Plants

Dracaena americana: Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Ecology, and Ethnobotany

1. Dracaena americana is a shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 10 to 12 metres and has a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. It typically has many stems.
2. The bark is peeling and grayish-brown in colour. Young branches have oblique leaf scars on them. D. americana has leaves along the length of its stems, in contrast to many Dracaena species that bear their leaves in tufts at the tip of their stems.
3. Bright green, linear leaves are soft and flexible, measuring 20–35 cm long and 1.0–2.5 cm wide at the base.
4. The inflorescence measures 20 to 30 cm in length, is paniculate, terminal, and branching into two orders.
5. Tepals are creamy white and about 7 mm long; the flowers are carried on short pedicels in clusters of 2–5.
6. A species description from Standley & Steyermark (1952) and Grayum (2003) states that the berries can be up to 20 mm in diameter, occasionally lobed, and contain one to three subglobose seeds that are 10–12 mm in diameter.

Dracaena americana: Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Ecology, and Ethnobotany Read More »

Widows thrill plant: Classification, Distribution, Botanical Description, Propagation, Chemical Phytoconstituents, and Uses

The ornamental plant Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, 2n=34), sometimes known as the Panda plant, is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is grown in pots all over the world (Ofokansi et al., 2005; Nahar et al., 2008). In 1763, Michel Adanson published the first description of the approximately 130 species of annual and perennial shrubs, climbers, and small trees that make up the genus Kalanchoe.
The species is distinguished by a significant concentration of cardiac glycosides. As a result, it is becoming more significant in medicine and pharmacy. Recent research suggests that Kalanchoe, which has a high concentration of metabolites with antimitotic action, may be useful in the treatment of cancer (Garces et al., 2009). Additionally, it is employed in the treatment of burns, allergies, and skin conditions (Hsieh et al., 2013). Since kalanchoe grows slowly, it is crucial to create a tissue culture method for its quick production for both commercial and therapeutic uses. The development of biotechnological techniques to enhance the production of this plant in-vitro is of great interest due to its therapeutic relevance and potential to produce value-added secondary metabolites in tissue culture (Khan et al., 2006). Although leaf and stem cuttings are an easy way to multiply kalanchoe, this method is slow and inefficient, frequently producing low-quality plants. For the first time, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana regeneration was reported by Bhuiyan et al. (2005), resulting in quick replication of high-quality plants. In-vitro propagation is vital for the quick generation of plants of the highest grade (Ioannou et al., 1992; Frello et al., 2002; Khan et al., 2006; Sanikhani et al., 2006)

Widows thrill plant: Classification, Distribution, Botanical Description, Propagation, Chemical Phytoconstituents, and Uses Read More »

Cuphea carthagenensis: Classification, Distribution, Morphology, and Phytochemical Constituents

Cuphea carthagenensis, also known as “Colombian waxweed,” is a naturally occurring herbaceous weed in the Lythraceae family (Graham, 1975). The majority of the time, it is used to treat conditions like hypertension, heart disease, fever, viral illnesses like herpes, etc. Historically, Cuphea carthagenensis has been mistaken for the eastern USA-native Cuphea viscosissima (Graham, 1988; Graham 1975). The floral tube, which is green in Cuphea Carthagenensis and purple-green in Cuphea viscoissima, can be used to tell them apart. Having creeping, rooted stems distinguishes Cuphea carthagenensis, a species from tropical America, from Cuphea strigulosa (Graham, 1988).

Cuphea carthagenensis: Classification, Distribution, Morphology, and Phytochemical Constituents Read More »

Foxtail palm: Classification, Characteristics, and, Insect Problems

Wodyetia bifurcata (Foxtail palm) A member of the Arecaceae, or palm family, The leaflets are deep green with a silvery underside and are approximately 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. The species of Foxtail palms mature at roughly 12 years of age and are then able to produce inflorescences, earning them the honorary name “Wodyeti” in honour of an Australian aborigine. They were the last member of his tribe to be familiar with the local flora and fauna, as well as the inflorescence that grows at the base of the crownshaft.
The epithet bifurcata is Latin for “bifurcate” which means “bears white blooms.” Concerning the plant’s leaves, both male and female flowers are “twice divided.” The plant is capable of self-fertilization, making it the only species in its genus that can be classified as monoecious. It is native to Australia.

Foxtail palm: Classification, Characteristics, and, Insect Problems Read More »

Pinwheel Flower: Taxonomy, Distribution, Botanical Features, Chemical Constituents, and Uses

Tabernaemontana divaricata is an ornamental plant. It’s a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is typically referred to as crepe jasmine. It is known as Tagar or Kath Mallika in West Bengal. It can be found on lawns, gardens, and areas where people have settled. Due to its creamy latex, glossy, deep green foliage, and white, fragrant blooms, this plant is particularly alluring. This plant has a large number of phytochemical substances, including alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenolic acids, and various plant enzymes, making it particularly popular in traditional medicine. The plant parts are used to treat a variety of human physiological diseases, including leprosy, epilepsy, abdominal tumours, eye infections, fractures, fever, headache, inflammations, edoema etc
The plant typically reaches a height of 5 to 6 feet (1.5–1.8 m). The leaves are roughly 15 cm long and 5.0 cm wide. They are big, lustrous, and deep green. In addition to Vinca and Nerium, other genera in the family Apocynaceae also have flowers that have the distinctive “Pinwheel” shape. It is grown in both single- and double-flowered varieties, and both varieties have white flowers. Although the double-flowered variant has more blossoms, the single-flowered form’s flowers lack perfume. Although blossoms intermittently occur practically all year long, the crape jasmine blooms in the spring. White pinwheels with five petals, the waxy blossoms are borne in tiny clusters at the tips of the stems.

Pinwheel Flower: Taxonomy, Distribution, Botanical Features, Chemical Constituents, and Uses Read More »

Devil’s Apple: Classification, Origin, Distribution, Description Phytochemical compounds and Uses

Datura stramonium is an annual plant.Devil’s trumpet, Jamestown, or Jimson weed are all names for the plant Datura stramonium (Lee, 2007). Its Solanaceae family, which includes deadly nightshade (Atropabelladenna), is abundant in alkaloids. One of the most prevalent poisonous plants in the northern hemisphere is a weed called C.maculatum which belongs to the Apiaceae family. Due to the little gap between its therapeutic and hazardous dosages, it was once utilized as a medication, but its medicinal usefulness is now relatively limited (Vetter, 2004).
It is an annual plant. The stem is herbaceous, branching, glabrous, and mildly hairy, while the leaves are stalked, 4-6 in long, ovate, and pale green. Fruits are as large as walnuts and covered in thorns. The plant is toxic on its whole. The entire plant is used in West Africa as an anti-inflammatory, as well as a remedy for skin infections and tooth problems. The crushed, dried leaves are used as a therapeutic ointment or to sprinkle on cuts.

Devil’s Apple: Classification, Origin, Distribution, Description Phytochemical compounds and Uses Read More »

Mexican argemone: History, Classification, Habitat, Chemical Constituents, and, Uses

Argemone mexicana was mistakenly introduced as a contaminant in seed, as an ornamental plant, or for cultivation primarily for ethnobotanical research. The history of its inception and global dissemination is poorly understood. It was originally noted on Ascension in 1828 and had become the most widespread weed on St. Helena by 1814. It was unintentionally introduced to New Zealand in the 1890s together with imported wheat. The plant was originally noted in 1934 and was brought to Hawaii as an ornamental. Tye noted that the plant was still very uncommon and expressed concern that it might pose a future threat. It was originally observed in the wild in the Czech Republic in 1965, but it now seems to be extinct.

Mexican argemone: History, Classification, Habitat, Chemical Constituents, and, Uses Read More »

Gardenia Plant: Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Locations, and Uses

The Gardenia is one of roughly 250 species of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, southern Asia, Australia, and Oceania. The Gardenia flower is a symbol of feminine skill, Refinement, and Grace in China and Japan.

Gardenia Plant: Classification, Distribution, Characteristics, Locations, and Uses Read More »

Wolfsbane Plant: Classification, Morphology, and Uses

Toxicology of Aconitine
It is easily absorbed both through the skin and mucous membranes. In very high doses, respiratory paralysis and cardiac collapse both cause death. Paresthesia, which includes tingling in the mouth, begins a few minutes after consumption. Starting from the extremities, this covers the entire body. Followed by anaesthesia, bodily cooling and sweating, nausea and vomiting, and other symptoms.

Wolfsbane Plant: Classification, Morphology, and Uses Read More »

Prosopis cineraria: Distribution, Classification, Plant Description, Phytochemistry, and Uses

The Prosopis cineraria tree’s usefulness for health has been emphasized in old Ayurvedic texts.
Bark: Prosopis cineraria bark has cooling properties, is an anthelmintic and tonic and treats a variety of illnesses including dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, leucoderma, piles, and muscle spasms (Kirtikar & Basu 1984). diarrhoea, worm infestations, rheumatism, colds and coughs, and skin conditions (Sharma et al.,1993). Anyone bitten by a snake or a scorpion can get treatment right away by applying the plant’s bark to their wound (Chopra et al., 1956). It has been said that using bark as a food source helped save many lives during the Rajputana servere famine of 1868–1869 It was turned into flour and used to make cakes.
Leaf: Prosopis leaves are highly nutritious and are referred to as “Long.” Prosopis leaf extract has antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties (Pal et al., 2015). Leaf smoke appears to be beneficial for eye problems. Animal mouth ulcers are treated with leaf paste on boils and blisters, while exposed skin sores are treated with leaf infusion (Nandkarni et al., 2000). Medicines for treating neurological diseases are made from leaves and fruits. Camel, goat, and cow eat the leaves as well as the pods.

Prosopis cineraria: Distribution, Classification, Plant Description, Phytochemistry, and Uses Read More »