Indian Flora
When we talk about a diverse land, India is the first one that pops up in our minds. India is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world. India has many different languages, cultures, traditions, religions, and ecological habitats. In this article, we look at some of the most exceptional Indian tree species and their fame.
India is situated in the center of the three major biogeographic realms- The Indo-Malayan, The Eurasian, and The Afro-Tropical. That is why India has a rich biodiversity.
India is considered one of the 12 centers for several plant species with over 45,000 different plant species found. India represents 11% of the world’s flora in about 2.4% of global land mass. And almost all types of forests be it scrubs, tropical evergreen forests, coastal mangroves, temperate and alpine are situated in India.
India has a vast variety of climatic and altitudinal ecological habitats due to which India has a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Indian Trees and Ayurveda
Almost all the Indian flora is used for medicinal uses, especially with Ayurveda. Indian plant species are known to cure many ailments which modern treatment fails to do. Even if modern treatment is the answer it comes with many side effects.
Ayurveda is famous to cure many ailments without any toxicity or side effects. It is the source of knowledge for many modern medicines and treatments.
So let’s take a look at 10 world-famous Indian trees.
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Margosa aka Neem is a part of the Mahogany family and is a native Indian tree species, it is also found in dry regions in South Asia. Neem is recognized for its medicinal uses, all parts of neem can be used for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal Uses:
Neem is mostly used for shampoos and soaps for the treatment of dandruff and acne. Neem leaves are also considered effective in curing diabetes with clinical evidence of lowering blood sugar levels.
Neem-based oils are used as insecticides and fungicides as azadirachtin present in it helps in disrupting hormones and prevents larvae formation in adults. As a fungicide neem controls diseases like mildew, rust, scab, mold, etc in plants.
Neem oil and bark are considered toxic for pregnant women as their consumption can cause miscarriage.
Pride of India (Lagerstroemia Speciosa)
Pride of India is one of the most glorious flowering plants in the world, it is also known as Queen Crape Myrtle or Jarul in Hindi. The plant is native to India and is one of the most well-known ornamental trees, widely cultivated in parks, home gardens, etc.
The plant is drought tolerant and mature trees can bloom twice a year. It is a fast-growing plant that produces gorgeous dark pink blooms. For this reason, the plant has great ornamental value.
Medicinal Uses:
Furthermore, Jarul has many medicinal benefits as – it is used to treat diabetes and blood pressure. It is also used to cure several urinary tract problems. There are not so many reported side effects of jarul and it also detoxifies the liver.
Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
Peepal, also known as the Sacred fig or Ashvatta tree is a medicinal Indian tree species. It is a part of the Moraceae family and is native to the Indian subcontinent. The plant also has many religious importance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is said that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating beneath this tree.
Peepal has a high growth rate, it can grow almost everywhere if not controlled. It is classified as an environmental weed because of its highly adaptable and invasive features.
Medicinal Uses:
The Peepal tree has many medicinal uses, its leaves are used to treat skin problems, cracked heels, and also to feed animals like elephants and camels.
The bark of the Peepal tree is used to make many Ayurvedic medicines to treat several lung disorders, skin diseases, and digestive problems. Peepal also provides oxygen even at night time.
Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni)
Indian Mahogany, sometimes also referred to as khaya mahogany is also another native Indian tree. These trees are a part of the Meliaceae family. These trees can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia.
Mahogany is a typical hardwood tree species that is used in the production of many musical instruments and is an important part of the furniture industry, Mahogany’s thick and durable wood makes it the perfect candidate for flooring, furniture, and many other woodwork.
Medicinal Uses:
Apart from this the bark and leaves of Mahogany are also used as medicines to treat various ailments like diabetes, cancer, malaria, diarrhea, and other conditions.
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo)
North Indian Rosewood aka Sheesham belongs to the Fabaceae family and is an indigenous Indian tree. Sheesham is a deciduous tree with hardwood bark. Sheesham is a commercially important plant because of its uses.
Due to its extreme durability and longevity, Sheesham is used to make boats, agricultural tools, and furniture. Sheesham wood can resist dry-wood termites which makes it the perfect thing for furniture.
Medicinal Uses:
Sheesham also has many medicinal uses- oil made from its seeds and wood helps treat several skin conditions. Sheesham also helps in the cleansing of the blood. Moreover, it is used as fuel in the form of firewood.
Parijat (Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis)
Parijat also known as Night Flowering Jasmine is another famous Indian tree species that is a part of the Oleaceae family. In India, Parijat is also referred to as “Harsingar” or “The Gods Ornament” as it is the only flower that can be picked up off the ground and offered to Gods.
The plant is one of the most mesmerizing species whose flowers fall on the ground after blooming. The flowers have a very engaging and distinctive fragrance that makes them easily noticeable during the nighttime.
Medicinal Uses:
Parijat is used for many purposes like- maintaining blood sugar levels, the leaves are used in Ayurveda medicines for the treatment of arthritis, controlling anxiety, and relieving the pain of menstrual cramps, and flowers are used as a hair tonic to strengthen the hair, tea made from its flowers cures dry cough and cold.
The Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula)
The Indian Laburnnum aka Golden Shower is an indigenous Indian tree species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Cassia is a famous tree known for its beautiful flowering during the summer season.
The breathtaking yellow flowers covering every corner of the branch with almost no leaves in sight is the reason for the popularity of Cassia. The tree is drought-tolerant and grows best in full sun.
Medicinal Uses:
Cassia is used to treat the common cold, fever, intestinal disorders, and many skin problems.
Sita Ashoka (Saraca Asoca)
Sita Ashoka or Ashoka Plant is a part of the Leguminosae family. This tree species is native to India. The tree has great religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is believed that Buddha’s birth took place under this tree and beneath this tree, Hanuman first met Sita in ‘Ashokvatika’.
The tree blooms eye-catching scented orange-yellow flowers which bloom all year. Ashoka is considered the most sacred plant in India.
Medicinal Uses:
Ashoka tree is used to treat acne and many other skin problems, it is also said to improve intelligence. The blossoms of the tree mixed with water can also cure internal blood loss. The leaves and bark of the tree can help in treating oedema and stomach inflammation.
Conclusion
So these were some of the most exceptional Indian tree species. These trees are famous all over the world, some for their appearance and some for their uses. These native Indian tree species can be found all over India and are a big part of Indian flora and biodiversity.
If you are a plant lover and want to know more about different plant species then you can check out the Plantora app. This is the best plant care and identifier app that helps you with all of your plant-related worries.
Raghav is a talented content writer with a passion to create informative and interesting articles. With a degree in English Literature, Raghav possesses an inquisitive mind and a thirst for learning. Raghav is a fact enthusiast who loves to unearth fascinating facts from a wide range of subjects. He firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey and he is constantly seeking opportunities to increase his knowledge and discover new facts. So make sure to check out Raghav’s work for a wonderful reading.
