hindi: Chitrak
Sanskrit: Jyotiksha, Krishnavartama
English: White lead wort, Ceylon lead wort, Chitrak
Tamil: Chitramulam, Kodiveli, Sittragam
Telugu: Agnimula, Chitramulama
Introduction
This species is distributed through out India. It is sub-scandent perennial
shrub which gets height of 60-100 cm, with diffuse branches. Leaves are
alternate ovate and narrowed into a petiole. Flowers are white, sub sessile,
with bracts and bracteoles and are borne in single or branched terminal or
axillary spikes. They are 7-25 cm long. Rachis of the spike is covered with
short glandular hairs. Fruits are one seeded, capsule type and 0.8-1.0 cm long.
It is oblong, 5-valved. Seeds are oblong glabrous and smooth. Bracts are
larger than bracteoles.

The native of this plant is Sikkim and Khasi hills of India. It is grown in
Kerala and North India, East India and some areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra of India.
Cultivation
It is propagated by vegetative means. Off shoots or cuttings are used for
propagation. It grows in forests and waste lands of semi arid and tropical
climatic zones. It grows on all type of soil. Land is prepared by ploughing the
land three to four times. Furrows are prepared continuously at 30cm distance.
In the June, along with the one set of monsoon, branch cuttings are planted.
This cutting should be of 10-15 cm in length. These are planted in furrows at
30 cm apart. The cutting soon sprouts. If the plants are very close they are
thinned out at 30 x 30 cm. Along with second weeding in August, hand
hoeing is also carried out.
Fertilizers
Application of 100 kg of urea per hectare is desirable for good growth of
plant in August by broadcasting method. Farm yard maner is applied to
obtain good root yield at the rate of 10 tone per hectare. NPK @ 50:50:50
kg/ha can be also applied. Entire P is given basally and nitrogen and
potassium are applied in two equal splits, two months after planting and four
months after planting.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the January to February. Plants are uprooted and
dried under shade for 2-3 days. The soil is removed which is attached to the
roots. Roots are separated from the shoot portion. These roots are cut into
smaller pieces and packed in plastic bags before marketing.
Yield
It is estimated that a production of 2000 kg of the drug can be obtained
from one hectare.

Roots and leaves of the plant is used for medicinal purpose.
Roots of the plant are used for obtaining drug Chitramula. Roots are
vesicant and abortifacient. Roots are diuretic and are useful in
rheumatism. It is used as an irritant to the skin, in the treatment of
dyspensia, piles, anasarca, diarrhea and skin diseases. They are also
used in leprosy.
Leaves are very useful because they possess abortifacient qualities.
An infusion of the root is used for infuenza and black water fever.
Alcoholic extract from roots has been found to be very powerful
aphicide
Roots are used to treat certain types of leucoderma.
Insecticidal and antibacterial activities were also reported in some cases.
137: Pogostemon sp. (Patchouli)
Botanical Name: . Pogostemin patchouli Pellet. Var.Suavis

Synonym: Pogostemom cablin (Blanko) Ben
Family: Labiateae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pancha, Pachouli
Hindi: Pachouli
English: Patchouli
Sanskrit: Pachi
Tamil: Kattam
Introduction
It is an erect, branched, pubescent herb which gets 0.5 to 1 meter high.
Leaves are ovate to oblong, acute to obtuse and coarsely singly or doubly
serrate on both surfaces, swollen on the nodes, spikes are terminal and
axillary, panicle, dense, sometimes interrupted, 2.5-15cm long. They are pink
purple or white violet in colour. Flowering takes place in Luzon, India and
Malaya. In java, it is never found fowering. The plant appears like a herb of
2-2.5 feet height covered with leaves which are sometime light green in
colour. Lower foliage are always dark in colour. Two plant types patouchli
are mainly recognized viz. Jahore type which yields a poor leafy growth but
produces a superior quality of oil; the other is Singapore type that gives more
foliage, therefore more oil.
The world Patchouli is believed to be derived from Sanskrit word
“Patchouli”. In old times, Indian fabrics and particularly shawls prepared for
export to European countries were permeated with strange odour which was
believed as origin and proof of oriental origin. This plant was first described
in 1845 by Pelletiesautelet, and named Pogostemon patchouli. For many
years the distillation of patchouli oil was confined to British-Malaya, mainly
on the ice land of Penang and Singapore. In the starting of 20th century, the
patchouli oil production took a new turn when patchouli plantations were
developed in the province and the cultivated leaf material was exported to
Europe. In India Madhya Pradesh, Bangalore, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil nadu,
Karnataka, Gujarat etc. are some of the states which produce this plant.
Cultivation
A moderate temperature with very high humidity favours the growth. As
such it can be cultivated in all those tropical areas where temperatures are not
very high with evenly distributed rainfall. Patchouli plants also require partial
shade and grow well with shade of coconut or other plantation crops.
Patchouli is propagated by stem cuttings. For best results, apical cuttings
10-15cm long with 3-4 leaves are taken from well developed branches. These
cuttings are either used for raising nursery, containing sufficient sand and leaf
moulded mixture. Nursery is raised in the shady place with provision of good
drainage. Cuttings are stripped off one or two fully developed lower leaf
before planting. Cuttings in nursery or in seed beds are treated with root
promoting hormones for quick establishment and growth. Nursery beds are
kept moist for 8-10 days, till the rootings starts, through sprinkler irrigation
2-3 times daily. In north Indian plains nursery raising may be done
successfully in August-September and October and also in month of
February-March. In about 4-5 weeks, nursery plants become ready for
transplanting in feld. Mist chambers are best suited for propagation of
Patchouli.
Harvesting
Patchouli crop is ready for first harvest 5-6 months after planting. After
first cutting crop is harvested at about 4 months interval. Harvesting is carried
out with the help of sharp sickle in early morning or in evening. All the
young growing leaves and tender branches 30-40 cm above ground are cut.
Because of this there occurs delay in the regeneration and long gap between
harvest, thus affecting the total oil production. Drying is done on racks made
of bamboos. In any case it should ensure that complete drying is done in 3-4
days time. This plant remains productive for three years. Dry leaves give
good quality of oil.
Disease
Golden nematode seriously damages this crop. No effective measures to
control the nematode are known.
Yield
On an average 125-150 quintals per hectare fresh herb is harvested from
three harvests in a year, which on drying remains to 25-30 quintals. Total
expenditure per hectare goes upto Rs.10,000 per year and gross return
reaches upto Rs.25,000/-while net returns per hectare is Rs.15,000 in first
year.

The dried leaves are used for scenting wardrobes. The leaves and
tops are added in bath water for their antirheumatic action.
It is also used as a masking agent for alcoholic breath.
Tenacity of odour is one of the virtues of Patchouli oil and one of the
reasons for its versatilities etc.
Patchouli oil is extensively used as a favour ingredient in major food
products including alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy products, candy,
baked foods, gelatin, meat and meat products.
It blends well with sandalwood, geranium, vetiver, lonones,
cedarwood derivatives, clove oil, lavender, bergamot and many
others. The oil is almost perfume by itself.
It is widely used in soap, cosmetic, tobacco and incense.
The oil gives one of the finest attars when blended with sandalwood
oil. The oil possesses antibacterial activity and it is used as an
ingredient in insect repellant preparations.
138: Portulaca oleracea L. (Khursa)
Botanical Name: Portulaca oleracea L.

Family: Portulacaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Khursa
English: Garden purslane, purple fowered purslane
Hindi: Kursa
Sanskrit: Brihalloni, Lonika, Lonamia
Tamil: Kariikeerai
Telugu: Peddapaylijura
Introduction
This plant is prostrate annual herb. Stems are succulent, green or reddish.
Leaves are alternate, feshy, shining glabrous. Base is attenuate. Apex is
truncatel nerves inconspicuous. Flowers are bright yellow in terminal cluster,
without stalks. Capsules are globose or ovoid. It remains open transversely.
Seeds are numerous and shining black.

The origin of the plant is unknown but possibly it can be India or
Western Asia. It occure in Austrailia, America, Europe, Africa like countries.
In Sudan and Egypt it is very popular. The plant is cultivated throughout in
India in wild and wet condition.
Cultivation
Portulaca oleracea L. is propagated by seeds and vegetative method.
The plant requires a moist light rich, well drained soil, not like dry condition
but it can be grown as half hardy annual plant. Seed is best sown under
protection in early spring and can then be planted out in late spring. Seeds are
very small, around 1000 seeds weigh only 0.2-0.4 g. Seed rate should be 20
kg/ha. It is recommended that seeds should be sprinkled on the feld and then
covered with compost. For proper management organic manure should be
incorporated at the rate of 20-30 tones per hectare. Stem cuttings are also
used for cultivation method. Outdoor sowings in situ take place from late
spring to late summer, successive sowings being made every two to three
weeks. It requires ample amount of water and temperature range between 18-
38ºC.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done after 3-4 weeks of sowing and 2-3 cut and 2-3
intervals are possible in commercial production. Cutting should be done low
to stimulate new growth. Some time plants are uprooted in over harvesting
method.
Handling after Harvesting
Purslane can be stored in plastic boxes at 0-1º C for 2-5 days with high
relative humidity.
Yield
In the tropical countries 10-12 tones per hectare crop have been yielded.
The whole plant contains carotene, vitamins C, B, P, Ca, Mg, Na, K
salts, organic acids, nicotinic and oxalic acids, noradrenalin, and the
biofavonoid liquiritin.

Exept for the roots, the entire plant is used as an antibacterial, anti
infammatory and anthelminthic.
It is used in treating bacillary dysentery and dysuria.
A combination with equal parts of Euphorbia thymifolia is also used.
The juice extracted from 100g of pounded fresh plant and diluted
with water serves as an anthelminthic against oxyuriasis and
ascariasis.
It is administered in the morning, for 3-5 days.
Poultices of fresh leaves are used to treatmastitis, boils and impetigo.
139: Premna integrifolia Linn
(Agnimanth)
Botanical Name: Premna integrifoliaLinn.

Family: Verbenaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ghiti, Agnimanth
Sanskrit: Agnimanthah
Hindi: Agetha, Arni, Ustabunda
Tamil: Munnay, muney miray
English: Headache tree
Telugu: Pomanti, Pedda narva, Gaebbu nelli
Introduction
This plant is very large shrub or a small tree which gets height of nine
meter with yellowish lenticellate bark, spinous large branches and yellowish
brown woody aromatic root. Leaves are simple, opposite, sometimes
whorled, elliptic-ovate, membranous when they become young. When they
become matured they become coriaceous. Leaves are entire or irregularly
toothed, primary lateral nerves are in 4-6 pairs. Flowers are small, greenish,
yellow or greenish white with a strong disagreeable odour, arranged in
corymb or cyme panicles inforescences. Fruits are globose drupe type, when
they ripe they become black with persistent saucer shaped calyx surrounding
its base.
Distribution
This plant is grown wildly throughout in India. Perticularly in tropical
forest this plant is found.
The chief active principals are the three alkaloids, premnine, ganiarine
and ganikarine.

Roots are astringent, bitter, acrid, sweet, thermogenic, anodyne, anti
infammatory, alexetric, cardiotonic, alterant expectorant, depurative,
digestive, carminative, stomachic, laxative, febrifuge, antibacterial
and tonic.
They are useful in vitiated conditions of vata and kapha, neuralgia,
infammations, cardiac disorders, hepatopathy, cough, asthma,
bronchitis leprosy, skin diseases, dyspepsia, fatulence, colic,
anorexia, constipation, haemorrhoids, fever diabetes and general
debility. Leaves are stomachic, carminative and galactagogue, and
are useful in dyspepsia, fatulence, colic, agalactia, cough and catarrh,
fever, rheumatalgia, neuralgia, haemorrhoids and tumours.
140: Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (Bavchi)
Botanical Name: Psoralea corylifolia Linn.

Family: Papilionaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Babchi
Hindi: Bakuchi
English: Babchi seeds
Sanskrit: Vakuci, Bakuci
Tamil: karpogam, Karpokkarisi
Telugu: Bapunga, Bavangalu
Introduction
The plant is an erect, annual herb. It grows 30-60 cm tall under natural
conditions and up to 160 cm under cultivation. There are profuse branches
found there. The stem and branches are covered with conspicuous glands and
white hairs and bears simple leaves, broadly elliptic, rounded and mucronate
at the apex. The axillary, solitary inforescence is observed in which 10 to 30
flowers are arranged with a hairy pedicle. It bears a single seeded pod, which
is indehiscent, and the pericarp is usually found adhering to the seed.
Distribution
The genus Psoralea is widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical
regions of the world. Out of the four species in genus Psoralea occurring in
India, the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. alone are used in medicine. This
species has a large distribution in the Southern districts of Madhya Pradesh
and Uttrar Pradesh from where commercial collections are being made.
Cultivation
The crop is suitable for dry tropical regions. Warmer climate is good for
this plant. It is hardy plant which grows well in areas with low to medium
rainfall during the summer months. It can grow on any type of soil ranging
from sandy medium loam to black cotton soils. However sandy loam soil
with good organic matter is best. Before one set of monsoon, seed beds
should be prepared by light ploughing and furrowing. Bauchi is propagated
through seeds and Psoralea corylifolia is having poor germination (5-7 per
cent) due to dormancy. The germination percentage can be improved by
breaking the dormancy by mechanical puncturing of seed coverings or by
treating the seeds with sulphuric acid for 50 minutes
A pretreatment of seeds in one percent sulphuric acid has been found
efficacious, repeated washing in water should wash off the sulphuric acid
before the seed is sown. The seeds are dibbled in rows, preferably 45-60 cm
apart, keeping plant to plant spacing around 30-45 cm, depending upon the
fertility of the land. A seed rate of 7 kg is sufficient to plant one hectare land.
Irrigation and Fertilizer

Farm Yard manure at 20 t/ha gives a good initial growth and increases
the seed yield significantly. Besides a fertilizer dose of 100 kg N, 60 kg P and
50 kg K/ha is recommended. Of this, half a dose of N and a full dose each of
P and K is given as a basal dose, while the remaining 50 kg/ha is applied in
one dose as a top dressing after 45 days of sowing. Rainy season is the best
for plant therefore the irrigation requirement of bauchi is moderate. However,
after the rainy season is over in June-September, the crop may be irrigated
fortnightly. It needs about 6 to 8 irrigations until the crop is finally harvested.
Harvesting
After 8-9 months of sowing crop is matured. The maturation of seed is
continued process; there fore the seed picking can be done from mid
December onwards to the end of February. In all, 4 to 5 pickings are usually
taken. At maturity, the single seeded fruit turns brownish black and emits and
mild odour.
Yield
An average yield of about 2 t/ha of dry seeds may be obtained. An yield
of 4000 kg. of seeds can be expected from one ha of plantation. The market
rate of the seeds revolves around Rs.10/- per kg.

The seeds of babchi are used in the indigenous system of medicine in
the treatment of leucoderma, leprosy and psoriasis.
The seed is surrounded by a sticky, oily pericarp, which contains
coumarins, of which Psoralen and Isopsoralen are therapeutically
important.
Besides treating psoriasis, psoralin is being investigated as a cure for
several diseases including AIDS.
It is also used in the treatment of intestinal amoebiasis and the
healing of wounds and ulcers.
There are several reports in literature on the antimicrobial,
antifeedant and insectidial activities of babchi, suggesting other
possible uses.
141: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Biyo)
Botanical Name: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Family: Fabaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Biyo
Sanskrit: Rakta chandana
Hindi: Lal chandan,Rakta-chandan
Tamil: Ratha Sandanam,Chenkunkumam, Sivappu chandana
English: Red Sandal wood
Telugu: Agaru gandhamu,Yerra chandanamu, Rakta chandanam.
Introduction
This is medium sized to large tree which gets height of 15-30 meter, bark
is dark brown which has shallow cracks, exfoliating in thin fakes and exuding
a red gummy substance (Gum kino) on injury. Leaves are compound,
imparipinnate, leafets are 5-7 in numbers and coriaceous, oblong, obtuse,
emarginated or even bilobed at the apex, glabrous in both surfaces lamina
nerves numerous, prominent. Flowers are yellow in terminal panicles, corolla
are with crisped margins. Fruits are nearly circular, glabrous, fat winged
pods, convexly curved between stipe and style. Wings are veined. Seeds are
1-2, convex bony.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throught in India particularly in deciduous and
evergreen forest.
Cultivation
This plant is cultivated by two methods: (i). By seed propagation and (ii).
By vegetative method.
Pterocarpus marsupium contains l-epicatechin. Heart wood yields
liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, a neutral unidentifed component, alkaloid an
dresin. The wood also contains a yellow colouring matter and an essential oil
and a semi drying fxed oil. Kino contains a non-glucosidal tannin kinotannic
acid, kinoin, and kino-red in addition to small quantities of catechol
protocatechuic and resin, pectin and gallic acid.

The heart wood is astringent, bitter, acrid, cooling, anti-infammatory,
union promoter, depurative, urinary astringent, haemostatic,
revulsive, anthelmintic, constipating, anodyne, alternat and
elephantiasis, infammations, fractures, bruises, leprosy, skin diseases,
leucoderma, erysipelas, urethrorrhea, diabetes, rectalgia, rectitis,
ophthalmopathy.
This plant is also used in haemorrhages, verminosis, diarrhea,
dysentery, odontalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, asthma,
bronchitis and greyness of hairs.
Leaves are useful in boils, sores and skin diseases.
Flowers are bitter, sweet, cooling, appetizing and febrifuge and are
useful in vitiated conditions of Pitta, anorexia and fevers.
Gum is biter, styptic, antipyretic, anthelmintic and liver tonic.
It is useful in spasmodic gastralgia, vitiated conditions of pitta, boils,
gleet, urethrorrhea, odontalgia, diarrhea, psoriasis, wounds and
ulcers, helminthasis, intermittent fevers, hepatopathy and ophthalmia.
142: Rauvolfa serpentina L. (Sarpa
Gandha)
Botanical Name: Rauvolfa serpentina L.

Family: Apocynaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Sarpagandha
English: Sarpagandha
Hindi: Sarpagandha, Chandrabhaga
Sanskrit: Sarpagandha
Introduction
This is one of the most important medicinal plant of India which is
mostly found in moist deciduous forests at elevations ranging from sea level
to 1200 m. It is small, evergreen, perennial undershrub, attaining a height of
15-45 cm (rarely 90 cm). Its taproot is tuberous, soft, sometimes irregularly
nodular; bark is pale brown, corky, with irregular longitudinal fssures, rarely
lenticellate. Leaves are thin, they are in whorls of three, large. They are 7-17
x 4-7 cm elliptic lanceolate or obovate, acute or acuminate, dark green above,
pale green obscure owing to the blade running down into the petiole.
Distribution
Sarpagandha is one of the most important native medicinal plants of
India, The plant is of deciduous forest and rarely found in evergreen forest. It
grows well in areas where rainfall is around 2500 mm to 5000 mm with
proper drainage. Tropical or subtropical zones preferably with south-west
rains are considered ideal for the plant. The place where severe winter and
frost are not suitable. It grows on a wide variety of soils, ranging from sandy
alluvial loam to red lateritic loam or even stiff and dark loam.
Cultivation
The land is prepared in the month of May. The plant is propagated from
seeds as well as vegetatively. Besides direct sowing or transplanting root
cuttings, stumps and stem cuttings can be employed for propagation. As
direct sowing in the feld does not give good results. Seedlings are raised in
the nursery before transplanting in the feld. The seeds have very poor and
variable germination percentage (10-50 per cent). Before planting, the seeds
should be soaked in 5 per cent sodium chloride solution.
The pre-treatment of seeds with some fungicide such as Ceresan or
Captan, before sowing imporves the crop. The seeds are sown in mid May
and the seedlings are transplanted at the break of monsoon. The soaked seeds
are dibbled about 0.6 cm deep in lines 7.5 cm apart. Thick sowing should be
avoided to facilitate easy uprooting of seedlings, without injury to long tender
roots for transplanting. About 5.5 kg of seeds are sown in 0.05 hectare give
adequate number of seedlings to plant one ha. Seedlings are then transplanted
during the monsoon. The seedlings are planted at 15-20 cm in deep holes in
rows 60 cm x 30 cm apart.
Vegetative propagation is also good method. Clones with high alkaloid
contents are propagated. To restore alkaloide content vegetative propagation
is advaisable. The large taproots as well as lateral secondary not exceeding
2.5 mm in diameter. Horizontal planting is done in holes of 5 cm deep in the
monsoon.Fields are irrigated soon after planting, till they establish.
Harvesting
After 2 to 3 years harvesting is done. The digging of roots is best done
with the help of trenching hoes. Irrigation of the feld before digging
facilitates easy picking of main as well as fbrous roots. The fbrous roots are
rich in alkaloidal content and are not discarded. The root bark is richer in
alkaloids than the woody portion. The harvested roots are cleaned and
thoroughly air dried, so that moisture content drops to 12 to 20 percent. The
moisture content is further brought down to 8 percent artificially for
increasing the keeping quality of the roots. The dried roots are broken into
pieces of 10-15 cm and packed in air tight containers for storage in a cool dry
place to prevent moulding.
Yield
The yield of roots per ha. is about 1,200 kg. in the case when plants are
raised from seeds. An irrigated two years old plantation on sandy-clay-loamy
soil is reported of yield 5,500 kg and a three year old plantation 8,800 kg of
air dried roots per ha.
Pests and Diseases
Following are some of the pest and diseases causing damage to the plant
Caterpillars of various spp. Cause extensive damage to the leaves
and render the plants defoliated. For that Dusting 5 per cent, Diptrex
of 2 per cent Folidol is recommended for effective control.
Cockchafer grub and Scarabaeide grub also cause extensive damage
to the roots of the plants. Mixing BHC (10 per cent) powder with the
soil at the time of preparation of the land can control the menace to
some extent. This plant is prone to infection by fungi which causes
various diseases.
Leafspot also affect development of plant. Small dark brown dots
are developed on the upper surface of the leaf and yellowish brown
on the lower surface. The affected leaves turn yellow and dry. In
another case inconspicuous, oval shaped grayish black, small spots
develop on the leaves. The disease can be controlled by spraying
Dithane Z-78, or Diathane M-45.
Target leafspot are dark brown spots on the upper and yellowish
brown spots on the lower surface of the leaves. They are developed
throughout the growing season. It can controlled by spraying Captan
(0.25 per cent solution in water) in early June and subsequently at
month intervals.
In addition to above, powdery mildew, die back, wilt and mosaic virus,
Leaf blotch, leafblight and bud rot also affect the growth and development of
plant.

In recent years sarpgandha and its preparations are being used as
antihypertensives and sedatives.
Root and its bark are used as raw materials for extraction of isolated
alkaloids, chiefy reserpine, resinnamine, ajmaline and ajmalcine for
preparation of extracts with standardized alkaloidal content, and for
preparing powdered root by process.
This drug was used for centuries by the Ayurvedic and Unani
systems of medicine for various types/problems of ailments, ranging
from disorders of the central nervous problems such as mania
insomnia to intestinal disorders, child birth and opacity of cornea.
143: Rosa spp. (Gulab)
Botanical Name: Rosa centifolia L., Rosa damascena Mill, Rosa galica
L.
Family: Rosaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Gulab
Hindi: Gulab
English: Golap, Cabbage rose, Pale rose
Sanskrit: Alikulasankula, Atikesra
Tamil: Eros, Isora, Paninirppa
Telugu: Gulabi, Roja
Introduction
Rosa damascena is a perennial, erect, sarmentose or climbing shrub with
a life span up to 50 years. The plant gets height of 2.5 meters. The stem are
somewhat arching and have numerous moderately stout and hooked falcate
prickles of unequal size. Leaves are pinnate; leafets are serrate, stipules
adnate to the petioles. Flowers are terminal, solitary and corymbose, fine
pink, red bracts rarely they are persistent. Calyx tube is persistence globose,
ovoid or pitcher shaped, mouth is contracted, lobes, leafy imbricate in bud.
Petals are so many and large. They are inserted on disk. Carpels are many
and they are rarely few in the bottom of calyx tube. Style is sub terminal, free
or connate above, stigma are thickened, ovule is one which is pendulous.
Achenes coriaceous or bony, which is enclosed in the feshy calyx tube.
Rose is distributed in temperate and tropical regions of the world. Rose
oil perhaps the costliest and sweetest fragrant material known to the world for
thousand of years in various centers of civilization which includes Roman,
Greek, Middle-East and India. Oldest record of findings of distillation of rose
occurs in ancient Hindu testament “Ayurveda”. However recent
archaeological excavation carried out in Pakistan indicates that probably rose
water was distilled in prevedic period during the Indus valley civilization
(5000-6000 years) ago. Rosa has 150 species distributed throughout the
world. In India the genus is represented by 30 species but none has value for
essential oil and otto worth for industrial uses. In many countries of the
world, scented rose is cultivated for the production of rose oil, rose water.
Important rose growing countries are Bulgaria, France, Italy, Turkey, USSR,
China and India. Rosa centifolia is largely grown in France and Italy while
Rosa damscena is grown in Bulgaria, Turkey, USSR, Persia and India.
Bulgaria is the major producer and supplier of rose oil to the world. In India
scented rose cultivation is concentrated to certain pickets in Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and all the states along the India.
Cultivation
The suitable soils for the crop of Rosa sp. are excess soft, alluvial or
brown and full with high contents of manure and mineral nutrients. If the soil
is saline then lime is mixed in little quantity. For cultivation of Rosa sp. dried
soil should be mixed with little humus. In north India Gangatic alluvial soil is
suitable. Land should be prepared in April to June, irrigate slightly and it is
kept for some time about 10-15 minutes, then it is digged in one meter deep
and round shallow pails in the feld. Now this soil is kept in open sun. This
way pest insect, wild grass, seeds and roots are removed. In the August to
October soil is removed from pails and spread in the bed. Before this
loosening of soil of beds is done. Manure and cow dung are utilized for
making the soil fertile. Cutting the bud is useful for growing the plant. This
plant is not grown by seeds. Cutting is dipped in clean water for 24 hours.
Before planting the cutting in the bed, soil is wrapped on its both the ends.
Now soil is digged straight deep one feet or 9 inches. Cuttings in nursery
beds are planted in rows 20-30 cm apart at 15 cm distance between the
cuttings. These cuttings are kept in nursery bed until July-August when these
are shifted to the main feld. Cuttings should be treated with any of the root
growth promoting hormones for early rooting. The optimum time for taking
cuttings is December when roses are pruned. Nursery raised cuttings are
raised in the pits of 30 x30 x30 cm or 45 x45 x 45cm with 1 x 1 m spacing. In
the temperate regions the row to row and plant to plant distance may be kept
at 2 x 2 m or even 2.5 x 2.5 m, pits are filled with soil mixed with well rotten
farm yard manure at the rate 15 kg per pit.
Harvesting
Rose in sub tropical plains starts fowering towards middle of the March.
The fower yield increases by the end of the March.There after it gradually
declines and practically ceases by middle of the April. Sporadic fowring
occurs from September and continues till the end of November. In the early
morning flowers are harvested because rose flowers have maximum oil
content in early morning, Generally plant starts giving fower in second year
of planting. But for commercial purposes, it should be harvested from the
third year onwards. Flowers are picked by labour and brought to processing
unit in cloth bags or woolen bags.
Yield
Depending upon the soil and management practices fower yield in sub
tropical climate from third year onward which ranges from 2000-3000
kg/ha/year. In the temperate climate fower yield ranges from 4000-5000
kg/ha/year.

After collection of flowers they are then taken to the distillation unit.
There are three methods for distillation of rose oil.
1. Deg and Bhapka Method
Majority of rose distillers use this method for distillation of oil from rose.
Equipment is made up of round kettle (Deg.) and a receiver (Bhapka) which
also serve the purpose of condenser. These are made of copper. Kettle and
receiver are connected with bamboo (chonga) through which steam from
kettle reaches to the receiver. Kettle has capacity of 50-100 kg flowers per
batch and takes about 6-8 hours to complete the distillation. After distillation
is over the receiver is removed and oil is separated. This method gives a
recovery of 0.01-0.015 percent oil which is significantly lower than the other
method described below.
2. Direct Fired Distillation Unit
The unit consists of a kettle (still), a column, condenser and receiver. The
whole unit can be of stainless steel. The capacity of still may range from 100-
250 kg flowers per batch. To increase the fuel efficiency and to generate
sufficient steam fue tubes are ftted in the bottom of the still. The outlet of the
receiver is connected with the column to recycle the condensate in the still,
after the separation of oil takes place in the receiver. Process is known as
Cohobation which has been found to improve the recovery of oil.
3. Boller Operated Unit
This is most modern method of distillation and suitable for large scale
production of oil. The whole plant consists of three units, a boiler, a
distillation unit and distillate after passing through a receiver fed to another
still through cohobation column to ensure complete recovery of oil. Part of
the oil is also collected from first receiver and the remaining from the second.
It is advantageous to collect the distillate water. Complete distillation in
boiler operated distillation unit takes 4-5 hours. The oil unit may cost Rs. 6-8
lacs. The other advantage with the system is that several distillation units can
be connected with the boiler.

Flowers of Rosa damascene are used for the production of rose attar.
Oil of rose is one of the oldest and most valuable perfumery raw
materials.
Rose oil imparts characteristics fowery top notes to perfumes and
tends depth to blended material. It is necessarily a constituent of a
high grade perfume, cosmetics and favouring materials of tobacco,
foods, soft drinks and beverages.
It is also used in traditional medicines for various ailments.
Rose attar prepared by rose fower on sandalwood oil is used in pan
masala and tobacco industry.
Flowers of rose are used in the preparation of rose water and
glukand.
In aromatherapy rose oil is utilized in baths and massage. One of the
least toxic of all essences, it is particularly good for older, drier skins.
144: Salvadora persica L. (Pilu)
Botanical Name: Salvadora persica L.

Family: Salvadoraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Pilu, Mithi jar, Mitha pilu
Hindi: Pilu
English: Khakan, Pilua, Pilu
Sanskrit: Pilua
Tamil: Cittua, Kodumaavali, Opa,
Telugu: Waragu, Venki, Gogu, Gunica
Introduction
Genus Salvadora has two well known species in Gujarat. (1) Salvadora
persica and (2) Salvadora oleoides Decne.
1. Salvadora persica L: In this species elliptic lanceolate and ovate
type of leaves are seen. They are 3-7 X 2-4 cm. Some what feshy or
coriaceous, tip is obtuse type and base is narrowed, they are
occasionally rounded, glabrous. Flowers are axillary and terminal.
Inforescence is open panicles type; it is 5-13 cm long, they are many
in upper axils, shortly stalked a greenish yellow in colour. Calyx is
cup shaped and corolla are very thin and they are also cup shaped.
Stamens are 4 in the flowers. Fruits are 0.6-0.7 cm across globose,
smooth berry type.
2. Salvadora oleoides Decne: In this species leaves are linear lanceolate
or elliptic-lanceolate, they are 3-10 x 3-1.2 cm whitish green,
coriaceous or feshy when mature, acute or sub-obtuse, often
mucronate. Flowers are panicles types; they are reduced of axillary
fascicles of short spikes, greenish white. Calyx is cup shaped and
0.15-2 cm long, while corolla is 0.15 -0.25 cm long, stamens are 4.
Fruits are 0.4-0.5 cm across, ovoid and globose berry subsessile type.

The species of Salvadora are found in the arid and semi arid areas and in
saline tracts and salty marshes. Both the species are large evergreen shrubs or
small trees with numberous shining drooping branches. Salvadora is mainly
found in the Gujarat, Maharastra, Madya Pradesh and Bihar.
Cultivation
Salvadora comes up well in the dry arid zones and in salt marshy areas;
they are frost and drough resistant species. They can withstand in severe heat,
thanks to the construction of the leaf. The areas along the sea coast and
around the mouth or rivers and also low lying pockets of desert areas are
most suited for these species. These species are propagated best by seeds.
The seeds do not retain viability beyond 2 months period. So they should be
sown after their collection soon. Fresh seeds are sown in polypots. They are
watered regularly. The germination starts quickly and is complete within 60
days. By the end of next May-June, the one year old seedlings will attain a
height of 30-45 cm. When they will be ready for transplanting in the feld. Pits
of 30 cm are dug in the feld by the end of April, in strips of two lines, each.
The pits are dug at two meter distance in the lines and pits in the adjoining
lines are staggered and the strips are placed at four meters distance from each
other. Within a hectare, there will be about 1600 can be planted. If the area is
highly saline and low lying, then continous trenches of trapezoidal shape,
50cm at top, 30 cm at bottom and 50 cm depth are dug in between two lines.
This is done to drain away salts in monsoon season. The dug up soil may be
used to pile up at the planting spot, so that the pits are dug in the piled up
soil. Transplanting of polythene bag seedlings in the pits is carried out with
the onset of monsoon. Weeding and soil working around the plants are also
done to keep soil fertile. Fertilizers are also applied at the rate of 50 grams
per plant in two split doses in the first three years. From 4th year onwards,
deep ploughing is done twice in the area once at the beginning of monsoon
second at the end of monsoon when the moisture in the plot dried up. This
operation is carried out every year to get good result.
Harvesting
Plant starts yielding fruits from the 3rd year onward. The yield slowly
increases up to 15-20 years of age and remains constant later on for a period
of 25 to 30 years. Harvesting is done by hand. Fruits are plucked by hands or
they are allowed to drop on ground.
Yield
In the third year the yield may be as low as 100 grams per plant, but by
20 years of age, it increases to about 20 kg and more of fruits.
The seeds form 44-46 percent of whole fruits and yield a green, semi
hard to soft oil, which is used for soap manufacturing and in
medicines.
The yield of oil varies from 30-50 percent of the seeds. Purifed seed
fat can be used for making soaps, candles and is a potential industrial
substitute of coconut oil for this purpose.
The fat is used in the treatment of rheumatism and is used as the base
for ointments.
The leaves and branches are lopped for fodder. The root bark, leaves
fruits are used for various diseases in native medicine.
145: Santalum album Linn. (Chandan)
Botanical Name: Santalum album Linn.

Family: Santalaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Chandan, Sukhada
Hindi: Safed Chandan
English: Sandal wood
Sanskrit: Chandanah, Srikhand
Tamil: Chandanam, Selegam
Telugu: Candanama
Introduction
Sandal wood tree grow wild, in evergreen forests, sometimes reaching a
height of 18m and 2.4 m in girth. It is small fragrant tree with slender
drooping branches, soft wood while heart wood yellowish brown and
strongly scented. Leaves are opposite, simple, glabrous, dark green above and
paler below, ovate, acute, entire up to 5 x 3 cm. Inforescence is auxiliary and
terminal branched, paniculate cymes. Flowers are greenish yellow, turning
into reddish purple, bracts are minute, perianth is tubular and tube is oval in
shape. They are connate at base with ovary inferior, one celled, ovules are 3
and style is short, stigma is bilobed. Fruit of the tree is drupe type, subglabose
and green when young. It becomes pink at the maturity. Flowering time of
this plant is February to April. Fruit development takes place during July to
September.
Sandal wood oil, often referred to as East Indian Sandalwood oil, which
is obtained by steam distillation of heartwood of Santalum album. Sandal
wood oil is perhaps one of the earliest essential oils known to human being
for almost 3000 years in Indian Subcontinent. It is mentioned in the two main
epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata in India. It has been associated with
medicine, cosmetics and religious rituals in India for a very long period.
The tree is native to India and Indonesia, which are the major producers
of sandalwood oil. The genus Santalum is distributed from Indonesia in the
west to Jaun Fernander Island in the east and from the Hawai in Archiplago
to the North New Zealand in the South. In India, Sandalwood tree is
distributed over 480 km from Dharwar in the north to the Nilgiris in the south
and 400 km horizontally from Corg in the west to Kyppam in East. Some
trees are also found in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam,
Gujarat, Orrissa and West Bangal.
Cultivation
This tree can be grown in wide varieties of soils which grows well in
clay to sandy loam soil. However, most of the sandalwood is found growing
wild in laterite soil. For planting trees, soil should be well fertiled. The plant
is propagated through seeds. Vegetative propagation by cuttings has not been
successful. Seeds are obtained from plants, over 20 years old. Fresh seed
obtained from October fruiting are depuled, dried and sown in seed beds.
Gibberlic acid has been found to be effective in brining down the dormancy
period and inducing quick and uniform germination. After germination seeds
are put in polypots of the size of 15 x 25 cm. It is parasite plant whose roots
can grow on so many of hosts. Cassia siamea is sown in the polypot when
the seedlings are 25-50 cm high and the basal portion becomes darker.
The area for planting is cleared off all vegetation, including removal of
all roots. Sandal seedlings along with rest of the seedlings are planted from
late June to October at a spacement of 2.5 to 4 m. In case the seedlings of
sandal wood are overtapped by the host plant, the host is tapped to provide
enough light to the seedlings. Climbers if any are cut and removed. Sandal
wood is also propagated by micro propagation in tissue culture.
Harvesting
Harvesting of the sandal wood is done in the period when tree becomes
30-60 years old. Generally at that time girth of the tree reaches up to 40-60
cm. Harvesting of sandal wood for the production of oil take place when the
tree reaches a minimum age of 30 years. Sandal tree is harvested by
uprooting and not by cutting. This is to ensure that no part of the roots system
which is richest in oil content escapes collection.
Yield and Storage

Yield of the oil varies from part of plants used for extraction. Generally
it is highest in the roots (10 per cent) and it is lowest in the chips (1.5-2 per
cent) which constitute a mixture of heartwood and sapwood. The yield from
the heart wood varies with maturity and localities. On an average yields vary
from 4 -10 percentage. Storage of the Oil should be stored in small
alluminium or S.S.containers, preferably at low temperature.

The oil is obtained by steam distillation of heartwood. The soft wood is
first removed; the heartwood is chipped and then converted into powder in a
mill. The powder is then soaked in water for 48 hours and then distilled in a
boiler operated still at a steam pressure of 10-20 PSI. Distillation takes place
in 48-72 hours. In large factories capacity of the still is one tonne but in small
factories capacity of the still is very small. The use of higher pressure
increases the oil yield and reduces the time of distillation; the oil quality is
not appreciated by the perfumer as compared to the oil obtained at low
pressure.

Sandalwood oil is used primarily in perfumery because of its fxative
outstanding properties. It is used in preparing all types of perfume
compositions, especially Indian attars like Rose, Kewda, Jasmine and
Hina in which the natural essential oils from distillate of foral
distillation is absorbed in sandalwood oil.
Sandal wood oil with neem oil can be used as contraceptive. In
medicine it is used as healing wounds. In the blisters caused by the
small pox vaccination, sandal wood oil proves to be the best and most
effective treatment.
This plant gives finest woods for carving. The wood is smooth with
uniform fberes. Several items like boxes, jewel cases, combs,
bookwork, picture frames, walking sticks, table lamps, animal
replicas etc. are made out of heartwood of sandal.
Saw dust from heartwood is mostly used in incense for scenting
clothes and cupboards. Also, the oil is used as a base for co
distillation of other essential oils, particularly the very delicate foral
essential from Mumusops elengi, Anthocephalus cedamba, Pandanus
spp. etc.
The wood has been used for carving or powdered and mixed with
coconut oil as perfume. The oil obtained by distillation for more than
2,000 years in India, has been used for cosmetics and medicinal
purposes.
This plant is used in skin diseases, rib infammation and sexual
diseases like diseases.
146: Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. (Aritha)
Botanical Name: Sapindus emarginatus Vahl.

Family: Sapindaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Aritha
Hindi: Ritha
English: Soapnut
Tamil;- Pounanga, Ponam
Telugu: Kunduku, Kukudu
Introduction
It is medium sized deciduous tree upto 20m in height with grey smooth
bark, peeling off in scales, leaves are pinnate type. Leafets are 2-3 pairs,
terminal pair being the largest of them. Flowers are white in colour. They are
polygamous. Male flowers are many and bisexual flowers are few. They are
all arranged in pubescent panicle. Fruits are feshy drupes; the pulp becomes
saponaceous wrinkled rind on drying. Seeds are black in colour.
Distribution
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is although found in sub
tropical and tropical regions of the world. This plant is found at low
elevations also. It is distributed in the western and southern India. Plant is
seen in the Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc. like states.
Cultivation
It comes up in areas with rainfall varying from 250mm to 500mm and
temperature varying from 15ºC to 47ºC. The tree comes up on variety of
soils. But thrives best on loamy, clayey and black cotton soils.
Thus it will be seen that this tree has a wide adaptability to soil and
climate. Seed propagation is good method. Seeds remain viable for a period
of one year. The germinative capacity is 67 per cent. Container seedlings are
best for propagation. Pre treatment of seeds is done by soaking the seeds in
cold water for 24 to 48 hours. The seeds when swollen are readyfor dibbiling
them in containers. The germination commences within 7 days and is suitable
to complete by 20 days. In the month of April, pits are dug at an espacement
of 7m x 7m. Planting is carried out at the onset of monsoon. Later on the soil
around the plants is kept loose. Fertilizers are useful to the plant growth; they
are given at the rate of 100 grams per plant in two doses of 50 grams. Each
along with the first two soil workings. In the subsequent years, casuality
replacement is done and soil workings are also done. Open space in the feld
is ploughed and kept loose immediately after the rains and just before the
rain. Space between the lines of plants can profitably be utilized for growing
vegetables, cotton, pulses, etc. as per the suitability of the local condition
during the initial four periods.
Harvesting
From the 6th year tree starts fowering and fruiting. However all the plants
start bearing fruits from 8th year onwards and continue to do so upto a period
of 60-70 years. The fowering is seen in November to December and the fruits
ripen on the tree in the month of March to April. The ripe fruits start falling
on the ground and the juicy berries start drying. Generally, fruits are plucked
up by hands from the tree when major portion of the fruits ripe. They can
even be picked up from the ground without any deterioration in the quality.
Yield
Average production of the trees and the care taken to maintain their
vigour. However an average production of fruits per tree of 10 years age may
be taken as 10 kg and this goes up with the age of 30 years of age. An
average tree of 25 years will yield about 50 kg of fruits. There are instances,
where average tree of 25 years age produced more than 100 kg of soapnuts.
Thus a most conservative estimate of soapnut production per ha. is estimated
as 1000 kg in 5th year, 2000kg in 10th year, 4000 kg in 13th year and 6000 kg.
in 16th year and 8000 kg in 20th years and onwards. Total expenditure on
plantation goes upto the end of 10th year comes to Rs. 15,000. and total
production of soapnuts goes to 9000kg which will fetch Rs.45,000. Thus net
return will be Rs. 30,000 per ha. per year upto 10th year. From 11th year
onwards, the net revenue works out to Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000.

Fruit is most useful part of the tree which has alkaline principle
known as saponins. This is good for cleaning hair, woolens, fine
fabrics, gold, etc.
Semi solid oil is obtained from the kernels of the fruit, which is used
medicinally.
The root is used as expectorant.
The fruits are used in the diseases like asthma, hysteria, epilepsy, etc.
A solution of the fruits is used in curing skin diseases and the powder
of the seed is used as an insecticide and fungicide.
The flowers are sweet scented and appear on the tree in between
November and December.
The flowers are excellent source of nectar for honey bees. The entire
indigenous production of soapnut is consumed in the country itself.
147: Saraca indica Linn. (Ashoka)
Botanical Name: Saraca indica Linn.

Family: Caesalpinioideae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ashoka
Hindi: Sita
English: Asoka
Sanskrit: Ashok
Tamil: Asogam
Telugu: Ashokamu
Introduction
Asoka is very handsome tree which is medium sized and evergreen. It
has erect habit. The branches spread in all directions and form dense canopy
and shapely crown, which obstruct sunrays to reach the ground. The stem is
covered with smooth, dark brown bark. Bark becomes grayish brown in
colour when it becomes old. The leaves are shiny and dark brown bark. Each
is leaf is a 25 cm long. There are 3-7 pairs of leafets. These leafets have wavy
edges. Young leaves are droopy, coppery red and faccid. They grow
alternately on the branches. The flowers are large and compact. They are
orange red in colour which forms into clusters. The flowers with a deep green
foliage background appears stunning beauty to the viewers. It is propagated
through seed. It flowers profusely in February to March.
This tree is native to India and it is extensively found in Malayan,
peninsula, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In India, it is commonly
found in Khasi hills of Assam, hilly areas of West Bangal, Western Ghats of
Maharashtra and northern circars. The tree was found wild in evergreen
forests of Northeastern area. This plant is related with Hindu religion. Hindus
regard this tree as highly sacred. It is considered as a symbol of love and is
dedicated to Kama and the Indian God of love.
Cultivation
The plant prefers moist well drained soil. Water logged soils are not
suitable for the growth of the plant. Red laterite alluvial soil is suitable for the
growth of plant. It thrives well in the area receiving annual rainfall ranginig
from 2000-4000 mm. Seed propagation is good method. Mature seeds
develop on plant in the month of February to March, which is collected from
the ground on falling. Seeds are soaked in water for 12 hours and sown in the
elevated beds of required size. Seeds take about 20 days for germination,
thereafter; two months old seedlings should be transplanted to polybags.
When plant becomes half to one year old, they are used for feld planting. Pits
of 30-45 cm are taken in monsoon season and filled with topsoil sand and
dried cow dung.
Harvesting
Tree is cut at 20 years to remove the bark. It must be done in rainy
season to promote sprouting and again after 4-5 years the coppice shoots can
be harvested.

Ashoka bark has been very widely used in Indian medicine from time
immemorial for the treatment of uterine and menstrunal troubles,
particularly in uterine haemorrhages, dysmenorrhoea and
menorrhageia.
The drug derived from plant acts on central nervous system.
Flowers are used in the treatment of bleeding piles, scabies in
children and other skin diseases.
148: Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken
(Kusum)
Botanical Name: Schleichera oleosa (Lour) Oken

Family: Sapindaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kusum, Koshymb
Hindi: Kusumb
English: Lac tree, Kusum, Koshymb
Sanskrit: Mukulakah, Raktamrah
Tamil: Kumbadiri, pava pumarata
Telugu: Botanga, mavidavitiki, Posuku
Introduction
It is medium sized tree. Bark of the tree is grey or brown, reddish inside,
exfoliating in small, round, irregular fakes of 8 mm thick, leaves are
paripinnate, 20-40 cm long, leafets are elliptic or elliptic oblong, coriaceous,
2-4 pairs. Flowers are minute; they are yellowish green in colour. They are
either male or bisexual, in axillary racemes. Berries are smooth or slightly
prickly, globose or ovoid, hard skinned. Seeds are brown, irregularly
ellipsoidal, 1 cm in size, slightly compressed, oily, enclosed in a succulent
aril, which dries upon this seed.

This tree is found in deciduous and sub deciduous forests. In India this
tree is found in the most of the states like Madya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bengal,
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Cultivation
The natural habitat of this tree receives a rainfall ranging from 750 mm
to 2500 mm and its temperature fuctuates between 2ºC to 47ºC. It is found up
to an altitude of 900 m only. It comes up on all types of soil. It is a shade
bearer, frost and drought hardy. It produces root suckers and withstands
moderate pollarding. Seed propagation is good method. Seeds are collected
from the trees in the month of May-June and used immediately after
collection. Seeds of 750 g to 1 kg are required to raise 500 seedlings. The
seeds should be immersed in hot water for 24 hours before sowing. The
germination starts within a period of 5-6 days and is complete by 4 weeks.
The seedlings are ready for planting in the feld in the next June, by the time
they attain 30-40 cm height. Pits of 30 cm cube are dug at a spacing of 7m
x7m by the end of April. The nursery raised polypot seedlings are planted in
the pits with the onset of monsoon. Fertilizers are added at the rate of 50 g
per plant into two split doses every year. The irrigation should be applied
once in the month.

Kusum starts fowering and giving fruits around 8-10 years. The kernels
constitute 60-65 percent of the seeds. A middle aged tree is expected to yield
about 18-37 kg. of seed per year. The average annual yield of seeds may be
taken as 5 kg per plant in 10th year, 15 kg per plant in 15th year and 25 kg per
plant in 20th year and onwards. The kernels yield a fatty oil of about 59-72
per cent, which is equivalent to 35-45 per cent of the entire seed. Kusum oil
is yellowish brown semi-solid, with a faint odour of bitter almonds. When
allowed to stand, a lighter coloured, solid fat separates and settles down. Oil
cake has good manurial value.

This tree is known as lac tree because it yields good quality lac.
Seeds are useful for medicinal purpose. Fatty oili often obtained from
the seed which is known as Madagascar oil of commerce.
Kusum oil is quite used for hair dressing; it is used for culinary and
lighting purposes. It is also used for skin troubles, for external
massage in rheumatism, for soap manufacturing and as lubricant.
149: Semecarpus anacardium Linn.
(Bhilamo)
Botanical Name: Semecarpus anacardium Linn.

Family: Anacardiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bhilamo
Hindi: Bhela, Bhilva
English: Marking nut, Bhilaus, Bibba
Sanskrit: Aruskarah, Agnikah
Tamil: Shencottel, Erumugi
Telugu: Bhallataki, jidi
Introduction
It is a moderate sized deciduous tree which attains height of 12-15 m and
girth of 1.23 m with dark brown, rough bark. Leaves are large and simple.
They are 17-60 x 10-30 cm, obovate-oblong. Flowers are small, dull greenish
yellow, dioecious in terminal panicles. Fruits are 2.5 cm long, obliquely
ovoid, drupe type of fruits are found. When they ripe, they become shining
black, they are suited on a feshy orange coloured receptacle.

Bhilamo is medium sized tree which is found in all hotter parts of India.
This tree is found in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat and some other
states of the country. There is no certainty of the origin of this plant.
Cultivation
This species is found naturally growing in all dry deciduous and moist
deciduous and sub tropical forests. It is an associate of Sal and Teak wood
tree. It comes up on all types of soil, but grows well in moist patches in forest
areas. It tolerates moderate shade. Seed propagation is adopted in most of the
places. In fact it is not grown on a large scale any where in India. Seeds are
collected fresh and used soon after collection. Seeds are sown in polypots
which is filled with soil. One or two year old seedlings are transplanted in the
feld. Pits of 45 x 45 X 45 cm are dug at 6m x 6m or 7 x 7 m. Spacing.
Seedlings are transplanted in the pits at the beginning of monsoon. Though
this plant does not require artificial watering, few watering during non rainy
season will help the plants. Addition of chemical fertilizers or farm yard
manure to the plants is recommended. Tree starts fowering and fruiting at an
young age of 6 to 7 years.
Harvesting
Crop is harvested in 6th to 7 years. Fruits are obtained from the tree.
They are collected by hands of picked from the ground. The fruits and nuts
are separated and dried separately.
Yield
Each tree produces about 10 kg of fuits. Thus, it is expected that a
production of 900 kg of fruits would be available from one ha.

The feshy orange cup of the fruits is eaten when fully ripe. It is
slightly astringent.
The pericarp abounds in a black, oily, bitter and highly vesicant
juice, which has been traditionally used for marking linen. Of late, it
is used extensively in paints, varnish, plastic and allied industries.
The vesicant juice is known as Bhilawan shell liquid (BSL) in
commercial circles. It is obtained from Bhilawan nuts by extraction
with a hydrocarbon or other solvent, by hot expression in hydraulic
prees and by other methods.
The BSL is converted in to non-vesicant, semi solid resins, which are
used as bases for the manufacture of varnishes, lacquers, enamels,
paints, moulding compositions, water proofing and insulating
materials.
BSL is found to be very useful in deriving various products like
metal surface coating materials, adhesives, insecticides, antiseptics,
termite repellants, mildew and moth proofing agents, synthetic,
herbicides, fre-proof plastics, rubber goods etc.
150: Sesbania grandifora (Jacq.) (Sasi
Ikkad)
Botanical Name: Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.)

Family: Laguminoceae- Papillionaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ikad, Sasi-Ikad
Hindi: Ikad, Dadon, Dhuicha, Dhaincha
Sanskrit: Jayanti, Itakata
English: Dhaincha, Ikad, Prickly Seban.
Marathi: Ran Shevari
Kannad: Dhaincha
Introduction
A suffruticose, shrubby annual, native of Australia and cultivated and
found wild throughout in marshes and swamps. It is found upto altitudes of
1220m. The stems are green, sparingly prickly, branched from the base.
Leaves are abruptly pinnate, with linear-oblong leafets, which are glabrous.
Flowers are in 3-4 fowered racemes, 1.25cm long. They are pale yellow in
colour. Sometimes spotted or unspotted red to black. Fruits are pods type, 15-
25 cm long, straight or slightly curved with slightly indeted margins.

This plant is believed to be originated from Australia. This is cultivated
throughout in marshes and swamps. This plant is distributed in India, Sri-
lanka, Pakistan, and Burma like countries.
Cultivation
It comes up in areas of arid, semi arid and tropical climatic zones. It
adopts itself to various soil types. It grows well in loamy, clayey, black and
sandy soils. It is drought resistant and withstands water-logging and salinity.
Daincha is propagated by seeds easily. Seeds are usually sown in the feld at
the beginning of monsoon. Seeds are sown directly drilled into soil or
broadcast method. They are drilled in lines at 30 cm apart, for which 20-60
kg. of seeds are required. When broadcast 90-100 kg of seeds are required to
cover one ha. Daincha is generally grown as rainfed crop, but only
occasionally as irrigated crop. When irrigated the crop should get 3-4
watering. Addition of farm yard manure to the feld is helpful.
Harvesting
When crop is grown for green manure, the irrigated crop yields 3
cuttings and the rainfed crop only one crop. One can expect a production of
11-12 tones of green material from irrigated crop. Daincha seeds are collected
generally from the plants grown in wind breaks. The pods are hand picked
and seeds are easily separated.
Yield
The average yield of seeds is reported to be 1000-1600kg/ha. Seeds are
sold around rate of Rs.8/-per kg in the market. Total expenditure per hectare
is Rs. 3,000/-and gross return will be around Rs.10,000.While net return
reaches upto Rs.7,000/-.

Stems and roots are bored into borer attack, then the plant becomes weak
and breaks off. Leaves are affected by larvae twists. The young larvae twists
the terminal leafets into small galls and live inside. BHC and DDT are
effective against these pests. No disease of considerable magnitude is
reported.

Daincha has gained lot of importance in the recent past as green
manure crop for rice, cotton, sugarcane and coconut crops. It is also
cultivated mainly for its fbre which is used for fshing nets and lines
and sails.
Alkaline soils when treated with 1 per cent of dried increasing
exchangeable calcium and available phosphorus.
Daincha is valued as a fodder for cattle, sheep and goats.
Daincha is also grown as a cover crop in plantation crops.
The plant is also grown as poultry food in South Africa.
Daincha seeds are extensively used in cattle feeds. They contain
about 53 per cent protein on dry weight. Colloidal substance, similar
to that of marine algae, guar gum, gum tragacanth, also found in
seeds.
The kernel yields (220-25 per cent) a reddish brown, semi drying oil
with a pleasant taste.
The kernel oil is used as a wood preservative against white ants and
as a lubricant for wooden axies of carts.
The fruits are acrid, hot and anthelmintic. It is considered beficial in
ascites, tumours, warts, acute rheumatism, asthama, neuralgia,
epilepsy and psoriasis.
The juice of the pericarp and of trunk is a powerful vesicant and is
used for tattooing and by mahouts for chobing elephant’s feet.
The juice is found to be possessing anti bacterial properties. The fruit
is found useful against certain cancers and several other dangerous
diseases.
151: Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala)
Botanical Name: Sida cordifolia Linn.

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bala, Khopat, Kharenti
Hindi: Kungavi, Baldana, Kharenti
English: Country mallow
Sanskrit: Badi yalaka, Bala, Baladhhya, Balini
Tamil: Paniar tutti, Nilla turti
Telugu: Tella antisa, Tella gorra, Chirubenda
Introduction
Bala is a small downy erect shrub which gets height of 1.5 m. Branches
are very long, sometimes rooting occurs at the nodes, bark is yellowish to
white. Leaves are cordate-oblong, ovate or ovate-oblong; they are very
downy on the both sides. Flowers are tawny-yellow or white. Fruits are with
a pair of awns on each carpel. There are two other varieties of Bala. Sida
cordata and Sida rhombifolia are also very common in India.
S.cordata: It is hairy herb which has lot of branches. Main stem is short
and long branches are there that occasionally root at places of contact with
the soil. Leaves are long petioled and seeds are brownish
S.rhombifolia: It is an erect, minutely hairy, branched undershrub with
affrm woody stem and intricate branches. Leaves are short petioled, obovate,
truncate of more often retuse and serrate. Flower is yellow in colour. Seeds
are black in colour and smooth.

Sida cordifolia is very common erect herb which is very common in the
India. It is plant which belongs to tropical and sub tropical climatic zones. It
comes up on all types of soil, but it thrives best in moist loams. It grows well
upto 1000 m altitudes.
Cultivation
For this plant seed propagation is best method. Fresh seeds are collected
and they are kept ready before monsoon. Area is ploughed thoroughly well
and furrows are made at 1 m. apart in parallel lines. Seeds are sown directly
on the ridges continuously at the beginning of monsoon. The seeds germinate
soon. After the germination is complete, when the seedlings get height of 8-
10 cm, plants are thinned out by the removal of excess plants and these
excess seedlings are transplanted in the patches, where germination does not
take place. Generally 20,000 plants can be sown in one hectare.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the April, plants are uprooted and the roots, stems
and leaves are separated. They are cut into small pieces of proper size. The
leaves are dried under shade. The roots are more useful and are marketed at
higher rate than the stem and leaves.
Yield
A production of 1500 kg of roots and 500 kg. of stem with bark and
leaves are expected from one hactare.

Root leaves and seeds are slightly bitter in taste and are used in
medicines.
Root of the plant is one of the ingredients of Dashamula, an
Ayurvedic drug. The root is considered to possess astringent, diuretic
and tonic properties. An infusion of it is given in urinary diseases,
bilious disorders and haematuria.
The root is administered internally in combination with asafetida and
rock salt, for curing nervous disorders like haemiplegla, sciatica and
facial paralysis. The root bark is powdered and is given with milk and
sugar to relieve frequent micturition and leucorrhoea.
Seeds are known for their demulcent and laxative properties and are
given in bowel complaints like piles, colic and tenesmus. The seeds,
leaves, roots and bark contain different alkaloids (main being
ephedrine).
S. rhombifolia Linn. Is good source of fbre and leaves contain
ephedrine. Roots contain alkaloids. Plant is useful as demulcent,
emollient, diuretic and febrifuge and in skin diseases. Roots are used
in the treatment of rheumatism and leucorrhoea
S. acuta Burnm. is another plant of this genus, similar to that of Bala.
Leaves are used in rheumatic affections. They are used on ulcer and
sores. Juice of leaves is applied in testicular swellings and in
elephantiasis. Decoction of leaves and roots is considered emollient
and tonic and is used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and impotence.
Leaf juice is used to get relief in chest pains and as an anthelmintic.
152: Solanum surattense Burm f.
(Kantkari)
Botanical Name: Solanum surattense Burm. f.

Synonym: Solanum xanthocarpum schrad and wendl
Family: Solanaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kantkari, Bhoi ringani
English: Indian solanum
Hindi: Kateli
Introduction
This is much branched, prickly, perennial herb with desely covered star
shaped hairs. It has yellow shining prickles of about 1.5 cm in length. Leaves
are very prickly, sparsely hairy and ovate. Flowers are purple in colour. Fruits
are yellow, rounded with green veins. Seeds are smooth and numerous in
numbers.

This plant is indigenous to India and it is found often in wastelands and
roadsides. Fruit of the plant constitutes the drug. The fruits yield capesteral,
glucoside alkaloids and solanocarpine. Plant is of tropical climate, occurs
every where in arid and semi arid regions, especially on the soils with
moisture retentive capacity. It comes up on all type of soil. It is found
throughout in India.
Cultivation
This plant is grown by seeds. After ploughinhg the area, the seeds are
sown in the feld at the beginning of monsoon in parallel lines, which are
spaced at 50 cm apart. In the lines the sowing is done at 50 cm apart. After
the germination is complete, the gaps formed due to failure of germination
are filled again by seed sowing or transplanting the seedlings. Seven to eight
kg of seed is required to cover one ha. (40,000 plants/ha.) The plants start
fowering in October. The fruits can be harvested in December/January. Even
though it is a perennial plant, it is advisable to maintain it as an annual in
rainfed areas.
Harvesting
When the fruits start drying on one branch other branches may be
bearing flowers. Therefore, when the plants are bearing maximum number of
mature fruits, the plants may be uprooted and dried under sun for 4-5 days.
Afterwords, the dried fruits are separated and kept for selling in the market. It
is also possible to pick up ripe fruits from the plants in October/November
and finally uprooting the plants in the final harvesting.
Yield
It is estimated that about 3,000 kg.of dried fruits would be available from
one ha. The drug will fetch a market of Rs.10/- per kg.

Root is used in the treatment of several ailments.
Root is mild purgative. Drug is useful in clearing catarrh and phlegm,
therefore it is used in respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis and
cough.
The herb is used to treat constipation and fatulence.
Drug possesses anthelmintic properties and is found useful in
expelling intestinal worms.
153: Spilanthes paniculata Wall. (Marethi)
Botanical Name: Spilanthus paniculata Wall.

Family: Asteraceae
Local Name
Gujarati: Marethi
Introduction
This plant is erect or sub erect herb which contains hairy stem. Leaves
are opposite, ovate, acute, irregularly crenate-serrate, glabrous. Heads have 6-
12 mm diameter. It is ovoid, becomes elongated in fruit.
Florets are yellow in colour. Heads some times consist of tubular forets
only. Some other heads have ray forets on the outer row. All the forets have
yellow colour. Flowering time of the plant is October to November.
Distribution
The plant is distributed in Taiwan, Bangladesh, Sri-lanka like countries
in Asia. This plant is mainly found in the tropical and sub tropical forest.

Whole plant is useful but mainly foral head of the plant is used for
medicinal value.
Chewing the heads gives beneft in toothache.
Tincture is made from the fower heads is applied in some lint to the
teeth and gums.
154: Sterculia urens Roxb. (Kadayo)
Botanical Name: Sterculia urens Roxb.

Family: Sterculiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kadayo
Hindi: Kadayo
English: Kulu, Kadaya
Sanskrit:
Tamil: Kuvalam, Puttali, Sendalai,
Telugu: Ettapanaku, Kavilu, Ponaku, Tapasi, Tanuka
Introduction
It is moderate sized tree, stout trunk and smooth, greenish white, shining,
thick bark peeling off in thin papery fakes. Leaves are simple and alternate,
they are 20-30 cm in diameter, 5-lobed, more or less glabrous above, velvety-
tomentose beneath, petiole terete, 13-23 cm long. Flowers are yellow in
colour and they are numerous. Fruits are follicle and 4-6 in numbers; they are
bright purple in colour, ovoid to oblong. Each fruit is 2-5 cm long, densely
pubescent. Seeds are 3 to 6 and black in colour. They are oblong.

There is no certainity about the origin of the Sterculia urens but it is
found throughout India and other tropical and sub tropical regions of the
world. It is mainly seen in the deciduous forests of the India. It is observed in
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bihar.
Cultivation
It is propagated from seed collected in the months of February to April.
About 6000 seeds weigh to a kg. and 300 grams of seed are required to get
1000 seedlings. No pretreatments of seed are required. The seeds are sown in
containers filled with soil, sand and farm yard manure, in the month of June.
Germination starts within 7 days and is completed in 45-50 days. Seeds have
a germination capacity of 40-65 percent. The seedlings are protected from
severe sunlight and hot winds in the initial stages. The seedlings should be
protected from severe sun light and hot winds in the initial stages. The
seedlings attain a height of 20-25 cm by next June, when they are ready for
transplanting in the feld.
Pits are prepared of 30 cm cube in April at a spacing of 7 X 5m, the
distance between lines should be 7m and distance from plant to plant in the
lines is kept 5 m. The one year old seedlings raised in containers are
transplanted in the pits with the onset of monsoon. Fertilizers are applied to
the plants at the rate of 40 grams in the first year in two split doses. 50 grams
in the second year and 3rd year in two split doses and 50 grams in one dose in
the 4th and subsequent years. The plant is given fertilizers in monsoon season.
When trees obtain age of 15 years they become capable of yielding gum.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the 15 th year after cultivation. Tapping is done by
taking some precautions. Tapping is done to trees to 90 cm and above height
from the ground.Tapping must be done in October to June, depending upon
the locality.
Yield
According to time and depth of the girth yield of the gum varies. Annual
yield of the gum per tree of 0.9 to 1.35 m girth with two blazes varies from
2.5 to 5 kg. However, a safe estimate may be taken as under. Gum exudes
from the blazes all the year round. The fow is copious in hot weather, the best
quality gum being collected between April and June before the onset of
monsoon. The gum collected during rains being darker and poor in quality.
Up to 120 cm girth - 1 kg per tree per annum is obtained, wheras up to 120-
125 cm and above, 1.5 kg gum per tree per annum is obtained. Up to 150 cm
and above 2 kg per tree per annum gum is obtained.

The stem of the plant provides specific gum which is known as
Katira, Karaya gum, Indian gum. It is substitute for gum Tragacanth.
Karaya gum is important raw material in the textile, cosmetic, food,
pharmaceutical and in other industries.
It is also used in throat affection and in dental fxture powders,
lozenges and pasters.
155: Stereopsermum suaveolens DC.
(Patala)
Botanical Name: Stereopsermum suaveolens DC.

Family: Bignoniaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Patala, Patla
Hindi: Pal, Paral, Parur, Padiala, Padarina
English: Patala
Sanskrit: Abhipriya, Amova, Kalavrinti
Tamil: Padri
Telugu: Ambhuvasini, Kala goru, Patla
Introduction
Patla is a large, desiduous tree which attains height of 18 m, 1.8 m girth
and a clear bole of 9m. The bark is grey or dark brown with horizontal
furrows, exfoliating in large, fat scales. Leaves are impairpinnate, 30-60 cm
long, leafets are 5-9, broadly elliptic. Flowers are dull purple in colour,
yellow within, fragrant, in large panicles. Fruits are capsule type, straight,
cylindric, 30-60 cm x 1.7 cm slightly ribbed, dark-grey, some what rough
with elevated whitish specks. Seeds are pale yellow, brown, 3.2 x 1.3 cm
large membranous wings.

This plant is found in the mixed desiduous forest and Sal forests and it is
common in sub Himalayan tract upto 1500 m elevation. It is found in most of
the states like Madhya Predesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat
etc.
Cultivation
This plant is moderate demander and it is found as frost resistant. It can
be propagated by direct line sowing and by transplanting the nursery raised
seedlings. For nursery, fresh seeds should be used during April/May. When
seedlings attain 75 cm in height by next rainy season, they are ready for
transplanting in the feld at the beginning of rainy season at 2m X 1m spacing.
The root (22cm) and shoot (2.5cm) cuttings planted at the onset of monsoon
also give good results. There will be 5000 plants/ha. and they are looked after
carefully by regular weeding and soil working and application of fertilizers.
The plants can be harvested at the end of 5 years.
Harvesting
In the 6th year, plants are uprooted carefully so that no root portion
remains in the soil. The root bark is separated out, cleaned of dirt and dried.
Then the root bark is cut into smaller pieces, packed and marketed.
Yield
It is estimated that 1250 kg of root bark can be obtained from one
hectare.

Root bark is very useful in the Ayurveda as one of the ingredients in
Dashmula.
A decoction of root is used in intermittent fevers, infammatory
affections of chest and brain.
The bark is diuretic and possesses tonic properties.
The flowers are given with honey to control hiccups. The gum
exuded from the trees is also used in several diseases as antiviral and
anticancer drug.
The seeds yeld fatty oil. The seeds yield a dark green, non drying
fatty oil (5 percent).
156: Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (Zer
Kochlu)
Botanical Name: Strychnos nuxvomica Linn.

Family: Strychanaceae (Loganiaceae)
Local Names
Gujarati: Kuchala, Zer Kochlu
Hindi: Kuchala
Sanskrit: Kuchala
English: Nux vomica
Tamil: Etti, Kansirai
Telugu: Mushadi
Introduction
This is deciduous tree grows well throughout tropical India. It has a thin
grey bark and shiny elliptical leaves. The flowers are arranged in terminal
cymes, and are greenish white. The fruits are bitter red berries. Seeds are
collected from southern states, mainly Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
Kerala.

This plant grows well throughout tropical India. it has a thin grey bark
and shiny elliptical leaves. It is distributed in southern and western states of
the India. it is distributed in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat,
M.P., U.P and some other states.
Cultivation
Seed propagation is good method for cultivation. The seeds are soaked in
water for 12 hours before sowing them into polybags. This process helps to
sprout seeds easily. Nursery should be developed in scattered shade and
watering should be done by sprinkler method. Seed should be sown in the
month of October. The plants will be ready in July for transplantion. Distance
between two trees should be kept 15 feet. In the first week of July the ditches
should be filled with 20 kg of cow dung and 5 kgs of neem or madar leaves.
During Second or third week of July when 1-2 rain showers take place
transplanting should be carried out. Further watering should be undertaken at
the intervals of 5-7 days in little amount.
Harvesting
During July to August fowering starts in the third year and in October
fruits get ripened. On rippinig the fruits fall on the ground, otherwise they can
be plucked by hands. Fruits are broken into two pieces and allowed to be
dried up. Later seeds are separated from the fruits and allowed to dry fully.
Yield
From 6th years and onwards up to 50-60 years of age 8000 kgs of seed
per 1000 trees can be obtained. Seeds are sold at rate of Rs. 20 to 40 per kg. It
can be safely stored for 2 years.

Seeds bark and fruits are of medicinal importance. Seeds are source
of drug nux vomica which is used as tonic, stimulant and in the
treatment of paralysis and nervous disorders.
The toxic potential of the Strychnos tree has been recognized and
exploited by all the ancient cultures of the world. Alkaloids are
obtained from all the parts of the plant tree. Strychnine is famous
which is widely studied.
Leaves and bark contain 0.99 per cent alkaloids of which strychnine
is 0.7 per cent and brucine is 0.276 per cent. Various method of
extraction is being explored to enhance the commercial value of the
alkaloids.
Ayurvedic physicians utilized the medicinal properties of this plant
by processing its products through Shuddhi which is method of
detoxification. The compound thus prepared is used as a remedy for
diarrhea and nervous disorders.
157: Strychnos potatorum L. (Nirmali)
Botanical Name: Strychnos potatorum L.

Family: Strychnaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nirmali
Hindi: Kaya, Nirmali, Neimal
English: Clearing nut, Clearing nut tree
Sanskrit: Ambuprasadah, Katakatphalam
Tamil: Tattan-koteei
Telugu: Chilla, Indupa cettu
Introduction
It is medium sized tree which is found in the deciduous forests of India,
up to elevation of 1200 m. Bark of the tree is black in colour. There are
crackes in the bark. Leaves of the plant are sub sessile, elliptic or ovate,
generally acute, base is rounded or acute, petiole is minute. They are 4-8 x 2-
4 cm in size. Flowers are white, fragrant, in axillary cymes, peduncles and
pedicels very short, calyx is glabrous, segments ovate, corollas are 5 lobed
and oblong. Fruits are black, globose and berry when ripe with hard rind,
seeds are 1 to 2 circular and yellow and lenticular.
Cultivation
It grows on all type of soils. But it prefers the areas receiving annual rain
fall of 1000-2000 mm and semi arid in nature. Serious efforts are not made so
far to cultivate this plant on a big scale. The production of seeds is obtained
from trees standing in forests areas. It can be raised easily by seeds. One year
old polypot raised seedlings can be tried to raise the plantiation at 5m x 5m
spacing. The planting is done in the beginging of monsoon season. Watering
is not necessary, but if irrigation facility is available than it benefts the plants.
Fertilizers are given to the plants in first 3 to 4 years. The plants start
fowering and fruiting from the 10th year.
Harvesting
When fruits are fully ripen, they are collected. They are washed to
remove pulp of the seeds. The clean seeds thus obtained are dried under sun
for 2-3 days and then packed in base. The seeds are then marketed.

Bark, seeds, leaves and roots are mostly used in medicinal treatment.
Ripe seeds are used in clearing muddy water. Therefore, they are
often used to remove impurities from coal-washing waste. In Bihar
labours of coal mines use seeds for clearing the water before
consumption.
Seeds are said to be stomachic, tonic, demulcent and emetic. They
are used in acute diarrhea, diabetes, gonorrhoea, eye disease
(conjunctivitis).
Roots are also used in leprosy.
158: Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Lodhra)
Botanical Name: Symplocos racemosa Roxb.

Family: Symplocaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Lodhra, Lodar
Hindi: Hara, Lodh, Lodhra
English: Lodhra
Sanskrit: Lodhra, Marjana, Tilaka
Tamil: Lodhra, Velli-lethi
Telugu: Erralodduga, Lodduge, Lodh
Introduction
It is an evergreen tree which is distributed throughout India. It is tree or
shrub, which gets length of 6-8.5 m tall, often found gregariously. Leaves are
dark green above, orbicular, elliptic-oblong, 12.5 x 5 cm coriaceous, glabrous
above. Flowers are white, turning to yellow, they are fragrant in axillary
simple or compound in raceme inforescence. Drupe type fruits are seen. They
are purplish-black in colour. Some time sub cylindrical and smooth. Fruit is
1-2 seeded.
Cultivation
It grows in warmer parts of India, ascending in hills up to 1400 m of
elevation. It is not exacting to any particular soil. However, well drained
loamy soils are preferred. The soil should be moist, but no water logging.
Generally this plant is propagated by seed. The seeds are used to raise
seedlings in polypots in nursery. One year old seedlings are transplanted in
the feld at 2m x 1m spacing, at the beginning of monsoon. There will be
5,000 plants per ha. and they are kept clean of weeds. Support watering and
application of fertilizers will help the plants to a great extent. The plants can
be harvested after 5 years.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the 6th year and onwards. The aerial portion of the
plants is cut and the bark of the stems is peeled off from the stems and
branches. Then it is dried under sun and dispatched for marketing.
Yield
It is estimated that each plant would contribute 500g of dry bark 2500 kg
can be the expected output from one hactare. The market rate of the drug is
around Rs.10 per kg. Total expenditure per hectare is Rs. 10000 for 5 years
and onwards. Gross return will be Rs. 25,000/- per ha. and net return will be
Rs. 15,000/- per hectare.

The bark of the tree yields the commercial drug. The leaves and bark
yield and yellow dye.
The bark is used as mordant with other dyes, for dyeing silk yellow.
It is used in combination with turmeric and gum bergfong.
A decoction of the bark is used to stop bleeding of gums.
The bark is used in the treatment of menorrhagia and other uterine
disorders.
The bark is reported to contain three alkaloids namely loturine
(identical with harman) and colloturine.
Of late, the drug has attracted lot of attention in allopathic research.
159: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeel. (Jambu)
Botanical Name: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeel.

Family: Myrtaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Jambu, Jamun
Hindi: Jamun, Jambhal, Jaman
English: Jamun, Jambolan
Sanskrit: Jambuh
Tamil: Naval, Kottainaval
Telugu: Neredu
Introduction
It is medium sized tree, which gets height of 15-30 m with smooth light
grey bark having dark patches. Leaves are simple, opposite, variable in shape
and they are about 2.5 cm broad and 7.5-15 cm long, acuminate, nernes
joining in a distinct intramagrinal nerve, gland-dotted, acuminate, margins are
wavy, flowers are white, sweetly fragrant in 1-8 fowered cymes at the
bifurcations of the branches, lobes of corolla overlapping to right in the bud.
Fruits are follicles, 2.5 to 7.5 cm long, ribbed and curved, orange or bright
red within, irregular, enclosed in a red puply aril arrangement. There is
another species of this plant which is famous as Jal Jambu. (Syzygium
heyaneanum) Wall Ex. H and A. It is smaller to S. cumini in appearance in
all respect, expect that it has linear leaves (1-4.5 broad) while the leaves of
S.cumini are 3.5-9.5cm broad.
Jamun is distributed throughout India and in tropical and sub tropical
region of the world. Jamun is seen in the India, Sri-Lanka, Burma, Austrialia
etc. It is found in most of the states like Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya
Pradesh, Bihar etc.
Cultivation
This plant is very common in India. It is semi-shade bearer. It comes up
on all types of soil and tolerates salinity to some extent. It is propagated very
easily by seeds. Nearly 1200 seeds make one kg. They have poor viability.
They must be sown within in 10 days after their collection. The germinative
capacity is 90 percent. It can also tolerates salinity to some extent. It can also
be propagated by stumps and transplants. Transplanting of one or two year
old seedlings raised in polypots in the feld at the beginning of monsoon is the
best method. They are planted at 8 m-10 m distance. The plants take
minimum 15 years before fowering and fruiting.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done in the beginning of monsoon because fuits are ripen
at the same time. The fruits may be collected directly from the trees or from
the ground when they drop down.
Yield
Good sized tree yields about 100 kg per year.

Fruits, seeds and bark of the stem are useful.
Fruits are edible. The Juice of the unripe fruits is used to prepare
vinegar, which is carminative and diuretic and possesses cooling and
digestive properties. From juiceof the ripe fruit and alcoholic drink
and a liquid sauce are prepared.
Fruits are aromatic and they are also edible. Mixed with salt, the
juice is dried to form a powder and is used to augiment digestion.
Seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates and have a little amount
of calcium, hence it is used as concentrated cattle feed.
Seeds are considered to be a cure for diabetes and are a good antidote
against Nux-vomica poisoning.
Bark is good for asthma, sore-throats, ulcers, bronchitis, dysentery.
It is also given to purify blood and as a gargle.
The fresh juice of the bark is used to strengthen the fshing nets.It is
also used in gout, haemorrhages, syphilis, leprosy, dermatopathy,
diarrhea, colic helminthiasis, wounds, ulcers, stomatitis and tyrosine.
Tribal people believe that the fruits will digest the hairs which have
gone into digestive system by mistake.
Leaves are used in streanthening the teeth and gums. The tender
leaves are used for vomiting.
Flowers are also good source of high quality honey.
160: Tamarindus indica L. (Ambali)
Botanical Name: Tamarindus India L.

Local Names
Gujarati: Amli, Ambala
Hindi: Imli, Tetur, Tental
English: Imali, Tamarind
Sanskrit: Abdika, Amala, Amali
Tamil: Tindruni, Tindiram
Telugu: Tetali, Tintrini
Introduction
This is large sized, very common tree in India. This is evergreen with
spreading crown and dark grey, thick, rough, shallow fssured bark. Leaves
are compound, paripinnate. They are 5-12 cm long, leafets and 18-20 pairs
are there, 0.7- 2.5 x 0.4 X 0.8 cm oblong, rounded at both ends. Flowers are
few and are arranged in racemes at the end of branchlets, creamy white with
pink lines. Fruits are pod type, brown in colour. They are 8-15 x 1-1.5 cm,
thick with brittle epicarp, brown fbrous acid pulp, somewhat fattened, scurty,
curved, constricted at intervals, seeds are 3-12, smooth, compressed, shining
and dark brown.

It is found in throughout India. It is believed to be originated in
Abyssinia and Central Africa, but naturalized in India. It is often cultivated in
garden. In India particularly in South India, it is grown mostly. It is seen in
most of the states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka etc.
Cultivation
It can be propagated in any kind of soil but good rich in organic
compound soil is suitable for the growth of the plant. It grows well in tropical
region but found best on deep alluvium. It does well on black cotton soils
also. It is drought resistant and frost tender species. It can tolerate salinity in
the soil in some extent. Seed propagation is good method for cultivation of
tamarind plant.
One year old nursery raised container seedlings are transplanted in the
feld for better growth of this plant. Some grafting techniques are also used to
be yielding encouraging results. They are planted at 10 x 10 m spacing. For
that pits are prepared of 60 x 60 x60 cm. These pits are filled with dug and
farm yard manure. Seedlings raised in containers in nursery are planted in the
pits at the beginning of monsoon. Two soil workings and weeding around the
plants are carried out in the 1st and 2nd years, in July and August-September.
Each plant is given 30 grams of Urea in two equal doses along with soil
workings. In 3rd, 4th and 5th years, one soil working is carried out in July
August and one dose of Urea (20 grams) is also given to each plant. From 6th
year and onwards, inter cultivation is done once or twice to keep the soil
loose. The tree starts fowering in 10th year, but the real commercial
production can be expected from 15th year only and this continue for 50-60
years.
Harvesting
Fruits of tamarind plant are ripen by February-March. They are collected
from the trees in March-April. The ecpicarp is removed; the seeds are
separated out by cut-opening the fbrous pulp. The cleaned pulp, pulp with
seed and whole fruits are marketed as per the local needs
Yield
An average adult tree yields about 150-200 kg of fruits. Thus one may
expect, a minimum production of 10,000 kg per ha/annum. The fruits can be
sold in the market at the rate of Rs.5/kg. Total expenditure per hectare
reaches to Rs. 10,000 in 15th year and net return per hectare goes to Rs.
40,000 per hectare.

The fruit is used as astringent, for making condiments and in general
cooking. Even the tender leaves, flowers and young pods are used as
vegetables.
The tamarind is popularly considered to be cure for dysentery.
A polish for silver, brass ware is made out of the pulp of the fruit. In
Java a beer like drink is prepared by mixing tamarind, sugar and
lemon juice in an iron container.
The mixture ferments and the liquid is consumed. Fresh seeds are
powdered, mixed with gum and used as an effective cementing
material for sticking wood.
An extract from the seeds is used for sizing certain cotton and jute
fabrics and woolens. The amber-coloured oil extracted from the seeds
is an ingredient of a varnish used for planting dolls and idols and also
for food.
Dried seeds are used in local medicines, and also fried and eaten. The
seeds may be ground to make a palatable live stock feed. The leaves
are considered as good fodder.
A poultice for boils and an yellow dye for silk are prepared from
leaves.
161: Terminalia arjuna Roxb. (Arjun
Sadad)
Botanical Name: Terminalia arjuna Roxb.

Family: Combretaceae
Synonyms: Pentaptera arjuna Roxb.
Local Names
Gujarati: Sadado, Sadad
Hindi: Arjuna
English: Arjun
Sanskrit: Arjunah, Gandivi, Indradru
Tamil: Attumaruthu
Telugu: Yerramaddi
Introduction
This plant is large evergreen tree with buttressed trunk and spreading
crown. It has drooping branches with dark green leaves. The bark is smooth,
grayish outside and fesh colored inside, peeling off in pieces. Leaves are
simple, sub opposite, oblong or elliptic, coriaceous, crenulate, dark green
above, pale brown beneath, often unequal sided, reticulate. The flowers are
white in panicles or spikes. Fruits are ovoid or oblong with 5 to 7 short hard
angle winged. Germination is epigynous and germination power is less.
Flowering season is April to June. In October to November seeds get
matured. If collection is made before ripening the seeds will not germinate.
Seed is a drupe and each Kg of seed has 200-235 seeds. Size varies with tree
and within a tree.

This tree is found throughout Indian subcontinent, Myanmar and Sri
Lanka. It is observed in tropical moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
Generally this tree likes to grow in riverbanks and the sides of water bodies.
It is generally found in moist deciduous forests. It is also grown at the 1500
m altitudes. Generally drier part of India which includes Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu etc. Mainly it is
wildly grown in the forests.
Cultivation
The plant is a light demander, even though it tolerates shade to some
extent in seedling stages. It is highly susceptible to drought and frost as its
habitat is an evergreen or moist evergreen tract. It can be propagated through
seeds. Under favourable conditions like good soil, sufficient moisture and no
competition from weeds and grasses, it comes up naturally. Transplanting of
one or two year old seedlings raised in polypots, in the feld at the beginning
of monsoon, is desirable for its successful germination. The germination
percentage of seed is 50-60 percent.
Plants are planted at 2 m x 2 m distance. Plants are looked after by
regular removal of weeds, application of fertilizers and watering if necessary.
Plants may be allowed to grow into bigger trees and the bark is taken from a
small portion of the bole of the tree, without causing mortal damage to the
trees.
Harvesting
After 10 years of planting, the bark is harvested. Then bark is cut into
convenient smaller lengths and dried under sun. After drying, the bark is sent
for sale.
Yield
It is estimated that each plant of 10 years age yields about 2 kg of dry
bark.

Bark is used for tanning the hides. Bark is also employed as
astringent, tonic and remedy for ulcers. Powder is employed as
febrifuge, styptic and antidysenteric.
Tender twings are used for mouth washing in case of tongue blisters.
Pulverized bark gives relief in hypertension and acts as a diuretic,
incihosis of liver.
162: Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
(Baheda)
Botanical Name: Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb.

Local Names
Gujarati: Baheda
Hindi: Bahera, Vibhitaka
English: Belleric myrobalan, Bastard
Sanskrit: Aksha, Taliphala
Tamil: Akkam, Ambalatti, Sadanga
Telugu: Ahera, Jhera, Tani
Introduction
The plant is found in dry forest tracts of the country. It is common tree
occurring throughout deciduous forests of India. It is also grown as avenue
tree. Plant grows up to 35 m height and up to 3 m in girth. The tree has long
straight bole. The bark is ashy gray with fine longitudinal crack. The leaves
are having long petioles, obovate, quite entire and glabrous. Spikes are
axillary, solitary. Flowers are sessile and bisexual. Male flowers are greenish
white and shortly pedicellate. Flowering time of this plant is March to May.
The fruit is obovate, obscurely angled with five edges, feshy, covered with
grayish silky pericarp. The dried fruit is having an irregular shape. The ripe
fruits are available from November to February. Germination of the seed
takes place about 14-30 days and seed remain viable for one year.
The native of this plant is India. In dry forest this plant is very common;
Except western Rajasthan, Punjab, Chathisgarh, Uttaranchal, and Haryana
and temperate Himalayan tracts, it is found in greater part of India, upto
altitude of 900 meter. Tree is seen in Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand,
Indo-china, Malaysia and Sri Lanka also.
Cultivation
This is large desiduous tree which is seen with other trees like teakwood,
shal etc. It is susceptible to frost and drought. Baheda plant is propagated
through seeds and coppice or stumps.
1. By Seeds: Seed propagation is good method for propagation of the
plant. Germination percentage is up to 80 percent. One kg contains
about 1,200 seeds. Germination commences from 40-45 days of
sowing. Considerable amount of water is needed for good
germination. If sufficient shade and moisture is available, most of the
mature seeds start to germinate. Generally there are many seedlings
naturally regenerating under a T.bellerica tree.
Nursery is prepared in March to April. The dried fresh seeds are
taken and soaked in water for a night to enhance germination. The
alternate soaking and drying of seeds also help to enhance
germination percentage. The treated seeds are sprinkled over the bed,
with a layer of sand or soil and forced into soil, using thumb.
Thrashing using a wooden plank to force the seeds deep into the soil
is recommended. Seedbeds should be irrigated well daily. In the wet
weather transplanting of seedlings to polybags is carried out. The tap
root may be too long to pull out, if age of the seedlings crosses one
year. Seedlings are planted out into the feld when they are one year
old. In the monsoon season, pits are prepared of 30 cm3 are taken,
and then they are filled with cow dung and soil before planting.
Studies have shown that germination is more in medium sized seeds
(69 percent).
2. By Stumps: In some areas stump planting is as successful as entire
planting. Sumps are prepared from 12-15 months old plants and
planted in July-August after the rains have set in pits or crowbar
holes. For stump planting pits are prepared of 30 cm3.
Harvesting
Fruiting starts around the age of 15 years. After the fruits are ripen, they
fall on the ground below, after then they are collected and dried for 2 to 3
days before dispatching them for marketing.
Yield
The tree have longevity of about 100 years, therefore the trees will give
fruits from 15th years to 100 years. Each tree is expected to give 20 kg of
fruits in the starting which reaches to 100 kg in 30th years and onwards. On
an average, each tree yields about 30 kg between 15th to 30th years and 100
kg from 31st to 50th year. The production of fruits from one hectare works out
to 3000kg to 10,000 kg and 15,000 kg from 51st year and onwards.

The berberis roots and bark are important for the medicinal value.
Berberis is employed as bitter tonic, alterative, astringent, stomachic,
diaphoretic, gentle aperient and as a curative of piles.
A thick extract (gum) is obtained from this tree which is known as
Rasaut or Rasanjan. Root bark, root, lower stem wood are boiled
with water to prepare this extract. It is bitter and astringent and fairly
soluble in water. Rasaut, mixed with butter and alum or with opium
and lime juice and painted over the eyelids, is useful remedy in case
of conjunctivitis and chronic opthalmia. This gum is similar to that of
Gum Arabic.
Rasaut is said to give a colling effect when mixed with drinking
water. Rasaut is found to be effective in curing oriental sore.
The tincture and decoction are highly reputed as affective
antipyretics and antiperiodics.
The drug is used as a general febrifuge.Dried fruit is good astringent,
the astringeny renders them valuable in the acts as well as a substitute
for falls for lotions, injections and so on. It is also used in dry
prolonged coughs, dropsy, diarrhoea and leprosy.
However overdoses can act a narcotic poison. Fruits are reported to
have antibiotic activity against a wide variety of microorganisms.
Wood pulp is suitable for wrapping paper. It is used to extract a
yellow dye from the seed coat. As said earlier, the tree forms
important part of Myrobelans.
Fruits are used for dyeing and tanning, and are also used to increase
the potency of spirits. Kernels yield oil, which is reported for
preparing soaps.
163: Terminalia chebula Retz. (Harde)
Botanical Name: Terminalia chebula Retz.

Local Names
Gujarati: Harde, Hardo
Hindi: Harrir, Harana
English: Yellow myrobalan, chebulic myrobalan
Sanskrit: Balya, Chetaki, Bhishakpriya, Girija
Tamil: Kadukkai
Telugu: Haritaki, Karata, Karakkai
Introduction
This tree is large sized to medium sized tree which is generally found in
deciduous forest. It has short trunk and round expanding crown. The bark is
dark grown, longitudinally fssured. Leaves are dark green. They are arranged
in opposite maner when they become old. But when they are young they look
like clothed with glossy, silky hairs. The spikes are terminal. Flowers are
small and they are white in colour. The fruit is a drupe type which is oval in
size, glabrous and irregularly and darkly grooved with five edges. Falling of
leaves takes place during February to March. Tree flowers during March to
May. Fruits become ripe in November and become hard walled after
repining. Seeds remain viable up to 12 months. The tree attains full size in 30
years.
This tree is believed to be of Indian origin. It is distributed throuout in
dry deciduous and sometimes moist deciduous forests of India. Harde is
found in Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jarkhand, Himachal
Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharastra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka
etc like states. It also is grown up to 1500 meter elevation.
Cultivation
Harde plant is observed in wild range of habitats along the length and
breadth of the country. Rainfall requirements are in the range of 750-
3,200mm. The tree is resistant frost and drought. Propagation is done by two
methods.
1. Natural Regeneration
When seeds fall on the ground, natural regeneration take place. Although
seeds have poor germination. But when plant is regenerated it has good
quality. The natural regeneration is poor in forests due to damage of animals.
2. Artificial Regeneration by Coppices
The plant can be regenerated artificially. When seeds get matured, they
start falling on the ground. They must be collected. Hard pericarp of drupe is
split open and then seeds are dried in sun light. Seeds are thrashed in a gunny
bag using poles to break the seed coat. Then they are soaked in winter for 48
hours and sown in nursery beds. Soil is prepared for nursery plant material
before rains and spray seeds on beds, then a layer of sand or soil is sprinkled
and the exposed seeds are pushed into the soil. Thrashing or pressing with a
wooden plank is done to force the seeds deep into topsoil. Germination
commences with in 16 to 17 days. Seedlings are transplanted to polybags
with care for roots and watered well. They must be kept in shade for few days
and can be exposed later. The soil is irrigated, if rains are absent. One to two
month old seedlings should be transplanted to poly bags. One year old
seedlings can be transplanted in the feld. Sometimes seedlings are picked
from forest areas are utilized for plantation. In the monsoon season pits are
prepared of 30-40 cm3 at a distance of 7-8 meter. They are filled with a
mixture of cow dung and soil before planting.
Harvesting
When fruits become ripe harvesting is done. After 10-15 years when
fruits are ripen, harvesting is done for getting fruits mainly. The fruits fallen
on the ground are collected and also plucked from the tree.
Disease and Prevention
Insects feed on leaves of tree and damage is not serious. Seeds need
protection from insects and rodents during storage. The seeds must be either
well dried or the pulp must be removed for long term storage.

Fruits are mainly used for medicinal purpose. They are rich source of
tannin compositions.
Fruits are also used in medicines as laxative, somachic, tonic and
purgative.
The outer coat of fruit is the component used. It is the important
constituent of Triphala.
Unripe dried fruits are recommended as purgative. They are called as
Indian or Black myrobalan.
Well rubed with an equal proportion of Acacia catechu- Harra is
used in aphthous problems.
164: Theobroma cacao L. (Cacao)
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacaa L.

Family: Sterculiaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Cocoa
Hindi: Cocoa
English: Cocoa, Chocolate tree
Sanskrit: Cocoah
Introduction
This is the plant of humid tropic region. This is shrub or a small tree. It
requires well distributed rainfall of 90-100 mm a month. It gets height of
10m. Leaves are borne on the erect branches in spiral system. On the lateral
branches they are in two rows and in one plane. Petiole is short, pulvinous at
each end, 15-30 cm long, obovate- oblong, elliptic-oblong, abruptly
acuminate, dark green, thin and frm. Flowers are cauliforous, on the older
leafess parts, yellowish pink and small. Fruits are pod like berry, 30 cm long,
and 10cm in diameter. They are elliptic-ovoid, red, yellow, purplish or
brown, outer wall is thick, leathery. Seeds are 20-40 numbers in each fruit fat
or rounded white pink or brownish, pale-violet or purple, mucilaginous and
aromatic pulp.

This plant is grown throughout tropics and semi tropical region of the
world. This is grown in the India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma etc. In India
this plant is mostly seen in the western and central India. It is found in the
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan etc. like states. Native of this plant is
Mexico and Central America.
Cultivation
This plant is seen in arid and semi arid areas of the world. It is quite
suitable to the area where there is very less rain fall. Artificial watering is
required during the hot season. It can be grown in most of the soils. But soil
should be capable into have capacity to retain moisture through dry season.
There fore, deep and fairly heavy soils are the best. Seed propagation is good
method. Seeds are sown directly or by nursery raised container seedlings. The
seedlings are raised in poly bags under shade. Fresh seeds are sown in
containers filled with top soil and compost. The germination is complete in
20 days. The seedlings will attain 45 cm height in 4 months period, when
they are ready for planting. They are planted at a spacing of 2.5 x 3.0 mt. It
requires partial over head shade. It is generally raised as under crop with
coconut, etc. The plants are watered regularly once in a week. Weeding is
very useful to the plant. Soil working is also done from time to time. 50
grams of nitrogen, 20 grams of phosphorus and 20 grams of potash are added
to each plant in two split doses per year in the first three years. In the
subsequent years, the quantity of fertilizers is doubled.
Harvesting
The plant starts fowering in the second year and keeps continue to fower
till the whole year. Generally main season for fowering is between September
to January and April to June. Flowers are young fruits and ripe fruits can be
seen in one time in the tree. Ripe fruits are collected from the trees by cutting
the stalk of the fruit by knife. The seeds are then taken out by cutting the pods
cross-wise after2-3 days. They are dried and fermented. It is generally done
in sweating boxes made of wood and having holes at the bottom to allow the
sweating from the pulp to drain down and to air to enter are used. Beans are
removed from the ripe fruits are placed in the box and they are covered with
few layers of banana leaves. For uniform fermentation, the seeds are moved
up and down at interval of 48 hours. After 5-6 days, the temperature begins to
fall and ammonical smell is developed. When the fermentation is considered
complete. Then seeds are dried.
Yield
From 1 hactare of plantation average annual production is 1000kg. Dried
beans are sold at the rate of Rs. 10/- per kg.
Disease and Prevention

This plant is affected by many pests and disease. They are
1. Mealy bugs: They suck the sap from the parts of the trees
particularly tender parts, flowers and fruits. It can be prevented by
spraying 0.05 per cent Dimethoate (1.6 ml/lit. of water).
2. Leaf eating caterpillar: They eat tender parts of the tree. It can be
controlled by spraying of carbaryl 0.1 per cent.
3. Cockchaffr beeties: nder leaves are eaten, BHC suspension controls
the menace.
4. Stem borer: It bores into stem and branches, with the result the
aerial portion above the point of attack dries up. It can be controlled
by manual picking of the caterpillars and plugging the holes with
BHC paste.
5. Black pod disease: In monsoon, fruits are affected in which infected
tissues shrink and become dark brown and corky in texture.
6. Charcoal rot: The affected portion shrivels and hangs as mummies
in black cololur. Spraying with 1 per cent Boprdeaus mixture controls
the disease.

Seeds are principal source of coco or cocoa powders which is highly
prized as a nutritious beverage and the chocolate used as food the
world over.
The powder is used in bakery and confectionery. The cocoa butter is
used for chocolates, pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics.
There are two main varieties of this plant, namely forastera and
criollo, of which the former is more often cultivated as commercial
crop.
The cotyledons of forastera are mauve coloured when fresh and dark
choclate brown after fermentation, while that of criollo are white
when fresh and cinnamon coloured after fermentation.
The raw seeds are rich in vitamins, especially B and D vitamins.
Cocoa is nervous system stimulator. In central America and the
Caribbean seeds are taken as a heart and kidney tonic.
The plant may be used to treat angina, and as a diuretic. Cocao butter
makes a good lip salve and is often used as a base for suppositories
and pessaries.
165: Thespesia populnea (L.) Ex.Correa
(Paras Piplo)
Botanical Name: Thespesia populnea (L.) ex.correa

Family: Malvaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Paras piplo, Paras
Hindi: Paras pipu, Porush, Paras-pipal
English: Thespesia, Indian tulip tree, Portia tree
Sanskrit: Gardha-banda
Tamil: Poovarasam, Kallal, Cheelanthi,
Telugu: Gangaraavi, Muligangaraavi, Gangareenu
Introduction
This is evergreen, bushy tree when young but thins out with age. It
grows to 13 m (40 ft) or more with a spread of 3-6 m (10-20 ft). It grows
rapidly under favorable conditions. Bark is corrugated with scaly twings. It is
corrugated. Leaves are heart-shaped, shiny green, usually ranging in size
from 5 cm to 20 cm long. Flowers are showy, yellow with a maroon to purple
center, borne singly in the leaf axils. They are produced intermittently
throught the year in warm climates. Fruits are capsule type and fattened.
Seeds are brown in colour. They are 0.7 to 1.2 cm long. Both the capsules
and the hard seeds are buoyant and can be dispersed to very long distances by
sea water.
This tree is believed to be originated in India. But it is very common
plant of coastal strands across old world tropics. It has naturalized in Florida
and West Indies. It is also cultivated in Central and South America and has
probably naturalized there. It has taken over beaches used by nesting sea
turtles on St.John, U.S. Virgin Islands. It grows in Tahiti and Austrailia. It
India it is grown in most of the states. The main feature of this plant is that it
is mangrove assoiate, Like other mangrove associates, these plants provide
shelter and food to many creatures of the mangroves.
Cultivation
Thespesia is cultivated by. (1). Seed propagation (2). vegetative method
(through cutting)
1. Seed propagation: Seed propagation is very easy method. The seed
pods are indehiscent, that is the seed pods do not open when mature.
The capsule can be opened by hand and the seeds are removed. The
seeds should be scarifed (the seed coat penetrated). This can be done
using an emery board, sand paper, or nail clippers. Care must be
taken to avoid damaging the inner part of the seed. Seeds should be
planted in sterile potting mix at a depth of about twice the diameter of
the seed. Germination takes 14 to 28 days.
2. Vegetative method (Through cutting): Cutting method is also good
way to propagate this plant. Small cuttings of about 30 cm long will
root easily although larger cuttings can also be used. Top three or
four leaves are kept, some rooting hormone is applied, if available
plant in small container. The cutting should be protected from direct
sun until it is well established. Rooting may take place within a
month if conditions are favourable.
In the garden situation in a sub tropical or tropical area, this plant grows
quite quickly into a tree. Its blooms are attractive both when they are pale
yellow and also when they age to a deep pink.
Medicinal and Economic Importance:

Indigestion, Pelvic infection, appetite loss, ulcers and worms are
treated with the bark.
A decoction of the bark and fruit is mixed with oil and used to treat
scabies.
An infusion of the bark is used to treat intestinal diseases.
The inner bark is used to treat constipation and typhoid.
The crushed fruit is used in treatment of urinary tract problems and
abdominal swellings.
Extracts of fruits and flowers are used for antibacterial activity.
166: Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers ex
Hook. (Gado)
Botanical Name: Tinosproa cordifolia (Wild.) Miers ex Hook.

Local Names
Gujarati: Galo, Gado
Hindi: Gulancha, Giloe
English: Giloya, Gulvel
Sanskrit: Guduchi, Amrita
Tamil: Amridavala, Amudam, Asasi
Telugu: Amrata, Duyutige, Jivantika, Guduchi
Introduction
This is climbing shrub which grows throughout India, from Kumaon and
Kanyakumari. It is commonly found in dry deciduous forests. It is a shrub
which is distributed throughout tropical India and the Andamans. Plant is
glabrous, succulent, climbing shrub, often growing very tall. It spends down
long aerial roots which have nodal swellings. The bark is creamy white to
grey, deeply cleft spirally, the space in between being spotted with large
rosette like lenticels.
This plant grows throught India, from Kumao and Kanyakumari. It is
commonly found in deciduous and dry forests. Origin of the Galo plant is still
not clear. It is seen in most of the states like Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu etc.
Cultivation
The sandy alluvial soil with good water drainage and hot climate is most
suitable. Field is ploughed for 2-3 times and it is mixed 10-12 tones per
hectare in the soil. The plant is propagated by cuttings method. The creeper
needs some support to climb upon. For this purpose, the trees of Agasthi,
Jatropha and Moringa oleifera should be planted one year in advance and the
cuttings of Tinospora cordifolia are planted by their sides. Per hectare,
20,000 cuttings are required. Plant should be irrigated at the intervals of 15
days.
Harvesting
When leaves of Tinospora cordifolia start falling on the ground, the
creepers should be cut from one feet, above the ground. The twings should be
collected. The stem cuttings are cut in to small pieces and dried under the
shade. They are stored in the gunny bags. After the first cutting the mother
plant will start re-growing in rainy season.
Yield
Per hectare the yield is 10-12 quintals. This is generally in the form of
dried stem. The market value of the product is Rs. 15.00 to 20.00 per kg.
Cultivation of Tinospora cordifolia gives double beneficial because one can
get beneft from the product of Tinospora cordifolia and supporting trees.
Such mix farming can generate Rs. 1 to 2 lakhs income annually to farmers.

Root, stem, leaves and satwa or starch are used for medicinal value.
Dry stems constitute drug, which is used as tonic and in diarrhea and
chronic dysentery.
It is used as a febrifuge and diuretic.
The drug prepared from it is used to cure induced oedema and human
arthritis.
Plant contains glucoside, alkaloids, bitter principles, crystalline
components etc. Gilenin and gilosterol are also present.
167: Tribulus terrestris L. (Gokhru)
Botanical Name: Tribulus terrestris L.

Family: Zygophyllaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Gokhru
Hindi: Gokhru
English: Land caltrops, Puncture-vine
Sanskrit: Goksurah, Svadamstra
Tamil: Nerinci
Telugu: Palleru, Cinnapalleru
Introduction
This plant is distributed through out the height upto 5400 m, as weed
along road sides and waste places. It is annual or perennial, prostrate herb
with many slender spreading branches and silky villous young parts. Leaves
are abruptly simple, pinnate, opposite, leafets almost sessile, rounded or
oblique at the base, mucronate at the apex. Flowers are bright yellow,
solitary, pseudo axillary and leaf opposed. Fruits are five angled or winged
spinous tuberculate woody schizocarp, separating into five cocci, each coccus
having two long, stif, sharp divaricate spines towards the distal half and two
shorter ones nearer the base. Seeds are one or more in each coccus.
Distribution
This plant is distributed in sub tropical and tropical regions. It is found
from Kumao to Kanyakumari. It is wildly observed in any places near the
mountainous area, on both sides avenue of road side, on wastelands etc.
Cultivation
It is wild plant so there is no need of specific technique for cultivation of
the plant. This plant is propagated by seed only. This plant grows plenty in
the wild. The agrotechnology for its cultivation is not developed.
Harvesting
Plant is uprooted with the help of small knife or falket.

Whole plant is useful. Roots and fruits are sweet, cooling, diuretic,
aphrodisiac, emollient, appetizer, digestive, anthelmintic,
expectorant, anodyne, anti-infalmmatory, alternate, laxative
cardiotonic, styptic, lithontriptic and tonic.
The seeds are astringent, strengthening and are useful in epistaxis,
haemorrhages and ulcerative stomatitis.
The ash of the whole plant is good for external application in
rheumatic arthritis.
168: Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.
(Methi)
Botanical Name: Trigonella fornum-graecum Linn.
Family: Papillionaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Methi, Methi ni bhaji
Hindi: Methi, Kalanusari,
English: Fenugreek, Greek Hayes, Goat horn,
Sanskrit: Methika, Kalausari
Tamil: Ventayan
Telugu: Mentulu, Mentikura
Introduction
It is an annual erect herb, growing to a height of about 45-60 cm with
green leaves and small white flowers. Leaves are alternate, pinnately
trifoliate, stipulate, leafets are about 2.5 cms long, obovate to oblanceolate.
Flowers are 1-2, axillary, sessile and they are arranged in raceme
inforescence. They are whitish or lemon yellow in colour. Pods are 5.7 cms
long with a persistent beak, hairy with 10-20 seeds. Fenugreek is also called
as goat horn or cow horn because the seed pods resemble like horn. Its seeds
are used as spice and the foliage is fed to the cattle. The green plants are used
as potherbs. It is said to be native to India. But it is grown throughout tropical
countries. Two types of methi are found in India. One is common methi and
other is Champa or Kasturi methi. These two differ in their growth habits
also. The methi is quick growing, produces upright shoots and produces two
or three white flowers at the base of each leaf. Kasturi methi is slow growing
initially and remains in a rosette condition during most of its vegetative
growth period. Kasturi methi produces two or three white flowers in heads
formed on long stalks. There are two types of varieties. (1) Varieties without
smell or desi varieties and (2). Scented methi varieties.
1. Varieties without smell or deshi varieties: It is quick growing and

an upright crop and produces white flowers. Pods are straight, 3 to 10
cm long and each pod contains 10-15 seeds.
2. Scented methi varieties: These are slow growers. For e.g. Kasturi
methi, Marwari, Champa methi. The pods are smaller than those of
deshi varieties and are sickle shaped. The improved varieties are:
Hissar sonali, Hm-103, lam selection-1, Rajendra kanti, Rmt-1, Rmt-
143, C.S.381, C.S.690 (from TNAU), Pusa Early, Bunching (IARI),
Lam Sel. I, Guntar local (AP), UM.5, UM 17, UM 32, UM-34, UM-
35, NLM and IC 9955

It is an herb which is native to Southern Europe and it is now grown
mainly in North India. Trigonella polycerata L. is found to be distributed in
North India. India is one of the main producers of fenugreek. In India
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are important states in
India growing fenugreek on a large scale.
Cultivation
Fenugreek performs well in the area of low to moderate rainfall. But it
cannot withstand heavy rainfall. It is grown mostly as an irrigated crop. The
plant needs loamy well-drained soils. It is also grown as a dry crop in the
black cotton soils with moderate rainfall. The land is brought to fine tilth by
giving two or three ploughing. Propagation is generally done by seeds. Seeds
are sown by broadcast method in beds and surface raked to cover it. Sowing
in rows 23 to 25 cm facilitates weeding and inter cultural operations at the
initial stages. The common methi and 20 kg of Kasturi are required to cover
one ha.
The seeds are sown in the middle of June or early July through four tined
seed-drills in a spacing of 22.5 cm apart if sown pure @ 20 kg/ha in slightly
moist seed bed. The seeds sprout quickly and show above ground in three
days. In some areas, for example, India and Pakistan, two sowings are done
in October and December. The temperature conditions in areas where
Fenugreek is grown are described as hot summers with either mild or cool
winters.
The seeds may also be soaked in water or GA (at 25, 50 or 100 ppm) for
better germination before sowing. For Deshi methi 30-36 kg/ha seeds are
required while for Kasturi methi 23-27 kg/ha seeds are required. They should
be sown with a spacing 22-30cm apart.
Fertilizers and Manure
After ploughing a basal dressing of 10 tones of farm yard manure and 25
kg of P2O5 is given. A manorial schedule of 25 kg N, 25 kg P2O5 and 50 kg
K2O per ha is recommended. In the garden land cultivation, it requires
frequent irrigation. If we apply molybdenum as ammonium molybdate
increases the yield of leaves and grains.
Harvesting
Harvesting of this plant is done after 2.5 to 3 months of sowing. In the
black cotton soils. During harvest, the plants are pulled out, then threshed and
dried in the sun. After drying, they are beaten with sticks. Seeds are
separated, winnowed and cleaned. Then they are stored and taken to market.
Yield
An average yield of 1000 to 1500 kg of seeds and 9000 to 10000 kg/ha
of leaves are obtained.

This plant contains a number of steroidal sapogenins, especially
diosgenin found in the oily embryo. Two furastanol glycosides, F-
ring opened precursors of diosgenin have been reported, as also
hederagin glycosides.
The alkaloid trigonelline, trigocoumarin, trimethyl coumarin and
nicotinic acid are also present. Mucilage is a prominent constitute of
the seeds.
Seeds are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins. They are
mucilaginous, demulcent, diuretic, tonic, carminative, astringent,
smelliest and aphrodisiac.
They are used by the Indian women for its alleged power to promote
lactation. Ground fine powder of fenugreek seeds mixed with
cottonseeds and is fed to the cattle to increase the fow of milk.
In Greece, the boiled seeds or raw are eaten with honey. The teste is
slightly bitterf and is used in maple and rum favours. It is used as a
conditioning powder. Seeds are used in the diabetes.
Fenugreek seeds produce improvement in pancreatic function. It
reduces blood level of glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Fenugreek seeds contain substances like volatile oil, fxed oil, protein,
cellulose, starch, sugar, munerals, alkaloids and enzymes.
Recent studies reveal that fenugreek seed contains the steroidal
substances diosgenin, which is used as an oral contraceptive. The
eather extracts of the seeds had an effect on infammation induced in
rats by cotton pellet insertion, or formalin or carrageenin exposure,
comparable to that of salicylates.
Leaves are used as fodder and vegetable, and seeds are used as spice
and condiment. Fenugreek leaves are very rich in protein cotaining
about 18.6 to 40.9 percent at different stages of growth. Dried plant is
mixed with stored grain as an insect repellent. The leaves of
Trigonella polycerata L. are used as vegetable. Leaves and seeds are
used in obesity.
Fenugreek is a popular ingredient of bred in Egypt and Ethiopia. This
plant has been mentioned in early literature as a hypoglycemic
andante infammatory agent.
Antiarthritic property of methi seed powder is widely known in many
parts of India. It forms an important medicinal use of the plant in
rheumatic disorders and spondylosis. This drug is also used for
chronic bronchitis and hepato and splenomegaly in the unani system
of medicine.
169: Tylophora indica (Burm.f) Merrill
(Dam Vel)
Botanical Name: Tylophora indica (Burm.f) Merril

Synonym: Telophora asthmatica L.
Local Names
Gujarati: Dam-vel
Sanskrit: Lataksiri
Hindi: Dam vel, Jangali pikvam
Tamil: Naippalai, Nancaruppan
English: Emeticswallow-wory,Indian or Country ipeacacuanha.
Telugu: Vettipala, VErripala, Tellayadala,Kakapala.
Introduction
This plant is slender laticiferous climber with much branching. Roots are
long feshy and knotty. Flowers are arranged in umbel inforescence. They are
greenish yellow outside and purplish within. Pedicels fliform with a number
of fliform hairy bracts at their base. Leaves are simple, opposite and ovate to
orbicular, cordate sometimes apiculate, glabrous or acuminate, more or less
pubescent beneath. Fruits are fusiform, divaricate, glabrous, follicles tapering
to a fine point at the apex. Seeds are with coma, they are ovate type.
This plant is distributed throughout in India. It is wildly grown in open
forest in India upto 900 meters. This plant is seen growing naturally in the
moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests of India. It comes up on variety of
soils, prefers moist loamy soil and tolerates partial shade.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated by seeds or by vegetative propagation method.
Seeds are collected and sown in the polybags. Seeds germinate fast. The
plants will be ready for planting in the feld within 5 to 6 months period. It can
be raised with other tree crops well. These plants are allowed to climb on old
trees. Manuring and watering is good for plant. Harvesting can be done in 2
years. Before harvesting the roots of the plants, another batch of plants can be
raised and planted near the supporting tree on the opposite side of the old
plants. By doing this second rotation crop is on its way before first crop is
harvested. The plants can be raised in similar manner as that of betel vine
plantation. Spacing between plant to plant is kept at 1m x 1m. The vines may
be allowed to climb Agathio (Sesbania grandifora) trees raised for this
purpose.

The leaves are harvested once in 3 months, and roots and stem are
harvested after 2 years. The leaves are plucked carefully without damaging
the main vine. An yield of 100 kg. of leaves per plucking can be obtained.
Similarly, an yield of 1000 kg of roots can be expected from one hectare
plantation. Thus a total yield of 500 kg. of leaves (5 pluckings) and 1000 kg.
of roots can be expected from one hectare plantation.
Dam-vel contains three alkloid. Two alkaloids are desmethyl tylophorine
and desmetyhyl tylophorinine. Third alkaloid is not identifed. It contains a
substance with emetic properties and essential oil. Leaves yield a-amyrin,
tylophorine, kaempterol and quercetin.

Leaves and roots are sweet, acrid and aromatic, purgative,
expectorant, vulnerary, diaphoretic, stomachic and antiviral.
They are useful in asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, dysentyery,
diarrhea, hydrophobia, wounds, ulcers, dyspepsia, flatulence,
haemorrhoids, gout, vitiated conditions of vata, cancerous tumours
and murine leukaemia.
170: Uraria picta Desv. (Prisna Parni)
Botanical Name: Uraria pricta Desv.

Family: Fabaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Prisna parni, Pilvan
English: Prisnaparni
Hindi: Dabra, Prisniparni, Prishtaparni, Chitraparni
Tamil: Sittirappaladai
Sanskrit: Prasniparni
Introduction
It is erect, little branched, perennial herb which gets height of 90-180 cm.
Leaves are variable and 1-3 foliate, they are 30 cm long and blotched white.
Leafets are 4-6 and linear, oblong or lanceolate, obtuse and mucronate with
subulate stipules. Flowers are purple in colour and are in dense, long
cylindrical, terminal racemes. Pods are 3-6 jointed and white in colour.
Distribution
Mostly plant belongs to dry grass lands, waste places and opens forest in
the sub Himalayan tract from Kashmir to West Bengal and Assam, upto
altitude of 1800m and all over the plains of India. In the world plant is
distributed in the Australia, Africa and Asia regions.
Cultivation
This plant is propagated by seeds only. It comes up throughout the
tropical India. It is freely propagating in the grass lands of India upto an
elevation of 1900 m and all plains. It grows on variety of soils. It tolerates
shade to some extent. This plant is propagated easily by seed. The area is
ploughed thoroughly after adding farm yard manure, at the rate of 50
cartloads per hectare. Having got a fine tilth of the soil, ridges and furrows
are made in the feld at a distance of 50 cm. The seeds collected from the
older plantation are sown on the ridges continuously at the beginning of the
monsoon. After germination is over, excess plants from the lines are thinned
out, so that the plants are spaced at 30 cm distance. The area is regularly
weeded. After the plants attain 15-20cm height, super phosphate is applied at
the rate of 100 kg/ha during the rainy season only. In the next May. i.e., after
11 months, the plants are uprooted and the roots are obtained.

The area is ploughed to take out the roots easily. The roots are cleanced
and cut into smaller pieces of 10 cm, long dried and bundled. A production of
1000 kg of roots per ha can be expected.

The plant is one of the components of Dashmoola and is credited
with fracture healing properties.
Its total extract has been found to effect better and quicker healing of
fractures in the experimental animals due to early accumulation of
phosphorus and more deposition of calcium.
Roots contain aphrodisiac activity and they are given to the patients
of coughts, chills and fevers.
171: Urtica dioica L. (Bichhu)
Botanical Name: Urtica dioca L.

Family: Urticaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Bichhu, Bichhudo
Hindi: Bichuu, Bhuti, Bichua, Chichery
English: Stinging nettle, Nettle
Introduction
This is perennial shrub which gets height of 1.5m with lance-shaped
leaves green flowers with yellow stamens in axillary cymes. Leaves are ovate
or lanceolate; usually they are cordate and serrate. Flowers are greenish and
they are arranged in axillary cymes.
Distribution
This plant is mostly found in deciduous and semi evergreen forests of
Himalayas, Western ghats and Peninsula. It comes up in cool and sheltered
pockets. Although it comes up on variety of soils. It avoids saline soils.
Nettle is seen in the temperate regions throughout the northern hemisphere,
southern Africa, the Andes and Australia. In India this plant is found in the
most of the areas where there are hills and mountains.
Cultivation
This plant likes to grow in cool climate. It does not like saline soil
although it can be grown in any kind of soils. It is propagated by seeds. As an
inter crop, it can be raised in old tree orchards. The area is ploughed
thoroughly and ridges and furrows are formed at 1m. distance in parallel
lines. The seeds are dibbed on the ridges at a distance of 1 m. at the
beginning of monsoon. The seeds germinate soon. When seedlings obtain
height of 15 cm, weeding is carried out. The plants are given fertilizers.
Generally urea is utilized at the rate of 10 grams per plant during August.
Harvesting
In the month of April/May plants are uprooted. The leaves, roots, stems
etc. are separated and dried in shade.
Yield
On an average 1000 kg of leaves, 1000 kg of roots and 100 kg of seeds
are expected from one hectare of plantation.

The irritant property of the nettle has long been used externally to
excite activity of paralyses limbs, and internally for treatment of
haematoptysis and other haemorrhagea.
It is used in the treatment of vomiting of blood, uterine haemorrhage,
bleeding from the nose, sciatica, rheumatism and pasly.
In the treatment of paralysis, fresh bundle of twings are used for
slapping or pricking the patient once or more in a day.
172: Vernonia anthelmintica Linn. (Kali
Jiri)
Botanical Name: Vernonia anthelmintica Linn.

Family: Asteraceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Kali jiri
Hindi: Kali jiri
Introduction
This plant is erect herb which gets height of 0.75 -2 meter. Leaves are
lanceolate, acute, serrate, tapering into long petiole. They have 5-12 X 2.5-5
cm size. Outer involucral bracts are herbaceous. Corolla are regular, tubular,
purple and green in colour.
Papppus is reddish or whitish, the outer row is very short and inner row
is of fattened hairs. They are generally shorter than corollas. Achenes gets
height upto 6 mm, they are 10 ribbed and pubescent. Test is bitter. Flowering
time for plant is October to December.
Distribution
This is plant of desert and semi desert area. It is found in the Western
part of India particularly in Gujrat, Rajasthan and some areas of Madhya
Pradesh. In the Gujrat this plant is seen in Saurastra areas like Porbandar and
Junagadh. It is found in the Barada hills and Giranar forest.
Cultivation
Cultivation of this plant is done through seed propagation.

This plant is used wildly for medicinal value. Seeds are acrid,
astringent to bowels anthelmiontic. They are applied in ulcers, skin
diseases, leucoderma and fevers.
Seeds are purgative also so they are used in asthma, kidney troubles,
and hiccup like problems.
They are also applied in infammatory swelling. They are used to
remove blood from liver, good for sores and itching of eyes.
173: Vitex negundo Linn. (Nagod)
Botanical Name: Vitex negundo Linn.

Family: Verbinaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Nagod,
Hindi: Nirgundi, Samhalu, Saubhalu
English: Five leaved chaste tree
Sanskrit: Nirgundi
Tamil: Nirkundi, Nallanocci
Telugu: Nallavavili, Vavili, Tellavacili
Introduction
This plant is available throughout India and waste lands upto 1500m
height. It is an aromatic large shrub or small tree of about 3m in height with
quadrangular branches. Bark is fssured and they are found in river bends.
Leaves are opposite, exstipulate, long petioled and digitately 3-5 foliate, all
leafets with middle one longer, flowers bluish purple in panicles upto 30 cm
long, fruits are globose or ovoid or obovoid. They are four seeded drupe. It
becomes black when ripe.

This plant is grown throughout India. It is most common plant found in
river beds of dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests and wastelands of
India. It is also grown upto elevation of 1500 m. It grows well on all types of
soil but prefers alluvial fats.
Cultivation
It is most common in the river beds of dry deciduous and moist
deciduous forests and wastelands of India. It can be grown on all types of
soils. But it is best grown in rich alluvial soils. This plant can be propagated
easily by branch cuttings of slightly matured branch. It should be of ‘1-2 cm
in diameter and 15-20 cm in length. These cuttings are planted in polypots
during month of November-December. Water is given regularly. Cuttings
sprouts very soon and it will be ready for transplanting in the feld by the end
of May. The soil should be ploughed thoroughly and furrows are made at 1
m. distance. At the onset of monsoon generally in the first week of June, the
nursery plants are transplanted in the feld in furrows at 1m. distance. The
plants establish soon and start growing. In summer, the plants are watered
two to three times. By the end of first year, the plants get height of 1.5 to 2m
and will be ready for exploitation. Since this is a perennial crop, there is no
need to replace the crop for several years. After every picking of leaves, one
watering is recommended.
Harvesting
The leaves can be harvested from the 2nd year. Leaves are plucked 3-4
times in a year. The leaves may be plucked from the aerial shoots of the
plants or aerial shoots can be cut, dried and leaves are separated. After the
leaves are collected, they are dried under shade for 3-4 days and packed in
plastic bags.
Yield
A production of 3000 kg leaves can be expected from one hactare of
plantation.

The leaves are useful in vitiated conditions of vata, kaphajajvara,
cephalagia, sprains, orchitis, gout, splenohepatomegaly, ottorrhoea,
infammations and ulcers. The bark is useful in diarrhea, cholera,
fever, haemorrhages, hepatopathy and cardiac disorders.
Leaves contain two alkaloid nishindine and hydrocotylene. Fresh
leaves yield pale greenish yellow oil.
A decoction of leaves and vapours are employed in bath for the
treatment of febrile, catarrhal and rheumatic affections. Decoction of
the leaves arrests the development of swelling of joints and sprains.
The juice of leaves is said to be useful for the treatment of foetid
discharges. The drug possesses tranquilising effect. An ointment
made from the juice is applied as a hair tonic.
Leaves possess insecticidal properties and are used to ward off insets
in grains. The freshly collected leaves on steam distillation, yield a
pale greenish yellow oil
Powdered root is pale yellow. The root possesses tonic, febrifugal,
expectorant and diuretic properties. They are used in dyspepsia and
rheumatism and also for boils. The powdered root is prescribed as an
anthelmintic and as demulcent in dysentery and also for piles.
174: Withania somniferum Dunal.
(Ashwagandha)
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera Dunal.

Family: Solanaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Ashwanagandha
Hindi: Askandhatilli, Asgandh, Punir
English: Winter cherry
Sanskrit: Ashwagandha, Varahkarni
Tamil: Amukkira, Amukkiran, Kizhangu
Telugu: Paneru, Pulivendram
Introduction
This plant is erect, herbaceous, evergreen, tomentose shrub and 130-150
cm high. All its parts are clothed with whitish, stellate hairs. Branching is
extensive, the leaf is ovate, entire, and thin, its base is cuneate and is densely
hairy beneath. Flowers are bisexual, greenish or lurid yellow, axillary, in
clusters of about 25 forming umbellate cymes, sessile or sub-sessile. The
fruits are angled, pubescent with persistent calyx. The fruits turn orange red
in colour when they mature. The seeds are yellow in colour and reniform in
shape. The fowering season is from July to September and the ripe fruits are
available in December.
A variety Jawahar Asgandh-20 has been released from a single plant
selection from the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Regional
Agricultral Research Station, Mandsaur (M.P.) This variety has recorded the
highest dry-root yield, consistently over the others.

This plant suits sub tropical and tropical regions. It is planted in late
rainy season and prefers dry weather for its successful growth. It is found in
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and
Gujarat. Ashwagandha is found wild in grazing ground in Mandsaur and the
forestlands in Bastar district of Madya Pradesh, all over the foot hills of the
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh, in Himalayas. It is
also found in the wild in the Mediterranean region in North Africa. Another
species Withania congulans Dunal, a rigid gray under shrub, 60-120 cm high
is found growing wild in Punjab, Sindh and neighbouring regions. In India W.
somnifera is cultivated in 4,000 ha. in India, mainly in the drier parts.
Cultivation
This plant suits dry climate and sub tropical regions. It is planted during
the late rainy season and prefers dry weather for its successful growth. In
these conditions, 1-2 late winter rains are enough for its roots to develop
fully. Places, which receive 660-750 mm of rain fall, are suitable for its
cultivation. It grows well in sandy loam or light red soils with good organic
matter and drainage. Under such soil condition, it is also easy to dig the roots
out without damaging them. The soil should not have sepage problem and
should not be saline. Seed propagation is good method. The crop can be
grown directly by sowing seeds into the feld, as well as by raising seedlings
and transplanting them.
Seed Propagation
In the monsoon season seeds are sown by broadcasting method. After
receiving one or two showers, the feld is thoroughly prepared, divided into
plots of convenient sizes and the seeds are sown during the second week of
July. When the seedlings are to be raised for transplanting, they should be
sown in well prepared, raised nursery beds. About 5 kg of seeds are required
to provide enough seedlings for sowing one hectare land. To avoid nursery
disease, treatment of Dithane M-45 at the rate of 3g/kg of seeds before
sowing. The seeds in the nursery beds are sown in lines spaced at 5 cm and
covered with light soil. The germination commences within 6-7 days of
sowing and in about 10 days after sowing complete germination take place.
When the seedlings are 6 weeks old and sufficiently tall they are transplanted
in 60 cm spaced rows, 60 cm apart in good land.
Irrigation and Weeding

The crop needs no more fertilizers and manure. No frequent irrigation is
required for good growth but weeding is done by time to time. The directly
sown crop is thinned at 25-30 days to maintain a plant population of 20,000
to 25,000 per hectare.
Harvesting
Harvesting is carried out in the month of January and continuous till
March. For harvesting first dig the soil using tractor and collect the roots.
Roots are separated from the stem. The crop matures within 150-170 days
after sowing. The maturity of the crop is judged by the drying out of the
leaves and the berries turning red. The entire plant is uprooted and the roots
are separated from the aerial parts by cutting stem 1-2 cm above the crown.
They are then transversely cut into smaller pieces of 7-10 cm for drying.
Occasionally the roots are dried as a whole. The berries are plucked from the
dried plants are threshed to obtain the seeds.
Yield
An average yield of 300 to 500 kg of dried roots and 50 to 75 kg of seeds
can be obtained from one hactare. The roots are being sold in the market at
the rate of 50-60 per kg. Good crop of Ashwagandha gives 10-15 quintals of
dry root per hectare. The market rate of these roots is Rs. 40-60/- per kg. It is
used in large quantities by Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacies. They should be
contacted for the sale of the produce.

There are no serious pests infesting this crop. But following are some of
the diseases which are known to disturb the growth of plant.
(1) Damping Off and Seed Lig Rot
Casual organism: Alternaria alternate (Fr.) keissler.
Symptoms: damping off and seedling rot mortality caused serious
damdage to the crop. The plant population is drastically reduced which
resulted in reduced root yield. The infected plants turned yellowish and
finally dried up. In case of damping off, the leaves of affected plants showed
mottling followed by necrotic lesions, curling and burnt margins. In severe
cases of infection whole plant was burnt and died. This can be prevented by
use of fungicidal treatment of seeds for the control of seedling diseases.
Deltan, Dithane M45, Brassicol and Bavistin could protect the seedlings.
(2) Leaf Blight and Dieback
Casual organism: Alternaria alternate (Fr.) Keissler.
Symptoms: Characteristic symptoms of the disease are the appearance of
small light brown spots on leaves and flowers, which are enlarged, coalesced
resulting in blight symptoms. In case of dieback, the disease caused necrosis
of tender twings from the tip backwards. The entire branch or the top of the
plant withered. The dead twings were grayish brown or straw coloured in the
advanced stage of infection. This can be prevented by use of seeds from
disease free plant, spraying of the crop with fungicides, such as Dithane M-
45 (0.3 per cent) or Rovaral (0. 2 per cent) have been found to check spread
of the disease. Seed dressings by suitable fungicides have also been found to
control the disease to a large extent during the early stage.

Whole plant is useful medicinally. Roots contain starch, reducing
sugar, hentriacontane, glycosides, dulcitol, withanicil (0.08 per cent),
an acid and neutral compound. Withaniol was later found to be a
mixture of two withanolides and the minor component remained
unidentifed.
The free amino acids identifed in the roots include aspartic acid,
glycine, tyrosine, alanine, praline, tryptophan, glutamic acid and
cysteine.
The roots of South African variety yield small amount of light
brown, pungent volatile oil. Root is given in the form of a decoction
as well to cure scrofula and constipation.
Roots are mostly used for curing rheumatism and dyspepsia. In
Punjab they are used to relieve joint pain.
Green fruits contain high proportion of the amino acids. The fruits
and seeds are diuretic in nature.
The commercial drug consists of the dired roots of W.somnofere,
which occur in small pieces 10 to 17.5 cm long and 6.12 mm in
diameter. Base of the stem is also used.
Ashwagandha is mentioned as an important drug in ancient
Ayurvedic literature. Several types of alkaloids are found in this
plant, especially in roots.
The total alkaloid content in the roots of the Indian types has been
reported to vary between 0.13 to 0.31 per cent though higher yield
have been recorded elsewhere.
175: Zingiber officinale Rose. (Aadu)
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale Rose.

Family: Zingiberaceae
Local Names
Gujarati: Aadu, Adarakh
Hindi: Adarakh, Ada
Sanskrit: Viswabhesaja
English: Ginger, Zingiber
Tamil: Inchi
Telugu: Allamu, Ardrakamu
Introduction
Ginger is herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant with underground
modifed stem. It gets height of 90 cm when it becomes fully grown. The herb
develops several lateral shoots in clumps. Leaves are 15-30 cm long and 2-3
cm broad, with sheathing bases, the blade gradually tapering to a point. The
rhizomes are aromatic and thick which are pale yellow in colour. Leaves are
simple and alternate distinchous narrow, oblong lanceolate. The ginger of
commerce is the dry product of the rhizome. Flowers are borne on a spike,
condensed, oblong and cylindrical with numerous scar bracts. They are
numerous, bisexual, epigynous, yellow in colour with dark purplish spots.
Stamens are only one, ovary is inferior, three carpel led. Fruits are oblong
and capsule type. Seeds are glabrous and fairly large. India is largest
producer of ginger, accounting for 50 per cent of the total world production.
Other major ginger producing countries are Jamaica, Niegeria, Sierra Leone,
Thailand, Taiwan, China etc.

This plant is believed to be originated from the tropical South-East Asia.
Later it was introduced into West Indies, Africa and other warmer parts of the
world. Ginger was described as amedicinal plant in India and China long ago.
It was known as Zanzabil. The plant was used by Greek and Romans as a
spice. Jamaican ginger, which is widely used now, propably was introduced
into the islands by the Spanish travelers. The plant is distributed in the
Bangla Desh, Taiwan, Jamaica, Nigefa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and South
East Asian countries. In India, it grows well in the warmer and moist areas. It
is grown into Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan,
Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bangal, Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram and Sikkim. Kerala is the major ginger producing State in India
particularly the Wynad area.
Cultivation
Generally it is cultivated in tropical and sub tropical regions. The crop
needs good rainfall and high temperature during the growing period. In South
West India it is grown as rainfed crop in the regions having 250 cm annual
rainfall. In India, it is grown in the plains of Kerala and upto an altitude of
1300-1600 m in the Himalayas. Light sandy loam soil are best suited for
growing ginger. Stiff clays or coarse sandy soils are unsuitable. It should be
rich in fertility, since ginger is an exhaustive crop. Water logged condition is
not so good. Propagation is done by rhizomes. Each rhizome bit contains an
eye or a bud 2.5 cm long. Large sized rhizomed (45-75 cm gives better yield
than planting small sized rhizomes. The selected rhizomes from the previous
years crops are planted during March-April. In the case of irrigated crop,
planting is done from December to January in kerala, where feld is formed
into beds and a spacing of 30cm is given between the row and 15-20cm in the
raw. Land is ploughed thoroughly and thrown into ridges. Planting materials
are planted a few cm below the surface at 20-30 cm apart. They are given
treat ment of agallol (100 g) before planting. Leaves are spread over as mulch
to keep the soil moist to a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm.

Harvesting is done when stalks begin to wither and dry. It matures early.
Care is taken not to injure the rhizome. The hand i.e. complete rhizome and
adherent roots are piled in heaps. The fberous roots are broken off and the
soil and dirt are removed immediately as otherwise it is difficult to get the
finished ginger white. The crop is harvested in December to January which is
generally 8 months of planting. When there is great demand for ginger in the
market early harvest is done. Damage is less when the crop is harvested 15-
20 days earlier than at full maturity. The average yield of green ginger is
about 20-25 tones per hecter.
Fertilizers and Mulching
Farm yard manure is very useful for the growth of ginger plant. 75 kg N,
50 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O/ha are useful for the better growth. Nitrogen and
potassium are supplied in two equal splits at 60 days and 120 days after
planting. The whole quantity of P is given as basal application. Application
of leaf mulch during planting and six weeks leter using a total of 20 tonnes of
green leaves per ha. resulted in 200 per cent increase in yield over the non
mulched crop. Mulching with 15 tonnes of green leaves was sufficient under
Wynad conditions.
Preparation of Dry Ginger
Green ginger is washed thoroughly in water twice or thrice and then is
soaked in water for a day. Next day the skin of the rhizome is peeled off
carefully against the coir or small cot and or with sharp bamboo knives. Care
is taken to remove only the thin outer skin. Otherwise the cells below will get
damaged and loss of essential oil will result. Peeling can be done effectively
and safely by keeping the rhizomes inside the rotating wire mesh drums.
After peeling, the ginger is washed and dried in the sun. The bleached ginger
is obtained by soaking in 3 per cent lime water for a few minutes and then
fumigated with sulfer and then dried. This process is repeated once or twice
to get a fully bleached white product. The recovery of dry ginger is 18 to 20
hours.
Diesease and Prevention

It is affected by following insects and diseases.
1. Soft Rot Disease: During storage rhizomes rots are produced due to
Pythium aphanidermatum. It is serious disease which causes 50-80
per cent lost. It is prevented by 0.25 per cent wettable cerasan.
2. Yellow Disease: The foliar yellowing occurs which starts from the
lower leaves and goes upwards. The plants wilt and dry up but do not
fall on the ground in contrast to soft rot and bacterial wilt affected
ginger. Rhizomes show creamy discolouration of the vascular system
and cortical rot. The infected plants appear stunted with root rot and
rhizome formation is affected. They show varying degrees of decay.
For preventing this disease seed rhizomes are applied to the fungicide
in the solution of Dithane M-45 (0.3 per cent) or benalate for two
hours followed by two soil drenchings. One at the time of sowing and
the second by 15th day of sowing.
3. Pests Diseases: This is an important pest of ginger. The grub bores
into the shoot and kills the plant. This is occurred because of
Conogethes punctiferalis. It is controlled by spraying 0.05 per cent
endrin.

Rhizomes are used as spice and condiment, and are also used in
medicines as carminative and digestive stimulant. Essential oil,
obtained from rhizomes, is used for favouring purposes.
Ginger has a distinct spicy penetrating favour and is largely used in
the manufacture of ginger pill, ginger essence, ginger oleoresin or
gingerin. Besides, starch from spent ginger, ginger soft drinks or
nonalcoholic drinks, vitaminised effervescent ginger powder for use
in soft drinks, ginger candy, lime ginger, pickles and ginger as a
favourant in some food products are the various products of ginger.
It contains 0.25 to 3 per cent volatile oil of light yellow colour. Its
manufacture for use in gingerale in USA and gingerbeer in England
demand, import of considerable ground ginger annually.
Ginger contains 1-2 per cent volatile oil and 5-8 per cent resinous
matter, starch and mucilage. The oil of ginger is mixture of over 24
constituents, consisting of monoterpenes.
The pungent component is gingerol, formed in the plant from
phenylalnine, malonate and hexanoate. Minor constituents of an
extract are gingreniols, methylgingediol, gingeryldiacetates and
methyl gingediacetates.
The main products from ginger are ginger powder, gingiber oil and
crystallized ginger and candied ginger.
Dry ginger is used for manufacture of several products such as ginger
oil, ginger oleoresin, ginger essence, soft drink of non alcoholic
beverages and vitaminised effervescent ginger powders used in soft
drinks. It is used as favourant in some food products like pies,
cookes, cakes biscuits and spiced animal food.
References
Agharkar, S.P. (1953). Gazetteer of Bombay State. General-A, Botany Pt. I- Medicinal
Plants, Bombay.
Anonymous (1966). Wealth of India, Raw materials, 7 vols, New Delhi
B.P.C.(1963). The British Pharmaceutical Codex, London.
Bhandari, Chandraraj (1957). Vanaushadhi Chandrodaya, Varanasi, 10 Parts (Hindi).
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Appendix I:
GLOSSARY [BOTANICAL TERMS]
Achene: Single seeded, unicellular, dry, indehiscent fruit also called

caryopsis
Acuminate: Long, pointed, gradually tapering towards apex
Amplexicaule: Encircling of the node by leaf bases
Apex: Tip, uppermost part
Apices (apex): Top
Aristate: Ending in bristle or awn
Articulate: Jointed
Bracteole: A small bract or leaf structures below perianth in afower
Bulbils: Vegetative propagative spherical structure arising atthe leaf base (as
in Dioscorea bulbifera)
Caducous: Falling soon
Campanulate: Bell-shaped
Capitulum: Head-shaped inforescence, as in Asteraceae
Cauline: Arising from stem
Cladodes: Modification of dwarf branches into leaf-like structure
Clasping: Wrapping
Comose: With long, white bunch of hair
Cordate: Heart-shaped
Coriaceous: Thick, stiff
Corm: A stem modification, underground spherical inshape with reserve
food material
Corona: Bundle of hair between corolla and stamens arisingfrom base of the
corolla
Cuneate: Wedge-shaped, tapering towards base
Cuspidate: Tapering to long point at tip
Cyme: Arrangement of flowers with older fower on topand younger fower
towards base
Diadelphous: Stamen divided into two groups 9+1 as in Fabaceae
Didymous: Two-sized (flament of stamens)
Dioceous: Male and female flowers on different plants
Discoid: Disc-shaped
Ellipsoid: Eclipse-shaped
Emarginate: Deeply and irregularly notched at apex
Entemophylous: Pollinated by insects
Entire: Even margin, complete margin, no cut or lobationon margin (of
leaves)
Epigynous: Ovary seated above perianth
Exstipulate: Without stipule, a leafy structure at the base of leaf
Extrose: Facing outward
Fascicled: Clustered at one point
Fluted: Hollow
Follicle: Dry dehiscent fruit opening only by ventral suture
Fragrant: Emitting sweet smell
Gamo petalous: Petals united with each other
Gamo sepalous: Sepals united with each other
Gamo tepallus: Perianth united with each other
Glabrous: Without any hairy structure
Gregarious: Very long – robust, profuge
Gynaecium: Female part of fower having ovary, style, and stigma
Heart wood: Central hardest part of wood/trunk
Hypogynous: Ovary inferior, sepals, petals, and stamen above theovary
Imbricate: Arrangement of corolla with two outer, one inner,and two with
one side outer other side inner
Imparipinnate: Leafet in odd number on top
Lanceolate: Shape of convex lens
Latex: Oozing milky sap
Lenticellate: Slit-like raised cortical structure on the branches
Linear: Very narrow, like a line
Lomentum: Single seeded cell of pod, septate, and constrictedbetween two
seeds
Moniliform: Beaded in a row like a garland
Monoecious: Unisexual, male and female flowers on the same plant
Mucronate: Small projection at the apex (acume)
Oblong: Longer than broad with narrowing margin towards base
Obpyramidal: Inverted pyramid shaped
Obsolete: Minute or wanting
Obtuse: Blunt top (apex)
Orbicular: Almost circular
Ovate: Egg shaped
Pedicel: Stalk of fower
Pedicillate: Stalked flowers
Peduncle: Stalk of inforescence
Perianth: Vegetative covering of sexual organ in fower,sometime
differentiated into calyx and corolla
Peripinnate: Leafet in even number
Pesticide: An agent that kills unwanted plants and insects
Pinnate: Compound leaf with leafets arranged on samerhachis at length
Polyhederal: Many faced, many angled
Procumbent: Creeping on ground then rising up
Pubescent: Carpeting of small soft hair
Radical: Arising from stem base (leaves or branches)
Reniform: Almost kidney-shaped
Reticulate: Weaved
Rhizome: Subterranean part between stem and root bearingbuds that may be
used as a propagative part
Rhomboid: Quadrihedral with only opposite angles equal
Sarmentose: Growing among bushes, with long fexuous runners
Scandent: Weak plants that need support; climbing withoutany climbing
organ, and so on
Serrate: Margin of leaf cut into saw-shaped structure,pointing upwards
Sessile: Without any stalk
Sinuate: Wavy margins
Spathulate: Service spoon shaped
Spike: Sessile flowers arranged on peduncle
Staminode: Barren stamen (infertile anthers)
Stellate: Star-shaped arrangement of short stiff hair (trichomes)
Stipitate: Stalked
Striate: Marked with vertical lines
Succulent: Thick, soft, and juicy
Suffruticose : A herb becoming perennial at base and herbaceousat apices
Syncarpous: Fused carpels
Terete: Lined
Terrestrial: Growing in soil
Tomentose: Dense, soft, layer of hair or cotton easily scraped off
Truncate: Flat topped
Tuber: A swollen, subterranean root containing reservefood material
Turbinate: Tube shaped
Variegated: Spotted with various colour
Villous: Long soft shaggy hair
Whorl: Arising more than two from one node (leaf or branches)
Zygomorphic: Asymmetrical plain of flowers not divisible intoequal halves
Appendix-II:
GLOSSARY [MEDICINAL TERMS]
Abortifacient: A drug that induces foetus expulsion

Alexiteric: Developing resistance against infectious diseases
Alterative: A drug that alters body condition by improvingmetabolism; used
against long effect of a medicine
Amenorrhoea: Failure of menstruation
Analgesic: Pain killer
Anodyne: A drug used to allay pain
Antacid: To neutralize acidic effect in abdomen
Anthelmintic: A drug used to expel or destroy intestinal worms
Antibronchial: Working against respiratory track infection andcongestion
Antiemetic: A drug used to control vomiting
Antihistaminic: A drug used for controlling skin irritation and itching
caused due to increase of blood histamine
Anti-infammatory: A drug used to cure swellings
Antiperiodic: A drug that prevents recurrence of a disease. Used against
malarial fever
Antiphlogestic: An agent used for reducing or subsiding infammations
Antipyretic: A drug or a medicine used to lower bodytemperature in fever
Anti-rheumatic: A drug used against joint pain and swellings
Antirhinitis: Clearing of nasal mucous by subsiding nasalmembrane
infammation
Antiseptic: Prevention of putrefaction or sepsis of woundsand cuts
Antispasmodic: A medicine that releases nervous irritability and reduces
spasm or convulsion
Antitussive: A drug controlling cough
Aperient: Mild laxative/cathartic
Aphrodisiac: Drug increasing the sexual desire and longevity
Appetizer: Increasing digestion and hunger
Aromatic: An agent that emits sweet smell
Astringent: A drug that contracts the muscular membrane
Bronchodiltaor: A drug that widens the trachea, thus easingcongestion
Carminative: A drug that releases intestinal gases or fatulence
Catarrhal: Mucous membrane infammation with excessive secretion of
mucous
Cathartic: Drastic purgative, totally expelling rectal stool
Cholagogue: A drug inducing excessive secretion of bile juice
Colic: Severe spasmodic and gripping pain in colon region
Demulcent: Soothing medicine for digestive function
Depurant: Purifer
Diaphoretic: Drug inducing perspiration
Diuretic: Increasing urination frequency
Dysmenorrhoea: Painful menstrual fow
Dyspepsia: Indigestion with gastric pain
Emmenagogue: A drug that restores regularity in menstrual cycle
Epilepsy: An affectation of the nervous system resulting fromexcessive or
disordered discharge of cerebral neurons
Expectorant: A drug expelling phlegm from trachea
Febrifuge: A drug used to cure fever
Galactagogue: Increasing and activating mammary gland
Geriatric: Pertaining to old age
Gleet: Chronic discharge from vagina
Gonorrhoea: Infammation of the gentio-urinary passage withpain and
discharges
Gout: A purine metabolic disease with raised level ofserum uric acid (blood
urea)
Gynaecological : Pertaining to female genital organ
Haemophilic: Loss of blood coagulation property in which bloodcontinues to
fow on cuts
Haemoptypsies: Spitting of blood
Haemorrhage: Bleeding piles
Haemostatic: Blood coagulant, preventing bleeding
Hydrogogue: Promoting expulsion of water or serum
Hyper lipidemia: Reducing fat on joints
Hypoglycaemic: Lowering blood sugar
Hypotensive: Lowering blood pressure
Hysteria: Neurotic attack with unusual activities and symptoms
Insomnia: Sleeplessness
Lactagogue: Increasing milk secretion
Laxative: Smoothening rectal wall and loosening the stool
Leucorrhoea: White fuid discharge from vagina
Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual fow
Neuropathy: Diseases related to CNS (central nervous system)
Oedima: Infammation
Ophthalmic: Pertaining to eye diseases like conjunctivitis
Orchitis: Infammation of testis with hypertrophy and pain
Paraplegia: Paralysis, loss of ability to move or feel in the lowerpart of body
Phlegm: Mucous secretion in respiratory track
Post-natal: After child birth
Pruritus: Skin itching
Purgative: Loosening stool to help exersion, thus curingconstipation
Refrigerant: Cooling effect
Rejuvinative: Antiageing, prolonging life
Resolvant: Causing resolution of a tumor or swelling
Rubifacient: Producing counter effect on external application
Scrofula: Tubercular cervical adenitis, with or without ulceration
Sedative: Central nervous system depressant in which a personis made calm
or asleep
Stomachic: A drug used for improving digestion
Styptic: Blood purifer
Thermogenic: Producing heat offer metabolism
Thrombosis: A blockage preventing the fow of blood in the bodycaused by
clot
Tranquilizer: A drug used to calm a person and reduce mental activity
Urticaria: Nettle rashes on skin
Vermifuge: Expelling or destroying intestinal worms
Vertigo: Dizziness, a feeling of spinning

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Medicinal Plants

Cultivation and Uses

Dr. R.N. Nakar is currently working as Assistant Professor in

Dr. H.L. Dhaduk is currently working as Associate Professor in

Dr. V.P. Chovatia is currently working as Principal, College of

Dr. R.N. Nakar

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Dr. R.N. Nakar

India is considered to be hub of medicinal plants. The use of these plants

Dr. R.N. Nakar

Description of Medicinal Plants

Medicinal Plants in different System of Medicines

Medicinal Plants and Diseases

Medicinal Plants Cultivation

Conservation of Medicinal Plants

(1) In situ Conservation

(2) Ex situ Conservation

(4) Rules for Proper Identification and Botanical

(5) Public Awareness

(6) Promote Cultivation

Botanical Name: Abelmoschus manihot Linn.

Origin and Distribution

Handling after Harvest

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Abelmoschus moschatus

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Abrus precatorius Linn.

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Abuliton indicum Linn.

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Acacia catechu (L.f) Wild

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Acacia nilotica Delile.

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Acanthospermum hispidum DC.

Botanical Name: Aconitum ferox Wall.ex.Ser

Harvesting and Yield

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Achyranthes aspera L.

Origin and Distribution

Harvesting and Yield

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Adansonia digitata L.

Diseases and Prevention

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Adenanthera pavonina L.

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Uses

Botanical Name: Adhatoda vasica Nees

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Adiantum veneris Linn.

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance

Botanical Name: Aegle marmelos correa ex Roxb.

Origin and Distribution

Medicinal and Economic Importance