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| Species name | Species name# | Common name | Name in Hindi | Introdescription | Commercial application | Plant commercial part | Commercial use description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barleria prionitis | Barleria prionitis | Porcupine flower | वज्राद्नती Vajradanti | ''Barleria prionitis'' or Vajradanti has been used in India for a long time for many medicinal purposes. Its chief use is in treating oral disorders like gingivitis, dental caries and is commonly used in Ayurvedic mouthwashes, creams and pastes. | Medicinal use Cosmetic use Ornamental use | Entire plant Root Leaves Flower | The plant is used in several parts of the world as an ornamental plant. In India, it is found in many dental products and skin creams. |
| Boerhavia diffusa | Boerhavia diffusa | Red hogweed, Tar Vine, Red Spiderling, Wineflower | Punarnava, Satha | ''Boerhavia diffusa'' is a weed growing in many parts of India. It had edible leaves. Roots of this plant are used by many tribes in India for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The name ''Punarnava'' means that which rejuvenates. This plant is an ingredient of Dabur Chawanprash. | Human consumption Animal consumption Medicinal use | Entire plant Root Leaves | |
| Boswellia serrata | Boswellia serrata | Indian Olibanum | Kundur, Luban, Salai | ''Boswellia serrata'' is Indian frankincense. It is also called Salai in Hindi and Indian Olibanum in English. It is found in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Andhara Pradesh in India. In Ayurvedic medicine, this plant has been used for hundreds of years for treating arthritis. | |||
| Catharanthus roseus | Catharanthus roseus | Tiny Periwinkle, Vinca | सदाबहार Sadabaha | ''Catharanthus'' is a genus of eight species, mostly annuals and perennials native to Madagascar. Only ''C. roseus'' is widely cultivated. popular varieties include '''Cooler Series, Pacifica seres,Pacifica Punch,Parasol,Pretty Series and Pretty Series "Pretty in Rose"'''.(Source:AHS Encyclopedia) | Medicinal use Ornamental use | ||
| Cedrus deodara | Cedrus deodara | Deodar Cedar | देओदार | These are evergreen conifers known for their ornamental value and broadly used as timber. their wood has aromatic smell with red or red-tinged colour and is decay-resistant and insect-repellent. | Medicinal use Ornamental use Wood | Stem Bark | It is widely grown as an ornamental tree, much planted in parks and large gardens for its drooping foliage. General cultivation is limited to areas with mild winters, with trees frequently killed by temperatures below about −25 °C. The most cold-tolerant trees originate in the northwest of the species' range in Kashmir and Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Named cultivars from this region include 'Eisregen', 'Eiswinter', 'Karl Fuchs', 'Kashmir', 'Polar Winter', and 'Shalimar'. Deodar is in great demand as building material because of its durability, rot-resistant character and fine, close grain, which is capable of taking a high polish. Its historical use to construct religious temples and as landscape around temples is well recorded. Its rot-resistant character also makes it an ideal wood for constructing the famous houseboats of Srinagar, Kashmir. In India, during the British colonial period, deodar wood was used extensively for construction of barracks, public buildings, bridges, canals and railway cars. The curative properties of Deodar are well recorded in Indian Ayurvedic medicines. The inner wood is aromatic and used to make incense. Inner wood is distilled into essential oil. As insects avoid this tree, the essential oil is used as insect repellent on the feet of horses, cattle and camels. It also has antifungal properties and has some potential for control of fungal deterioration of spices during storage. Cedar oil is often used for its aromatic properties, especially in aromatherapy. It has a characteristic woody odour which may change somewhat in the course of drying out. The crude oils are often yellowish or darker in colour. Its applications cover soap perfumes, household sprays, floor polishes and insecticides and is also used in microscope work as a clearing oil. |
| Ceratopteris pteridoides | Ceratopteris pteridoides | Floating antlerfern | ''Ceratopteris'' species are aquatic pteridophytic ferns, generally found in tropical regions. They require a warm climate and lots of water. Two species - ''C. pteridoides'' and ''C. thalictroides'' are found in India. There is confusion among botanists on whether ''Ceratopteris cornuta'' and ''C. pteridoides'' are separate species. | Ornamental use | Other | Entire plant is used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. | |
| Ceratopteris thalictroides | Ceratopteris thalictroides | Water sprite, Indian fern, Water fern, Oriental waterfern, Water hornfern | ''Ceratopteris'' species are aquatic pteridophytic ferns, generally found in tropical regions. They require a warm climate and lots of water. Two species - ''C. pteridoides'' and ''C. thalictroides'' are found in India. ''C. thalictroides'' or watersprite is used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. It is also cultivated as a vegetable for including in salads, due to its several curly leaves. | Human consumption Ornamental use | Mostly used in cooking. It is also used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. | ||
| Cinnamomum tamala | Cinnamomum tamala | Indian Bay Leaf, Indian cassia, Indian cassia bark, Tamala cassia, Malabar Leaf | तेजपत्ता tejpatta | ''Cinnamomum tamala'' or Indian Bark is a commonly used plant known by the name '''Tejpatta''' in India. It is native to India. The leaves of the species are used as a popular spice in several Indian dishes, particularly in Northern India. The leaves have a cinnamon-like aroma (as the species name would suggest). The bark of this tree is also used as a spice. The leaves are also used in the perfume industry for their fragrance. | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use | Bark Leaves | Used all over India for cooking. Is an important ingredient in many pre-packaged foods too. Is a constituent of Chyawanprash. Leaves are also used in the perfume industry for their fragrance. |
| Cocos nucifera | Cocos nucifera | Coconut | नारियल Naariyal | Human consumption Animal consumption Agricultural use Cosmetic use Ornamental use Religious use Industrial use Wood | Root Stem Bark Leaves Fruit | Coconut leaves are used for making brooms. Bark and coir (fruit hair) used for making brooms, ropes, mattresses, brushes and even as potting compost. Fruit is used in several food preparations, most notably chutneys and coconut sweets.Coconut milk is rich in fatty acids (17% fat content) and used for making hair oils and edible oils. The dried calyx of the coconut is used as fuel in wood fired stoves. The fresh husk of a brown coconut is also used as a dish sponge or as a body sponge.Coconut roots are used as a dye and a mouthwash.Coconut trunks are used for building small bridges; they are preferred for their straightness, strength and salt resistance. In Kerala (India), coconut trunks are used for house construction.The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a source of charcoal. | |
| Coriandrum sativum | Coriandrum sativum | Coriander | धनिया Dhaniya • | Coriander (Dhania) is native to southern Europe and North Africa to southwestern Asia and Indian subcontinent. | Human consumption Medicinal use | Entire plant Leaves Seeds | |
| Crocus sativus | Crocus sativus | Saffron | केसर Kesar | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Industrial use | |||
| Curcuma longa | Curcuma longa | Common Turmeric | हल्दी Haldi | ''Curcuma longa'' or Turmeric is a plant with high medicinal and cultural value in India. The rhizome of the plant has medicinal properties. The dried root is ground into a powder which is used on several religious occasions in Hinduism. India is the largest producer of Turmeric in the world. (Adapted from Wikipedia) | Human consumption Agricultural use Medicinal use Cosmetic use Ornamental use Religious use | Rhizomes | |
| Curcuma zedoaria | Curcuma zedoaria | White turmeric, Zedoary | जंगली हऴदी Jangli Haldi | Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria, known as కచొరము kacōramu in Telugu) is the name for a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma Linn., family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to India and Indonesia. It was introduced to Europe by Arabs around the sixth century, but its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger. (Source:Wikipedia) | Human consumption Medicinal use | Root Rhizomes | The essential oil produced from the dried roots of Curcuma zedoaria is used in perfumery and soap fabrication, as well as an ingredient in bitter tonics. |
| Cyperus rotundus | Cyperus rotundus | Common Nut Sedge, Coco grass, Nutgrass, Purple nutsedge | बड़ा नागर मोथा Bara-nagar-motha, कोरेही झाड़ Korehi-jhar, मोथा Motha | ''Cyperus rotundus'' is a small plant with individuals reaching upto 40cm. It is a very proliferative weed and has spread to several countries. It grows in agricultural lands and garden soils. This plant was, however, described in '''Charaka Samhita''', the first book on Indian medicine written in the first millennium. It is used in Ayurveda to treat fevers, digestive system disorders etc. Plant extract is a constituent of Dabur Chyawanprash and some hair oils. | Human consumption | Rhizomes | The plant is a weed and its elimination is crucial to increasing crop yields. Dried Rhizomes are used as spice in India. |
| Daucus carota | Daucus carota | Wild carrot, Bird's nest, Bishop's lace, Queen Anne's lace | गाजर Gajar | ''Daucus carota'' is a flowering plant in the family ''Apiaceae'', native to temperate regions of Europe, southwest Asia and naturalised to northeast North America and Australia. Domesticated, cultivated carrots are cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus. The flowers are very similar in appearance to a poisonous species '''Poison Hemlock''' ''Conium maculatum'' (Source:Wikipedia) | Human consumption | ||
| Eclipta prostrata | Eclipta prostrata | ''Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.'' (syn. ''Eclipta prostrata L.''), commonly known as False Daisy , and Bhringraj, is a plant belonging to the family ''Asteraceae''. It is widely distributed throughout India, China, Thailand, and Brazil. In ayurvedic medicine, the leaf extract is considered a powerful liver tonic, rejuvenative, and especially good for the hair. A black dye obtained from Eclipta alba is used for dyeing hair and tattooing. Eclipta alba also has traditional external uses, like athlete foot, eczema and dermatitis, on the scalp to address hair loss and the leaves have been used in the treatment of scorpion stings. It is used as anti-venom against snakebite in China and Brazil. It is reported to improve hair growth and colour. (Source:Wikipedia) | Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use | ||||
| Elettaria cardamomum | Elettaria cardamomum | Cardamom, Green cardamom | इलाएची Elaichi | ''Elettaria cardamomum'' is the spice Cardamom or "Elaichi" used for cooking in many parts of the world and in India. It is popularly used to spice up tea in India. Cardamom refers to several plants of the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to India, they are recognised by their small seed pod, triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin papery outer shell and small black seeds. Elettaria pods are light green while Amomum pods are larger and dark brown. (Source: Wikipedia) | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use | Flower Fruit | Mostly used for food preparations. Some other uses also exist, such as adjuvant for some drugs and in perfumes. |
| Eucalyptus globulus | Eucalyptus globulus | Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum, Blue Gum | The Tasmanian Blue Gum, Southern Blue Gum or Blue Gum, (Eucalyptus globulus) is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. This tree is very well adapted to dry climates and has a very rapid rate of growth. This species is as invasive species in India and in many parts of the world. | Animal consumption Agricultural use Medicinal use Cosmetic use Ornamental use Religious use Industrial use Wood | Bark Leaves Fruit | ||
| Glycyrrhiza glabra | Glycyrrhiza glabra | Cultivated Liquorice, Sweetwood | मुलेठी Mulethi | Liquorice or licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. | Human consumption Medicinal use | Root | |
| Hiptage benghalensis | Hiptage benghalensis | Hiptage, Helicopter flower | माधवी लता Madhavi Lata, अतिमुक्त Atimukta | ''Hiptage benghalensis'' is a plant native to India and South-East Asia. It forms woody creepers called '''lianas''' and spreads quite rapidly, making thickets and smothering vegetation. Thus, it is considered a weed in many parts of the world. In India, this plant has mythological association with Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. It is also cultivated for its fragrant and beautiful flowers. | Medicinal use Ornamental use | Entire plant Flower | Ornamental plant. Fragrant flowers are in demand. In Medicine, used for above applications, but not extensively. |
| Hygrophila auriculata | Hygrophila auriculata | Hygrophila, Temple plant, Marsh Barbel | तालीम ख़ाना Talim Khana | ''Hygrophila auriculata'' is belongs to the genus ''Hygrophila'' whose identity as a separate genus is still debated. ''H. auriculata'' is an aquatic, perennial herb which has medicinal properties in treating liver ailments according to Ayurveda. | Medicinal use Ornamental use | Entire plant Root Leaves Seeds | As described previously, the plant parts can be used to treat liver ailments. In addition, the plant also bears beautiful blue-colored flowers and hence can be used in aquariums and artificial ponds as an ornamental plant. |
| Jasminum officinale | Jasminum officinale | Common Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine, Spanish Jasmine | चमेली Chameli | Jasmine is one of the most famous flowers growing in tropical regions. It is a native of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used for ornamental as well as medicinal purposes. According to old Indian texts, a Jasmine flower is the most precious flower of all. Jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan. | Medicinal use Cosmetic use Ornamental use Religious use | Flower | |
| Jasminum sambac | Jasminum sambac | Jasmine | बेला Bela, मोतिया Motiya, मोगरा Mogra | ''Jasminum sambac'' is a species of jasmine native to southwestern and southern Asia, in the Philippines, India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is grown mainly as an ornamental plant due to its fragrant and beautiful flowers. | Human consumption Ornamental use | Flavouring agent: to flavour tea in China, Making Perfumes,for making garlands and bouquets and for religious offerings. | |
| Madhuca longifolia | Madhuca longifolia | Mahua | महुआ Mahua | ''Madhuca longifolia'', commonly known as mahwa or mahua, is an Indian tropical tree found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests. It is a fast growing tree that grows to approximately 20 meters in height, possesses evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, and belongs to the family ''Sapotaceae''. It is adapted to arid environments, being a prominent tree in tropical mixed deciduous forests in India in the states of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa (Source: Wikipedia) | Human consumption Medicinal use Religious use Wood | Root Stem Bark Leaves Flower Seeds | About 30-40 percent of the tribal economy in north India such as in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa is dependent on the mahua seeds and flowers. The tree has a potential of enhancing rural income. (Hindu) Madhuca indica (syn. Madhuca latifolia, Bassia latifolia,) is a deciduous tree found in India. It bears edible flowers and fruit. The tree has a spreading root system so can be used to prevent soil erosion. The timber is hard and is used in construction. Bark of the tree is known to have medicinal properties. Seed is rich in oil and has been used in soap and candle making. Seed cake is used as an organic fertilizer. M. indica is being explored as a potential source of biofuel. (NCBI Taxonomy) |
| Mangifera indica | Mangifera indica | Mango | आम Am | ''Mangifera indica'' or Mango is a very popular fruit in India and all parts of the world. It is famous for its bright yellow color and exquisite taste. The most popular variety of Indian mango is the "Alphonso".It is a crop of great economic importance to India and is cultivated in many parts of the country. | Human consumption Medicinal use Ornamental use Religious use | Leaves Fruit | Mango is used in several cooking preparations. Fruit pulp is used for making chutneys, pickles, sweets and juices. Mango leaves are used for making garlands for religious occasions in Hinduism. |
| Mesua ferrea | Mesua ferrea | Cobra saffron, Ceylon ironwood, Indian rose chestnut | नाग चम्पा Nag champa, नागकेसर Nagkesar | This species is the national tree of Sri Lanka. The geography of Sri Lanka is quite similar to the South western regions of India. In fact, part of the Western Ghat seems to extend to Sri Lanka. ''Mesua ferrea'' is used in Indian cooking, as a medicine, for its fragrance and in the industry for its wood. Some people have noted the psychedelic effects of the fragrance of Nag Champa. The incense sticks made from the flowers of this plant are popular worldwide for their intense fragrance. | Medicinal use Religious use Wood | Stem Bark Flower | |
| Microsorum pteropus | Microsorum pteropus | Java fern | ''Microsorum pteropus'' is an aquatic fern and can grow completely underwater. It is mostly epiphytic and is extensively found in tropical Asia. As with many aquatic ferns, this plant is also used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. | Ornamental use | Entire plant | The plant is used as an ornamental plant in aquaria. | |
| Mimusops elengi | Mimusops elengi | Spanish cherry, Bullet wood | बकुल Bakul, मौलसरी Maulsari | The tree is used in rest of the world for its hard wood. In India, it is also used to make garlands from its fragrant flowers. It finds use in many Ayurvedic products. especially those for oral health. Lord Krishna is said to have played his flute under ''Bakul'' trees attracting young women. The tree is said to flower when sprinkled with nectar from the mouths of beautiful women. (Source: Wikipedia, Flowers of India) | Medicinal use Wood | Entire plant Stem | The ''M. elengi'' plant has strong wood which is used for purposes such as building bridges, home construction,shipbuilding,flooring,doors, poles, foundation sills, railway sleepers, paving blocks, mine timber, furniture and cabinet work, vehicle bodies and wheels, turnery, tool handles, walking sticks, weaving shuttles, toys, sporting goods and musical instruments. Tree is planted as an ornamental shade. It can provide environmental benefits because of its large size when mature. |
| Murraya exotica | Murraya exotica | Chinese box, Orange Jasmine | Kamini कामिनी | This species is used sometimes as an ornamental plant in India and has a medicinal use. ''Murraya exotica'' is related to ''Murraya koenigii'' or Curry plant, which is used as a spice in Indian foods. ''M. exotica'' leaves, on the other hand, have a citrus flavor. | Medicinal use Ornamental use Wood Other use | Entire plant Stem Leaves | It is a popular hedge plant in tropics. It can be pruned into various shapes of animals and can be used as a garden ornamental plant. It can also be cultivated as a bonsai. Can also be grown indoors. The wood of the plant is soft and can be used for making small, fine-tuned items. Orange Jasmine contributes to biodiversity, protects the soil, furnishes food and cover for wildlife. It also has medicinal use as previously described. |
| Nelumbo nucifera | Nelumbo nucifera | Water Lily, Lotus, Sacred Lotus, East Indian Lotus | कमल Kamal | The Indian Lotus, also known as the Sacred Lotus, is a culturally significant plant in many Asian cultures in general and Indian culture in particular. It is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent, but now is found as an ornamental plant worldwide. The Lotus is considered a symbol of devotion and purity. It is the seat of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. The flowers of Lotus have several medicinal properties as per Ayurveda. '''Lotus is also the national flower of India.''' | Human consumption Ornamental use Religious use | Entire plant Root Rhizomes Stem Leaves Flower Fruit Seeds | Almost all parts of the plant have medicinal and culinary uses as previously described. The plant is also a prized ornamental plant, especially in artificial ponds. |
| Nymphaea stellata | Nymphaea stellata | Blue water lily, Red and blue water lily', Blue star water lily, Star lotus | Neelkamal नीलकमल | '''''Nymphaea nouchali''''', commonly known as the '''Red and blue water lily''', '''Blue star water lily''', '''Star lotus''', or by its synonym '''''Nymphaea stellata''''', is a water lily of genus ''Nymphaea''. This aquatic plant is native to the Indian Subcontinent. It was spread to other countries already in ancient times and has been long valued as a garden flower in Thailand and Myanmar to decorate ponds and gardens. This plant has medicinal significance in Ayurveda too. It is considered a holy flower in Buddhism. (Source:Wikipedia) | Human consumption Ornamental use | Entire plant Flower | |
| Ocimum tenuiflorum | Ocimum tenuiflorum | Holy Basil, Indian Basil | तुलसी Tulsi | ''Ocimum tenuiflorum'' or Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants in Hinduism. The plant has several medicinal properties. It is found throughout India. | Human consumption Medicinal use Ornamental use Religious use | Bark Leaves | |
| Phyllanthus emblica | Phyllanthus emblica | Indian Gooseberry, Amla | आमला Amla | ''Phyllanthus emblica'' or Indian Gooseberry is a species commonly known for its fruit called Amla. The fruit has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C (160 times more than apple) and thus is reputed as a strong antioxidant. Amla finds uses in many medicinal and cosmetic products, especially those for hair such as hair oils and tonics. Amla fruit is used in Indian cooking mainly as pickles or as mouth-freshners. It is also a constituent of the popular '''Dabur Chawanprash'''. | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use | Fruit | Popularly used in inks, shampoos and hair oils, the high tannin content of Indian gooseberry fruit serves as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics. Amla shampoos and hair oil are traditionally believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair. |
| Rauvolfia serpentina | Rauvolfia serpentina | Indian snakeroot, Serpentine wood | सर्पगंधा Sarpagandha | ''Rauvolfia serpentina'' or snakewood is a plant native to India. The genus is also called ''Rauwolfia'', but the name ''Rauvolfia'' is the one accepted by the Species 2000 project, an official international species nomenclature agency. ''Rauvolfia serpentina'' is a popular folk medicine for diabetes and high blood pressure. It also has tranquilizing properties and is used as an antipsychotic drug, for curing schizophrenia and against snakebites. | Medicinal use | Root Stem | |
| Santalum album | Santalum album | Indian Sandalwood, White Sandalwood | चन्दन Chandan | Sandalwood is an economically important plant and has been cultivated for several centuries for the fragrance of its oil. Due to extensive and sometimes, illegal cutting of native Sandalwood trees, this species has become vulnerable to extinction. ''S. album'' is native to South/South-East Asia, possibly Indonesia. Another species ''Santalum spicatum'' is native to Australia. | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use Wood | Root Stem Bark Seeds | Almost all of the sandalwood oil in the world is produced from the ''S.album''. The highest content is in the roots followed by the heartwood. Sandalwood oil is used in high-quality perfumes and cosmetics and Ayurvedic creams. India is the largest producer of Sandalwood. Production is based almost entirely on exploitation of wild trees. Sandalwood is also popular as carving wood and for making souvenirs and toys. The wood is used in religious practices in Hinduism. The cotyledons and kernel of sandal seeds contain a fixed oil which has drying properties. Oil-free sandal seed meal is rich in protein and could be utilized as an animal feed if available in sufficient quantities. The oil may also be used as a food additive (GRIN) |
| Sesamum indicum | Sesamum indicum | Sesame | Gingli, Til | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use Industrial use | Root Leaves Flower Seeds | ||
| Syzygium aromaticum | Syzygium aromaticum | Clove | लवंग Lavang | ''Syzygium aromaticum'' is the plant from which Cloves are derived. Cloves are the aromatic dried flower buds. This species is native to Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world. Cloves are now harvested primarily in Indonesia, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka; they are also grown in India under the name Lavang. (Source:Wikipedia) | Human consumption Animal consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use | Flower | |
| Zingiber officinale | Zingiber officinale | Garden ginger | अदरक Adrak | ''Zingiber officinale'' or Ginger is a plant native to India. India is the largest producer of ginger, accounting for 30% of the world production. It is closely related to Turmeric and Cardamom. Ginger is widely used in India and around the world in cooking and for medicinal purposes. | Human consumption Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use | Root Rhizomes |
