| Marsileaceae | Marsilea maheshwari | Waterclover | | ''Marsilea maheshwari'' is a fern closely related to ''M. minuta''. In fact, it may be an environmentally induced phenotypic variety of ''M. minuta''. Other phenotypes may include species ''M. brachycarpa'', ''M. brachypus'' and ''M. gracilenta'' (Cook) |
| Marsileaceae | Marsilea gracilenta | Waterclover | | ''Marsilea gracilenta'' is a fern closely related to ''M. minuta''. In fact, it may be an environmentally induced phenotypic variety of ''M. minuta''. Other phenotypes may include species ''M. brachycarpa'', ''M. brachypus'' and ''M. maheshwari'' (Cook) |
| Marsileaceae | Marsilea brachycarpa | Waterclover | | ''Marsilea brachycarpa'' is a fern closely related to ''M. minuta''. In fact, it may be an environmentally induced phenotypic variety of ''M. minuta''. Other phenotypes may include species ''M. brachypus'', ''M. gracilenta'' and ''M. maheshwari'' (Cook) |
| Marsileaceae | Marsilea minuta | Dwarf waterclover, Small waterclover | चौपतिरा Chaupatira | ''Marsilea minuta'' is a highly plastic and variable pteridophyte. Other species, namely, ''M. brachycarpa'', ''M. brachypus'', ''M. gracilenta'' and ''M. maheshwari'' also fall within the range of variation and probably are different environmentally induced phenotypes (Cook). All Marsilea species are found in Africa and in India highlighting the fact that India was once upon a time connected to Madagascar. |
| Marsileaceae | Marsilea coromandelina | NA | NA | There has been a debate in the past whether ''Marsilea coromandelina'' is different from ''Marsilea trichopoda''. However, many taxonomists prefer keeping the two taxa separate. (Ref: JSTOR Plant Science) All Marsilea species are found in Africa and in India highlighting the fact that India was once upon a time connected to Madagascar. |
| Meliaceae | 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. |
| Menispermaceae | Tinospora cordifolia | Gulbel, Indian Tinospora | गिलोय Giloy, गुलांचा Gulancha, गुलबेल Gulbel | The plant is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in Ayurveda for several centuries as a hepato-protectant (liver protection). Recent research has demonstrated that a combination of T. cordifolia extract and turmeric extract is effective in preventing the hepatotoxicity which is otherwise produced as a side effect of conventional pharmaceutical treatments for tuberculosis using drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. |
| Moraceae | Artocarpus heterophyllus | Jackfruit | कटहल | |
| Musaceae | Ensete superbum | Rock banana, Wild plantain | जंगली केला jungli kela | ''Ensete superbum'' is a species of banana found only in India (and probably in Thailand). The plant is a very hardy plant and prefers rocky barren areas. It is non-stoloneferous and does not produce suckers. Regeneration by seeds is the only natural means for propagation. Ensete superbum has enormous horticultural value in terms of being an ornamental and medicinal plant. It is resembles a banana plant. Characteristic phyllotaxy on a large pseudostem gives E. superbum, a huge nested-fern appearance. Massive base and red flower head with broad leaves outlined in deep red and deep mid-rib are specific morphological features that add its appeal and aesthetic value.It is best planted as a focal point on a lawn or in a small group making it suitable for a garden or park.
commonly known as: rock banana, wild plantain • Hindi: जंगली केला jungli kela • Kannada: ಕಾಡು ಬಾಳೆ kaadu baale, ಕಲ್ಲು ಬಾಳೆ kallu baale • Konkani: रान क्यांळे raan kyaanle • Malayalam: കല്ല് വാഴ kall vazha • Marathi: चवेणी chaveni, रानकेळ raankel • Sanskrit: बहुजा bahuja • Tamil: கல்வாழை kal-valai, காட்டுவாழை kattu-valai • Telugu: అడవి అరటి adavi arati |
| Myrsinaceae | Embelia ribes | Embelia, False Black Pepper, False Pepper | Vayavidnag, Baberang | ''Embelia ribes'', commonly known as False Black Pepper or White-flowered ''Embelia'', is a species in the ''Myrsinaceae''. It was originally described by Nicolaas Laurens Burman in his 1768 publication, Flora Indica. It is a plant of medicinal importance. It has been described by Shushruta as an antihelmenthic in combination with Liquorice root. Modern research has also shown it to be effective against tapeworm infection. |
| Myrtaceae | Syzygium cumini | Java plum, Jamun | जामुन Jamun | Jambul (''Syzygium cumini'') is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant family ''Myrtaceae'', native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Indonesia. The word 'Jambul' is sometimes mistranslated as 'Blackberry', which is a different fruit. Historically, the tree was exclusive to the Indian Sub-continent, and so widespread across the region that one of the old names of India (or the Indian region) is Jambu-Dvipa (literally: the island of jambul fruit). It is now also grown in other areas of southern and southeastern Asia including the Philippines, Myanmar, south of Iran and Afghanistan. |
| Myrtaceae | Psidium guajava | Guava | अमृत Amrut, लाल-सुफ्रियम Lal-sufrium (red) | |
| Myrtaceae | 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) |
| Myrtaceae | 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. |
| Nelumbonaceae | 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.''' |
| Nyctaginaceae | 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. |
| Nymphaeaceae | Nymphaea nouchali | 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) |
| Oleaceae | 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. |
| Oleaceae | 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. |
| Parkeriaceae | 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. |
| Parkeriaceae | Acrostichum aureum | Golden leatherfern, Mangrove fern | | ''Acrostrichum'' species generally inhabit warm and tropical regions. There are only 2-3 species known. (Source: Cook). This species grows profusely in mangroves and hence is also called Mangrove Fern. |
| Parkeriaceae | 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. |
| Pedaliaceae | Sesamum indicum | Sesame | Gingli, Til | |
| Pedaliaceae | Martynia annua | Devil's Claws, Tiger's Claw | उलट-कांटा Ulat-kanta, बाघनख Baghnakh | |
| Phyllanthaceae | 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'''. |
| Pinaceae | 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. |
| Piperaceae | Piper longum | Long Pepper | पिपली Pipli | |
| Polypodiaceae | 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. |
| Ranunculaceae | Aconitum palmatum | | | ''Aconitum'' ,known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard's bane, women's bane, Devil's helmet or blue rocket, is a genus of flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (''Ranunculaceae''). There are over 250 species of ''Aconitum''. (Source:Wikipedia) |
| Rutaceae | Murraya koenigii | Curry tree | कधिपत्ता | Murraya koenigii is popularly known as the 'curry tree'. Leaves of this tree are often used to provide flavor to many indian curries originating in western and southern parts of India. |
| Rutaceae | 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. |
| Rutaceae | Aegle marmelos | Bel, Beli fruit, Bengal quince, Stone apple, Wood apple | बेल Bel | ''Aegle marmelos'' or Bael is a middle sized slender aromatic armed tree native to India and Pakistan. It has since spread to throughout South-east Asia. It is a gum-bearing tree. The tree is used in several cooking preparations in India. It is also important in religious rituals and has medicinal value. In the Hindu religion, the Tri-foliate leaves typical of the Bael is seen as the 3-pronged Trident (Trisula) that Lord Shiva holds in his right hand. The Trident symbolizes his three fundamental Powers (shakti) of Will (iccha), Action (kriya) and Knowledge (jnana). The Trident also symbolizes the past, the present and the future. Almost every Hindu temple in India would have one or more Bael trees in their courtyards.(Source:Wikipedia) |
| Santalaceae | 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. |
| Sapotaceae | 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) |
| Sapotaceae | 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) |
| Solanaceae | Datura metel | Devil's Trumpet, Horn of plenty, Downy thorn apple | Safed dhatura सफ़ैद धतूरा | ''Datura metel'' is a plant possibly native to Asia. It is famous for the effects of its flower on the nervous system when ingested. All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of tropane alkyloids (highly poisonous) and may be fatal if ingested by humans or other animals, including livestock and pets. In some places it is prohibited to buy, sell or cultivate Datura plants. In regulated quantities however, Datura has been traditionally used in Chinese and Indian medicines. |
| Solanaceae | Solanum virginianum | Thorny Nightshade, Yellow Berried Nightshade, Thai eggplant | | |
| Solanaceae | Withania somnifera | Indian Ginseng, Winter cherry | अश्वगंधा Ashwagandha | |
| Xanthorrhoeaceae | Aloe vera | Aloe vera, Medicinal aloe, Burn plant | Gheekumari घीकुमारी | Aloe vera, also known as the true or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine. Many scientific studies of the use of aloe vera have been undertaken, some of them conflicting. Despite these limitations, there is some preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, minor skin infections, Sebaceous cyst, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. These positive effects are thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones and lectins. (Source:Wikipedia) |
| Zingiberaceae | Zingiber capitatum | Wild Ginger | जंगली अदरक Jangali adrak | |
| Zingiberaceae | Zingiber chrysanthum | Golden flowered ginger | | |
| Zingiberaceae | 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. |
| Zingiberaceae | Zingiber rubens | Bengal Ginger | | ''Zingiber rubens'' is a ''Zingiber'' species native to India. It is native to North East India and thus is a sub-Himalayan species. The flowers are bright red in color. The seed capsules are used in India as a spice. (Source: Flowers of India) |
| Zingiberaceae | Alpinia abundiflora | | | ''Alpinia abundiflora'' belongs to the Ginger family ''(Zingiberaceae)''. DNA sequence-based methods have shown that this genus is polyphyletic. It is represented by six clades distributed across the tribe Alpinieae. Further research is needed to specify the taxa in this genus.
The plants are native to SE Asia and are grown for their ornamental flashy flowers. |
| Zingiberaceae | 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) |
| Zingiberaceae | Alpinia roxburghii | | | ''Alpinia roxburghii Sweet'' is the name recognized by the Species 2000 checklist for a variety of ginger family plants which are pheontypically very similar to it. An example is ''Alpinia bracteata'' |
| Zingiberaceae | 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) |
| Zingiberaceae | 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) |
| Zingiberaceae | Alpinia aquatica | | | ''Alpinia aquatica'' is a species that likes to grow in ponds and still water bodies. |
| Zingiberaceae | Alpinia allughas | Tara | Tara (Bengali) | ''Alpinia allughas'' incorrectly spelled as ''Alpinia allhugas'' belongs to the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is a synonym of the species Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) B. L. Burtt. DNA sequence-based methods have shown that this genus is polyphyletic. It is represented by six clades distributed across the tribe Alpinieae. Further research is needed to specify the taxa in this genus.
The plants are native to SE Asia and are grown for their ornamental flashy flowers. |
