Iconic Flora of Heritage Significance in India

Abstract

Indian subcontinent is rich in flora for its variable geo-climatic conditions. It is not easy to select some plant species as iconic. However, a short list of plants has been prepared which Indians have valued for their well-being, culture and esteem. The banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is the National Tree of India and tops the list. Beginning as an individual sapling, it can produce an enormous forest with pillar-like prop roots. The Bodhi tree or peepul (Ficus religiosa) occurs in India and some neighbouring countries and is venerated by the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. Emperor Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitra, a Buddhist nun, took a branch of this famous tree and planted it in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka in 288 BC. People worship it as ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’. Neem (Azhadirachta indica) a most useful tree, has leaves with bitter taste. Probably a native of Burma it is cultivated abundantly in India. Neem is a source of azhadirachtin, an anti-feedant botanical pesticide, chew sticks for brushing teeth, a non-edible oil, firewood and fodder. Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) is the source of an exquisite wood, used for carving, and supports artisans. Nepalese use it for decorative windows with frames. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a tree indigenous to tropical Africa and must have come to India a long time ago. The pulpy fruits are rich in vitamin C and other useful nutrients used in various culinary preparations. The tamarind wood charcoal has a high thermal heat, popular among traditional Indian jewelers. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is a small tree and its heartwood yielding ‘candana’ (candan) is nurtured for its sacred aroma. Artistic idols of gods and saints are carved out of it. It is also used in perfumery as a fixer and in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics and aromatherapy. Āmlā (Emblica officinalis), a fleshy edible fruit rich in antioxidants is used in Ayurvedic medicines and hair dyes. The endocarp having typical markings on its surface is a motif in Hindu temple architecture. Haldi or turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizome which is boiled, polished and sold in solid or powdered form. India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world. It is used as a dye and in curry powder and has wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It plays an important role in pre-wedding rituals of the brides among both Hindus and Muslims. Pārijāta or Śefalikā (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is a shrub blooming at night with a delicate smell that occurs all over India and neighbouring countries. Its corolla is also used for dying robes for Buddhists. Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), also known as ‘kalpav?k?a’ has hundreds of uses. It occurs along all coastal regions of tropical seas and in interior regions. The fleshy endosperm is a food item consumed in several ways. Oil extracted from copra is used for cooking, and in hair and skin care products. The coconut fibre (coir) has myriad applications. A few other iconic plants such as banana, palmyra palm, bamboo, black pepper and cardamom have also been discussed.