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Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) belongs to the family Geraniaceae. The name Pelargonium was introduced by Johannes Burman a Dutch Botanist in 1738, from the Greek word “Pelargos” means stork because the seed head looks like a stork’s beak. Due to their long and beak-shaped fruits, they are also known by the name of cranesbills. Geraniums are popular flowering plants and grown as decorative pot plants for indoor and outdoor. There is a world demand for the rose geranium essential oil of Pelargonium species which contains geraniol, linalool and citronellol, substitutes for the expensive attar of roses in the perfume trade. Pelargonium species was known for their medicinal value by the earliest indigenous people (Swanepoel, 2009).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The plants originated from South Africa (Swanepoel, 2009), as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco and were introduced to European countries such as Italy, Spain and France in the 17^th century. Geranium includes around 422 species of flowering annual, biennial and perennial plants. Both Geranium and Pelargonium are genera in the Family Geraniaceae. Linnaeus originally included all the species in one genus. Geranium, but they were later separated into two genera by Charles L’ Heritier in 1789. Although members of the Pelargonium genus are often referred to as ‘Pelargoniums’ to try to avoid confusion, many people still use the older common name of ‘Geranium’.

Most of the Pelargonium plants cultivated in Europe and North America have their origins in South Africa. Geranium robertianum is found throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa where it grows on a variety of soils, rocks, tree trunks and decaying organic matter such as logs. It is a component of virtually all forest types there. In the Pacific Northwest it is primarily found west of the Cascade crest although it extends along the Columbia River in Klickitat County. Ecological structure of Geranium robertianum L. populations under natural conditions and in the garden in Poland. Geranium farreri found in China, in south Gansu and north-west Sichuan.

Dahlia (Dahlia spp.) syn. Georgina belongs to family Compositae (Asteraceae). Dahlia was named after “Professor Andreas Dahl”, a Swedish pupil of Linnaeus and author of Observations Botanicae. In India, dahlia is grown as potted plant and landscape uses but it is a poor crop as commercial flower due to shorter commercial life and its potentialities have not been exploited so far. Therefore, there is need to originate more and more new quality cultivars. Dahlias are half-hardy perennials with tuberous roots. Stems are mostly erect, branched, glabrous or scabrous. The leaves 1-3 pinnate, with slightly serrated margin are produced opposite at each node on the stem. They bear flowers on a long, stiff stems well above the foliage. Ray florets are neutral or pinnate and disc florets perfect.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The wild species of Dahlia are natives of Mexico and Central America, where some hybridization and selection had probably already occurred prior to their introduction into Europe at the end of the 18^th century (Crane et al., 1947 and Sorensen, 1969). The dahlia has been in Europe for over 200 years. It came from Mexico to the Botanical Gardens in Madrid towards the end of the 18^th century and was named by Abbe Cavanille in honour of Andreas Dahl, Swedish scientist-cum-environmentalist. The dahlia was introduced into England in 1803, but from a few varieties it soon had more than 300 varieties within the first 15 years. The initial named species imported into Europe were D. pinnata, D. rosea and D. coccinea. The first dahlias grown outside of Madrid were single (open-centred) and multi-ray open centre flowered, but it was not long before the horticultural growers of the day discovered the dahlia was a natural hybrid and when grown from seed, it readily changed its form and colour, Thus it has a range of different types. Further introduction, accompanied by hybridization and selection, have resulted in the production of a wide range of flower, forms and colours. Most of the garden types have been developed from D. variabilis. The first double flowered varieties were called Show and Fancy types. The show were self-coloured, ball like flowers, while the Fancy ones were multi-coloured.

During the mid 1800’s, these Show and Fancy flowers attained cult status with gardeners and several thousand different varieties were recorded. Other forms followed, in 1829 the first Anemone flowered dahlia appeared and then in 1850 the first Pompon was raised in Germany and was named after the bobble on a French sailor’s hat. The origin of the cactus and Decorative type belongs to the arrival of ‘Juarrezii’. According to the written records it was important as a piece of tuber from Mexico in 1872 to Holland. M. Van de Berg of Uttrecht received this so called species from Mexico and released stock of the variety in 1874. Subsequently, ‘Juarrezii’, named after a President of Mexico, was introduced into the UK by W. Cullingford a Vice President of the NDS and distributed by H. Cannell after 1880. Collerettes are the last form of dahlia to have been raised, that has their origin in France and is due to sporting of dahlias at Jardin Botanique de Lyon at the end of the 19^th century.

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), commonly known as prickly pear, belongs to the family Cactaceae. In local parlence, cactus is called nagphani or danda thohar. In Tamil Nadu, it is commonly known as chapathi balli. The word “cactus” derived through Latin from the ancient Greek kaktos, a name used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant (Johnson et al., 1972) which may have been the Cynara cardunculus (Sonnante et al., 2007). It is a storehouse of virtues that have been commercially unexploited so far in India. In addition, certain genera, such as Optuntia and Nopalea have economically useful plant parts. Different parts of the cactus can be used as fruit and vegetable for human consumption, fodder for cattle, and raw material for various industries to prepare plywood, soap, dyes, adhesives and glue, pharmaceutical products for treating blood sugar and various other disorders, and cosmetics such as shampoo, cream, and body lotions, etc. (Barbera et al., 1995 and Pimienta, 1994). Similarly, the tender young pads of Optunia and Nopalea species, known as nopalitos, are extensively used as a fresh green vegetable in Mexico and Texas. Even its seeds can be used as flavouring agents. Use of cactus pear as a waterproof paint for homes is also reported.

Cacti in pots may be placed outside in the summer to ornament gardens or patios, and then kept under cover during the winter (Anderson, 1999). Less drought-resistant epiphytes, such as epiphyllum hybrids, Schlumbergera also called Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus and Hatiora called the Easter cactus, are widely cultivated as houseplants. Cacti may also be planted outdoors in regions with suitable climates. Concern for water conservation in arid regions has led to the promotion of xeriscaping.

Begonia is a perennial flowering plant belongs to family Begoniaceae. Begonia has rich colour and beautiful form of flowers. It is free flowering and striking foliage with free growth. The name Begonia is given by Franciscan monk Charles Plumier a plant which he found during his journey from Haiti to island Martinique. He dedicated this plant to “Michel Begon” the man who had the direct manmade over the expeditions. Begonia is easy to propagate and grown from seeds and vegetative means particularly cuttings. It is a popular flowering potted plant grown in containers and hanging baskets including tuberous, semperflorens, Rex, Elatior, Loraine and gracilis. Modern commercially cultivated begonias are mostly hybrids between wild types from all over the world.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Begonias are native to South America and second centre of diversity is Asia from Himalayas to Southern China and Malaysia (a floristic region that encompasses Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunes, Philippines and Paera New Guinea).

The distribution of Begonia diversity is uneven throughout tropical regions, with the greatest diversity in America and Asia (>600 species each), whilst being relatively species poor in Africa (160 species) and absent in Australia (Goodall-Copestake et al., 2010). The genus is thought to have originated in Africa, while South American and South East Asian species are the results of parallel radiations over the last 20-50 million years (Plana et al., 2004, Goodall Copestake et al., 2010 and Thomas et al., 2011). Long distance dispersal is rare, for example Begonia species have failed to cross the Torres Strait from Papua New Guinea to Australia.

Zinnia is a very important summer annual belongs to family Compositae. Zinnia was named for the man who wrote the first scientific description of the flower, “Dr. Johann Gottfried Zinn” a German Professor of medicine, but it was the late 19^th century that plant breeders started to pay any attention to this plant. Zinnia is a half hardy plant. They are popular for bedding however, cut flowers of zinnia remain fresh for several days. They are easy to grow from seeds. Collection of open pollinated seeds is in common practice in India. Non-uniformity of bloom with respect to colour, flower shape and size, height of the plants and excessive etiolation of the plants result into poor sale of zinnias.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The genus Zinnia consists of 20 species, all native to the New World (Bailey, 1951). Further Stemart and Thomas (2007) suggested that zinnia are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico.

Zinnias are grown mostly as annual in Mexico, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Brazil and Chile. It is sometimes called the Mexican marigold as its designation in some degree is justified in case of the yellow varieties. In early days zinnias were not popular. Although native to North and South America, not everyone found them attractive or desirable as a landscape plant. In fact, when Spanish first saw the zinnia species in Mexico, they considered the flower so unattractive that they named it “mal de ojos” which is Spanish for “Sickness of eye”. Zinnia seeds brought back to Europe in eighteenth century caused little excitement although the plant did not get good name. But it was not until the late nineteenth century that plant breeders started to pay any attention to this species.

The start of real popularity of the zinnia came around 1920 when Bodger Seeds Ltd. introduced the dahlia flowers Giant Dahlia. John Bodger discovered it as a natural mutation in a field of Mammoth and within the next few years selected the California Giant (large, flat-flowered variety) from the strain. The most attractive feature was availability of flowers in different colours. It also was considered to be a new trend in plant habit and flower form. It even won a gold medal from the Royal Horticultural Society of England, making everyone want to grow this prize winning flower. The many garden form of Zinnia elegans developed from the wild plant that grown in Mexico. Common zinnia has escaped and naturalized in part of southern United States including central Florida. Recently cultivation of new hybrid zinnias have started in some American and European countries under open as well as protected conditions for cut flower production.

Salvia belongs to family Lamiaceae. The genus Salvia comprises about 900 species which are grown for their ornamental flowers since they make excellent and showy borders in gardens. One of the species most commonly grown is Salvia splendens is a tender herbaceous perennial, but grown in India as winter season annual flowering plant. It bears racemes of bright scarlet flowers of large size. It has ability to grow under partial shade condition. It is commonly grown as bedding plant due to varying colours mostly scarlet, purple, orange, lavender and yellow and long lasting flowers. The word salvia was derived from Latin word ‘Salvare’ meaning ‘to heal or to be safe and unharmed’ (Blumenthal et al., 2000 and Kamatou et al., 2008) later it was translated in French as “sauge” or “sage” and in old English “Sawge” (Kamatou et al., 2008). Salvia has several ornamental, culinary and medicinal species (Codd, 1985, Paton, 1991, Gali-Muhtasib et al., 2000, Kamatou et al., 2008 and Bruna et al., 2006). It is also used in preservation of food, mainly meat and cheese, due to its antioxidant properties, as well a spice for flavouring food articles (Topuc, 2006). Chinese use its species to increase longivity and Roman use it in ceremonies as scared herb (Kamatou et al., 2008). The salvia species contain secondary metabolite the main are terpenoids and flavonoids and monoterpenes present in aerial parts of plant like flower and leaves and diterpenoids mostly in roots (Topuc, 2006).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The centre of origin of salvia is considered to be Afghanistan and Soviet Central Asia as a large number of primitive morphological species are present but the most of the diversity or species are present in Mexico (Paton, 1991 and Kamatou et al., 2008). The genus is sub-cosmopolitantly distributed worldwide, but is absent in the North and most of the low-lying tropical areas of the world such as the Amazon basin and central and west Africa (Paton, 1991), Jager and Van Staden (2000) and Kamatou et al. (2008) reported its absence not only in western Africa but also in central tropical Africa, Hedge (1974) and Kamatou et al. (2008) reported that West and the southern parts of Africa has greatest number of species (Kamatou et al., 2008).

The genus Salvia contains at least 900 species, because they readily cross pollinate, innumerable hybrids - both natural and manmade. Salvias are found on almost every continent in the world. Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, wrote about their healing qualities back in the first century. In the early 17^th century, the English botanist John Gerard, in his famous Herbal, described a number of sages, including common garden sage and one that sounds similar to what we now call ‘Tricolor’ sage. He referred to the healing powers of these herbs as well. Until the 19^th century, most gardeners focused on growing plants for medicinal or culinary purposes; beauty was a secondary, much less important consideration.

The results of plant exploration in the 18^th and 19^th centuries brought scores of new salvias to English and European gardeners from Mexico, China and Africa. One, Salvia buchananii, was found in Mexico by an English woman, who gave it to a man serving in the army. Salvia coccinea, indigenous to Mexico and South America, was grown for decades as a wildflower. Both scarlet sage and mealy cup sage were discovered in the early 1800’s, the former in Brazil, the latter in Texas.

Phlox is a perennial and annual flowering plant belongs to family Polemoniaceae. “Phlox” is a Greek word meaning “flame” and was most likely named thusly due to its bright and vivid colours. Phlox originally came from North America and was available in England by the early 1800s. It quickly grew in popularity and today it is still found growing wild in gardens across the world. Among perennials, Phlox paniculata, Phlox divariecata, Phlox glaberrima are earliest species to be cultivated and reached to England and France from Virginia (USA) in the early 18^th century. Among annuals, Phlox drummondii is commonly grown in India. Annual phlox is propagated by seeds, whereas, cutting is used as propagating material for perennial species. Phlox is grown in the garden as bedding and border plant for its dramatic, fragrant, showy and long blooming flowers. The colour range includes white, rose, pink, purple, lavender, violet, pale blue, bright red and magenta. Some flowers are bicoloured.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Phlox is native to North America except one species i.e. Phlox sibirica which originated from Siberia (Meyer, 1944). They are found mostly in North America in diverse habitats from alpine Tundra to open woodland and prairie. Some flower in spring, others in summer and fall. Many are fragrant.

The diversity of species and genera is particularly high in California, USA, where 17 genera and over 170 species occur. Significant diversity also exists elsewhere in the world. A principle lineage consisting of Cantua, Cobaea, and Bonplandia is distributed natively only in Mexico, central America and northwestern South America. In Eastern North America, the genus Phlox is unusually diverse compared to the rest of the family. Other than members of Phlox, only a few species occur natively east of the Mississippi river in the United States, such as Ipomopsis rubra, Collomia linearis and a few Polemonium. A few Phlox and Polemonium species are also found natively in Eurasia. Central and South America, particularly the western regions of South America, are also home to some members of the phlox family. A small number of species from several genera that are most abundant in North America, such as Collomia, Gilia, Navarretia and Leptosiphon are found only in western South America, indicating multiple instances of long distance dispersal (Grant, 1959 and Morrell et al., 2000). Occasional species, such as skunkweed (Navarretia squarrosa) and Collomia grandiflora, have become weedy in parts of Europe and Australia and some cultivated species, such as members of Cobaea, have become naturalized outside their native range (Grant, 1959, Hussey et al., 1997, Pysek et al., 2002 and Anon., 2003).

Petunias (Petunia spp.) are annual or perennial plants belonging to Solanaceae family. The common kinds are rather weedy in habit, but their great profusion of bloom under all conditions makes them useful and popular. They are small herbs grown for their showy, often fragrant flower. The geographic distribution includes temperate and subtropical regions of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil, with a centre of diversity in Southern Brazil. For longer flowering season they may be grown in bed borders, edgings, rock garden, window boxes, hanging baskets and pots. Petunia is considered to be the first cultivated bedding plant and has remained as a commercially important ornamental crop since the early days of horticulture and is one of the favourite genera for developing new varieties. Apart from its significance as an ornamental crop, petunia has proved to be one of the most excellent model crops for studies on gene regulation and genome structure, since the system combines innumerable and excellent technical features with a broad range of research possibilities.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Petunia is endemic to South America, with subtropical distribution ranging from 22^o to 39^oS. The major species richness is found in Brazil followed by Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. All species occur in Brazil, except for P. occidentalis, which has a disjunct distribution restricted to the Sub-Andean mountains in northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia. The Serra do Sudeste and neighbouring places in southern Rio Grande do Sul have a low-altitude mountain range and a set of diverse edaphic conditions. Petunia integrifolia and P. axillaris, parental species of garden petunia, are sympatric in these areas. Five species of Petunia grow in Serra do Sudeste, three of them namely P. bajeensis, P. exserta, and P. secreta are strict endemics. In the border of the Serra Geral in the state of Santa Catarina species of Petunia grow associated with grasslands, along forest borders, or on outcrops associated with Araucaria moist forests, at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1800 m. For this area the occurrence of four species, three of them strict endemics, P. bonjardinensis, P. reitzii and P. saxicola, restricted to the higher area of the plateau in Santa Catarina. There are two major disjunct areas of occurrence of Petunia: the Serra da Mantiqueira in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the Sub-Andean region in Argentina and Bolivia. In the first, only P. mantiqueirensis is found, an endemic species phylogenetically related to the Brazilian highland group. The subtropical range of Petunia, with centers of diversity in southern Brazil, overlaps with that of Calibrachoa.

Pansy belongs to the family Violaceae, genus Viola and species tricolor. Pansy also known as butterfly flower, cat face. Pansies are annuals or short-lived perennials, grow 15-30 cm tall and have heart-shaped leaves at the base and oblong leaves growing from the stems. The pansy is quite durable and a “flower for all seasons”. The fragrant and edible blooms are desirable in gardens. Pansy popularity increases possible due to its ease of growing. Whether grown from seed or bedding plants, pansies are relatively disease and pest free blooming prolifically for the gardener’s enjoyment. The pansy is a group of hybrid plants cultivated as garden flowers. Pansies are derived from Viola species Viola tricolor hybridized with other Viola species, these hybrids are referred to as Viola × wittrockiana or less commonly Viola tricolor hortensis. The pansy is used in phytotherapy. The pansy is the symbol of Free thought. For Viola species, there is strong resistance to cold, flowering early and long flowering period. Also be used to cover a large area on the ground flower beds, its colour range, forming a unique landscape in early spring, but also in the flower bed with the string of red, petunia colour, or for potted plants and planted tank, decorative balconies, bay windows and stairs.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The modern pansy, Viola x wittrockiana, is thought to have derived from Viola tricolor, a native of central Europe. The center of origin for Viola was continental Europe. Viola is widely distributed in temperate areas in the northern hemisphere and in S. America, with centres of diversity in S.E. Europe, E. Asia and S. America; isolated endemics occur in Africa (equatorial high mountains and the Cape), E. Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Hawaii. V. sororia as defined by McKinney (1992), is widely found across the United States and Canada. Each subspecies has a smaller distribution. V. sororia var. sororia is found in the mid to eastern United States and southern Canada, V. sororia var. affinis, is found in western and extreme northeastern sections of the United States and Canada, V. sororia var. missouriensis is found in the eastern United States, and V. sororia var. novae-angliae is found in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, Quebec and New Brunswick. Of the four varieties only V. sororia var. sororia and V. sororia var. missouriensis are native to New Jersey (McKinney, 1992). V. sororia var. sororia is found in drier areas than the other four subspecies and often in waste grounds (McKinney, 1992) or on the forest floors of open woods in semi-shaded conditions (McKinney, 1992).

Impatiens is the most popular bedding plant grown worldwide. The genus Impatiens is estimated to contain about 850 species (Grey-Wilson, 1980b). The majority is native to tropical and subtropical regions of India and Africa. The popularity of Impatiens walleriana is mainly due to its propensity for producing large numbers of flowers under low light intensity (Simmonds, 1980). Due to the high economic value and consumer demand for bedding impatiens, there has been a concerted effort by plant breeders to release a wide range of cultivars having different flower colours and distinctive foliage. Previously known as I. sultanior, I. holstii, it has several common names including “Busy Lizzie” and “Patience Plant”. It is one of two important groups of Impatiens in the horticulture industry with the New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) group being the other. Despite being Impatiens walleriana is one of the most important bedding plants in the world, information on I. walleriana relatively scarce. Impatiens walleriana continues to lead as one of the three most important bedding plants worldwide. It is available as both seed and vegetative products. The history of its development, marketing success, wide adaptability, a large palette of flower colours and forms and unparalleled garden performance as a bedding plant for shade are described as an aid for continued crop development with breeding lessons for other flowering crops.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Jones and Smith (1966) proposed the Himalayan region as the centre of origin. Khoshoo (1957) and Gill and Chinnappa (1977) stated that the genus Impatiens contains over 600 species half of which occur in the Indian subcontinent. The major centers of diversity are in the highlands and mountains of tropical and sub-tropical India, Africa and Southeast Asia. There are only a few Holarctic species and none indigenous to South America or Australia (Zinov’ea-Stahevitch, and Grant, 1984). Impatiens walleriana also known by the names I. sultani Hook. f. and I. holstii Engl. is native to areas of Eastern Equatorial Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique Malawi and Rhodesia; as well as Zanzibar and Pemba Islands.

Typically, African impatiens are highly endemic forest species, which thrive in moist semi-shade areas, and often in high altitude regions that receive ample rainfall (Grey-Wilson, 1980). Nearly all African Impatiens are native to habitats above 800 m and one third can only be found in habitats above 1500 m. However, I. walleriana may also thrive at lower elevations provided that these areas receive increased rainfall from monsoons (Grey-Wilson, 1980).

Cosmos is a flowering plant belongs to family Asteraceae. Cosmos bipinnatus is ornamentally important species grown for garden display. The word cosmos is derived from the Greek word “kosmos”, which means a balanced universe or order, harmony and often referred to as Mexican Aster. The species name is from the Latin “bipinnatus” meaning “twice-pinnate” The botanical epithet is from the Latin “pinnatus” meaning “with leaflets arranged in opposite pairs”. Cosmos flowers are produced in a capitulum. Modern varieties come with single or double flowers, picotee edges, and even furled petals in the variety Seashells. Ornamental uses of cosmos include cut flowers and as border annual in the gardens. It is a very popular flower for summer bedding. Cosmos has a pleasant aroma and attracts butterflies to the garden. Essential oil extracted from leaves of cosmos. The major constituent of C. bipinnatus contained 15-17% beta-elemene, 15-17% beta-caryophyllene, 10-21% germacrene D and 12-15% bicyclogermacrene (Menut et al., 2000).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Cosmos is native to scrub and meadowland in Mexico where most of the species occur, Florida and the southern United States, Arizona, Central America, and to South America in the north to Paraguay in the south.

It can also be found in natural areas in much of North America, where it is a garden escape (introduced species) and in some habitats becoming a weed. Cosmos sulphureus originates from Central America (Mexico) and northern South America, where it is still found in the wild. It has been introduced as an ornamental in many countries all over the world, in tropical Africa e.g. in Senegal, Cameroon, Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Réunion and Mauritius. Sometimes it has escaped from cultivation and behaves like a weed, e.g. in Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, the United States and Canada. Cosmos caudatus is indigenous to tropical America. It was introduced by Spaniards into the Philippines, possibly because it was used by them as a vegetable at sea. Now it is pantropical, including Southeast Asia, where it is cultivated but also occurs in a naturalized state.

Impatiens balsamina (Balsam, Garden Balsam or Rose Balsam or Gulmehndi) is a species of Impatiens widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in landscaping belongs to the family Balsaminaceae. It is a qualitative short-day plant, propagated by seed and is one of the popular species of North India. It is called kamantigue in the Philippines. This species of Kamantigue are used in teas. In many English speaking countries they are known as “Touch me not”, possibly due to the ripe seed pods explosively bursting when touched. Different parts of the plant are used to treat disease and skin afflictions such as the leaves, seeds, and stems. It is also edible if cooked. Juice from balsam leaves treats warts and also snakebite, while the flower can be applied to burns to cool the skin. Impatiens balsamina L. has been used as indigenous medicine in Asia for the treatment of rheumatism, fractures, and fingernail inflammation. In Korean folk medicine Impatiens (‘Bong Seon Wha Dae’) has been used to cure constipation and acute gastritis by meat. There are mainly four forms of I. balsamina namely red, purples, white and pink.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Impatiens balsamina is a species of Impatiens native to southern Asia in India and Burma, but has been cultivated widely. It is now naturalized in many tropical and temperate areas of the world. Jones and Smith in 1966 proposed the Himalayan region as the centre of origin. The major centres of diversity are in highlands and mountains of tropical and sub-tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian sub-continent. In the U.S., Impatiens balsamina is found primarily in a wide strip encompassing the Northeast and Southeast regions from Florida to New York with specimens being found as far west as Missouri. Impatiens denisonii is a scapigerous herb which is found only in the Western Ghats in South India and are endemic in the Nilgiri Hills. Impatiens ecornuta, the spurless touch-me-not or western touch-me-not, is an annual flowering plant native to the northwestern United States and British Columbia in Canada. Impatiens flaccida is native to the Western Ghats in India and to Sri Lanka whereas, Impatiens hawkeri (New Guinea impatiens) is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It has been bred and hybridized in cultivation to produce a line of garden plants. The species has been crossed with Impatiens aurantiaca and I. platypetala to improve characteristics such as drought-resistance. Impatiens irvingii is native to tropical Africa. Impatiens namchabarwensis (Blue Diamond Impatiens) is a 40–50 cm tall perennial plant, native to the Himalaya overwintering by a thick fleshy rootstock. Impatiens psittacina, known variously as the “parrot flower” or “parrot balsam” is a species of balsam from Southeast Asia that was described by the botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker and was noted for its flower that resemble a “flying cockatoo”. It is known from Thailand, Burma and parts of India (Morgan, 2007). Impatiens sodenii is native to Kenya and Tanzania. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. I. walleriana is native to East Africa and yielded ‘Elfin’ series of cultivars, which was subsequently improved as the Super Elfin series.

Ageratum is a winter season annual that is grown for its beautiful flowers. It belongs to family Asteraceae. The word “Ageratum” is derived from the Greek words “ageras” meaning non-aging referring to the longevity of the whole plant. Ageratum houstonianum (flossflower, bluemink, blueweed, pussy foot, Mexican paintbrush) syn. Ageratum mexicanum Hort. is a cool-season annual plant often grown as bedding in gardens. Ageratum houstonianum is from Mexico and is named after William Houston (1695-1733), a Scottish physician who collected the first ageratum plants. The flowers are blue in colour (sometimes white, pink, or purple). The ray flowers are threadlike leading to the common name and are used for flower arrangements and potted ageratum plants are used for beautification of the surroundings. Growing ageratum is very easy under suitable climatic conditions. The genus Ageratum consists of some ornamental species, but only a few species have been phytochemically investigated (Burkill, 1985). A. houtsonianum contains essential oil the main constituents were precocene I (23.34%), precocene II (43.99%) and beta -caryophyllene (9.18%) (Menut et al., 1993 and Shahi et al., 1996).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Although ageratum is native to the Americas, Ageratum houstonianum, (floss flower), was known in Europe as early as the late 1600s or early 1700s, being routinely cultivated in European gardens by the 1800s (Johnson, 1971). Locations within which Ageratum houstonianum is naturalized include Australia, south-eastern USA, southern Europe, Africa, China, Japan, New Zealand and some Pacific islands. Ageratum houstonianum is invasive in parts Tanzania. A. houstonianum is naturalised in Kenya at 1500-2780 m altitude, specifically in the highlands: Mau, Aberdares, parts of Laikipia and Nyeri.

Rhododendron belongs to family Ericaceae. The word “Rhododendron” is derived from the ancient Greek word “rhódon” which means rose and “déndron” which means tree. This genus is characterized by shrubs and small to (rarely) large trees. The smallest species grow up to 10–100 cm tall and the largest Rhododendron giganteum is reported to grow over 30 m tall. They are noted for their clusters of large flowers. The alpine species have small flowers and small leaves and tropical species grow as epiphytes. The colour of the rhododendron flower is available in nearly every colour of the rainbow including various shades of blue, yellow, pink white, red, orange and purple. Rhododendron flower from January through August, depending on the location and the climate.

Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various ailments such as cough and cold, insect bites, rheumatism as well as a repellent. The essential oil of wild rosemary with rich polyphenolic fraction which possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, insecticidal, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anticancer properties (Dampc et al., 2013).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Majority of Rhododendron species are native to the eastern Himalaya and southeast Tibet, Asia, North America, Europe and Australia along with the islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea and the Philippines. The highest species diversity is found in the Himalayas from Uttarakhand, Nepal and Sikkim to Yunnan and Sichuan with other significant areas of diversity in the mountains of Korea, Japan and Taiwan. The rest are broadly spread throughout the northern hemisphere in relatively small isolated populations in Japan, northwestern North America, the Appalachian and the Caucasus Mountains. The tropical Rhododendron species range from south-east Asia to northern Australia with 55 known species in Borneo and 164 in New Guinea. Interestingly, the species in New Guinea are native to subalpine moist grasslands at around 3000 metres above sea level in the Central Highlands. Relatively fewer species occur in North America and Europe. The genus Rhododendron of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been enumerated a total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties and have been recorded in IIHR. Among these 6 species and one subspecies are reported from Western Himalaya. The maximum concentration of 86% was observed in Arunachal Pradesh (75 species). The species of Rhododendron exhibit significant diversity in habit and broad range of distribution from the altitude of 800-6000 m and the best range is observed in 3001-3500 m altitudes. An analysis revealed that 20 taxa are endemic, 30 are rare, 24 are endangered, 3 are vulnerable and 47 taxa have to be assessed (Sekar and Srivastava, 2010). More than 50 hardy species of Rhododendron have been introduced from the wilds of China, Tibet, Bhutan and Vietnam since 1981 (Cox, 2012). George Forrest collected more than 400 Rhododendrons in China in between 1904 to 1932 for introduction to the western world (Geng, 2010).

Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) belongs to family Apocynaceae is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub characteristic of watercourses, gravely places and damp slopes (Portis et al., 2004 and Herrera, 1991). The first Oleanders came to subtropical Galveston in 1841. Joseph Osterman, a prominent merchant, brought them from Jamaica. After distributing these oleanders, these new plants were growing throughout the city. Later as early as 1908, an editorial in the Galveston Tribune observed that the oleander was emblematic of Galveston. In 1910, The Galveston Daily News also reported that Galveston was known throughout the world as “The Oleander City” and in 1916, an article named it one of the most beautiful cities in the South. It is widely grown as an ornamental in warm temperate and subtropical regions, due to its abundant and long-lasting flowering and moderate hardiness. It is used for screens, hedging along highways, planting along beaches and in urban areas as, by removing suckers and leaving just a few stems, it can also be formed into very attractive small trees (Portis et al., 2004). Nerium oleander is among the most toxic of all ornamental plants. More than fifty toxins have been isolated, including cardiac glycosides, general cell toxins and the strychnine-like compound rosagenin. The ancient city of Volubilis in Morocco took its name from the old Latin name for the flower.

Ixora is an ornamental plant which is a medium-sized, tropical flowering, evergreen shrub that is used in landscapes. The genus Ixora belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The plants have glossy green leaves which are arranged oppositely along each stem. All Ixoras produce clusters of star-shaped flowers on stem tips or terminal growth. They are grown for their beautiful flowers which bloom in summer in clusters of different shades of red, pink or yellow (De Block, 1998 and Husain and Paul, 1988). The colour of the wild flowers is red or reddish-orange but ornamental varieties may have white, yellow, salmon or pink flowers. It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. The other common names of this plant are Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, Burning Love, Red Ixora, Ixora, Amor Ardiente, Cruz de Malta, Dola de Coral, Equisosea and Rajana (Griffiths,1994 and Liogier,1997), Rangan, Kheme, Ponna, Chann Tanea, Techi, Pan, Santan, Jarum-Jarum and many more. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil and are suitable for bonsai (Frommer, 2001). I. coccinea is used extensively for landscaping and is also grown as a potted ornamental (Lakshmanan et al., 1997). Ixora coccinea and Ixora parviflora are generally used as the ornamental plants in gardens and parks.

It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia like Thailand. Red Ixora flowers are commonly used in Hindu worship as well as in Indian folk medicine. The flowers, leaves, roots and the stems are used to treat various ailments in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda. The fruits are used as a dietary source. The plant possesses antioxidative, antibacterial, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal, antinociceptive, antimutagenic, antineoplastic and chemopreventive effects. The oil extracted from the flowers is helpful in conditions like scabies, eczema, pruritis and other skin infections. It is also used for hedges and borders and planted as an indoor potted plant. In laboratory tests, extracts of Jungle Geranium have shown anti-bacterial (Kumer et al., 1997) and anti-tumour (Serrame and Lim-Sylianco, 1995 and Latha and Panikkar, 2000) activity. From a methanol extract of the flowers, 13 chemicals were identified including ursolic acid which has known antitumor and antiviral activity (Monteath et al., 2001). In the traditional medicine of India, infusions of the leaves and juice from the roots are used to treat a wide variety of ailments including dysentery, ulcers, and gonorrhea (Parrotta, 2001).

The genus Hydrangea is the best-known member of family Hydrangeaceae tribe Hydrangeae from the Asterid order Cornales. With more than two centuries of horticultural trade, Hydrangea cultivars are among the most popular ornamental shrubs worldwide (McClintock, 1957 and Kardos et al., 2009). Hydrangea (Hortensia) is a very popular ornamental plant for gardens. Hydrangeas occur most often on partly shaded but open slopes, rock edges, cliffs, roadside banks, edges of woods, or in moist open woods. Usually, restricted to the more moist, protected slopes. Recently it is commercialized for the production of cut flowers (Sacco et al., 2012). In India is widely grown in hilly areas.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The species of genus Hydrangea L. grow naturally in temperate areas of Eastern Asia, including some Pacific islands adjacent to Eastern Asia (Philippines, Taiwan, etc.), in temperate Northeastern America, in subtropical Middle and South America (McClintock, 1957). Throughout the eastern United States, ranging from the middle Atlantic States southward through the Southern Appalachians, and westward into the Ozarks and lower Midwest, numerous populations of shrubs with large, ovate, opposite leaves and compound cymes of small white flowers are en-countered. These are the wild hydrangeas.

SPECIES

Hydrangea is a genus of about 75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. Most are shrubs 1-3 tall, but some are small trees and others lianas (Sacco et al., 2012). Species differ qualitatively in flavonoid constituents.

Hibiscus a well known member of the family Malvaceae, grows as an evergreen shrub plant. The plant is extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant that bears large flowers on the bushy hedges. These enormous flowers are usually dark red in colour and are not usually fragrant. The huge size and the reddish colour and hues attract humming birds (Kumar and Singh, 2012). The generic name is derived from the Greek word “hibiskos” which was the name Pedanius Dioscorides gave to Althaea officinalis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was named by Carolus Linnaeus. The Latin term “rosa-sinensis” literally means “rose of China”, though it is not closely related to the true roses. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus, or less widely known as rose mallow. The hibiscus is used as an offering to goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship. Hibiscus is an important flowering and garden plant. It has various medicinal values (Chopra et al., 1996 and Sayed et al., 2012).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The ancestors of the modern exotic hibiscus were originally native to Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji, Hawaii, China and India. Ornamentally most important species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. There is no known record of the history of the domestication of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. In one view it is believed that the species is a native to China and was first cultivated by the Chinese for its showy flowers (Kimbrough, 1997). No extant wild populations of the species have however, been reported from that country. Another view holds that the species is a native of the South Indian Ocean islands of which Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands and the Rodriguez Islands are a part (Borssum Waalkes, 1966). This view is strengthened by the fact that three Hibiscus species genetically compatible with H. rosa-sinensis are native to this area (Singh and Khoshoo, 1989). It is thought that the species was collected and domesticated on these islands by far easterner during their westward migration.

Lagerstroemia indica belongs to family Lythraceae commoly known as Crape myrtle. It it grown well in India for various landscape purposes. It is called Sawani or Shravani (Hindi), Dhayti (Marathi), Chinagoranta (Telugu), Pavalakkurinji (Tamil). Lagerstroemia a long period of striking rainy season flower colour, attractive fall foliage and good drought-tolerance all combine to make a favourite shrub or small tree for either formal or informal landscapes. It is a deciduous, multi stemmed; rounded crown; dense branching and is highly recommended for planting in urban and suburban areas.

The scientific name, Lagerstroemia, was coined in 1759 by Carl Linnaeus, who described and named the plant in honour of “Magnus von Lagerstroem”, an avid naturalist and director of the Swedish East Indies Company. Crape myrtle derives its common name from its crepe-like, crinkled petals, and the resemblance of its leaves to the true myrtle, Myrtus communis. “Crape myrtle” is a peculiarly-American term. Elsewhere in the world, “Lagerstroemia” is often used as the common name for crape myrtle (Knox, 2003).

Crape myrtle is the smaller version of Lagerstroemia speciosa, commonly known as Pride of India or Queen crape myrtle. The deciduous crape myrtle is among the longest blooming trees in existence with flowering periods lasting from 60-120 days. Crapes come in heights as short as 46 cm and as tall as 12 m. Leaves are alternate and smooth, but leaf size depends on variety. Flowers are borne in summer in big showy clusters and come in white and many shades of pink, purple, lavender and red. The bark is a prominent feature being smooth, pinkinsh-gray and mottled, shedding each year. Leaves are small and dark green changing to yellow and orange in autumn. When the leaves fall in winter, crape myrtle becomes a living sculpture. The trunk and branches of tree-form plants have an attractively gnarled, sinuous character with smooth bark. Seeds are narcotic. In Manipur, flowers and leaves are used as purgatives. Bark is stimulant and febrifuge (fever removing). Roots are astringent and used as gargle.

The Camellia is one of our most beautiful and most appreciated ornamental plants belonging to the family Theaceae. The genus Camellia was named by Linnaeus after the Jesuit botanist “Georg Joseph Kamel”. Camellias represent gratitude, love and perfection and are a perfect way to tell someone they possess those qualities. The camellia is the state flower of Alabama. Industrial use of Camellia is in the oil industry. Seeds of several species belonging to the sections Oleifera, Paracamellia, Camellia and Furfuracea are used for extracting edible oil, which is used extensively for cooking in China (Ming, 2000, Gao et al., 2005 and Zhang et al., 2007). In China, more than 3 million hectares are used for camellia oil production and nearly 645000 tons of seeds are harvested each year, which yield nearly 164000 tons of edible oil (Ming, 2000 and Gao et al., 2005).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Since it is a native of warm temperate regions (southern China) and thrive throughout a wide area extending from Washinton, D.C., south through Georgia and Florida, west along the Gulf Coast and north along the Pacific Coast as far as Seattle. Species of Camellia are largely distributed in south-eastern and eastern Asia and China, which, being the centre of species diversity, possess more than 80% of the species (Gao et al., 2005).

Diploid Camellia reticulata was discovered in the Jinshajiang valley, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, China, at an elevation of 1650-2800 m and under high humidity conditions (Xia et al., 1994). Yunnan province is the centre of origin for C. reticulata (Xia et al., 1994). The most important ornamental species is C. japonica L., of which there are over 32000 registered cultivars (Savige, 1993). Today, plants from C. japonica, C. reticulata, C. sasanqua and a group of yellow-flowering species called golden camellias are grown as ornamental plants worldwide. The family can be divided into three groups of similar genera (Prince and Parks, 2002).

Bougainvilleas (Bougainvillea spp.) are tropical and sub tropical plants belonging to Nyctaginaceae family. They are thorny, evergreen and some are fragrant. Bougainvillea is named for “Louis A. de Bougainville”, a French navigator (1729-1811) who discovered the plant in Brazil in 1768. Bougainvillea plant spreading horizontally or hanging downwards as it is climbing upwards, it makes itself at home in almost any situation. It can be grown as a hedge, groomed as a ground cover, pruned as an espalier, trained as a tree or contained in a pot in a variety of shapes. Bougainvillea is ideal for bonsai. Red, violet, orange, yellow or white bracts appear at the ends of new growth.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Bougainvillea is a native of South America (Bailey, 1963, Menninger, 1970 and Hackett and Sachs, 1985) from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina. A French explorer and naturalist, Dr. Philibert Commerson or Commercon (1727-1773), discovered the bougainvillea in Rio de Janeiro in 1768. He may have been traveling on a supply ship at the time. His discovery would soon find a name and go on to make a name for itself all over the world. In 1766, a ship called La Boudeuse set sail from Nantes on a round-the-world voyage of discovery commissioned by the French government. At the helm was Louis-Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811), a mathematician and an admiral in the French navy. When La Boudeuse arrived in Rio de Janeiro to rendezvous with the supply ship, the occasion made horticultural history. Commerson’s newly discovered plant received a name, bougainvillea, in honour of the admiral.

Twenty years after Commerçon’s discovery, it was first published as ‘Buginvillea’ in Genera Plantarum by A.L. de Jusseau in 1789. The genus was subsequently spelled in several ways until it was finally corrected to ‘Bougainvillea’ in the Index Kewensis in the 1930s. Originally, B. spectabilis and B. glabra were hardly differentiated until the mid-1980s when botanists recognized them to be totally distinct species. In the early 19^th century, these two species were the first to be introduced into Europe and soon, nurseries in France and England did a thriving trade providing specimens to Australia and other far away countries. Meanwhile, Kew Gardens distributed plants it had propagated to British colonies throughout the world. Soon thereafter, an important event in the history of bougainvillea took place with the discovery of a crimson specimen in Cartagena, Colombia, by Mrs. R.V. Butt. Originally thought to be a distinct species, it was named B. buttiana in her honour. However, it was later discovered to be a natural hybrid of a variety of B. glabra and possibly B. peruviana - a “local pink bougainvillea” from Peru. Natural hybrids were soon found to be common occurrences all over the world. For instance, around the 1930s, when the three species were grown together, many hybrid crosses were created almost spontaneously in East Africa, India, the Canary Islands, Australia, North America and the Philippines.

Plants belonging to the Rhododendron subgenera Pentanthera (deciduous) and Tsutsusi and Azaleastrum (evergreen) are called azaleas. Azalea belongs to family Ericaceae. Azaleas are one of the favourite ornamental plants used by home owners and professional landscapers. They are used as foundation, accent, individual specimen plants, and as mass plantings. Azaleas are good companion plants, working well in designs with many trees, shrubs and ground covers, offering a variety of landscape options. Azaleas can be found in all ranges of colours, from delicately pink-tinged white to strong, bright red, and there are species that has the startling colour of flame. Its bold colour scheme has caused people to carry it far and wide, for use wherever a sudden note in strong hue is appropriate among the milder expressions of the rest of the flowers. The evergreen azalea, Rhododendron simsii Planch., is one of the most important pot plants in Western Europe and the USA. The breeding history of this vegetatively propagated plant is a relatively short one, and breeding has been focused on flower characters because the public is continually asking for new flower colours and flower types.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Nevertheless, very little was known about the origin and the ancestor species used for this important ornamental crop. Rhododendron simsii, the species that is accepted to be the main ancestor, originates from hilly areas in China (Chang Jiang valley), Thailand, Laos and Burma. Apart from R. simsii, at least three other species from the Tsutsusi subgenus, from South-Asia and Japan, might have contributed: R. indicum, R. x mucronatum (Blume) G. Don and R. scabrum (Heursel, 1999).

From a floricultural viewpoint, azaleas are firstly divided into the two broad categories of deciduous and evergreen plants. The former, notoriously more rustic, have North American, Caucasian, and Asian origins, and are classified in the subgenus Pentanthera G. Don, whereas the latter derive exclusively from Asian species and are classified in the subgenus Tsutsusi (Sweet) Pojarkova (Chamberlain and Rae, 1990). Within the evergreen azaleas at least four more or less well defined groups of cultivars are distinguished according to their traditionally recognized most important ancestor: pot or Belgian azaleas (R. simsii Planch. putative hybrids), Hirado azaleas (R. scabrum G. Don putative hybrids), Kurume azaleas [putative hybrids of R. kiusianum Makino var. kiusianum and var. sataense (Nakai) D.F. Chamb. and R. kaempferi Planch.] and Satsuki azaleas [putative mutants or hybrids of R. indicum (L.) Sweet and R. eriocarpum (Hayata) Nakai]. The Hirado, Kurume and Satsuki groups are often referred to as Japanese azaleas because of their geographical origin (Scariot et al., 2007).

INTRODUCTION

Seed is one of the most vital and important inputs for increasing agricultural production. Commercial flower seed production is an international business involving highly specialized growers. Compared with the production of seeds of cereals, pulses oilseed even vegetable seeds, it is done on a relatively small scale. However, a large number of species are being produced under very different cultural conditions. It seems to have great scope for expansion in developing countries like India, especially under northern India climatic zones having favourable growing conditions, skilled and cheap labour.

Annual flowers like petunia, coreopsis, helichrysum, phlox, nasturtium, marigold, gaillardia, salvia, ice plant, verbena, nemesia, pansy, poppy, larkspur, chrysanthemum, etc. have been widely used for seed production. After release of a variety its seed have to be multiplied in sufficient quantity which takes 3-4 generations before it reaches to the farmers for commercial use. The Indian seed programme largely adheres to the limited generations system for seed multiplication in a phased manner. The system recognizes three generations namely breeder, foundation and certified seeds and during multiplication cycle care has to be taken so that variety does not degenerate but maintains its original characteristics.

Seed production of flower has undergone unrestricted revolutionary growth in term of number of crops and their varieties as well as production. This phenomenal development is the result of technological advancement in the production of flower seed and development in the area of production, packaging, handling, transportation and marketing of flower and ornamental plants all over the world. The world germplasm contains more than 1500 different varieties of flowers and ornamental crops. Each species of flower grown for seed has its own specific time, culture, problem of pollination and harvesting and storage requirements. Mild climate with moderate rainfall favour the growth and development of most flower and ornamental crops.

Production of seeds of annual flower is having immense impetus as regards the diversification in floribusiness. The flower seed industry is truly international, operating in many countries in the world. Large quantities of annual flower seeds are required both by developed and developing countries adding to the beauty of private and large gardens and also for cut flower production. Annual flower are indispensable in respect of beautification of gardens. In the world, many nurseries are engaged in the production of seed of seasonal flowers and are having a blooming business. The great diversity of flower seed crops is fascinating facet of the world seed industry and they are of high value and low volume in contrast to the high volume and low value seeds. The varied agroclimatic condition existing in India provides a vast scope for the production of a wide range of flower seeds of both tropical and temperate origin. With the availability of relatively inexpensive human labour, technical expertise, and other material, it is possible to organize a strong flower seed production programmed exclusively for export purpose.

INTRODUCTION

The seed (or zygotic seed) is the vehicle that connects one generation to another in much of the plant kingdom. By means of seed, plants are able to transmit their genetic constitution in generations and therefore seeds are the most appropriate means of propagation, storage and dispersal. A synthetic seed or ‘synseed’ is “an encapsulated single somatic embryo”, i.e., a clonal product that can be handled and used as real seed for transport, storage and sowing and that, therefore, would eventually grow either in vitro or ex vitro, into a plantlet through a process of “conversion”. Now a day, artificial seed technology is one of the most important tools to breeders and scientists of plant tissue culture.

In general, synthetic seeds are defined as artificially encapsulated somatic embryos, shoot tips, axillary buds or any other meristematic tissue, used for sowing as a seeds and posses the ability to convert into whole plant under in vitro and in vivo conditions and keep its potential also after storage (Capuano et al., 1998). The aim and scope for switching towards artificial seed technology was for the fact that the cost-effective mass propagation of elite plant genotypes will be promoted. There would also be a channel for new transgenic plants produced through biotechnological techniques to be transferred directly to the greenhouse or field. The artificial seed technology has been applied to a number of plant species belonging to angiosperms.

Artificial seeds have great potential for large scale production of plants at low cost as an alternative to true seeds (Roy and Mandal, 2008). An artificial seed is often described as a novel analogue to true seed consisting of a somatic embryo surrounded by an artificial coat which is atmost equivalent to an immature zygotic embryo, possibly at post-heart stage or early cotyledonary stage. The artificial seed production technique was first used in clonal propagation to cultivate somatic embryos placed into an artificial endosperm and constrained by an artificial seed coat. Today artificial seeds represent capsules with a gel envelope, which contain not only somatic embryos but also axillary and apical buds or stem and root segments (Vdovitchenko et al., 2011). Explants such as shoot tips, axillary buds and somatic embryos are encapsulated in cryoprotectant material like hydrogel, alginate gel, ethylene glycol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and others that can be developed into a plant. The coating protects the explants from mechanical damage during handling and allows germination and conversion to occur without inducing undesirable variations. They behave like true seeds and sprout into seedlings under suitable conditions.

Since floricultural and ornamental crops are grown for aesthetic purpose and are non-edible there is likely to be less concern in bio safety issues compared to other food crops. Hence there is considerable potential for developing transgenics in ornamental crops. Advances in transgenic technology provide new opportunities for manipulation of the genome. These will have significant impact on expanding and diversifying the gene pool of crop plants, introducing specific genes and shortening the time required for the production of new varieties or hybrids. Molecular breeding is beneficial to increase the production and quality by creating plants with enhanced resistance to diseases, insects or viruses and increased tolerance to environmental stresses like salinity, temperature or drought. Through this technique genes for shelf life, flower colour and architecture may be directly transferred to develop new varieties that are tailor made to customer preferences. Bioluminescent orchids and blue roses are the significant outcomes of the genetic transformation studies in ornamentals (Swarnapiria, 2009).

GENETIC ENGINEERING VS. TRADITIONAL BREEDING

Breeding with transgenic plants is only justified when genetic variation within the primary and secondary gene pools of a species is too small or gene transfer by conventional techniques is difficult and time-consuming. There are a number of different means for increasing or even creating new genetic variation, like species hybridization, mutation induction and protoplast fusion, which have been frequently used to breed new varieties. It is worth mentioning that neither plant cultivation nor commercialization of commodities has any legal requirements and a public discussion about these plants is also lacking. Therefore, a breeder must carefully assess the different constraints of transgenic breeding before starting a breeding program which are the legal aspects and acceptance by farmers, consumers and stakeholders (Jung, 2010).

INTRODUCTION

Heterosis has contributed significantly towards increased crop production and it has become the basis of multibillion dollar agro-businesses in the world (Phillips, 1999). Hybridization is the important way that can create genetic variability and make new options. The F₁ population is obtained from the crossing of two homozygous but genetically dissimilar gametes or individuals (purelines in self pollinated crops or inbred lines in cross pollinated crops) that shows increased or decreased vigour over the better or mid parent value. Heterosis is maximum in F₁, generation which diminishes gradually in later generations. Hence, production of F₁, hybrid seeds of different flower crops is considered as the extreme focused area in floriculture industry.

Production of F₁ hybrids in ornamental crops was carried out even before Shull’s classical theory of hybrid vigour which was reported in 1971 for the first time in plant breeding. Benary Seed Company in Germany released F₁ hybrid in begonia (Begonia semperflorens) in the name of Prima Donna in 1909 (Reimann-Philip, 1983). But that time it did not attract the attention of plant breeders. It was during Second World War in 1942, when flower breeders were attracted towards heterosis breeding and started systematic F₁ hybrids. From 1950 onwards, numerous outstanding hybrids have been developed in many other flower crops in several countries like USA, The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom and Japan, etc. First hybrid in single geranium was produced in 1960, in other flower crops like antirrhinum, pansy, marigold and zinnia in 1965, ageratum in 1966, geranium double in 1970, dianthus, begonia, impatiens and portulaca in 1976-77, gerbera in 1980 and carnation in 1981. In the present scenario of developed floriculture industry, in many countries F₁, hybrids are available in a number of annual flowers like ageratum, antirrhinum, anemones, calceolaria, dianthus, hollyhock, gazania, marigold, flowering tobacco, pansy, portulaca, stock, wall flower, zinnia, etc.

As emasculation is having the maximum share in cost of hybrid seed production, researchers have found several techniques in different flower crops as the alternative of emasculation and that can help in reducing the cost of hybrid seed production. The list of techniques being utilized commercially in different flower crops (Janakiram, 2004) is as follows:

Wild relatives of cultivated plants constitute a part of crop genepool, which possess genes that have great potential for their utilization in crop improvement programmes. Wild genepools especially those occurring in biotically disturbed habitats are under threat of genetic erosion and require immediate collection to make use of their wider adaptability, tolerance/resistance to disease, insect-pests, yield, quality attributes and other biotic and abiotic traits. The wild relatives of crop plants occur in all the major phytogeographical regions of India as component of different vegetation types and exhibit variable life forms and habitat specificity. High priority demand is towards collection of those that are at the risk of erosion due to habitat disturbance by manmade/ natural causes and over-exploitation of species for commercial use.

The centres of endemism are also centres of genetic diversity and consequently centres of speciation. Unless suitable conservation methods are applied, important wild relatives of crop plants and rare endemic species in particular have poor chances of survival. Based on the efforts made in the past for collection of diversity in wild relatives of crop plants priorities have been recommended for their conservation on the basis of species status (endemic, rare/threatened/endangered, etc.) and those that have high demand in crop improvement programmes (Arora and Nayar, 1984; Nayar, 1996, 1997; Wiersema and Leon, 1999; Hanelt and Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, 2001).

All economically important species at the risk of genetic erosion require attention for collection and conservation. Highest priority may be assigned to those having highly specialized habitat requirement and those that are endemic/rare/endangered to Indian region. Species producing seeds in large quantity and having easy method of multiplication or conservation are at lower risk than those producing less seed and of the recalcitrant or orthodox types where the storage protocols have been least worked out. Species having short seed viability or low germinability need special investigation.

Year         Milestones

1951       :    First amino acid was sequenced by F. Sanger and H. Tuppy.

1953    :    J.D. Watson and F.H.C. Crick proposed that DNA is a double helix.

1958    :    Discovery of DNA polymerase by Kornberg’s group and DNA replication studies began.

1959    :    Isolation of RNA polymerase.

1970    :    Discovery of reverse transcriptase showed that RNA can act as the template for the transcription of DNA and opened the way for cloning using cDNA libraries.

1970    :    General method was developed by M. Mandel and A. Higa for introducing DNA into cells by calcium dependent method.

1970    :    G.H. Khorana synthesized an artificial gene from DNA nucleotides.

1971    :    Restriction endonucleases for mapping DNA was first used by K. Danna and D. Nathans.

1972    :    The recombinant DNA Era begins. J. Mertz and R.W. Davis used T4 ligase to join DNA molecules.

Vanda is a genus in the orchid belongs to family Orchidaceae. The name Vanda is derived from the Sanskrit name for the species Vanda tessellate. The name Vandas will be used here to cover all vandaceous orchids including Vanda, Ascocentum, Aerides, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, etc. and hybrids between them. Although there are some vandaceous orchids that originate in mountainous areas most are low-level plants that love warm temperatures. This has contributed much to the work of hybridists producing flowers for the cut flower market. It is one of the five most horticulturally important orchid genera because it has some of the most magnificent flowers to be found in the entire orchid family. It is highly prized in horticulture for its showy, fragrant, long lasting and intensely colourful flowers.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Vanda was discovered in 1613 by Alvin Semedo, who called it ‘tiao hua’ or ‘air plant’. It is originated from the warm islands of the South Pacific. Places like Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo and the Philippines are natural home to these orchid species. These are mostly epiphytic but sometimes lithophytic or terrestrial orchids. These orchids were distributed in India, Himalaya, S.E. Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, southern China and northern Australia. About 7 species of Vanda exist in the forest of Nagaland (Changkija et al., 1992). These species are described in Table 1.

Paphiopedilum is a genus of the orchid subfamily Cypripedioideae and family Orchidaceae. It is derived from Paphos and ancient Greek word “pedilon” means “slipper”. Paphiopedilums are often called “slipper orchids” because of their unique pouch. The pouch traps insects seeking nectar and to leave again they have to climb up past the staminode, behind which they collect or deposit pollinia. Paphiopedilum has a highly ornamental value being the treasure of Orchidaceae. They are easily grown as houseplants and their care is very similar to African Violets.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The genus name Paphiopedilum was established by Ernst Hugo Heinrich Pfitzer in 1886. Ironically, no paphiopedilum occurs on Cyprus- at least not as the genus is understood today. But it was long mixed up with its holarctic relative Cypripedium, which indeed grows in the Mediterranean region. Paphiopedilum was finally decided to be a valid taxon in 1959, but its use has become restricted to eastern Asian species. The genus is native to Indo-Malaysia (South China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands) and India. Paphiopedilum armeniacum is found from China (west Yunnan province) to northern Myanmar. It occurs at 1,600 to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is found growing on limestone hills, in semi-shaded deciduous forest, usually on cliffs above rivers.

SPECIES

Over fifty species of Paphiopedilum have been discovered in the far east from the higher, cooler elevations of the Himalayas, across to China and Southeast Asia and down to the warmer, sea-level regions of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines (Hawkes, 1965). Most species, like Paphiopedilum callosum are terrestrial in nature growing under the shaded and moist conditions of the forest floor (Fitch, 1982). Some species, such as Paphiopedilum niveum are lithophytic found in colonies on the coastal rock formations of the Malaysian islands (Fitch, 1982a). While a few of the larger strap-leaf Paphiopedilum species exposed to the higher light conditions found in their loftier habitats. Paphiopedilum philippinense var. roebelenii and Paphiopedilum lowii provide a strong contrast to such as Paph. lowii, are usually epiphytic Paphiopedilum charlesworthii previously described and serve to illustrate the extent of variation in both plant and flower habit within this genus. Unlike the single-flowered spikes of Paphiopedilum charlesworthii, which are usually around 15 cm tall, those of Paph. philippinense var. roebelenii and Paph. lowii can bear up to a half-dozen flowers and can measure 60 cm or more in length. Paphiopedilums with this kind of flowering habit are referred to as multifloral paphiopedilums (Batchelor). The plants themselves can be quite large particularly in the case of Paphiopedilum lowii, where individual leaves are often well over 30 cm long, though narrow.

Dendrobium is a huge genus of orchids. It was established by Olof Swartz in 1799. The name is from the Greek word “Dendron” means “tree” and “bios” means “life”; it means “one who lives on trees”, or essentially, “epiphyte”. The truly spectacular genus Dendrobium contains the largest diversity of horticulturally interesting specimens. More than 1,000 natural species make dendrobium the second-largest orchid genus. Dendrobiums are among the most commonly encountered orchids in the retail trade. Flowers are very long-lasting both on the plant and once cut, looking fresh for up to three weeks or more. Faded flowers on the bottom of the stem can be removed to encourage upper buds to open. Dendrobiums are sturdy orchids that can add a focal point to any room.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Dendrobiums are originally from Southeast Asia. The geographic distribution is from India through China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and the islands of the South Pacific with the largest diversity in New Guinea. Dendrobium species are either epiphytic or occasionally lithophytic. They have adapted to a wide variety of habitats from the high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains to lowland tropical forests and even to the dry climate of the Australian desert.

Cymbidium is a genus in the orchid family Orchidaceae. It was first described by Olof Swartz in 1799. The name is derived from the Greek word “kumbos”, meaning “hole”, “cavity”. It refers to the form of the base of the lip. The flowers are long-lasting, both on the plant and when cut large attractive and available in a wide range of colours. Smaller plants are now coming into vogue as decorative pot plants. These have smaller flowers but they are as desirable as the standard varieties and often more acceptable in modern homes. The popularity of miniature cymbidium is now spreading from Asia to the worldwide orchid community. These ancient flowers have been treasured in numerous societies for nearly two thousand years. Many orchid lovers are most charmed by its fragrance and form rather than its petite size.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Cymbidiums figure in the earliest historical records of human association with orchids from China and Japan. Cymbidium native of the monsoonal forest foothills of the Himalayas with the warmer growing Asiatic species from the tropical lowland monsoonal forests. The species come from the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal running through China and Japan, Indo-China down to Malaysia to Australia. This genus is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia such as northern India, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo and northern Australia. The larger flowered species from which the large flowered hybrids are derived grow at high altitudes. They have been cultivated for thousands of years especially in China. Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era. One feature that makes the plant so popular is the fact that it can survive during cold temperatures as low as 7^oC. Originating in temperate and tropical parts of India, Nepal, China, Japan and down to Malaysia and Australia, cymbidiums are probably the most widely grown of all orchids because of their ease of cultivation and long-lasting flowers. From the 40-50 species, thousands of hybrids have been bred with flowers ranging in colour from white, yellow and orange to pink, red, brown and green, and varying in size from 5-10 cm across. There are several species existing in the Indian forest area. Several species are existing in the forest of Nagaland (Changkija et al., 1992), some of them are given in Table 1.

Cattleya belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is highly important in floriculture and has been cultivated since the 19^th century. The name “Cattleya” was given in the honour of “Sir William Cattley”. Cattleyas have earned the reputation as the “Queen of Orchids” and are known to the public as the ultimate in floral corsages. While no longer the reigning queen of the orchid floral industry it is difficult not to be impressed by a well-flowered Cattleya. No longer limited to white and various shades of lavender and purple, high quality flowers occur in all colours except true blue and black and in a wide range of plant sizes. They are widely known for their large, showy flowers and were used extensively in hybridization for the cut-flower trade until the 1980s when pot plants became more popular.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The genus was named in 1824 by John Lindley after Sir William Cattley who received and was the first to bloom a specimen of Cattleya labiata. William Swainson had discovered the new plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, in 1817 and shipped to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for identification. After the first importation from Mr. Swainson, no more plants similar to the original Cattleya labiata were discovered for many decades, although many varieties of this species were found. Each variety differed in some way from the plant of Mr. Cattley, either in colour, blooming season or some similar horticultural aspect. Brazil is the centre of distribution, where more than half the species are found (Pabst and Dungs, 1975 and Cruz et al., 2003). They are found naturally only in the western hemisphere, occurring along with Laelias in three major regions of Tropical America i.e. Mexico and Guatemala, northern part of South America from the western Cordilleras of Colombia to British Guiana and the maritime provinces of southern Brazil. Within these three large regions are found most of the species of Cattleya except for C. dowiana in Costa Rica and C. skinneri var. autumnalis from Panama. The plants occur at considerable elevation where the mean temperature is much lower than the mean temperature for the latitude at sea level.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) an annual flowering plant belongs to family Asteraceae, alternately known as Compositae. The word “marigold” means “Mary’s Gold” and refers to the “Virgin Mary”. However, word “Tagetes” named after the Etruscan God “Tages” who supposedly emerged from the earth as it was being ploughed and was imbued with the power of divination. Cultivated species include Tagetes erecta commonly referred as African marigold and Tagetes patula as French marigold. Marigold commonly propagated by seed and cutting is a leading loose flower of India. Selection of variety is favoured by a higher proportion of double inflorescences.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Origin of marigold is central and South America especially Mexico (Kaplan, 1960). Bailey (1951, 1963 and 1976) reported that marigold is a native to Arizona and Mexico to Argentina.

During early 16^th century it spread to various parts of world from Mexico. African marigold (Tagetes erecta) first reached Spain and from there it become popular as rose of Indies in Southern Europe. Major work on improvement and cultural practices on marigold have been done in USA, Switzerland, France and Germany. In India, marigold was introduced by Portuguese and it became popular and spread quickly because of its wide adaptability to varying climatic and soil conditions. Marigold is well distributed in different states and union territories of India (Singh, 2006).

SPECIES

Earlier, Rydberg (1915) reported that genus Tagetes comprises about 33 species and Bailey (1951 and 1976) mentioned over 30 species, however, Turner and Nesom (1993) reported that Tagetes is made up of nearly 55 species distributed in the American continent, most of them located in Mexico. The two species Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula are commercially important. Details of these species are given below.

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) belongs to the family Oleaceae, order Oleales are climbing, trailing or erect shrubby plants and there are both deciduous and evergreen species. The generic name Jasminum is derived from Arabic word “Jassamine”, “Jasmin” and “Jasminum” (Bailey, 1963). Flowers are white, yellow or rarely reddish. Flowers are used for making garlands and Veni. Jamine oil extracted from the flower is highly valued in perfumery industry. France, The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Algeria, Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia are major jasmine oil producing countries (Singh, 2006).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Jasmine is native to tropical and subtropical regions; a large number of species are centred on the regions comprising India, China and Malaysia. Jasmines distributed in warm parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and Pacific region, nearly absent from America (Bailey, 1963).

Jasmines have adorned the gardens of central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal and many other tropical and sub tropical countries. The distribution patterns of nearly 72 species in India, Malaysia and China provide a strong base to claim that India is one of the principal centers of origin of Jasminum species. Among these, about 40 species are reported to occur in India and mostly cultivated in South India (Bhattacharjee, 1980). Large number of species are however, centered to the region comprising of The Himalayas, China and Malaysia. Other countries where jasmine is cultivated are France, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, North Africa, Spain and Egypt. The cultivated jasmines fall into four species viz., Jasminum sambac, Jasminum auriculatum, Jasminum grandiflorum, and Jasminum multiflorum (Kakada).

In India, the three species Jasminum sambac, Jasminum auriculatum and Jasminum grandiflorum have been mentioned in the ancient Tamil Literature of ‘Sangam’ period (500 B.C. to 200 A.D.). Jasmines are commercially grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Other growing states are Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Crossandra belongs to family Acanthaceae. It is also known as Kanakambaram in Tamil or Kanakambara in Kannada and Fire cracker in English because of cracking sound during opening of seed pod. Crossandra is derived from Greek word “krossoi” meaning fringe and “aner” meaning male i.e. fringed anthers. Crossandra is an evergreen shrub and one of the important loose flower used for adornment. The flowers are commonly grown for flower adornment in the form of garlands, venis and gajras. Though it is not fragrant, flowers are very popular because of its attractive bright colour, light weight and good keeping quality. These are used for making garland, either alone or in combination with jasmine flowers. Using crossandra flowers in combination with jasmine is becoming increasingly popular in India, particularly in southern parts, because the jasmine flowers provide colour contrast and the desired fragrance. Crossandra varieties show a remarkable range of colours, varying from orange, pink, red, yellow and double coloured blue-type with white throat.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Crossandra is native to Indo-malaya region. They are all native to sub-tropoical regions including India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.

Crossandra Salisb is a genus of about 50 species which are shrubs or herbs from Tropical Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, where it is grown as a perennial shrub. Crossandra undulaefolia Salisb. (Syn C. infundibuliformis Nees) is a native of East Indies. However, it is sometimes considered to be native of south India and Ceylon. C. guinensis is native of east Africa while C. nilotica has its origin in east Africa and Mozambigue. C. flava is a native of tropical west Africa.

The crossandra plants are distributed in tropical as well as subtropical regions of the world such as south Asia, South America, South Africa and Madagascar. In India, it is commercially cultivated in southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh (Singh, 2006).

Stock or Gillyflower (Matthiola spp.) belongs to family Brassicaceae. It is a hardy annual, biennial and perennial plant, flowering in terminal clusters. Matthiola incana is ornamentally important and grown for various purposes i.e. cut flower, fragrance, pot culture, etc. This species develops a woody base in areas where it grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial, hence the name of stock. Generic name “Matthiola” was given in the honour of “Dr. Pietro Andrea Gregoria Matthiole” (1501-1577), personal physician of Emperor Maximilian of Austria. “Incana” means “hairy or gray-white” in reference to plant leaves. It exists as both single and double forms and is valued for fragrant flowers that can be used as fresh or dried cut flower. They are excellent pot plants for the greenhouse in winter and spring and provide good cut flowers. Flowers are well arranged on a long column and colours are variable from white to rose, crimson, purple, yellow, mauve, pink, etc. The highly fragrant flowers are used as a garnish, especially with sweet deserts. Many old names were given to Matthiola incana including stocks, sea stocks, wallflowers and wall or gillyflowers.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Matthiola incana is native to the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Apennine Peninsula, the Balkan Peninsula, the British Isles, Turkey and Cyprus. According to Greuter et al. (1986), four species of Matthiola are known in Sicily and its surroundings: M. fruticulosa(L.) Maire, M. incana (L.) R. Br. & Ait., M. tricuspidata (L.) R. Br. and M. sinuata (L.)R. Br. Unlike its congeners, which only have a single taxon in this archipelago,M. incana consists of three infra-specific subdivisions (Lojacono-Pojero, 1888 and Greuter et al. 1986): ssp. incana (L.) R. Br., which is widespread in other insular and continental Mediterranean enclaves, and the narrow endemics ssp. pulchella (Conti) Greuter & Burdet (confined to the islet of Pantelleria) and ssp. rupestris (Raf.) Nyman, distributed in the surroundings of Palermo (Sicily) and in the Aeolids, the Egadian and Ustica, respectively (Raimondo et al. 1994).

Stock earlier known as Leucoium album or Viola alba was later renamed as Mattiola after Dr. Mattioli, an Italian physician and botanist. This was being grown by the ancient Greeks and was linked for its frangrance. In the wild state, stocks are found in the Mediterranean, Egypt, South Europe and in South Africa and two species, Mattiola incana and M. sinuate are among the rare British natives. Ruth et al. (2009) also reported that Matthiola is widespread in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions. Both single and double forms were grown in Europe from 10^th century onwards and became popular garden flowers. Apart from its countries of origin, Matthiola incana can be found in Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States.

Gypsophila is herbacaeous annual or perennial flowering plant belongs to family Caryophyllaceae. It contains several ornamental species of which Gypsophila paniculataL. is the only species used as a cut flower (Zvi et al., 2008) and it is applied as filler in flower arrangements (Jones, 1995 and Rehman, 2002). Gypsophila derived from “gypson” meaning chalk and “phylos” meaning lover, an etymology which alludes to its preference for calcareous soils (Vettory et al., 2013). Mainly found in temperate or warm-temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere, best developed in the Mediterranean region and Near East (Ataslar et al., 2009 and Cronquist, 1981). It is a perennial plant often grown commercially as an annual crop. Root is rich source of triterpine saponins (Henry, 1993, Hostettmann, 1995 and Gevrenova et al., 2010) which are used for commercially in medicines, detergents, adjuvents and cosmetics (Hostettmann, 1995, Tschesche and Wulff, 1973 and Gevrenova et al., 2010). G. paniculata is one of the ten best selling cut flower species worldwide and thus becomes for the genetic improvement and selection of new varieties of commercial interest. Main regions of gypsophila production are Italy, Israel, Belgium, Germany and Holland while currently its cultivation is spreading across to other countries such as Ecuador, Egypt and Kenya due to lower labour costs. Infact, Gypsophila is among one of the most important varieties of cut flowers in Israel, where it is grown in more than 200 hectares of greenhouses and is almost entirely exported. For these reasons, the competition has increased dramatically, making the world market increasingly difficult for companies which feel the need to introduce new varieties that respond better to characteristics desired by consumers and florists.

Freesia is ornamental flowering plant belongs to family Iridaceae subfamily Ixioideae. Freesia is named after a physician and botanist from Germany named “Friedrich H.T. Freese” (1795–1876). Dr. Christian P. Ecklon, a collector of plants from South Africa, named the flower after his friend and student. Modern freesias are known as Freesia x hybrida and cultivated for cut flowers. Freesia is grown for two purposes i.e. cut flower and pot plant.

It is excellent cut flowers because of its appealing shapes and found suitable for various types of arrangements and bouquets. Wide range of colour increases its beauty. Hence, its flower demand increased dramatically in recent year in global market. Forced freesias are grown as pot plant. Colours in freesias consist of pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, lavender, cream and white. Some flowers are multicoloured and possess several variations of colour within the same bud. Because of their delectable fragrance, Freesias have been drafted as a vital ingredient in many fragrance oils. Freesia fragrance oils are utilized for many oil burners and vaporizers. It is used as an essential fragrance in potpourris. Freesia essence oil is high grade essence oil. This is because it is undiluted, alcohol free, and long lasting. The oil is used for aromatherapy to scent candles, soaps, massage oils, bath oils and perfumes.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Freesias are South African in origin. Most species were found in the Cape Province area in southern Africa and two others were found just north of the equator in a tropical climate and even in Sudan. Freesia x hybrida is the name of modern Freesia.

In 1866 Freesia was described as a distinct genus. Freesia alba was first described in 1878 by G.L. Meyer, and became well known in Europe, as F. refracta var. alba. Gumbleton recognized Freesia alba as a distinct species in 1896, but Freesia alba first appeared in the English nursery trade in 1878 and quickly spread to Europe and North America. It appears to have caused quite a sensation, and appeared in almost every horticultural publication of note in both Europe and America in the years following its introduction. Breeding began immediately after F. alba appeared on the market and continues to this day.

Most of the modern hybrids were first made in the 19^th century from a few species. The genus contains some superbly ornamental and adaptable plants. These range from the lovely, scented Freesia alba and the brilliant red Freesia grandiflora and Freesia laxa, to the bizarre green-flowered Freesia viridis.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.), belonging to family Primulaceae, is cultivated throughout the Temperate Zone. Many people have enjoyed the charming plants as potted and/or garden plants. The cyclamen is one of the most famous and important commercial ornamental plants in many countries. It is commonly grown for its flowers, both outdoors and indoors in pots. It is used on a terrace, in flower boxes, in hanging baskets or in beddings. Several species, particularly Cyclamen hederifolium, are hardy and can be grown outdoors in mild climates such as Northwest Europe and the Pacific Northwest of North America. The cyclamen commonly sold by florists is C. persicum, which is frost-tender. Selected cyclamen cultivars can have white, bright pink, red or purple flowers. The use as cut flower is not important part of cyclamen production (Grey-Wilson, 2002), but not rare in Europe, especially in Germany. Some cultivars for cut flower production were bred in Europe, but cut flower cyclamen production is not popular in USA and Japan. Its popularity as pot plant led to many studies on the group, including cytology (Bennett and Grimshaw, 1991), hybridization (Gielly et al., 2001 and Grey-Wilson, 2002) and phenology (Debussche et al., 2004).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Cyclamen originated from extreme eastern Mediterranean region and naturally grows in countries such as Palestine, Syria, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia or even Mediterranean islands: Rhodes, Cyprus and Sicily (Grey-Wilson, 2002). Cyclamen was introduced in Europe at the end 16^th century, beginning of the 17^th century, passing first through France. Somewhat neglected in the following century, the cyclamen became fashionable again in France in the 1900s. But since 1860, the first variants of the botanical or “wild” cyclamen appeared in England, then in Germany, with much bigger flowers and with varying colour shades.

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) belonging to family Amaryllidaceae is half hardy, perennial, bulbous plant. Bulbs are made of scales and leaf bases and stem remains concealed within scales. The generic name Polianthes is derived from Greek word “polios” meaning shining or white and “anthos” meaning flower, in allusion to the blooms of the common tuberose and species tuberosa, the plant being tuberous in nature. Tuberose is commercially cultivated in tropical and sub tropical areas for cut and loose flower trade and also for the extraction of it’s highly valued natural flower oil.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Tuberose is a native of Mexico (Bailey, 1976) from where it spread to different parts of world during 16^th century. The name tuberose is derived from tuberosa, this plant being the tuberous hyacinth as distinguished from the bulbous hyacinth. The name therefore, is tuber-ose, not tuberose. By the middle of the 18^th century the tuberose was still referred for as Hyacinthus indicus tuberosus. Originally Linnaeus had used the name Polianthes floribus alternis in his Hortus Cliffortianus. Later it was grouped under the genus Polianthes and the species tuberosa.

Tuberose is cultivated on large scale in China, Egypt, France, Italy, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, Spain, Sri Lanka, North Carolina, USA and in many tropical and subtropical countries.

In India tuberose is commonly known as Gulchari and Gulshabbo in Hindi, Rajanigandha in Bengali, Sukandaraji and Nelasampengi in Telegu, Nilasampangi in Tamil and as Sugandharaja in Kannada.

In India its commercial cultivations is confined to Bagnen, Midnapur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Kolaghat and Pariskura in West Bengal, Guwahati and Jorhat in Assam, Pune, Thane, Sangli, Nasik and Ahmednagar in Maharastra, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Navsari and Valsad in Gujrat, Ambala, Gurgaon and Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab, Devanahalli, Tumkur, Kolar, Belgaum and Mysore in Karnataka, East Godavari, Guntur, Chitoor and Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh and Coimbatore and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Growers of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Orissa are also concentrating in tuberose cultivation after evolvement of improved varieties namely Shringar, Suvasini, Prajwal and Vaibhav by Indian breeders (Singh, 2006).

Modern rose (Rosa x hybrida) belongs to family Rosaceae. Rose is derived from Greek word “Rhedon” means fragrance. From the ancient time its beauty and attractiveness drag the attention of breeders to create new colours and types. Present cut roses are complex hybrids developed through interspecific hybridization, polyploidy with male and female sterility and these heterozygous genotypes are propagated vegetatively. Rose occupies the first rank among the cut flowers in international market and in India it occupied first position in cut flower export trade.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Roses have been in cultivation since the origins of civilization (Wylie, 1955). The evidence of rose cultivation is found about 5000 years ago in ancient civilization of China, western Asia and northern Africa (Shepherd, 1954). About 120 known wild species, all indigenous to temperate regions of northern hemisphere have been reported to be growing. Eleven species are reported to be growing wild in India. Among the rose species used for perfume extraction purpose Rosa alba originated perhaps in Crimea in Russia, R. borboniana originated in Isle of Reumon in 1817, R. centifolia is native to eastern Caucasus and is under cultivation since 1596. Original home of R. damascena is unknown and it was introduced to Europe from Damascus in Asia Minor during the sixteenth century. R. moschata is native to Middle East and Himalayas and is found at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 4700 meters extending from Europe. The Persian Musk, one of the forms of R. moschata is very common in India. It was introduced into England in 1599. Rosa gallica, known as French rose is native to central and southeast Europe and is in cultivation prior to 1542.

Significant information about roses in antiquity can be seen in the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus (490-420 B.C.), the Greek philosopher Theophrastus (372-287 B.C.) and the Roman naturalist Pliny (23-79 A.D.).

Originally all roses grew wild. About 120 known wild species of roses, all indigenous to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, have been reported. The species growing wild in India are Rosa brunonii (Himalayan Musk rose), R. eglanteria, R. gigantea (syn. R. odorata var. gigantean), R. involucrate (syn. R. clinophylla), R. leschenaultiana syn. R. sempervirens, R. longicuspis, R. macrophylla, R. moschata (Musk rose), R. rubiginosa (Sweet Briar, Eglantine rose), R. walpoleana, R. sericea (Ladakh rose). Till the nineteenth century only four species, R. gallica (Red rose), R. canina (Dog rose), R. moschata (Musk rose) and R. phoenicia (Phoenician rose) played a role in the development of cultivars grown at that time.

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema spp.) belongs to family Compositae (Asteraceae). It was named by Carolus Linnaeus from the Greek prefix “chrys” means golden and “anthemon” means flower. Chrysanthemum morifolium is the modern florists chrysanthemum, which evolved as a result of endless variation and hybridization from C. sinensis, C. indicum and C. ornatum (Bailey, 1963). This group is also distinguished as C. hortorum. The name of C. morifolium Ramat has been changed to Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev (Anderson, 1987, Heywood and Humphries, 1977). Chrysanthemums are mainly herbaceous perennial and bear flowers in capitula. Chrysanthemum perennates in nature by means of stolons and is readily propagated through basal stem cuttings. It ranks second next to roses in importance among the cut flower crops in the world.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Chrysanthemum is originated in northern hemisphere (Europe and Asia). However, some workers reported that China is the native place of chrysanthemum (Carter, 1980). Most of the species in the lineage of present day cultivars are from China.

Chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writing as early as 15^th century B.C. As herb, it was believed to have the power of life. In 18^th century, they appeared in Japan as the crest and official seal of the Emperor. Japan also has a national chrysanthemum day, which is called the Festival of Happiness. In the western world, they are introduced in England, Japan, France and U.S. have developed a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes of flowers. Since the chrysanthemum was first introduced in the U.S. during colonial times, its popularity has grown such that mums now reign as undisputed ‘Queen of the Fall Flowers’. The Netherlands is the foremost importer of chrysanthemum cut flowers and is the centers for re-export to other parts of the world. In India, chrysanthemum is successfully grown under protected as well as open conditions in different states.

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) belongs to family Asteraceae. It is a half hardy and branching annual. Its generic name Callistephus is derived from two Greek words “kalistos” meaning beautiful and “stephos” meaning a crown alluding the large colourful flower heads. Plant is erect having hispid-hairy branches (Bailey, 1963). It is propagated through seed. It is cultivated as cut flower both in the field and under protected condition in temperate countries (Post, 1956 and Warren Auman, 1980). Whereas, in India it is widely grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharastra for cut as well as loose flower production (Janakiram et al., 2001).

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

China aster is originated from China. Several literatures also stated that China aster is native to China and Japan (Anon., 1950, Bailey, 1963 and Cockshull, 1985). The evolution of China aster has remarkable variations. The present day aster has been developed from single form of wild species, C. chinensis, a plant native to China. The plant was introduced in Europe in 1731 by Jesuit Missionary R.P. d Incarville.

The original plant had single flowers with two or four rows of blue, violet or white ray florets. The first change in the flower type had been the prolongation or development of central florets which lead to quilled flowers. Much original work to improve the plant was done by French. Later the British followed suit with breeding programmes. Most of the recent improvements are the work of American breeders. French florists contributed much in development of double forms. German scientists also evolved many doubled cultivars. These asters were known as German asters because the first great advances in the evolution of the plant were made in Germany and the seeds then used came largely from that country. The comet types introduced in 1886 or 1887 subsequently replaced the quilled types. With the introduction of new branching types by James Vick in 1893, the USA became the main centre of development of this plant as well as for the production of seeds. Since its introduction into Europe, it is grown in almost all the countries of the globe as a garden annual. A good amount of work on China aster on improvement and growing practices has been done in India (Singh, 2006).

Zantedeschia commonly known as Calla lily, Richardia or Pig lily belongs to family Araceae. It is the only genus in the tribe Zantedeschiae which is the sub family philodendroideae. The name Zantedeschia was given as a tribute to Italian botanist “Giovanni Zantedeschi” (1773-1846) by the German botanist Kurt Sprengel (1766-1833). It is considered by many people in the Republic of Ireland to be a symbol of Irish Republicanism. The Romans valued them so much that they often decorated the edges of the bloom with filaments of gold. These spectacular flowers are beginning to rival the rose in popularity for bridal bouquets. In India there has been initiation in the production of tubers of Calla and few tissue culture labs have started production for New Zealand and Dutch Companies. It is used as potted plants, callas are very attractive. It is used for decoration throughout the spring and early summer months focal point for a spectacular arrangement or bouquet.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The Zantedeschia albomaculata are native to areas of South Central Africa which are subjected to periodic drought (Letty, 1973). Zantedeschia was originally placed in the Calla genus by Carl Linnaeus, Zantedeschia aethiopica was moved in 1818 by Carl (Charles) Sigismund Kunth to the Richardia genus, until it was finally classified as Zantedeschia. Although Zantedeschia did not remain in the Calla genus, even after all this time this wonderful bulb is still referred to by its common name of calla lily.

The name “aethiopica” probably denotes South Africa, the country of the origin. Formerly its name was Calla or Richardia. This plant was introduced in Europe very early, apparently before Van Riebeeck had established the refreshment station at Cape. It is also illustrated in an account of Royal Garden in Paris in 1664. It was sent as one of the interesting plant of Cape to Europe by Simon van der Stal sometime before 1697. The genus is restricted to African continent with seven recognized species Z. aethiopica, Z. albomaculata, Z. ellottiana, Z. jucunda, Z. odoratum, Z. petlandii, andZ. rehmannii.

The common calla (Z. aethiopica) is found from the western Cape through the eastern Cape, Kwa Zullu-Natal, Mpumalanga and in to the Northern Province. In Australia calla lily is naturalized in moist niches of the cooler parts of the New South Wales, southern and south western Victoria, moist valley in Adelaide hills and north west Tasmania. They are serious weeds of pastures and natural bush land in south west of western Australia.

The calla lily is used throughout the world as an ornamental for its flowers. It is mainly grown in temperate and sub tropical climates of the world. They also thrive well under tropical conditions. New Zealand is the topmost producer followed by The Netherland. The original summer flowering calla species were introduced in New Zealand in the early twentieth century. Finland and Scandinavia are also big producer of callas and exported to Sweden and Norway. New Zealand offers a favourable climate to grow callas outdoors and for exports it is grown under controlled conditions. In India it is a potential emerging crop and requires improvement programme for commercialization.

Tulip cut flower is first among the bulbous ornamentals due to its attractive colours and exquisite flowers. Tulip is a member of Liliaceae family, commonly grown from bulbs. The name tulip is derived from the Persian word “toliban” meaning “turban”, which is an appropriate term to describe the flower shape of certain tulips. The mother bulb dies and is replaced by several daughter bulbs, each of which is an annual unit of growth borne in the axils of the mother bulb scale. Tulips are basically grown for three purposes i.e. bulb production, forcing as cut flower and potted plant and for landscaping (Singh, 2006). The world tulip flower industry is dominated by the Netherlands. Another important tulip producing country is France.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The primary gene centre of the genus Tulipa is located in the Pamir Alai and Tien Shan mountain ranges of central Asia. Diversification in this region, resulting in a distribution from Morocco to Western Europe and eastward to Western China. A second gene centre has been found in the Caucasus (Hoog, 1973). However, Bailey (1963) reported that the tulip is native of Siberia, Turkey, Asia Minor, China, Japan and Mediterranean countries of Europe, the species are particularly abundant in central Asia, in the Bokhara region.

Tulips were first seen in Turkey. The vast majority of species occurs in central and western Asia in the countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Georgia. East of this center of distribution, the range of a couple species extends into northern India and far western China but on limited basis. One species of tulip i.e. Tulipa stellata is found wild in the mid and high hills of Himachal Pradesh and T. aitchisonii is native of Himalaya. There are around a hundred species of Tulipa originated from Turkey to the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains in Asia, which have been used for breeding purposes. In fact, a small number of species can be found in the wild in Europe and those are all restricted to southern parts, primarily in the Mediterranean region as far west as Portugal. There is not a single species of tulip native to Holland, the country frequently associated with these colourful and well known flowers.

Records show that tulips were in cultivation in Turkey as early as 1000 A.D. In 1578, first tulip appeared in England. Carolus Clusius planted the first tulip in 1593 in the botanical garden in Leiden (The Netherlands). The tulips appear in France in 1598. During 1600-1650 tulip become an exclusive garden plant and it was planted in strategic places in various gardens. Commercial cultivation of tulip started during 1600 in South Haarlem. The famous first parrot tulip was described in 1630. The famous tulip firm namely Voorhelm was established in 1650 in the Haarlem. An inventory of 126 different tulips was released in 1661. The bulbs of tulip had been sold to the U.S. from Holland as early as the eighteenth century. During nineteenth century, several hybrids were developed and cultivable area expanded largely. A fragrant variety Prins van Ooslenrijk and a double early tulip Murillo were developed in 1860. The worldwide popular Darwin tulip group was introduced in 1889. The first classified list of the tulip name including cultivation practices and flower management was released during 1914-1915. The most of the modern tulip complex is based on T. gesneriana with some important hybrids with species tulip. There are approximately 100 of these wild or species of tulips that occur naturally in the world and several thousands of distinctly different hybrids, selection and mutants that are gracing gardens and becoming remunerative to the growers around the world. In India its cultivation is limited to amateur gardeners of hilly areas in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Srinagar, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Shimla, etc. are most suitable areas. Tulip cultivation can be extended in new areas like hills of Uttarakhand in India.

Lisianthus is among top ten cut flower crop of the world. In short duration of 20-30 years it become top ranking flower crop of world due to its beautiful flowers which bears beauty of different top ranking old commercial flower crops with variation in flower colours, shape, size with long vase life. It looks like tulips as they began to open and as poppies when fully opened, gaps between the petals appears like daisy, ruffled petals resemble carnations and the most important one is the flower buds and opened double type lisianthus resemble rose buds and open flower respectively and there is no doubt that this is a primary reason for consumer acceptance. Double flowered lisianthus are more demanded in U.S. as cut flower about 80% of lisianthus market whereas, single flowered are more dominant in Japanese and European markets. In Japan over 129 million cut stems were sold in 2001 placing it on number one position in Europe, over 122 million cut stems were sold in 2001 and placing it in top ten ranking and in the United States over 14 million cut stems were sold in 2002, it is not only popular as a cut flower but also as a bedding plant and a pot plant in market (Grueber et al., 1985, Halevy and Kofranek, 1984, Roh and Lawson, 1987, Tjia and Sheehan, 1984, Tija and Sheehan 1986, Skrzypczak et al., 1993 and Harbaugh, 2007), a plant bears 20-30 flowers per plant (Skrzypczak et al., 1993).

Lisianthus (Eustoma) is herbaceous perennial in some cases annual and biennial (Farina, 1989, Halevy and Kofranek, 1984, Wilkins and Grueber, 1983 and Harbaugh, 2007) belongs to family Gentianaceae (Oren-shamir et al., 1999) and genus “Lisianthus”, which is also used as the common name for Eustoma grandiflorum, the plant was commonly known as Lisianthus russellianus when first listed in seed catalogues in the early 1980’s in the United State, later it was given scientific name Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn. (synonyms Eustoma andrewsii; E. russellianum; Lisianthus russellianus) (Bailey and Baily, 1976, Everett, 1981 and Harbaugh, 2007). However, Lisianthus is also known as the Prairie gentian or Texas bluebell (Markham, 1996 and Harbaugh, 2007) and Prairie Rose (Harbaugh, 2007). Eustoma is named after the two Greek words Eu (beautiful, good, well) and stoma (mouth) (Uddin et al., 2013). It is a self compatible (Harbaugh, 2007 and Markham, 1996), diploid crop (Markham, 1996). The buds are colourless is a great disadvantage as an ornamental growth. The range of flower colours available in commercial lines is limited to white and purple, shades of cream, pink, mauve and purple (Markham, 1996 and Harbaugh, 2007).

E. grandiflorum has a set of pharmacologically active compounds and therefore can be a valuable therapeutic material, or can serve as a source of pure chemical compound, apart from its strictly ornamental uses (Skrzypczak et al., 1993).

Lilium is a popular genus of ornamental bulbous plants, belonging to family Liliaceae. Lilium is originated from a Greek word “li” meaning whiteness. It is an herbaceous perennial plant having scaly bulb. Despite the range of forms and their popularity as garden plants, there are two main groups of commercial importance as cut flowers i.e. Asiatic and Oriental Hybrids. They are the result of interspecific hybridization. However, intraspecific and interspecific hybridization face the hurdles like interspecific incompatibility, embryo abortion, degeneration of ovule, poor seed set and pollen sterility. There are several breeding methods and techniques which have been used to overcome these hurdles.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

All species of Lilium are native to northern hemisphere. The northern limit extends up to Canada and Siberia, whereas in south, this extends up to Florida and the Nilgiri mountains of India. Majority of lilies known to cultivation are native to the northern hemisphere, chiefly South Canada, Siberia, Florida and India. It is distributed to east coast of Asia, the west coast of North America and the Mediterranean region. Several species i.e. Lilium nepalensis, L. wallichianum and L. polyphyllum are native of Himalayan region and L. niligiriensis have originated from Nilgiri hills. Few species have also been found in north east India. The Far East is the home of almost half of the world lilies and most garden lilies grown in the world have originated there.

The Assyrian monuments dating back to 1000 BC with sculptured lily forms is the first authentic record. The Palestinian coin makers were stamping lily on shekels before 143 BC. Lilium longiflorum popularly known as Easter lily became a florist flowerwhich existed in the Japanese gardens before trade opened the orient to the west. After that it was brought to the England by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1819. Lilies reached to Bermuda from England where it flourished well. Lily depicted an ancient Greek pottery, featured in literature and religions as diverse as pagan myths. Today lilies are enjoying a renaissance of recognition. In Italy and France they are among the most fashionable of flowers. In the USA their popularity has increased tremendously. A number of lily bulbs were imported by the US from the Netherlands for both professional forcing and garden usage. In India, lilies are mostly grown in the hills but Lilium longiflorum do well in the plains, especially under subtropical regions. There are about 7000 registered varieties of lily. The International Lily Register is maintained, under international agreement by the Royal Horticultural Society in London.

Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos spp.) belongs to family Haemodoraceae. It is commonly known as Sword-like or Iris-like. The word Anigozanthos was coined by French botanist Jacques de La Billardiere. This is derived from Greek words “anoigo” meaning to “expand or unequal” and “anthos” meaning “flower or irregular corolla”. It can be used as cut flower, pot plant, landscape plants or dry flower (Gui et al., 2005). The kangaroo paws is gaining popularity among gardeners, horticulturists, nursery man also in world market due to its beautiful, unique, colourful pattern of flowers and also being perennial in nature.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

It is originated in Australia. Louden’s Hortus Britanicus, A Catalog of a Plants Endemic, Cultivated or Introduced to Britain, written in 1830, states that in 1808 Anigozanthos manglesii was introduced by Robert Mangles who had possibly received seed from his brothers in New Holland. Anigozanthos rufus was introduced into cultivation in 1824. The Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening dates of the Botanical Magazine Plates are listed as A. flavida 1808 (BM 1151), A. manglesii 1833 BR, A. pulcherrimus 1844 (BM 4507). The first report of introduction of 8-10 species of Anigozanthos under green house from Australia in USA was reported in 1902 edition of Bailey’s Cyclopedia of American Horticulture. The first hybrid Bush Gems was introduced from Australia by Mr. Meyer, he had also made good selection of A. rufus and A. pulcherrimus these were propagated by Oglesby tissue culture lab. Many of them were released for sale at the Huntington Gardens annual plant sale in 1985.

All species of Kangaroo paw are restricted in distribution to the southern areas of Western Australia. Anigozanthos flavidus occurs in the extreme south west of Western Australia growing from Augusta east to Two Peoples Bay and north to Waroona. It can be found on roadsides, river banks, swamps, shallow water and in eucalypt forests, tolerating light shade. The species A. manglesii is widely distributed throughout the Southwest Australian bio geographic regions, preferring white, yellow or grey sand or sandy loam. The occurrence is confirmed in the northernmost part of its range in the Geraldton Sandplains and the Swan Coastal Plain near Perth. Extensive records also exist of occurrence in Jarrah Forest and Warren region to the south but not reaching the southern coasts. It extends inland to the Avon Wheatbelt.

Heliconia belongs to family Heliconiaceae is popular as ornamental plants and cut flowers because of their brilliant colours and exotic appearance. The genus name “Heliconia” is derived from “Helicon”, a mountain in southern Greece regarded by the ancient Greeks as the home of the Muses, thus suggesting the relationship between these plants and the bananas, genus Musa (Berry and Kress, 1991). Unique features of the Heliconiaceae are (1) medium to large erect herbs rising from underground rhizomes;(2) each erect shoot is composed of a stem and leaves, whereas the stem is made up of an axis covered by overlapping sheathing leaf bases, technically called a pseudostem;(3) inverted flowers and (4) the presence of a single staminode. Heliconia has long been popular horticulturally because of their showy inflorescences. It was so attractive that early explorers of the tropics returned to Europe with several species that became prized green house specimens. Heliconia, grown in nearly all of the tropical regions of the world, including Africa and Asia. In India, heliconia is grown in North-East region and Kerala.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

Heliconias are native only to Central and South America and some of the islands of the South Pacific, for horticultural and commercial popularity. Berry and Kress (1991) stated that they are native from Tropical America and found at different altitudes, from sea level up to 2,000 meters in Central and South America, and up to 500 meters in the South Pacific Islands (Criley and Broschat, 1992).

Most of the Heliconia species are distributed primarily in Neotropical areas from the North of Mexico to the South of Brazil (Santos, 1978, Dahlgren et al., 1985 and Kress, 1990). A small Paleotropical group, about eight species, occurs in islands of the South Pacific (Tomlinson, 1969 and Kress, 1985). There are approximately 40 Brazilian species with two primary areas of distribution: the Amazon basin and the Atlantic coastal forest (Kress, 1990). About 100 or more species, native mainly to tropical and subtropical South and Central America (Cronquist, 1981).

Several attempts have been made over the years to sort out the taxonomy of the Old World Heliconia. Baker (1893), followed by Schumann (1900) and Winkler (1930), dealt with the problem of identity and origin of these taxa by assigning them to the neotropical species Heliconia bihai L. Others such as Ridley (1908a, b), Backer (1920) and Green (1969) recognized the distinctive and endemic features of the paleotropical taxa that separated them from the neotropical species. This ornamental rhizomatous herbaceous plant from the Heliconia genus, belongs to the Musaceae family, now constitutes the Heliconiaceae family in the Zingiberales order. The various species of Heliconia are subdivided into five subgenera: Heliconia, Taeniostrobus, Stenochlamys, Heliconiopsis and Griggisia; and 28 sections (Kress et al., 1993).