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| Species name | Species name# | Common name | Name in Hindi | Introdescription | Commercial application | Plant commercial part | Commercial use description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azolla pinnata | Azolla pinnata | Mosquito fern, Duckweed fern, Fairy moss, Water fern | Animal consumption Agricultural use | ''Azolla'' has been used, for at least one thousand years, in rice paddies as a companion plant, because of its ability to both fix nitrogen, and block out light to prevent any competition from other plants, aside from the rice, which is planted when tall enough to poke out of the water through the azolla layer. When rice paddies are flooded in the spring, they can be inoculated with ''Azolla'', which then quickly multiplies to cover the water, suppressing weeds. The rotting plant material releases nitrogen to the rice plants, providing up to nine tonnes of protein per hectare per year. The nitrogen fixing ability of Azolla is due to the cyanobacteria in the plant. It can replace 25-30 kg nitrogen per hectare as applied through ammonium sulfate. | |||
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Achillea millefolium | Achillea millefolium | Common Yarrow, Gordaldo, Nosebleed plant, Old man's pepper, Devil's nettle, Sanguinary, Milfoil, Soldier's woundwort, Thousand-leaf, Thousand-seal. | Gandrain, Puthkanda, भूतकॆशी Bhut Kesi | ''Achillea millefolium'' or yarrow is a flowering plant in the family ''Asteraceae'', native to the Northern Hemisphere. In antiquity, yarrow was known as ''herbal militaris'', for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds. Yarrows can be planted to combat soil erosion due to the plant's resistance to drought. They are used for human consumption and medicinal uses in many cultures around the world. (Source:Wikipedia) | Human consumption Animal consumption Medicinal use Other use | Can be used to prevent soil erosion | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Adansonia digitata | Adansonia digitata | Baobab | Gorakh imli गोरख इमली | ''Adansonia digitata'', the baobab, is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. It also grows, having spread secondary to cultivation, in populated areas. In India, the tree is found in hot, dry regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. (Source:Wikipedia,Plants of India) | Human consumption Medicinal use | Fruit Seeds | Mostly this tree is found in Africa and in dry, arid areas. In Africa, the fruit and seed are used in food preparations and for making beverages. The African baobab's fruit (6 to 8 inches or 15 to 20 centimetres long) has twice as much calcium as milk, is high in anti-oxidants, iron and potassium, and has 6 times the vitamin C of an orange. The leaves can be eaten as relish, while the fruit dissolved in milk or water can be used as a drink. The seeds also produce edible oil. In 2008, the European Union approved the use and consumption of baobab fruit as an ingredient in smoothies and cereal bars. The United States Food and Drug Administration granted generally recognized as safe status to baobab dried fruit pulp as a food ingredient in 2009. A nonprofit organization, PhytoTrade Africa, plans to market the fruit for the benefit of around 2.5 million of the poorest families in southern Africa. |
| 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. |
| 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. | ||
| Azadirachta indica | Azadirachta indica | Neem | नीम Neem | Neem is a tropical and sub-tropical plant which is highly drought resistant. The plant has several medicinal and commercial applications and finds significance in Hinduism. Neem cultivation also has a role to play in agriculture and pest management. | Human consumption Agricultural use Medicinal use Cosmetic use Religious use | Root Stem Bark Leaves Flower Fruit Seeds | Neem leaf and stem extracts are used for medicinal purposes as noted above. Due to insect-repellant properties of Azadirachtin, it is often put in stores grains to prevent pest infestation. Neem extracts are also used in cosmetic products such as shampoos, creams and soaps. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Acacia concinna | Acacia concinna | Soap pod | शिकाकाई Shikakai | ''Acacia concinna'' or Shikakai is used in India in a variety of hair-care products. The bark of the plant contains a high level of Saponins which give the extract a foaming and cleansing characteristic. It belongs to the ''Acacia'' genus which has over 1100 members around the world.(AHS Encyclopedia) | Medicinal use Cosmetic use Other use | Used in shampoos and hair conditioners. The plant parts used for the dry powdered or the extract are the bark, leaves or pods. The bark contains high levels of saponins, which are foaming agents that are found in several other plant species. Saponin-containing plants have a long history of use as mild cleaning agents. Saponins from the plant's pods have been traditionally used as a detergent, and in Bengal for poisoning fish; they are documented to be potent marine toxins. In commercial extracts, when the plant is hydrolyzed it yields lupeol, spinasterol, acacic acid, lactone, and the natural sugars glucose, arabinose and rhamnose. It also contains hexacosanol and spinasterone. The saponin of the bark has spermicidal activity against human semen. It appears to have a hormonal effect, leading to its use for contraceptive purposes. The leaves have an acidic taste and are used in chutneys. They contain oxalic, tartaric, citric, succinic and ascorbic acids, as well as two alkaloids, calyctomine and nicotine. An infusion of the leaves has been used in anti-dandruff preparations. Extracts of the ground pods have been used for various skin diseases. | |
| Artocarpus heterophyllus | Artocarpus heterophyllus | Jackfruit | कटहल | Human consumption Animal consumption Medicinal use Ornamental use Industrial use Wood Other use | Root Stem Bark Leaves Fruit | Yellow dye is made from wood. Wood also used for making furniture and musical instruments. The sap is used for making gum which can be applied to holes in earthern pots to seal them. A compound extracted from root bark is used as a food preservative. |
