eChapters

1. Botanical Name : Garuga pinnata Roxb.

2. Family : Burseraceae

3. Common Name : Garuga, grey downy balsam

4. Name in Indian languages

Kharpat (Hindi), Kakad (Marathi), Arunelli (Tamil), Annakaara (Malayalam), Garuga (Telugu), Konda vepa (Kannada), Kapila (Bengali), Khusimb (Gujarati), Karnikar (Sanskrit), Pama (Assami).

1. Botanical Name : Glycosmis arborea Roxb.

2. Family : Rutaceae

3. Common Name : Orange berry

4. Name in Indian languages

Ban Nimbu (Hindi), Ban jamir (Bangali), Guruvade (Kannada), Menki (Konkani), Kuttippanal (Malayalam), Kirmira (Marathi), Chauladhua (Oriya), Vananimbuka (Sanskrit), Pumippalam(Tamil), Konda golugu (Telugu).

1. Botanical Name : Grewia tiliifolia Vahl

2. Family : Tiliaceae

3. Common Name : Dhamani, Dhaman

4. Name in Indian languages

Dhamani, Dhaman (Hindi), Unu (Tamil), Unnam (Malayalam), Cahrachi (Telugu), Todsal (Kannada), Dhamin (Bengali), Dhanu vriksha (Sanskrit), Thadachi pan (Kodwa).

5. Description

Dhaman is a moderate-sized to large tree of family Tiliaceae. It is a very close relative of Phalsa. The yellow flower resembles the true Phalsa flower very much. The main difference is in the leaves. The main trunk can be 60cm or more in diameter. The leaves of Dhaman are oblique heart-shaped. Tree trunk is grey or dark brown. It flowers in April- May. The flowers are small, borne on thick axillary peduncles. Whole fruit expect seed are consumed at ripe stage. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its fibre, wood and edible fruit. 7. Morphology

Large trees, bark dark brown or greyish-brown, rough, vertically striated; blaze brownish-red, fibrous, streaked; branchlets stellate-tomentose. Leaves simple, alternate; stipules 7-10 mm, lateral, auricled; petiole 8-35 mm, stout, swollen tipped, pubescent; lamina 6-36 x 3-24 cm, broadly ovate or obliquely ovate to round, base obliquely cordate or subcordate, apex acute, margin double serrate or crenate-serrate, glabrescent above and hoary pubescent beneath, coriaceous, 5-7-ribbed from base, prominent, lateral nerves 3-6 pairs, pinnate, prominent, intercostae scalariform, prominent. Flowers bisexual, yellow, in axillary umbels; peduncle 1.5-2 cm long; sepals 5, pubescent; petals 5, yellow, half the length of sepals, entire or notched, densely tomentose outside; stamens many, free, inserted on a glandular torus; gland densely villous on the margin; ovary superior, globose, hirsute, 2-4-celled, ovules 2-many; style subulate; stigma obscurely lobed, recurved. Fruit a drupe, globose to subglobose, reddish-purple, 2-lobed, sparsely hairy.

1.Botanical name : Haematocarpus validus (Miers) Bakh. f. ex Forman

2.Family : Menispermaceae

3.Common Name : Khoon Phal, Blood Fruit

4. Name in Indian languages

Khoon phal (Hindi), Roktogula/Lalgula (Bengali), Rosco (Chakma), Thoyphal (Tripura), Te.pattang (Garo), Theichhung-sen (Mizo), Ranguichi (Marma), Raktaphal (Tamil/Telugu/Malayalam), Sohsnam (Khasi & Pnar).

5. Description

Khoon Phal is a dicotyledonous plant species. It is an evergreen perennial creeping woody climber capable of growing under extreme conditions, from very dry environments to highly acidic soils. It grows up to 1000 m and more in height with dark green glabrous profusely branched stems. It creeps and grows on other big trees for support.

1. Botanical Name : Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. Turkestanica L. (Fam.)

2. Family : Elaeagnaceae

3. Common Name : Sea buckthorn,Leh berry

4. Name in Indian languages

Amesh, Khatai (Garhwali), Tarbu (Lahaul), Dhurchuk (Hindi), Chook/ Dhurchuk (Kumoani), Tseta lulu (Ladakh), Chharma, Tir guk (Spiti).

5. Description

Sea-buckthorn is a dioecious, usually spinescent deciduous shrub or a small tree of Elaeagnacae family. It grows up to a height of 10 m and found growing in the river beds of the drier ranges of the state at an altitude of 1600-3300 m in Himalayan ranges from Ladakh to Uttarakhand. Leaves are small and linear-lanceolate. Flowers are very small, greenish or yellowish. The fruit is acidic and is made into a jelly with sugar. A syrup is also prepared from it which is used in respiratory complaints. A decoction is used for cutaneous eruptions. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, carotene and also contains vitamin B. The leaves and flowers are used for treating arthritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, gout, skin rashes and lowering blood pressure.

1. Botanical Name : Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne

2. Family : Apocynaceae

3. Common Name : Kheep, Broom bush

4. Name in Indian languages

Kheep (Hindi), Khip(Punjabi), Jivanti (Sanskrit).

5. Description

It is a much branched often leafless erect shrub. The edible part is tender fruit. It can grow up to 3 metres height. A desert plant, it is often utilized by local people within its native range, particularly as a fibre plant and for fuel. It is also planted in soil stabilization in arid areas.

6. Origin and distribution

It is originated from North Africa to desert areas to Western India. It is distributed throughout the arid zone of Rajasthan particularly in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaiselmer districts of Rajasthan. Kheep is also found gorwing in Pakistan, Iran, Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Libya and Algeria.

1. Botanical name :Machilus edulis King ex Hook.

2. Family : Lauraceae

3. Common Name: Pumsi, wild avocado

4. Name in Indian languages : Pumsi, Phumkung (Lepcha), Lachyphal, Kawala (Nepali).

5. Description

Pumsi is an evergreen species grow up to a height of about 15-20 m, with spreading branches. It grows from Nepal to Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and the whole north-eastern region. Pumsi is considered as one of the forms of Avocado (Percea americana) in its native region.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of India,Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and the whole north-eastern region. The plants growwell incool humid regions in hills.The species is found in low density in forests at 1200 - 2400 metres height.The species is hermaphrodite, suitable for light sandy to loamy and clay soils. It can grow in semi-shade. It prefers moist soil.

1. Botanical Name : Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia (Rox.) A. Chev.

2. Family : Sapotaceae

3. Common Name : Indian Butter Tree

4. Name in Indian languages

Mahua, Mohwa (Hindi), Maul (Bengali), Kat-Illipi (Marathi), Illupa Malayalam), Ippa (Telugu), Mahudo (Gujarati), Hippe Mara (Kannada).

5. Description

Indian Butter tree (mahua) is one of the most important trees of Indian forest. It produces delicious and nutritive flowers, fruits, seeds and valuable timber. It is a deciduous tree with a large, spreading, rounded crown that can grow 16 metres or more tall. The short main trunk can be up to 80 cm in diameter. Mahua is an indigenous tree of high economic value. A characteristic tree of the dry region, it is found in north and central India. The tree is very well known to rural folk since ages in India. Its flowers, fruits, and oil obtained from seeds are eaten in various ways. Mahua flowers are a rich source of sugar containing appreciable amount of vitamins and minerals. Fruit is eaten as raw or cooked. Pulp is a good source of sugar, whereas dry husk makes a good source of absolute alcohol. Seed is a good source of oil.

1. Botanical Name : Meyna laxiflora Robyns

2. Family : Rubiaceae

3. Common Name : Moina, Aliv

4. Name in Indian languages

Kutkura, Moin (Assamese), Mainphal, Muduna, Muyna, Muyuna (Bengal), Alu, Atu (Gujrati), Moina, Muduna, Muyuna (Hindi), Mullakare, Gundkare, gobergally (Kannada), Alu, Huloo, Halawni (Marathi), Pindi, Pinditaka, Pindituka, Pindu (Sanskirit), Manakkarai (Tamil), Segagadda, Veliki, Visikilamu (Telgu), Monono, Montaphoo (Odiya).

5. Description

It is a large common shrub or a small tree and commonly found in evergreen forests. Meyna is a genus of shrub and small trees distributed in tropical and subtropical region. The fruits are used for preparation of pickle.

1. Botanical Name : Mimosops elengi L.

2. Family : Sapotaceae

3. Common Name : Spanish cherry, Molshri, Bullet wood tree

4. Name in Indian languages

Maulsri (Hindi), Magizhamboo (Tamil), Ilanni (Malayalam), Bakul (Bengali), Bakuli (Marathi), Ranjal (Kannada), Barsoli (Gujarati), Maulsari (Nepali).

5. Description

Maulshri is a evergreen small tree of the Indian subcontinent. It provides a dense shade. The main stem is often short and divided into several large main branches. The tree provides food, medicine and a range of commodities for the local people. It is often cultivated in the tropics and subtropics, as an ornamental avenue tree and in gardens.

1. Botanical Name : Morinda pubescens

2. Family : Rubiaceae

3. Common Name : Indian Mulberry, Morinda tree

4. Name in Indian languages

Aal (Hindi), Dhaula, Aseti (Marathi), Mannanunai, Mannanatti, Nonu, Nuna (Tamil), Mannappavitta (Malayalam), Maddi (Telugu), Haladipavette, Maddi (Kannada), Achu, Pindra (Oriya) , Paphanah (Sanskrit).

5. Description

Aall or Indian mulberry (Morinda pubescens) is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing . The fruits are small and edible. A scarlet colouring matter is procured from the roots and bark, and used for dying hand kerchiefs, turbans, etc. It is also used to assist more expensive dyes in giving a red colour to yarnand cloth. The red threrads used in carpet-making used entirely to be dyed with it. The tree formerly used to be much more commonly cultivated than it is now. Since the introduction of the cheap aniline dyes’s its cultivation decreased.

1. Botanical Name : Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don

2. Family : Myricaceae

3. Common Name : Box myrtle

4. Name in Indian languages: Kainaryamy (Telugu), Nagatenga (Assami), Satsarila (Bengali), Kariphal (Gujarati), Kaiphal (Hindi), Kirishivani (Kannada), Maruta (Malayalam), Soh-phi (Khasi), Kaphal (Kumaoni), Kayaphala (Marathi), Krishnagarbha (Sanskrit), Masudam (Tamil).

5. Description

Myrica esculenta is grow extensively in hilly regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh , Nepal and Bhutan at elevations of 1000-2300 m. It is small to medium size evergreen tree. The stem bark is grayish dark in colour and rough. The fruits of this species are edible and used by the local population. The stem bark and wood is very good for fuel wood purpose.

1. Botanical Name : Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.

2. Family : Palmae

3. Common Name : Wild Date Palm, Indian wild date, Sugar date palm

4. Name in Indian languages

Khajur (Hindi), Thangtup (Manipuri), Kharik, Kharjuri (Marathi), Inthupaanai (Tamil),: Niilanthent (Malayalam), Ita (Telugu), Ichalu, Kharjura (Kannada), Khejura (Bengali), Khorjurri (Oriya), Khaajuri (Assamese), Khajuri (Gujarati), Kharjuri (Sanskrit), Kandela, Taadii (Nepali).

5. Description

Wild date palm is native to India and southern portions of Pakistan. It is closely related Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm). It grows naturally and is cultivated around homesteads, farmland periphery and in marginal lands along the roadside and canals, even on fallow land. It can survive in disturbed areas, such as wastelands or seasonally inundated areas. It is a medium height tree of 9–10 m. The single-seeded fruit ripens to a purple-red colour, and is eaten fresh or processed. The leaf sap also used in various preparations. Fruits are rich source of carbohydrate, phenols, amino acids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals. Different parts of the plant have diverse medicinal properties such as antipyretic, cardiotonic, laxative, diuretic and antioxidant.

1. Botanical Name : Phyllanthus acidus (L) skeels.

2. Family : Phyllanthaceae

3. Common Name : Star Gooseberry

4. Name in Indian languages : Jangli Aonla (Hindi), Aria Nellikai (Tamil), Narakli (Oriya), Nora (Bengali), Kiru nelli(Kannada).

5. Description

Star gooseberry is a small tree of 4 to 8m height. The tree’s dense and bushy crown is composed of thickish, tough main branches. It tree grows well in the tropics up to an altitude of 1500 - 1800 metres. It prefers hot, humid tropical conditions with a short dry season. The fruits are yellow and used as fresh or processed. The plants grow well in dry areas but require moist site for initial establishment otherwise, plants are drought tolerant.

1. Botanical Name : Physalis minima Linn.

2. Family : Solanaceae

3. Common Name : Ground Cherry, Sun berry

4. Name in Indian languages

Rasbhari, Chirpati (Hindi), Chirboti, Ran-popti (Marathi), Kupanti (Tamil), Notinotta (Malayalam), Kupanti (Telugu), Gadde hannu (Kannada), Bantepariya (Bengali), Popti (Gujarati).

5. Description

Sunberry is an erect, much-branched, annual plant growing around 50cm tall. The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild and used locally. This is a popular wild fruit to pick and eat. The taste of the ripe berry is sweet and distinctive. The berries are ripe when the husk turns brown and the berry inside takes on a yellowish cast. The plant also has a range of medicinal uses. Physalis minima is commonly found on the bunds of the fields, wastelands, around the houses, on roadsides, etc. where the soil is porous and rich in organic matter. It is an annual herbaceous plant having a very delicate stem and leaves.

1. Botanical Name : Prunus armeniaca Linn.

2. Family : Roasaceae

3. Common Name : Wild apricot

4. Name in Indian languages

Zardalu, Sarha, Chulli (Himachali), Chuari, Zardalu (Hindi), Gurdalu, Cherkush (Kashmiri), Chuaru, Chola, Kushmaru (Kumaoni); Chul (Laddakhi), Zardalu (Punjabi).

5. Description

Wild apricot is a common fruit of the hills in northern India, comprising the major parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The fruits are small but tasty.

6. Origin and distribution

This tree is indigenous to the Central Asia. It is widely distributed and is found in Europe, Western and Central Asia, Baluchistan, the north-west Himalayas and Western Tibet upto 2500 meters msl. It is found in the in mild-hills, ranging from 1,100 to 1,700 meters above the mean sea-level in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir. Most of the plants are seedlings, with varying flesh and kernel characters.

1. Botanical Name : Prunus nepalensis (Ser). Steud.

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Wild peach, Sohiong

4. Name in Indian languages

Jangaliaru, Arupate (Nepali), Arupaty (Bengali), Sohiong (Khasi), Sajong (Assamese).

1. Botanical Name : Prunus persica Batsch

2. Family : Rosaeceae

3. Common Name : Wild peach

4. Name in Indian languages

Kateru, Katakiaru (Himachali), Kathu aru (Kumaoni).

5. Description

The wild peach is closely related to cultivated peach. Many wild forms of peach are found in Himalayan hills. The most distinguishing feature of this form is the very late ripening of its fruits. The fruits of this wild plant ripen at some places as late as October. The fruits are smaller than cultivated varieties and bitter and acidic in taste.

6. Origin and distribution

The peach is native to himalayan region. These wild peaches are found in plenty in the Solan, Sirmur and Simla Districts of Himachal Pradesh. The plants are also found Kumaon and Garhwal divisions of Uttarakhand.

1. Botanical Name : Prunus undulata Buch.-Ham.

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Dieng tyrkhung

4. Name in Indian languages

Dieng tyrkhung (Khasi).

5. Description

It is locally known as Dieng tyrkhung in Meghalaya and belongs to Rosaceae family. It is a rare species growing wild in Khasi and Jaintia Hills occurring in mountainous or hilly forests or river valleys. It is a small deciduous tree, upright and moderately branched. It can grow 5 - 16 metres tall. The fruits are harvested from the wild for local used as a food and source of materials. It thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil.

1. Botanical Name : Pyrus pashia L.

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Himalayan pear, Indian wild pear, Wild pear

4. Name in Indian languages

Kainth, Chotia, Kaimh, Shegal (Himachali), Mehal, mol (Hindi), Mehal, mol (Kumaoni), Mayal, Passi (Nepali), Kainth, Shegal (Punjabi), Sohshur (Khasi), Soh ait-syiar (Pnar), Tangi (Kashmiri).

5. Description

Himalayan pear is a small, deciduous tree of rosaceae family. It is common in open field borders and forest margins from 1000-2400m. The tree reaches up to a height of 5-8 m. The stem is greyish brown and rough. The flowering takes place in the month of February-March and the fruits mature in month of October to November. Fruits are globose, brown ultimately becoming black and rough. The fruits are astringent in taste when immature. The ripe fruits are sour -sweet with some astringency. This is widely used as rootstock for pear.

1. Botanical Name : Pyrus serotina Rehd.

2. Family : Pomaceae

3. Common Name : Wild pear (large-fruited type)

4. Name in Indian languages

Bada kainth, Shiara, Zarenth (Himachali), Shiara, Garmehal (Kumaoni).

5. Description

The trees of Pyrus serotina is found throughout the mid-hill region of Himalaya. The population of this species is very less as compare to Pyrus pashia. The fruits of this species are larger and less gritty. It is cold-hardy, tolerate low temperatures when dormant. It also has lower chilling requirements than most other.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of central and East Asia form . It found in North Western Himalayan region.

1. Botanical Name : Rhus semialata Murr

2. Family : Anacardiaceae

3. Common Name : Chinese Sumac, Chinese gall, Nutgall tree

4. Name in Indian languages

Tatri (Hindi), Heimaang (Manipuri), Bhaki amilo, Chuk Amilo, Dudhe Bhalaayo, Bhangil (Nepali), Sohmad/ Sohmluh (Khasi), Sohsama (Pnar).

5. Description

It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with an open, spreading crown. It usually grows up to 12 metres tall. The trunk can be 6-18cm in diameter. The plant has an extensive root system and spreads by means of suckers, often forming thickets. The tree has edible fruits. It has several having medicinal properties. It is good source of tannins and dye. Fruits are gathered from the wild and mainly used locally. Galls produced as a result of insect activity on the plant are widely used medicinally in East Asia.

1. Botanical Name : Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston

2. Family : Connaraceae

3. Common Name : Cow Vine, Big-leaved Rourea

4. Name in Indian languages

Cheriyamarikunni, Kuriel (Malayalam), Puli pan (Kodwa), Hulimajge hannu (Kannada).

5. Description

It is a large woody climbing shrubs of family Connaraceae. Stem is black. Leaves are compound with 3-7 leaflets. Flowers in axillary panicled cymes.The fruits ripe in June –August. Whole fruit expect the rind and seed is consumed at ripe stage. It is rarely found. Rourea minor is a vigorous climbing shrub producing stems up to 25 metres long that climb into the surrounding vegetation.Although poisonous, the plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use in traditional medicine.

1. Botanical Name : Rubus ellipticus Smith

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Himalayan Yellow Raspberry

4. Name in Indian languages

Jotelupoka (Assameese), Ache, Akki, Anchhu, Hinure (Himachali), Hinsalu, Anchhu (Hindi), Gouriphal, Hisara (Kashmiri), Esar, Hishalu, Jogiya hisalu (Kumaoni), Ainselu (Nepali), Akhi (Punjabi).

5. Description

It is one of the tastiest wild fruits of Himalayan hills. This plant grows in abundance throughout the mid hill region of Himalaya. The fruits are relished by all and are also offered for sale at many places. Rubus ellipticus is an evergreen shrub producing a cluster of stout, heavily armed, upright, biennial stems from a woody rootstock. It usually grows 100 - 300 cm tall, occasionally up to 450 cm. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth, forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. The plant can rapidly form tall, dense thickets. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. The fruit is sold in local markets in the Himalayan states.

1. Botanical Name : Rubus niveus Thunb.

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Mysore raspberry, Hill raspberry

4. Name in Indian languages

Huftoo, Kale hinure (Himachali), Kala hinsalu, Kali anchhi (Hindi), Kandiari, Kharmuch, Surgaqnch, Oche (Kashmiri), Kalawar, Kalahisalu (Kumaoni), Kaloaselu (Nepali), Gunacha, Kandiara (Punjabi), Gomulli, Mulli (Kannada), Dieng soh khawiong (Khasi), Heijampet (Manipuri), Gowriphal (Marathi).

5. Description

Mysore raspberry is a shrub growing to 1-2.5 m tall. The stems are whitish velvety at first, becoming smooth green to purple later. Leaves are compound with 5-11 leaflets. The leaflets are dark green above, densely pale grey to white velvety beneath. The flowers are five dark pink to red petals. The fruit is densely grey velvety, dark red at first, ripening to black. The fruits are commonly harvested from forest for local use as a food and is also used as a medicine. Mysore raspberry is grows wild throughout the temperate Himalayan region. This species is successfully introduced North America. It resembles the raspberry.

1. Botanical Name : Rubus paniculatus Smith

2. Family : Rosaceae

3. Common Name : Heart-Leaf Raspberry

4. Name in Indian languages: Kothalu, Kala hinsar (Hindi/Garhwali)

5. Description

Heart-leaf raspberry is a rambling climber, distinguished by its large ovate-heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves. It is a deciduous shrub, producing each year a cluster of scrambling, minutely-prickly, biennial stems up to 300 cm tall. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, and sometimes also as a medicine.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of Himalayas and found in the higher hills in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is also found in Nepal, Bhutan and China. The plants are at elevations from 1,500 - 2,900 metres msl. It is found in damp shady ravines to 1800 metres in Jaunsar and Tehri-Garhwal of Uttarakhand.

1. Botanical Name : Salacia chinensis L.

2. Family : Celastraceae

3. Common Name : Chinese salacia

4. Name in Indian languages

Chourondi (Malayalam), Saptachakra (Sanskrit), Chuntan, Karukkuvai (Tamil).

5. Description

It is a usually climbing plant, though is sometimes a scrambling shrub and occasionally becomes more tree-like. It can grow from 3 - 10 metres tall with a stem up to 16cm in diameter. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

6. Origin and distribution

It is originated in coastal India, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. It is distributed in the Indian subcontinent, including the semi-evergreen forests of the Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu.

1. Botanical Name : Salvadora oleoides Decne

2. Family : Salvadoraceae

3. Common Name: Pilu

4. Name in Indian languages

Pilava pilu, Mityar, Mitijal, Mithivan, Pilu, Chootapilu, Bahapilu, Diar, Jhal, Godpilu (Hindi), Khakan, Pilava, Pilu, Mityal (Gujarati), Kalawa, Kohu, Karkol (Tamil).

5. Description

Peelu (Salvadora oleoides) is an evergreen shrub or tree with a dense crown of numerous, drooping branches. It is small to medium sized evergreen tree with dense foliage. It can grow 6 - 9 metres tall. The main trunk is quite often twisted or bent. It can be up to 2 metres in diameter. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. Apart from edible fruits, other parts of the tree also have economic value. Leaves are very good feed for animals especially goats and camels while the twigs are used for cleaning the teeth. The other plant parts such as root bark and leaves etc have value in folk medicine. It is highly resistant against abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity.

1. Botanical Name : Securina leucopyrus syn. Flueggea leucopyrus

2. Family : Euphorbiaceae.

3. Common Name : Bushweed, Indian snow berry, White honey shrub

4. Name in Indian languages

Katupila, Shinar (Hindi), Pandharphali (Marathi), Mulluppulatti (Tamil), Cerimklaav (Malayalam), Pulugudu (Telugu), Bilchuli (Kannada), Parpo (Konkani), Humri (Gujarati), Shwetakambuja(Sanskrit), More pan (Kodwa).

5. Description

Bush weed is an erect shrub of family Euphorbiaceae. The plant grows up to 4 m tall with branches cylindrical or obtusely angular. Leaf is elliptic, obovate, or round papery to thinly leathery. Flower cymes arise in leaf axils or at leafless nodes. Flowers are tiny and yellowish. Fruit is a nearly spherical berry, about 4 mm in diameter, whitish when ripe.

1. Botanical Name : Semecarpus anacadium L.f.

2. Family : Anacardiaceae

3. Common Name : Marking Nut

4. Name in Indian languages

Bhilawan (Hindi), Bhillava (Marathi), Kavaka (Tamil), Ceenkkuru (Malayalam), Bhallatamu (Telugu), Gerannina mara (Kannada), Bhallataka (Bengali), Bonebhalia (Oriya), Amberi (Konkani), Bhala (Assamese), Bhilamu (Gujarati), Bhallatakah (Sanskrit), Bhalaayo (Nepali).

5. Description

Marking nut tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 25 metres, but is usually smaller. Possibly best known for its use in making a permanent marking ink. This multi-purpose tree also provides food, medicines, oil etc. It has high priority and applicability in indigenous system of medicine. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in the tropic.

1. Botanical Name : Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz.) Tirveng. & Sastre

2. Family : Rubiaceae

3. Common Name : Divine Jasmine, Tamilnadia

4. Name in Indian languages

Kalaphendra (Marathi), Wagatta, Kalikarai (Tamil), Pindichakka (Malayalam), Kuka-elka (Telugu), Pidaar(Nepali).

5. Description

Divine jasmine is a very rigid, ramous, small tree, armed with numerous strong thorns. This found in bogs, swamps, banks of rivers and other moist places. It flowers in the beginning of the hot season. The flowers of this species, are known for beauty. It is good shrub for flower garden. It is an important medicinal plant because each and every part of it can be used for medicinal purposes. Sometimes leaves of the plant are used to make chutney.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of India. It is distributed in India, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Thailand, Vietnam. In India, this species is found in moist deciduous forests.

1. Botanical Name : Vitis himalayana Br.

2. Family : Vitaceae

3. Common Name : Wild grape, Himalayan Woodbine

4. Name in Indian languages: Bhambti, phlankur (Himachali), Chappar tang, Bara churcheri (Kumaoni).

5. Description

This climbing shrub is commonly found in the forests. One of the important characteristics of this wild grape is that they ripen very late i.e., in October. The plant has tuberous roots.

6. Origin and distribution

Himalayan Woodbine is found in the Himalayas, from Pakistan to Sikkim, South West China and Myanmar at altitudes of 1800-3300 m. In India, it is found in Himachal and Uttarakhand.

7. Morphology

Himalayan Woodbine is a very large climber, growing to 18 m long. It has trifoliate leaves with 3 ovate long-pointed, sharply toothed, stalked leaflets. Leaves are shining green above and pale on the underside, about 10 cm long. The lateral leaflets have asymmetrical bases. Flowers are tiny, yellow-green, in spreading flat-topped clusters. Flowers have petals about 5 mm long, with 4-5 stamens. Fruit is a black berry.

1. Botanical Name : Vitis lanata Roxb.

2. Family : Vitaceae

3. Common Nam : Wild grape

4. Name in Indian languages

Bhambay (Himachali), Asajiya, Asoja, Paharphuta, Purain (Kumaoni), Kolo, Kolo nari (Santali).

5. Description

Vitis lanata grow naturally throughout the sub-Himalayan tract, ascending up to 1,500 metres in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is woody climber.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of East Asia from Himalaya to China. It grow wild in the northwestern Himalayan foothills. It is found in hills upto 1500 metres in the Himalayas particular on moist open rocky places.

1. Botanical Name : Xeromphis spinosa (Thumb.) Keay

2. Family : Rubiaceae

3. Common Name : Thorny Bone-apple, Common emetic nut

4. Name in Indian languages

Mainphal (Hindi), Ghela, Khajkanda(Marathi), Madkarai (Tamil), Karacchulli (Malayalam), Marrga (Telugu), Kaarekaayi-gida (Kannada), Patova (Oriya), Madanah (Sanskrit), Kare pan (Kodwa).

5. Description

Xeromphis spinosa is a plant of family Rubiaceae. It is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 7 metres tall. The plant sometimes adopts a climbing habit. The fruits matures in the month of June-July. The whole fruit expect the seed is consumed at ripe stage.

6. Origin and distribution

It is native of East Asia, Southern China, Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia. It is found all over India except higher hills. It is also found in the Himalayas, up to an altitude of 1600 m. It is common in hilly area of Rajasthan.

1. Botanical Name : Zizyphus nummularia Burm. f.

2. Family : Rhamnaceae

3. Common Name : Jhar Ber

4. Name in Indian languages

Jhar ber, Bordi, Jharberi (Hindi), Bhubadari (Bengali), Mulluhannu (Kannada), Junglebor (Marathi), Bhu-kartaka (Sanskrit), Narielandai (Tamil), Nelaregu, (Telugu), Poast jharberi (Urdu).

5. Description

Jhar ber (Ziziphus nummularia) is a most commonly occurring branched thorny shrub species in the Indian desert with a height of 1-2 m. It occupies almost all the habitats including crop lands and grazing lands. It is found growing naturally on farm lands and spreads through root suckers and also by seeds. It forms an integral part of rain fed farming system in arid zones of Rajasthan. Underground suckers of jhar ber remain dormant during summer season but they sprout with monsoon rain and complete the life cycle including vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting by November-December. The bushes are headed back at ground level after the kharif cropping season is over.

1. Botanical Name : Zizyphus rugosa Lamk

2. Family : Rhamnaceae.

3. Common Name : Wild Jujube, wrinkled jujube

4. Name in Indian languages

Churna, Suran (Hindi), Toran, Turan (Marathi), Totari (Tamil), Thodali, Tutari (Malayalam), Gottichettu (Telugu), Belahadu, Mulluhannu (Kannada), Kotte pan (Kodwa).

5. Description

Zizyphus rugosa is a large armed, spiny, evergreen tree growing around 5 - 9 metres tall with large elliptic usually subcordate leaves, paniculate flowers and wood is reddish, moderately. This plant is found chiefly in deciduous and semi-evergreen forest, hills and mountains below 1200 m altitude. The leaves are simple, and are broadly elliptic and short tips. Fruits are globose or pyriform, white when ripe. Whole fruit expect the seed is consumed at ripe stage. It is found in degraded forest areas of entire of Western Ghats. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

1. Introduction

The remains of almond, found in several archeological sites, show the importance of this crop since centuries. Being storable after drying, the fruits can be transported everywhere, this is the reason why, these nutritious nuts have followed the human migration. The easy adaptability of this species to poor soils has favored their spread. It is an elixir for good health and a panacea for all ills. Almonds have long been an integral part of India’s cultural heritage, especially during festive seasons and weddings. In an increasingly health-conscious nation like India, the demand for almonds is ever increasing. However, several problems plague production and limit output which has led to high import.

1.1. Nutritional value

Almonds are good source of fat, in which 80% is in the form of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which decreases unwanted cholesterol of body. Almonds contain omega-6 fatty acid which is good for heart. The amount of saturated fat is very less in almonds. Almonds have high amount of phosphorus and calcium which is required for bone growth. Magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and Vit. E are also available in almonds. Almond oil contains glucosides, minerals, vitamins and is rich in protein. Nutritive value of almond has been presented in Table1.

1. Introduction

The cultivated apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), is the most important fruit in temperate regions of the world. Apples were frequently used in different mythologies as symbols of immortality or reincarnation. One of the most popular stories attached to apple is that of Adam and Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of good and evil which was in the center of the garden of Eden. The Latin word Malus has two meaning i.e. apple and evil, which has probably stemmed from this story from bible. In Greek mythology, mother earth or Gaia, presented a tree with golden apples to Zeus and his bride Hera on their wedding day. These golden apples were later indicated with many stories of love, bribery and temptation ranging from the abduction of Helen of Troy to the defeat and marriage of Atlanta. Goddess Pomona was deity of fruit trees in Rome. In many cultures, garden of paradise and pleasure is symbolized as the place with fruit-laden apple trees. Apple is popular because of its delicious taste and pleasant aroma.

1. Introduction

Apricot is among the highly nutritious fruits of Rosaceae family and appreciated for its health promoting contents. Studies have shown that apricot fruit is effective in preventing stomach ulcers and oxidative damages of living systems (Enomoto et al., 2010; Miyazawa et al., 2006). Apricot tree belongs to genus Prunus in the Rosaceae (rose) family. Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is categorized under ‘stone fruits’, along with peaches, plums, almonds, and some cherries, due to its seed being enclosed in a hard, ‘stone’ like endocarp. This fruit is native to temperate Asia, first discovered growing wild on the mountain slopes of China, and long cultivated in Armenia later.

Throughout its history, apricot has been noted for delicious flavor, delicate velvety fruit surface, and early flowering and fruiting. The name apricot is a corruption of the Arabic and Greek al-paraecox which means the early fruit. The old spelling ‘apricock’ is retained in English until the 17^th century. The fruits are mainly consumed fresh but are also cooked and often stuffed. The high sugar content makes them suitable for drying. In china they were also preserved by salting and smoking. Other uses include fruit leathers, nectars, and liquors (Janick, 2005).

1. Introduction

Cherry is the common name of several Prunus species that include sweet cherry (P. avium), tart or sour cherry (P. cerasus), Duke cherry (hybrids between P. avium and P. cerasus). Sweet cherries are believed to have originated from the area between the Black and Caspian seas of Asia Minor. Birds probably carried the seed to Europe prior to human civilization. Cultivation was probably started by the Greeks and continued by the Romans. Its distribution and naturalization have proved extensive, for it is now found wild in areas as widely spaced as northern India, the southern plains of Europe and even on isolated islands such as Madeira. Climatic conditions are the most important limitations on cherry production. Being a deciduous tree, it needs a period of dormancy, which is initiated in temperate regions mainly by a fall in average temperatures in late autumn (Mir et al., 2017). Sweet cherry is grown almost everywhere in the temperate zone. It is a composite genus. Due to its origin, this genus needs warm and light conditions, but can also endure cold winter weather. It requires 550-600 mm precipitation annually. Sweet cherry prefers medium light (pH= 5.5–7.5), deep-layered soil, which is rich in nutrients. The root system of sweet cherry requires aeration and cannot tolerate slack water (Simon, 2004). Many areas of the world, although environmentally suited to cherry production, are currently unsuited to profitable cherry production due to high perishable nature of the fruit.

1. Introduction

Hazel nut also called as European filbert or Bhotia badam (Corylus avellana L.). Apparently the word ‘filbert’ has been derived from Middle English which in turn was a derivation of Philbert - the Saint Philibert, whose feast day in late August coincides with the ripening of the nut. Others believe that the term filbert came from the nut’s long husk being referred to as a full beard in Old English. The name “Hazel” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for bonnet, “Haesel”; this probably derives from the greek “korys” (as in Corylus), for helmet or hood. The term “filbert” may have derived from “full beard”, descriptive of the long, leafy husk. The scientific name avellana derives from the town of Avella initially and was selected by Linnaeus from Leonhart Fuchs’s De historia stirpium commentarii insignes (1542), where the species was described as “Avellana nux sylvestris” (“wild nut of Avella”). Hazelnut is the 4^th economically important nut crop (748,000 MT/yr) of world after cashew, almond and walnut.

1. Introduction

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.) is among the most recently domesticated of all fruit plants. The kiwifruit of international commerce are large – fruited selections of Actinidia deliciosa Planch and Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C F Liang et A. R. Ferguson, belongs to family Acitinidiaceae. A. chinensis has been cultivated commercially for little more than 20 years, however, A. deliciosa for about 70 years. This is known as “China’s miracle fruit” and “Horticulture wonder of New Zealand”. Although this fruit vine originated in China, yet its full economic potential was exploited by the New Zealanders, which accounts for over 70 per cent of world trade (Franco, 1990). Kiwifruit has completely replaced the older name of ‘Chinese gooseberry’. In China, ‘Mihoutao’ (monkey peach) is used for all Actinidia species, but as A. chinensis and A. deliciosa are by far the most important economically of the various Actinidia species in China, they are often simply referred to together as Mithoutao. More explicitly, the two species are sometimes referred to together as Zhonghua (Chinese) Mihoutao. In other countries of the world, its cultivation gained momentum after 1960s and now is cultivated on a commercial scale in USA, Italy China, Japan, France, Germany and Australia.

In India, it was first introduced in 1960 at Lalbagh garden, Bangalore, but the plant did not come into bearing due to lack of chilling requirement during winter for its bud break. Later on, in 1963, it was introduced in Shimla hills, where the plant came into bearing in 1969. In order to assess the performance of kiwifruit cultivation in different agro-climatic conditions of state its plantation were done at different locations. After evaluation, this fruit was recommended for commercial cultivation in mid and low hills of the state. It can also be grown in mid hill of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Nilgiri hills of south India.

1. Introduction

Olive (Olea eurpaea L.) is an evergreen species commonly grown in the Mediterranean basin. The oil extracted from the fruit is a predominant component of the ‘Mediterranean diet’, which has documented heart- and cancer-protective benefits. These derive from the lipid composition and from biologically active molecules that accumulate during olive fruit development. The oil can reach up to 30% of the total fruit fresh weight at full ripening and is highly present in the mesocarp and at lower levels in seeds. Oil increase reaches a plateau in pulp after varaison. A marked triacylglycerol accumulation in seed and pulp occurs after endocarp lignification, when about 40 mg of oil per fruit per week can be synthesized. The fatty acid profile of the oil accumulating in the fruit is important in relation to its nutritional properties. The main fatty acid is oleic acid (C18:1), which represents about 75% of total fatty acids, followed by linoleic (C18:2), palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0) and linolenic (C18:3) acids (Martinelli and Dandekar, 2014).

The olive, Olea europaea L, is the only species of the botanical family Oleaceae with edible fruit. The tree blooms with small white flowers in May, and fruit set begins almost immediately afterward in May or June. Ripening is complete toward the end of November or December, depending on the variety. Its cultivation began more than 6000 years ago in the Middle East, and spread west on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea.

1. Introduction

The peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] is an important fruit crop of temperate regions, all over the world. Important centers of commercial production usually lie between latitudes 30° and 45° North and South. At higher latitudes, minimum winter temperatures and spring frosts are the limiting factors. The peach flower bud is hardy and can tolerate minimum temperature of about -23 to -26° C. Its northern range is extended where minimum temperature are ameliorated by large bodies of water, as western continental seaboards, the great Lakes in the U.S.A. and Canada and the Caspian and Black seas of Eurasia. Mid continental areas are characterized by lower winter temperatures and usually more severe spring frost hazards. Most peach cultivars require 500 to 1000 chill hours below 7.2° C to foliate and bloom. At lower altitudes, the winter requirement is not met. The peach with its smooth skin mutant is known as nectarine. Nectarines can be used in the same way as peaches, and may be considered as substitutes for peaches.

1. Introduction

Pear is among the oldest of the world’s fruit crops, figuring in both Bible and the tales of Homer. They are by far the most important of the deciduous tree fruits, are widely grown in temperate and increasingly, in tropical regions, and figure prominently in world trade. The fruit is primarily grown for the fresh fruit market, which is much more remunerative than that for processing.

Pear (Pyrus communis, Rosaceaea family), is a deciduous fruit, grown under a wide variety of climatic regimes, ranging from cold dry temperature hilly conditions to warm humid subtropical conditions. It is grown in many places of India like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Utter Pradesh. Sandy pear plants were brought to Amritsar by travellers from China who settled at Harsha Chinna village near Amritsar about 2,500 years ago. The Kashmir valley represents one of the major Pear (Pyrus communis.L.) growing areas of the world. Pear was introduced in India from China. The time at which Pear was introduced to Kashmir is not precisely known, however Yukteshwar Kumar writes in his book “A History of SinoIndian Relations” that peach and pear came to India during the early years of the Eastern Han period (25 AD to 220 AD). This pre historic fruit has been under cultivation both in Europe and Asia for about 3000 years (Hedrick et al., 1921). Between 16^th and 18^th centuries, many European writers travelling Kashmir noted fantastic royal gardens of the Mughals, mentioning the abundance of peach, pear, plum and cherry trees, with fountains spouting cold, icy water. Pear (Pyrus communis. L), originating from the German word ‘peer’ meaning fruit, is a fascinating fruit steeped in rich history. This fruit is known as ‘tang’ in Kashmiri language. Low chill requiring pears are being cultivated in plains of North India. Cultivars requiring high chilling hours (900-1000) are cultivated at higher hills of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Majority of the Pear production is actually limited to Kashmir however, low chilling cultivars grow in subtropical regions.

1. Introduction

Pecans (Carya illinoensis) are one of the most desirable trees to plant in home yards. Their size and natural beauty as a shade tree and its capacity to produce a nutritious food make them valuable. Pecan is the most widely cultivated and the most economically important member of the North American hickory group. Beyond its native range, pecan is commercially grown from the southeastern USA to the south-west (California) (Hanna, 1987, Peterson, 1990, Harlow et al., 1991). Pecan is from an Algonquian word, meaning ‘a nut requiring a stone to crack’. In Mexico, pecans and walnuts share the same Spanish name, neuz, which is a cognate of the English word nut. In the USA, pecan is considered the queen of nuts because of its value both as a wild and as a cultivated nut and acceptable quality of meats (Woodroof, 1979). Pecan is also considered as ‘queens of nuts’ because of its value both a wild and as a cultivated nut and acceptable quality of meats. As compared with other nut fruits which have been grown since time immemorial, pecan has been under cultivation only for about one hundred years but has gained enormous popularity.

1. Introduction

The pistachio nut tree, Pistacia vera L. has been extensively cultivated since ancient times in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries; in India, Afghanistan. The climatic conditions favorable to pistachio culture are similar to those for almond and olives, and prevail in extensive regions of the western United States also. Pistachio is a nut which comes originally from Iran and has the history of 4000 to 5000 years. Pistachio is a drought-tolerant, slow-growing, deciduous tree that reaches to a height of 30 ft. The tree survives in arid regions where summers are hot and the winters cold. Rocky, poor terrain with little rainfall is no problem as long as there is good drainage. The fruits grow in clusters. Although called a nut, botanically, pistachios are actually drupe. The pistachio consists of a bone ivory shell that encases the edible meat portion, called the seed.

1. Introduction

Plum is one of the important stone fruit crops of temperate region throughout the world. The Japanese group of plum is native to China but was domesticated in Japan and subsequently was introduced to different parts of the world. In India, Japanese plums were introduced by European settlers and missionaries around 1870. Plum grows well in areas ranging from 900 m to 1600 m above mean sea level.

1.1. Uses

Among deciduous fruits, plum is widely distributed in the world, because of wider adaptability among different species and cultivars of plum to varied agro-climates and soil conditions. Plum is consumed as dessert, dried and processed products. Plum fruit is considered best to overcome the jaundice. Its fruit use for a preparation of juice and squash. It ranks next to peach in commercial production. It is widely cultivated in several countries in Europe, Asia and in the America.

1. Introduction

Quince is a highly nutritious underutilized fruit of sub-Himalayan region which has great economics and medicinal potential and it belongs to the group of the oldest cultural plants. Quince is known with different names, Urdu name ‘Bahee Dana’, Farsi name ‘Beh’, Greek name ‘Strythion’, Kashmiri name ‘Bamchunth’ and Hindi name ‘Bihi’ (Torkelson, 1995, Khoubnasabjafari and Jouyban, 2011). Quince is very much like pear in shape and gets a golden yellowish outer layer when mature. Quince fruit is a valuable dietary product and even then it less suitable for the direct consumption (Hricovsky et al., 2003) and for that reason they are mostly used either cooked (Alvarenga et al., 2008) or preserved (Kyzlink, 1990). However, as compared with other species, this fruit tree species is less popular throughout the world. Its predisposition to turning brown and decay is a limiting factor in the long-term storage of this fruit (Gunes, 2008). The nutritional value of the fruit is high (Bucsek et al., 1996; Kopec and Balik 2008). It is well known that quince fruit shows antioxidant effects (Silva et al., 2002) which result from the presence of a number of polyphenolic substances (Fattouch et al., 2007), e.g. flavonoids quercetin, rutin, kaemp ferol etc. (Silva et al., 2005), and also from increased levels of vitamin C (Tetera, 2006). Quince has the important nutritional and flavor composition more than many fruits. Vitamin C content of quince is nearly two times higher than in apple (Biro and Lindner, 1999).

1. Introduction

The modern cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is one of the most delicious, refreshing and soft fruits of the world. Worldwide it is also the most widely distributed fruit-crop due to its genotypic diversity, highly heterozygous nature and broad range of environmental adaptation. The plant is cherished in gardens and in commercial fields for its beautiful red fruit that has a tentalizing aroma (Sharma, 2002; Sharma and Sharma, 2004). Being a rich source of vitamins and minerals coupled with delicate flavour, strawberry has now become an important table-fruit of millions of people around the globe. It is amongst the few fruit crops, which gives quicker and very high returns per unit area on capital investment, as the crop is ready for harvesting within 6 months of planting. However, due to several technological advances in its cultivation like, introduction of day-neutral cultivars, and protected cultivation, strawberries remain available as fresh fruit throughout the year.

At present, strawberry is grown in wide climatic zones, extending to temperate, Mediterranean, sub-tropical and taiga zones (Sharma, 2002; Sharma and Sharma, 2004). Its cultivation is influenced by the specific regional adaptations due to critical photoperiods and temperature requirements and thus its cultural systems are highly variable. Due to the constant efforts of strawberry breeders, the world-wide interest for strawberry cultivation has boosted its production tremendously, which has resulted in widespread popularity of strawberry in the last 50 years.