eChapters

The jackfruit tree or jack or simply known as jak (Artocarpus heterophyllus) belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its fruit, jackfruit, is known as the “poor-man's food” (Bose, 1985; Haq, 2006; Ramanani and Rao, 2001; Rowe-Dutton, 1976; Sonwalkar, 1951; Verheji and Coronel, 1992). It is believed to be native to Southwestern India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka (Answers.com, 2009). It is possibly also native to the Philippines and also East to the Malay Peninsula. The fruit is large, oval and covered with a thick rind that has hexagonal protrusions. Inside the fruit, we find the yellow, fleshy and banana-flavoured carpel or large "bulbs" (which are botanically the perianths) massed among narrow ribbons of thin, tough undeveloped perianths (or perigones), around a central, pithy core. Each bulb encloses a smooth, oval, light-brown coloured "seed" (endocarp) covered by a thin white membrane (exocarp).

Cleome gynandra is one of the most underutilised crops in the world. It is the best known by rural and urban communities of Africa. The plant is well distributed in parts of South Africa, C. gynandra is indigenous to the country and evenly spread throughout Africa. Many people use it in their daily diets but it is not yet found on formal commercial markets. It is still regarded as a weed by commercial farmers. The nutritional value of the leaves is totally underestimated. The plant is known for the treatment of various ailments originated from epilepsy to headaches. The crop is harvested mainly from the wild and only cultivated in certain areas. The germination of the seeds can be a problem especially if the seeds are harvested simultaneously. The seeds must be harvested as it gets matured not all at once. Most consumers harvest the plant as needed. The more the leaves are picked the more growth is stimulated. A general harvesting method is not worked out yet, as this will differ from area to area.

Jasmine

Jasmine oil and its synthetic substitutes are extensively used in high grade perfumes in the western countries, the main buyers being USA, France, UK, Japan, Holland and Russia. Essential oil production is an export oriented agro industry in Egypt, France, Morocco, Belgium, Germany, Tunisia, Italy, Algeria, China and India. It is also used for perfuming expensive soaps and cosmetics, mouthwashes and dentifrices. 

Jasmine oil is unique and the odour of jasmine cannot be imitated by any known synthetic chemicals. There is hardly any perfume of floral origin which does not contain at least a small quantity of jasmine concrete or absolute. The world production of jasmine concrete is approximately 20 tones/year and India’s production is 2 tones.

We present in this paper the data about the popular uses of elder (Sambucus nigra) obtained in ethnobotanical studies carried out in the districts (“comarques”) of Pallars Jussà, Pallars Sobirà, Cerdanya, Conflent, Capcir, Ripollès and Alt Empordà (Pyrenees) and in the Montseny massif (Catalan Prelittoral Range), complemented with others from different Catalan regions (also investigated by our group), and compared with those from other Iberian and Mediterranean territories. This bush or small tree is one of the most reported and used plants (for medicinal and other purposes), not only in the regions studied, but in all Catalonia and in many other areas as well. It is one of the most versatile plants, since its uses embrace many different fields like medicinal, food, ornamental, craft industry and games among others. It is, in addition, aremarkable fact that almost every part of the plant (bark, root, leaves, flowers, fruits) has some uses.

The genus Sambucus L. is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical zones (Mabberley 1990). According to a few authors, it constitutes about 20-25 species (Mabberley 1990, Bolòs and Vigo 1995), whereas a more synthetic treatment (Bolli 1994) considers only nine species with 10 subspecies. The only three European species of this genus (Ferguson 1976) are S. ebulus L.

Use of medicinal plants is as old as human civilization. India has a glorious tradition of health care system based on plants, which dates back to vedic era. Rig Veda , the oldest known repository of human knowledge and wisdom (4500-2500 B.C.) mentions about several medicinal plants used by the Aryans while in Atharva veda (2500-2000 B.C.) elaborates description of medicinal plants is given. Later, in Samhita period, the science of medicine systematically organized with clear concept and theories based on the treatises like Charak Samhita – 2000 B.C. and Sushruta Samhita – 1000-800 B.C (Maiti, 2008). Traditionally medicinal plant communities depended on plants to meet their basic needs over centuries. The pharmaceutical industry views plant wealth as a source of income. The modern medicine world perceives plants as a panacea for many ills. Despite this, there is no consolidated strategy to conserve medicinal plants for their use (Purohit and Vyas, 2005).

Seabuckthorn or Siberian pineapple or Leh Berry is an emerging new horticultural crop of temperate region in the world. In India, its importance was realized in 1992 when the author found its wild abundance in cold desert of Leh /Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir State and named it as Leh Berry. Perhaps Chinese were the first to use this plant as medicine even before 8th century. In traditional Chinese medicines, seabuckthorn products are used as health drinks, for cardiovascular and digestive diseases and ailments related to lungs and skin. Chinese Olympic athletes were served seabuckthorn based health drinks to improve their physical performance and endurance. Seabuckthorn figures in folklore medicines of China, Mongolia, Tibet, India ,Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ancient Greeks were taken by surprise before 12th century to find their horses, strong and energetic again with a shine on their hair, which were let loose to die a natural death. These horses used seabuckthorn wild growth as their fodder.

Genus : Mangifera 
Species : indica L.
Family : Anacardiaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 40

In the early Sanskrit literature  Amra, mango was known to Indian at very early times. Mango occupies an important place in the Hindu mythology as well as in various religious observances. Various archaeological discoveries also mention the presence of Mango in India. Alexander the Great in 327 BC during his invasion found mango cultivation in the Indus Valley. The Buddhist and Chinese pilgrims in their travel notes have also indicated mango cultivation. Amir Khusru a famous Turkoman poet has quoted ‘Mango as the pride of garden, the choicest fruit of Hindustan’. During the Mogul Emperors, mango occupied an important place in fruit culture. The Ain-e-Akbari an encyclopaedia work written during the rule of Akbar, gives detail account of mango, varietal characteristics, quality etc. In praise of mango, British authors lavished huge praise and designated it as King of Fruits and that the Goa mango is perhaps the largest and most delicious, wholesome and best tasted of any fruit

Genus : Musa 
Species : paradisiaca L.
Family : Musaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n =22,33,44

The genus Musa has been named after Antonio Musa, who was the official physician to Octovius Augustus the first emperor of Rome, 63-14 BC. Banana (Musa spp.) was perhaps the first among the fruit plants to be cultivated and there is hardly an difference of opinion that banana was one of the first food on which human relied upon. Banana was cultivated in India at very early times which is evident from the fact that Alexander the Great found banana cultivation in Indus river valley. In tropics, banana constitutes an important food crop for man and is a staple food of Buganda (Uganda), Wahaya (Bukoba) and Wachagya (Tanzania).

Genus : Citrus
Species : Sinensis aurantium, limon, medica grandis L. paradisi Macf. reticulata Blanco
Family : Rutaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 18

Citrus is one of the most important and popular fruit of the world which is widely cultivated in almost all of the tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Amongst the subtropical fruits in respect of average it occupies the third position. In India too it is next to mango and banana in commercial perpective. Citrus fruits on account of extensive adaptability are successfully cultivated in tropical, subtropical and even in the marginal temperate regions where the condition are somewhat favourable with its attractive appearance (foliage) distinct flavour and above all its excellent fruit quantity, citrus is liked by one and all. Fruits are not only refreshing and delicious but are also very rich in vitamin C and is good source of A and B, with fruit sugar acids, minerals like Ca, P, Fe. They are essential and play significant role in health promoting constituents in human diet, significance of citrus fruits in diet is very well established. Limes and lemons

Genus : Carica 
Species : papaya L.
Family : Caricaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 18, 36

The papaya plant is a huge/giant herbaceous plant and in general appearance looks more like a palm although there exists no botanical relationship between them. Papaya is said to be native of tropical America where it is a common fruit however the exact place of its origin is not well determined. Presently the plant is widely distributed and is abundant in India, Sri Lanka and many other countries of the Malaya Archipelago, Hawaii. Papaya fruit as well as all plant parts contain a milky sap called papain. This enzyme resembles animal pepsin in its digestive action and has become an important article of commerce, is utilized in the clarification of beer and its digestive action too has been very well recognized. Another remarkable papaya character is the irregularity which it presents in the sex distribution. Being dioecious, staminate and pistillate flowers are produced on different plants, besides a number of intermediate form have also been observed.

Genus : Ananas 
Species : comosus L. Merr
Family : Bromeliaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 50, 75, 100

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L) ‘Golden Queen’ belongs to order Farinosae and family Bromeliaceae. The name is derived from genus Bromelia in honour of Olaus Bromel, a Swedish botanist. Herbs or sub-shrubs  mostly epiphytic, has the distinction to be one of the major food plants of the world, which was selected, domesticated and developed by the early pre-historic people, who passed this valuable knowledge gathered for hundreds of years through earlier civilization. Pineapple developed to its present form in its natural habitat – New World, and was not know to the Old world before Columbus discovered America. Red Indians the local inhabitants of South America at that early time had already developed and named number of varieties which were partially selected by them or their ancestors based upon various desirable horticultural traits like fruit size and quality, earliness, long storage, and absence of seeds etc.

Genus : Anacardium 
Species : occidentale L.
Family : Anacardiaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n =42

This delicious nut fruit of family Anacardiaceae is unique in number of ways firstly for fruits brilliant shades of colour (yellow to dark red-scarlet) characteristic aroma makes it one of the most enticing of tropical fruits. Secondly it multiplies and grows very fast and produces in abundance its attractive handsome fruits. Thirdly the cashew fruit is very peculiar for at the first look the swollen peduncle and disc (cashew apple) is taken to be the real fruit, a fact which is not true. The real fruit of commerce is the kidney shaped nut attached to the lower portion of the cashew apple. The English name cashew is adapted from Portuguese word ‘Caju’. India is one of the major cashew producer and exporter.

Genus : Cocos 
Species : nucifera L.
Family : Palmae
Chromosome No. : 2n =32

“Tree of heaven, Tree of life, Mankind’s 
                                                  greatest provider in the tropics”    

The generic name Cocos is after Portuguese for monkey which refers to the end of the nut being like a monkey’s head. The genus comprises of beautiful palms and grows to majestic form in its natural habitat usually unarmed trees with pinnatisect leaves. Spadices appear in leaf axis grown widely in almost all the tropical countries. Coconut is often considered as Kalpa Vriksha (Tree of Heaven) for it not only supplies drink, food and shelter but also provides raw material for number of industries.

Genus : Phoenix 
Species : dactylifera L.
Family : Palmae (Sub family-Phoenicoideae)
Chromosome No. : 2n=36

Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Finger bearing is derived from Greek word Phoenix. This ancient plant has been named phoenix after the mythological bird which was native of Egypt and also very likely after ‘Phoenicia’, an old country on the coastal regions of Syria where palms were found growing in plenty. The date palms are usually planted as ornamental for their luxurious crown which is spreading at the top. The trunk and crown is covered with stiff pinnate leaves, suckers or offshoots at the base, markedly transforms the site or scene and provide an exotic charm.

Genus : Annona 
Species : cherimola Mill.
Chromosome No. : 2n = 14, 16

Other species
A. squamosa 2n =14, 16 L.
A. reticulata 2n =14, 16 L.
A. muricata 2n =14, 16 L.

Collectively all the Annona fruits technically are syncarpous is composed of more or less numerous carpels coherent with the fleshy receptacle. Fruit has been described as ‘Deliciousness itself’ compared to pineapple, mangostean and cherimoya the finest fruits of the world. Its native place is the mountains of Ecuador and Peru as terra-cotta models of cherimoya fruits are frequently obtained from prehistoric graves in Peru. The word cherimoya is from the Peruvian name ‘cherimuya’ meaning cold seed. Although originated close to the equator the fruit attains best quality or performs better where climate is cold and relatively

Genus : Psidium 
Species : guajava L.
Family : Myrtaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 22, 33

Guava (Psidium guajava) for its high adaptability to varied soil and climatic conditions along with plants hardy nature, in short period of time has naturalized so much to the Indian condition effectively that today it is a common backyard fruit in almost every house. The round topped plant with wide crotched branch and light green foliage has an added advantage as landscape plant. From horticulture perspective it is one of the most common fruits grown commercially in India and is ranked next to mango, banana and citrus in respect of area and production. Guava fruit is often referred to as apple of tropics probably as it is the only tropical fruit which matches the high nutritive values of more commercially important temperate fruit apple. In the present tropical fruit culture scenario guava is considered to be the precocious, most prolific and highly paying fruit crop and the horticulturist admire this specie as it is least

Genus : Syzygium 
Species : cumini (L.) Skeels
Family : Myrtaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 40

Syzygium cumini Jamun, Genus name Syzygium in from Greek word united, referring to the calyptra petals and is an important minor fruit of considerable commercial significance besides being tall growing with evergreen handsome foliage is often used as road side avenue plantation to provide shade. As with other genera this fruit crop is indigenous to the East Indies, is cultivated for its fruit which is refreshing when taken with salt in scorching summer heat in India. The plants are small evergreen with attractive glossy light green foliage found growing along river sides and also planted in avenues.

Genus : Feijoa 
Species : sellowiana Berg.
Family : Myrtaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = unknown

Origin
Feijoa is native of subtropical South America, widely distributed in western Paraguay, parts of Argentina southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Uses
All parts of the plants are edible, the fruit has great resemblance to guava in respect of its appearance and size and other important pomological traits. Usually consumed as dessert or cooked, petals being thick are used in salad, on accounts of its high fruit flavour is also made into jams, jellies etc., besides these fruit juice is used to add aroma to non-alcoholic beverages.

Genus : Syzygium 
Species : aromaticum
Family : Myrtaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = unknown

Origin and Distribution

The wild species are found growing wild in New Guinea and its cultivation was found on some islands of Moluccas. By the 17th century its cultivation has spread to number of other islands and from Moluccas crop reached Asia. The Britishers further introduced it to in India, Sumatra, Sri Lanka and other countries of south east Asia. Through French, the crop reached Mauritius which further spread to Madagascar, Zanzibar (Africa) and finally reached tropical America (Brazil).

Uses
Chinese valued clove as a spice. In India, regarded as an important spice, dried clove buds or after grinding are used to flavour food, valued for medical purposes (flower and fruit) in south east Asia.

Genus : Eugenia 
Species : uniflora  L.
Family : Myrtaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 22

Eugenia uniflora, L. Is another important genera in family Myrtaceae which produces edible fruit. The fruit is known by several names like Pitanga, Surinam cherry, Cayenne cherry and Florida cherry. The word pitanga is derived from Tupi meaning ‘piter’ and ‘anga’, scent or odour. From its native home in Brazil the fruit was introduced in India at an early time probably by the Portuguese but is not cultivated commercially. The shiny deep green foliage is very attractive and the crushed leaves results in a pungent but agreeable odour which drives away the flies.

Genus : Litchi 
Species : chinensis  Sonn.
Family : Sapindaceae
(Sub family-Nepheleae)
Chromosome No. : 2n=30

A Chinese renowned statesman Chang Chow-ling of the eighth century in a poem on litchi indicated it as the most luscious of all fruits, and in quality surpasses the other two southern China’s famous fruits i.e. orange and peach. Litchi cultivation has been restricted to few selected sites mainly for its somewhat exacting in its climatic and cultural requirements. In recent times as litchi has established in the tropical America, there appears no doubt that very soon the fruits shall be in abundance in different parts of the tropics and subtropics. The most limiting factor in early dissemination of litchi was the perishable nature of seed and prior to steam navigation it was very difficult to transport the seeds from one continent to another successfully.

Genus : Nephelium 
Species : lappaceum L.
Family : Sapindaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 22

Rambutan is one fruit from the Malay Archipelago which has become very popular in its place of origin and is well distributed here. Besides, rambutan a number of other valuable tropical fruits are present which are yet to be cultivated extensively in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In Singapore and Penang the fruit grows in abundance. Though very popular in Malay Archipelago, Sri Lanka, however it is unknown in India, Madagascar, Mauritius etc. The fruits common name has been derived from Malayan word rambut referring to hairs by which the fruit surface is covered with. The fruit is also known by other names like Rambustan, rambotang, ramboetan etc. The crop is strictly tropical in climate requirements and is very sensitive to frost. For best performance it likes a hot and moist climate and is a major factor why the crop has not succeeded in most other places.

Genus : Euphoria/Nephelium/Dimocarpus
Species : longana (Lour.) Stend. cinerea
Family : Sapindaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 20

The longan (Euphoria longana) belongs to the Sapindaceae or soapberry family to which more important fruits like litchi and rambutan also belongs. The family contains more than 1000 spp. from 125 genera widely distributed in the tropical and warm subtropics. Most of the species are native to Asia though some are also found in south America, Africa and Australia. The genus has seven species but only longana is both horticulturally and commercially important as it yields/produces edible fruits. For most of the growth, flowering and fruit characters it is similar to the two above horticultural crops mentioned. In respect of soil and climate it is less demanding and does adapt or tolerates drier and cooler condition better than litchi.

Genus : Ficus 
Species : carica L.
Family : Moraceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 26

Fig along with fruits like date palm, grape (vinifera) and olive was regarded as an important food crop of the ancient civilization that developed in the Mediterranean region. The fig description occurred prominently in number of songs as well as in the mythological and historical events that took place at that time. Fig is thought to be native of southern parts of Arabian peninsula, Italy, Balkan and USSR region. Fig was in cultivation as early as 300 BC and from Arabian peninsula it spread to Turkey, Syria, Iraq and later to many subtropical parts of the western hemisphere.

Genus : Artocarpus 
Species : heterophyllus L. (Lamk.)
Family : Moraceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 56

Afamous traveller John de Marignolli has described jackfruit as ‘there is again another wonderful tree, which produced fruit on the trunk, and was very pleasing to see and the fruit was as big as a lamb‘. The rind is hard and has to be cut open by a sharp knife, the pulp inside is of pleasant flavour sweetness of which matches the honey and usually contains 500 or more chestnut like seeds which are eaten after roasting. In its place of origin (India) where it has been grown since ancient times it is held in great esteem. Theopharatus and Pliny who wrote about jackfruit also expressed similar opinion about the fruit. In India several vernacular names are given like Kanthal, Kathal, Panasa and Kantaka.

Genus : Morus 
Species : alba, nigra, rubra L.
Chromosome No. : 2n=28  
2n=42  2n=28 (56, 84)

Plants are ornamental and fruit bearing trees have wide adaptability. Plant loves to grow on garden soils but also grow or rocky and marginal soils. The number of species is disputable but two species are native of North America. Mulberries are usually cultivated as food or for rearing of silkworms and for the edible fruits. The silkworm mulberry is M. alba and fruit bearing mulberry is M. rubra. In India and elsewhere mulberry is known primarily as a fruit bearing tree, although it is not yet planted extensively, though few trees around home ground are common. Mulberry is remarkable for its foliage and for variable forms. The extent of variability is so pronounced that several forms may be present of a single tree and different trees of the same species show distinct individual

Genus : Diospyros 
Species : kaki L.
Family : Ebenaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n=60, 90

Persimmon-Kaki, though native of China, but it was in Japan where the fruit developed to its present status and much of the cultural practices were established or developed in Japan, hence the Japanese name by which it was popular in Japan was accepted all over the world. Japanese persimmon sometimes called as date plum and Chinese date-plum are the names generally used to describe persimmon in United States. The Chinese name is Shitz and in France it is called as plaquemine. In Japan Kaki is regarded to be their prime and best fruit and about 800 cultivars have been recorded and described. Likewise the Chinese also fancy persimmon and large areas have been put under its cultivation.

Genus : Diospyros 
Species : kaki L.
Family : Ebenaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n=60, 90

Persimmon-Kaki, though native of China, but it was in Japan where the fruit developed to its present status and much of the cultural practices were established or developed in Japan, hence the Japanese name by which it was popular in Japan was accepted all over the world. Japanese persimmon sometimes called as date plum and Chinese date-plum are the names generally used to describe persimmon in United States. The Chinese name is Shitz and in France it is called as plaquemine. In Japan Kaki is regarded to be their prime and best fruit and about 800 cultivars have been recorded and described. Likewise the Chinese also fancy persimmon and large areas have been put under its cultivation.

Genus : Persea 
Species : americana Mill.
Family : Lauraceae
Chromosome No. : 2n =24

Horticulturally avocado (Persea americana) is a new fruit and is often considered to be  one of the most   nutritive of present day fruit crops. Genus Persea, name has been derived from ancient Greek name of an Egyptian tree with sweet fruits  derived probably from Perseus. Avocado belongs to the family Lauraceae, has 47 genera and about 1900 species. Genus Persea has some 150 species of tropical evergreen trees. Its discovery in the new world has contributed much to the human diet. Fruit is a rich source of fat (27%), 2 per cent protein content is higher than in any other fresh fruit, mineral like Ca, Cl, Fe, Mg, P, K, Na and sulphur are also higher that makes avocado as a useful food which produces more of base forming elements rather than acid forming elements that are found more only in nut crops.

Genus : Achras /Manilkara
Species : sapota L. zapota (Mill.) Forberg 
Family : Sapotaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=26

Thomas Firmingaer, an English horticulturist while in India in praise of sapota wrote ‘a more luscious, cool and agreeable fruit is not to be within this or perhaps any other country in the world’. A French botanist described sapota as ‘the sweet perfumes of honey, jasmine and lily of the valley’. In view of these the fruit is considered to be one of the best fruits of tropical America, although cannot be compared with the other more popular fruits of the region i.e. pineapple and cherimoya. In many tropical parts of the world this delicious fruit is held in high esteem.

Genus : Zizyphus /Rhamus
Species : mauritiana Lam. jujube Lam.
Family : Rhamnaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 24, 48, 96

According to famous writer David Fairchild it is the jujube, the large fruited Chinese type which is at its best compared to the inferior type which are in abundance in Arabia, northern India and southern Europe. The resultant inferior fruits are either from a different species compared to those of China or from varieties which have not been much influenced and improved by selection and cultivation.

Genus : Punica 
Species : granatum L.
Family : Punicaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 16,18

Pomegranate has originated in Afghanistan and Iran the abode of prophet Mohammad and for very long has been associated with grape and fig and is still held in higher esteem. Acknowledging the multi usefulness of pomegranate Prophet Mohammad said ‘Eat the pomegranate sententiously for it progress the system of envy and hatred’. The crop was very much in demand and liked by the inhabitants prior to the days of Mohammad in the Orient, as pomegranate has something special in the form of refreshing which the people of hot arid region like and adore enormously. The ancient Semitic name rimmon was adopted by Arabs as rumman. The Potruguese roma or roman was formed from rumman. The present botanical name Punica granatum has been derived from Roman name malum punicum (apple of Carthage) and granatum.

Genus : Passiflora 
Species : edulis Sims.
Family : Passifloraceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 18

The passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is another fascinating tropical fruit besides having both dessert and processing qualities, the crop also has a big multi coloured very attractive flower and fruit with district taste  and flavour. Passion fruit is very popular in number of tropical and subtropical countries. Despite having variability at the species level the commercial development has not progressed as desired which is evident from the fact that the available commercial types are highly susceptible to diseases, lack of adaptation to soil and climate extremes, high establishment costs growing management problems  harvesting and market costs have forced the grower to focus on other remunerative crops. Passion fruit is said to be good source of minerals especially calcium, phosphorus and iron, vitamin A, niacin and riboflavin.

Genus : Eriobotrya 
Species : japonica Thunb./Lindl.
Family : Rosaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n = 34

In Orient this beautiful and excellent fruit has failed to acquire the commercial significance which the crop deserves, further no concerted efforts have been made to improve it through selection and cultivation as has been done for many other Asiatic fruits. In contrast to major tropical and subtropical fruits which are said to be too sweet, loquat is one fruit that has subacid, sprightly flavoured fruits that match in taste and flavour to those of temperate fruits. The loquat has been in cultivation since antiquity in Japan and under present fruit culture scenario is one of the important fruits of that country

Genus : Durio 
Species : zibethinus Murray.
Family : Bombacaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n= 56

The exact place to which durian is indigenous is not established with certainity. The specie is said to be native to Borneo and other adjoining islands of Malay Archipelago. The species is seen growing in Sri Lanka and some other tropical countries. Outside the Malayan region durian cultivation is greatly restricted and is usually confined to the botanic gardens from study point of view. The crop has failed to move away from its native place primarily due to the fact that seeds are highly perishable which has restricted durian movement within tropical places of the world. Further due to the disagreeable flavour this fruit has not met with the favour from the Europeans. The banks of the Sarawak River are covered with many fruit trees that basically fulfill the food requirements of the local inhabitants called as Dyaks. Of the different kinds of fruit tree, durian is the most important found in abundance and is rated very highly.

Genus : Grewia
Species : subinequalis DC., asiatica L.
Family : Tiliaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n = 36

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) belongs  to the family Tilaceae and some members  are native of India too and is  mentioned in Vedic writings and various plant parts are employed to cure number of ailments. The family comprises  of 18 genera and some 400 species distributed mostly in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Of the prevailing 140 species,  40 are indigenous to India of which Grewia asiatica is of significance horticulturally. Phalsa is commercially  cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and on limited scale in Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Genus : Garcinia
Species : mangostana L.
Family : Guttiferae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 56-76, 88-96, 120-130

In family Guttiferae to which mangosteen belongs, very few plants are fruits and yield drugs, gums and resins. It is a tropical fruit and occupies an important place in Garcinia family. The European voyagers on their return indicated wonderful stories of the East and mention of mangosteen received huge praise. Hacobus Bontius termed the fruit as ‘Queen of fruits’ the finest fruit in the world. Because of beautiful colouring of fruit alongwith pleasant delicate flavour makes mangosteen the most esteemed fruit of Asiatic tropics and no other tropical fruit equals to that of mangosteen. Despite being designated as the finest fruit of the tropics, the fruit is mainly confined to the limits of East Indies. The species is found wild in the forests of Sunda Islands and of the Malay peninsula. Writers have indicated that mangosteen is usual dooryard tree in the East Indies, more in Java and Sumatra. Some small orchards of mangosteen have come up in Sri Lanka, but they are most abundant only in Malay Archipelago.

Genus : Averrhoa 
Species : carambola L.
Family : Oxalidaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n= 22, 24

According to a Dutch traveller Linschoten (1598) has described carambola as a ‘fruit with eight distinct corners as big as a small apple, sour in taste, resembles an unripe plum. The Chinese and Hindus eat this fruit as vegetable when green and as a fruit (dessert) when ripe. Carambola is esteemed in the Orient and is wide spread in the tropics. The bilimbi is a close relative to Carambola and in every livelihood is native of Malayan region and is considered as the only cultivated species. The fruit is very acidic in taste, and in appearance resemble cucumber.

Genus : Aegle 
Species : marmelos (L) Correa
Family : Rutaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 18(36)

Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) besides being indigenous to N. India it is also one of the most useful medicinal plant of India, as it has number of curative properties. In Ayurveda the Indian medicine system use of unripe fruit is advised for acute dysentery and diarrhoea whereas ripe fruit acts as an effective laxative. Amongst the fruits native of India, bael is said to be the most nutritious fruit, is rich in protein minerals, carbohydrates, vitamin C as well as in riboflavin content. Despite these quality statistics the fruit failed to become popular (as dessert) primarily it being very seedy with thick hard shell and mucilaginous flesh but the processing qualities needs to be exploited judiciously.

Genus : Carissa
Species : grandiflora A.D.C. carandas L.
Family : Apocynaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=22

The carissa (Carissa grandiflora) is regarded not only for its ornamental value but also for its edible fruits. The plant is not very demanding in its climatic requirements. It grows successfully in the warm moist tropical regions and also in the dry subtropics where the temperature never falls below 26-28oC. In United States, especially in California, Carissa is injured by frost, whereas in Florida frost has no influence on the crop. This crop species is valued highly as a hedge plant, as it resists severe pruning and resultant growth is usually low and compact, which are desired traits for hedge plant. The thorny, stout branches make an impenetrable barrier for animals.

Genus : Cyphomendra 
Species : betacea  (Cav.)  Sendtner
Family : Solanaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 24

The tree tomato is a bushy fruit plant which in early time was planted in the gardens high upon the mountain slopes. Presently in India, Sri Lanka and number of other countries it is grown in the hilly region. Indians of Peru at very early stages gave the world a number of food plants of which potato is of great value, and tree tomato in the only woody species of family Solanaceae. The tree is fast growing and starts to bear in about two to three years times. The egg shaped and usually smooth-skinned fruits are produced in large number in hanging clusters. The sub acidic and succulent fruits are agreeable and eaten as raw. In central America it is called tomate and cultivated at an elevation of 4000 to 8000 feet. The crop loves rich loamy soil and grows best under irrigated conditions.

Genus : Physalis 
Species : peruviana L.
Family : Solanaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 28, 48

Physalis (Greek for Bladder, as the thin calyx enlarges and encloses the fruit). Fruit is called as husk tomato or ground cherry. Is  a plant of warm and temperate  regions and is mostly cultivated for its edible fruit  which is sub acidic in taste and  the flavour resembles that of tomato hence the name tree tomato or husk tomato. The genus comprises  nearly 75 species mostly of American origin, however few species are also found in Asia and Europe. The species peruviana and pubescens are cultivated for their edible fruit whereas P. alkekengi Linn and  P Franchetii  Hort., are highly valued for their shiny large red calices. Plant is a very old garden plant grown mainly for its brilliantly coloured calices, is perennial, grows zigzag with soft pubescence  on stems. Leaves ovate, base broad and angular, petiole spreading at top. Flowers whitish with yellow anthers.

Genus : Phyllanthus
Species : emblica L.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 28

The aonla (Emblica officinalis syn. Phyllanthus emblica) is native of tropical south-eastern Asia, and to central and southern India in particular. Aonla although considered as a minor fruit, but is of commercial significance primarily due to early high returns without much care. The small lateral branches resembles pinnate leaves of walnut or sumac and when fall off leaves behind a big scar. Flowers are axillary, apetalous mono or dioecious in small clusters or singly. Plants show great adaptability, are hardy and high bearer. The genus Phyllanthus (Greek-for leaf flower) has some 500 species or even more and two have been identified as important from fruit point of view i.e. P. emblica and P. acidus.

Genus : Malpighia 
Species : punicifolia L., glabra Millsp.
Family : Malpighiaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 28

The barbados cherry, a member of the Malpighiaceae, is an interesting example of a fruit that rose like Cinderella, from relative obscurity about 40 years ago. It was at that time the subject of much taxonomic confusion, having been described and discussed previously under the binomical Malpighia glabra L. which properly belongs to a wild relative inhibiting the west Indies, tropical America and the lowlands of Mexico to southern Texas, and having smaller pointed leaves, smaller flowers in peduncled umbels, styles nearly equal, and smaller fruits. M. punicifolia

Genus : Asimina 
Species : triloba (L.) Dunal
Family : Annonaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 18

Uses

The delicious pawpaw fruits are used as dessert. The red or brown streak wood is light in weight hence not used for furniture or allied work. On account of its handsome foliage, large leaves and attractive form, it provides additional attraction when planted in gardens.

Genus : Vitis 
Species : vinifera L.
Family : Vitaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=38, 40

Grapes are considered to be the oldest plants on earth which dates back to 90-95 million years, a time when dinosaurs ruled this planet, hence grape is as old as mankind. Grape is one of the most ancient crops. The Aryans knew grape cultivation as well as to prepare beverages from it. Grape cultivation in India dates back to 11th century BC. Later Muslim invaders from Iran and Afghanistan in the 12th century also introduced grapes to India, further in the 16th century Emperor Akbar the Great introduced and encouraged grape cultivation in various parts of India.

Genus : Actinidia 
Species : deliciosa (Plonch)
Family : Actinidiaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 58, 170, 174

The remarkable fruit of the previous century Kiwifruit is known by various names like China’s miracle fruit, the wonder fruit of New Zealand, Kiwi berry, Chinese gooseberry, Yangtao, Grosella and Mihoutao. In a short period of about two decades the crop has attracted huge inclination towards its cultivation and has become an established fruit crop of different world markets, which is unparallel in history of commercial fruit culture. In China the fruit has been growing over centuries in its wild form. The name Mihoutao was used for this crop by the Tang dynasty which indicated peach of the Macaque monkey indicating both the presence of fruit in wild stands and the love of the local monkey for this fruit.

Genus : Fragaria
Species : ananassa Duch.
Family : Rosaceae 
Chromosome No. : 2n=14, 25, 42, 56

Strawberry is relatively small genus comprising of usually low perennial creeping herbs, wild forms found wide spread in temperate and subtropical parts of the world. Cultivated strawberry is highly polymorphic and wide range of diversity present in the wild germplasm has resulted in the development of present day strawberry. Today it is grown throughout the world and is rated high in the list of liked foods. The breeders have contributed enormously towards the development of cultivars with wide adaptability and through the incorporation of desired traits helped to improve its quality dramatically over its wild forms. Today strawberry is known for its distinct delicate flavour, attractive fruit shape and colour and has made a special niche in the soft fruits culture. The cultivated strawberry Fragaria x ananassa Duch has resulted from the crossing of two local America species F. chiloensis (L) Duch. and F.virgianana, Duch.

Genus   : Ribes 
Species : nigrum L. americana Mill.
                bracteosum Dougl. niveum 
                Lindl. divaricatum Dougl.
Family : Saxifragaceae / Grossulariaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 16

The genus Ribes belongs to the family Saxifragaceae mainly comprises of woody shrubs distinctly marked with spines and prickles and those which have attractive handsome foliage, flowers and fruits.  The genus name Ribes is likely to be derived from ribas, the Arabic name for Rheum Ribes. Some are of the view that it is the latinized form of riebs,  an old name of currants in Germany.

Genus   : Rubus
Species : idaelus L. (European Red
                Raspberry) strigorus Michx. 
                (Red Raspberry occidentalis L. 
                (Black Raspberry)
Family : Rosaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 14 
                            (variable 28, 42, 56, 84)

The blackberries, raspberries, dewberries, boysenberry are collectively referred to as bramble fruits.  Mostly found in the north hemisphere. They belong to the family Rosaceae and genus Rubus. The family has nearly 250 species besides also has large number of apomictic segregates. Usually shrub, the woody species has biennial canes i.e. in the first year remains vegetative and in the second year it fruits and dies. Leaves variable in form from simple leaf to pinnately or palmately compound.  Flowers usually occur in clusters and are variable in colour, white pink to red.  Fruit is an aggregate of number of small drupes.