Central Bee Research Institute
Directorate of Beekeeping
Khadi and Village Industries Commission
1153, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411 016.
 

Technical Bulletin No. 20                                                                                                 October 1985

 

PROPAGATION OF BEE PLANTS

 

Introduction

Honey bees are dependent on flowering plants for their food : pollen and nectar. Pollen is a protein source and nectar is a carbohydrate source to bees. Continuous availability of forage to bees is of prime importance for stationary beekeeping. In other words, there should be plants which flower round the year. Any gap in flowering for more than two weeks can result in dwindling and desertion of bee colonies. The density of the bee plants is another factor which decides the available food and the colony number in a location.

In India, beekeeping is mainly a forest based industry, though in certain pockets it is practised on agricultural belts. In hills, there are short and long floral gaps. In the plants, on agricultural farms food is not available to honeybees throughout the year. Bees can get forage only during the flowering season of crops but starve in the remaining period.

 

Problems in Progress of Beekeeping

The main hurdle for the progress of beekeeping in the country is deforestation. The depletion of bee forage in the forests results in the decreasing number of bee colonies and low honey production. In the agricultural plains vast areas exist without any shade for the bee hives. Trees or large shrubs have to be planted to provide shelter to the bees. Indiscriminate use of insecticides on crops kills bees. Usually if only one crop is grown in a large area bees cannot get alternate sources and are forced to collect food from sprayed crops.

 

Importance of Propagation of Bee Plants

Propagation of bee plants is necessary, (i) to increase the availability of bee forage; (ii) to ensure continuous availability of bee forage and (iii) to bridge short floral gaps, in order to keep the bee colonies strong.

Propagation of trees useful to bees is not for survival of honey bees or honey production alone. Importance of bees to pollination of agricultural and horticultural crops is well known. The value of pollination is many times more than that of honey production. So, improvement in bee plants benefits the local population of bees and other wild insects, thereby helping crop pollination and farm production.

 

Plant Propagation

The beekeeper himself can do much by undertaking bee plant propagation and by encouraging others to do the same. He should plant useful bee plants near his apiaries to get flowers throughout the year.

In order to get the benefits of bee pollination, the farmers have to provide for bee forage when there are no crops flowering in the farms. Various trees and shrubs can be planted along hedges, borders, bunds and waste lands, which can provide nectar and pollens to bees. In addition, the farmers can also introduce several crops like coriander, maize etc. in crop rotation schedules. These crops provide valuable bee forage when needed and at the same time augment the income of the farmers through their produce.

The programmes of afforestation, social and farm forestry assume special significance in the national rural development programmes. Afforestation of plants useful to honey bees helps beekeeping. This also helps to develop forests as an ecologically balanced biological unit. A systematic programme of reforestation with bee plants can, in a few years time sustain a large number of bee colonies which can also provide gainful self-employment to the local forest or tribal population. The benefits of such a programme will start accruing after five to ten years. In view of this, it is necessary to take up large scale afforestation programmes as soon as possible.

Generally under different plantation programmes, the fast growing tree species are selected for plantation. These species have limited use, such as timber or fire wood. To improve the aesthetic appeal and maintain a healthy atmosphere, it is necessary to cultivate and conserve plant species which have multiple uses like timber, fruit, medicine and fuel in addition to their utility to bees. This can allow undertaking of beekeeping for honey production and increased crop production through bee pollination. Keeping in view the above needs the Central Bee Research Institute has prepared lists of bee plants useful for various purposes.

These can be planted under different climatic and edaphic conditions. Plants are listed here under different climatic regions, viz. arid or semi-arid regions, tropical humid climates sub-tropical and temperate regions, sea coasts and marsh lands. Plants are also listed for social forestry, garden ornamentals and avenues. Common and vernacular names are given for each species, wherever possible. The language is indicated in brackets - H : Hindi; Tam : Tamale; Tel : Telugu; Kan : Kannada; Mal : Malayalam; Guj : Gujarathi; Ben : Bengali; O : Oriya; Mar : Marathi; P : Punjabi.

 

Availability of Seeds / Seedlings

The department of forests in every state maintains nurseries of forest trees. Important species useful to honey bees can be selected for afforestation programmes. A large supply of seedlings and planting material can be obtained from the nurseries of the forest department.

Seeds or seedlings given in the lists may also be available with private firms. The addresses of some firms are given below.

Mention of any private name or address does not mean any promotion or recommendation of the individual or firm. This is purely to guide a layman, since many enquiries are received at this Institute for seed of bee plants. The Institute does not take any guarantee or assure the quality of seed or any material taken from these firms.

Pratap Nursery and Seed Stores,

Pandit Wari, P.O.

Prem Nagar,

Dehradun - 248 007.

M/s. G.A. Krishna and Company,

Tree Seeds Exporters, F-86,

Kampana Street, Mavalli,

Bangalore - 560 004.

Gopal Nursery and Seed Stores,

318-A, Chukhuwale,

Dehradun - 248 001.

Indian Nursery and Seeds Sales Crop.,

Pandit Wari, P.O. Prem Nagar,

Dehradun - 248 007.

Pocha Seeds Pvt. Ltd.,

Post Box No. 55, New Sholapur Bazar,

Pune - 411 040.

Kumaon Nursery,

Ramnagar,

Nainital Dist. (U.P.)

Itmadpur Nursery,

Post Amarnagar,

Faridabad - 121 003.

N. Cooper and Co.,

3, Queens Garden,

Pune - 411 001.

 


 LISTS OF THE BEE PLANTS FOR PROPAGATION IN INDIA

ARID OR SEMI-ARID REGIONS / DECIDUOUS FORESTS

Sr.

Botanical Name

Family

Common / Local Names

Economic Use

1.

Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex Benth

Mimosaceae

Austrilian Phyllode acacia

Fire wood

2.

Acacia catechu (Linn. F.) Willd.

Mimosaceae

Cutch tree : Khair (H)

Cutchu from heart wood

3.

Acacia senegal (Linn.) Willd

Mimosaceae

Kher

Gum

4.

Acacia sinuata (Lour.) Merr.

Mimosaceae

Soap pod wattle; Shikakai (H);   Shikai (Tam)

Soapnut; brk for dyeing and tanning; Live fence; Fire wood

5.

Adenanthere pavonina Linn.

Mimosaceae

Coral wood; Barighumchi (H); Rakta Kambal (Beng)

Timber

6.

Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa

Rutaceae

Bael tree; Bel (H); Vilvam (Tam); Maredu (Tel)

Fruits edible; Medicinal; Timber

7.

Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.

Rubiaceae

Kadamba (H); Kadam (Beng); Vellaicadamba (Tam)

Wood useful; Flowers fragrant

8.

Bombax ceiba Linn.

Bombacaceae

Red silk cotton; Semul (H); Lal Sawar (Mar)

Seed fibre; Timber

9.

Buchanania lanzan Spreng

Anacardiaceae

Sara (Tel); Chironji (H); Morala (Tam)

Fruit and seeds edible; Oil from kernels

10.

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.

Bombacaceae

White silk cotton; Safed-simul Katesawar (Mar); Ilavu (Tam)

Seed fibre; Timber;

11.

Dalbergia spp.

Fabaceae

Shisham etc.

Durable Timber

12.

Emblica officinalis Gaertn.

Euphorbiaceae

Emblic myrabolan; Amla (H); Nelli (Mal & Kan); Avla (Mar)

Fruits edible; Medicinal

13.

Eucalyptus intertexta R.T. Baker

Myrtaceae

Red bore

Excellent charcoal

14.

Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr.

Flacountriaceae

Sweet thorn

Fire wood

15.

Gmelina arborea Linn.

Verbenaceae

Ghamar (H); Kattanam (Tam)

Timber; Fodder

16.

Leucaena spp.

Mimosaceae

Soobabul (H & Mar); Tagarai (Tam); Lasobaval (Guj)

Green manure; Fodder; Timber; Five wood

17.

Limonia acidissima Linn.

Rutaceae

Wood apple; Kait (H); Velaga (Tel); Kavath (Mar)

Fruits edible; Gum; Wood

18.

Madhuca spp.

Sapotaceae

Mohwa, etc.

Timber; Oil from seeds; Fruits edible

19.

Moringa oleifera Lamk.

Moringaceae

Drumstick tree; Sainjana (H); Murangai (Tam); Shevga (Mar); Munaga (Tel)

Leaves, flowers and fruits eaten as vegetables; Medicinal

20.

Parkinsonia aculeata Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Jarusalem thorn; Vilayati Kikar (H)

Ornamental; Avenue tree

21.

Phoenix dactylifera Linn.

Arecaceae

Date Palm; Pindkhajur (H)

Fruits edible; Leaves for fibre

22.

Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre

Fabaceae

Indian Beech; Karanja (H); Pangam (Tam); Ganuga (Tel)

Non-edible oil; Timber; Fire wood; Medicinal

23.

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

Fabaceae

Kino tree; Bijasal (H); Vengai (Tam)

Wood; Red-gum resin used in medicine

24.

Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken

Sapindaceae

Kusum (H); Kusumb (Mar)

Host for lac-insect; Seed oil; Young fruits edible

25.

Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.

Strychnaceae

Nux-Vomica; Kuchla (H); Yetti (Tam)

Wood for agricultural implements; seed yield Strychnine alkaloid; Medicinal.

26.

Tamarindus indica Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Tamarind tree; Imli (H); Puli (Tam); Tantul (O)

Fruits and young leaves edible; Condiment; Timber; Fire wood

27.

Terminalia arjuna Wt. & Arn.

Combretaceae

Arjun (Mar)

Wood used for agricultural implements

28.

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.

Combretaceae

Bahera (H)

Wood

29.

Vitex altissima Linn. F.

Verbenaceae

Milla; Maila (Tam)

Wood

30.

Wendlandia spp.

Rubiaceae

Thavsa (Mar); Bankat, etc.

Wood useful; Leaves for fodder

31.

Ziziphus spp.

Rhamnaceae

Chinese date; Ber (H); Bor (Mar); Regu (Tel)

Fruits edible; Fodder; Fire wood

TROPICAL (HUMID) CLIMATES

1.

Acacia ducurrens Wild.

Mimosaceae

Green wattle

Bark for tanin; Firewood

2.

Actinodaphne angustifolia Nees

Lauraceae

Pisa

Non-adible oil;  Fuel wood

3.

Alseodaphne semicarpifolia Nees

Lauraceae

Phudgus (Mar); Yavaranai

Timber (Grows in cooer cliamates)

4.

Averrhoa carambola Linn.

Averrhoaceae

Carambola tree

Fruits edible

5.

Banksia Serrata Linn. F.

Proteaceae

Australian honey suckle

Wood for boat knees; bullock yokes

6.

Bischofia javanica Bl.

BIschofiaceae

Bishop wood; Paniala (H); Boke (Mar); Nalupumashti (Tel) 

Timber

7.

Canthium parviflorum Lamk,

Rubiaceae

Kirni (H)

Wood used for toys; Fruits edible

8.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bl.

Lauraceae

Cinnamon; Dalchini(H); Hayangam (Tam)

Bark yields spice

 

9.

Cryptocarya wight

 

iana Thw.

Lauraceae

Palai(Tam); Gulmur(Kan) Chalta (H & Beng);

wood useful

10.

Dillenia indica Linn. 

Dilleniaceae

Chalta (H & Beng);

Timber; Jam and jellies from fruits.

11.

Diospyros Kaki Linn. f.

Ebenanceae

Persimmon

Fruits

12.

Elaeocarpus spp.

Elaeocarpaceae

Rudraksham

Timber

13.

Erioglossum rubiginosum B1.

Sapindaceae

Ritha

Fruits edible

14.

Eucalypfus calophylla  R. Br. ex Lindi.

Myrataceae

Redgum

Timber; Oil from leaves

15.

Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud.

Sapindaceae

Longan; Ashphal(Beng); Wumb(Mar); Puvatti(Tam)

Fruits edible; Wood useful

16.

Carcinia indica Chois.

Guttiferae

Red Mango

Fruits edible

17.

Grewia spp.

Tiliaceae

Phalsa etc.

Excellent timber; Fruits edible

18.

Hevea brasiliensis (HBK) Muell.-Arg.

Euphorbiaceae

Para rubber

Rubber from latex

19.

Lagerstroemia spp.

Lythraceae

Jarul etc.

Timber

20.

Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.

Anacardiaceae

Jhingan (H)

Wood; Gum

21.

Litchi chinensis (Gaerth.) Sonner.

Sapindaceae

Litchi

Fruits edible

22.

Litsea Stocksii HK. f.

Lauraceae

Betel nut laurel

Timber

23.

Macaranga peltala (Roxb.) Muell.-Arg.

Euphorbiaceae

Chanda(Mar); Chandakanne (Kan); Uppila (Mal); Boddi; (Tel)

Wood for matches, paper pulp; Gum; Shade plant

24.

Mallotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell.-Arg.

Euphorbiaceae

Kamala (H)

Fruits yield dye; Timber

25.

Mammea suriga (Buch. ex Roxb.) Kosterm.

Guttifeae

Nagkesar

Wood useful; Flowers scented

26

Mesua ferrea Linn.

Guttiferae

Nagkesar (H): Nagappu (Tam)

Timber; Flowers for cosmetics

27.

Muntingia calabura Linn.

Elaeocarpaceae

Singapur cherry

Fruits edible; shade

28.

Nephelium lappaceum Linn.

Sapindaceae

Rambutan; Ramboostan

Fruits edible; Wood useful

29.

Persea americana Mill.

Lauraceae

Avocado

Fruits

30.

Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre

Fabaceae

Indian beech; Karanja(H); Pangam (Tam) Ganuga (Tel)

Non-edible oil; Timber;Firewood; Medical.

31.

Sapindus Spp.

Sapindaceae

Scope-nut; Ritha (H). Pavamkottai (Tam)

Fruits used as a soap; wood useful

32.

Sapium sebiferum (Lour.) Roxb.

Euphorbiaceae

Chinese tallow; Vilaiati Shisham (H)

Fat from seeds used in Soap and Candle

33.

Scheffiera spp.

Araliaceae

 

Wood useful

34.

Scheichera oleosa  (Lour.) Oken

Sapindaceae

Kusun(H); Kusumb(Mar)

Host for lac insect; Seed yields oil

35.

Sophora secundiflora DC.

Fabaceae

Coral Bean

Wood useful

 

36.

Syzygium spp.

Myrtaceae

Jambul, etc.

Fruit edible; Timber

37.

Swietenia spp.

Meliaceae

Mahagani (H)

Timber

38.

Tamarix spp.

Tamaricaeae

Jhau (H). etc.

Twigs used for making baskets

39.

Terminalia tomenfosa Wt. & Arn.

Combretaceae

Ain (Mar); Asan,

Sadri (H); Mathi (Kan) 

Timber; Nest for Tasar Silkworm

40.

Toona ciliata M. J. Roem.

Meliaceae

Red cedar

Wood useful for many purposes

41.

Vateria indica Linn

Dipterocarpac-eae

White - dammar; Safed damar (H)

Gum-resin; Oil from seeds; Wood useful

 

42.

Veronia monodid DC.

 

Asteraceae

---

Wood useful; Firewood

SUB-TROPICAL AND TEMPERATE CLIMATES

1.

Acer caesium Wall. Ex Brandis

Aceraceae

Trekhan (P); Kinar

(Kashmir); Kilu (Kumaon)

Timber

2.

Aesculus indica Colebr. Ex Camb.

Hippocast-anaceae

Horse chestnut;

Kanor (H)

Nuts edible; Timber

3.

Alnus nepalensis D. Don

Betulaceae

Indian alder; Utis

(H); Kochi (P)

Timber

4.

Alnus nitida Endl.

Betulaceae

Kunis (H); Sharol

(P); Chamb

(Kashmir)

Timber

5.

Castanca sativa Mill

Fagaceae

Sweet chest-nut

Timber; Seed edible

6.

Cordia dichotoma Forst. F.

Ehretiaceae

Lasora (H); Vidi

Tam)

Timber; Fruit edible

7.

Diospyros Kaki L. f.

Ebenaceae

Persimmon

Fruits

8.

Ehretia acuminata R. Br.

Ehretiaceae

Ivory wood;

Punia(H); Kula-aja (Beng)

Fruits edible; Timber

9.

Elaeicaroys spp.

Elaeocarpaceae

Rudrasha etc.

Timber

10.

Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb.) Lindl.

Rosaceae

Japanese Medlar;

Loquat; (H)

Fruits

11.

Eucalyptus spp.

Myrtaceae

Neelgiri

Timber; Paper pulp etc.

12.

Gmelina arborea Linn.

Verbenaceae

Ghamar(H);

Kattanam(Tam)

Timber;Fodder

13.

Grewia spp.

Tiliaceae

Phalsa(H)

Timber; Fruits edible

14.

Juglans regia Linn.

Juglandaceae

Akhrot(H)

Fruits edible;Wood useful

15.

Legerstroemia spp.

Lythraceae

Jarul;Harsingar (H)

Timber;Ornamental

16.

Litchi chinensis (Gaertn.) Sonner

Sapindaceae

Litchi

Fruits

17.

Litsea stocksii HK. f.

Lauraceae

Betelnut

laurel;Pisi(Mar); Varikeera(Mal)

Timber

18.

Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell.-Arg.

Euphorbiaceae

Chanda(Mar);

Boddi(Tel);

Uppila(Mal);

Chanda Kanne(Kan)

Gum; Shade plant

19.

Machilus macrantha Nees

Lauraceae

Ladder wood; Kallamavu (Tam); Uravu(Mal)

Timber

20.

Maliotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell.-Arg.

Euphorbiaceae

Kamala (H)

Timber;Fruits yield dye

21.

Moringa oleifera Lamk.

Moringaceae

Drum-stick; Sainjana (H) Murangai (Tam); Shevaga(Mar);

Munaga (Tel)

Leaves, flowers and fruits used as vegetables;Medicinal

22.

Muntingia calabura Linn.

Elaeocarpaceae

Singapur-cherry

Fruits edible

23.

Orchard plants including citrus, apples, cherries, pears, plums, berries and nuts

 

 

Fruits and nuts

24.

Paulownia tomentosa Steud.

Scrophulariaceae

Himalayan Poplar

Wood useful

25.

Populus ciliata Wall. ex Royle

Salicaceae

Piplas

Timber

26.

Quercus dilatata Lindl.

Fagaceae

Moru

Timber;Fodder

27.

Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.

Fabaceae

False acacia

Timber

28.

Salix spp.

Salicaceae

Indian willow

Timber

29.

Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.

Sapindaceae

Soapnut;Ritha(H); Reetha(P); Puvomkottai (Tam)

Timber; Fruits as soap

30.

Sapium sebiferum (Linn.) Roxb.

Euphorbiaceae

Chinese Tallow-tree;Vilaiti shisham(H)

Fat from seed used in soap and candles

31.

Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken

Sapindaceae

Kusum(H);

Kusumb(Mar)

Host for lac-insect; Seed yields oil

32.

Swietenia spp.

Meliaceae

Mahagani(H)

Timber

33.

Symplocos laurina (Retz.) Wall. ex Rehder

Symplocaceae

Lodh

Wood as fuel

34.

Syzygium cumini Skeels

Hyrtaceae

Mlack plum; Jamun (H)

Fruits;Medicinal

35.

Toona ciliata M.J. Roem

Meliaceae

Toon

Wood

WATER COURSES/ CANALS

1.

Alseodaphne semcarifolia Nees

Lauraceae

Phudgus(Mar); Yavaranai (Tam); Massi (Kan)

Timber (Grows in cooler climates)

2.

Bischofia javanica Bl.

Bischofiaceae

Bishop wood; Paniala (H); Boke(Mar); Nalupumushti (Tel)

Wood useful for planking, buildings etc., railway sleepers

3.

Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

Guttiferae

Alexandrian laurel; Sultana champa(H); Pinnakottai (Tam)

Wood useful; Seed yields oil

4.

Dipterocarpus spp.

Dipterocarpaceae

Black dammar

Valuable timber

5.

Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Arecaceae

Red oil palm

Palm oil from fruits

6.

Melaleuca leucodendron Linn.

Myrtaceae

Kayapati(H); Kaiyappudai (Tam)

Leaves yield oil

7.

Populus spp.

Salicaceae

Indian willow; Bahan(H)

Wood for match boxes, packing cases etc.;

8.

Salix spp.

Salicaceae

Indian willow;

Bis (H)

Wood for gun powder, charcoal, cricket bats

9.

Syzygium cumini Skeels

Myrtaceae

Black plum;

Jamun (H)

Fruits edible; Wood useful Medicinal

10.

Terminalia chebula Retz.

Combretaceae

Gall-nut Myrabolan; Hard (H); Kadukai (Tam); Hirda Mar)

Timber; Bark for tanning and dyeing; Fruits medicinal

11.

Vitex leucozylon Linn.

Verbenaceaee

Chirai gori (H)

Wood for furniture and carts

SEA COASTS

1.

Anacardium occidentale Linn.

Anacardianceae

Cashewnut;Kaju (H)

Cashew apple and kernel edible, shell oil useful

2.

Borassus flabellifer Linn.

Arecaceae

Palmyra; Tal (H & Beng) Tad(Mar & Guj); Panei (Tam)

Used for posts, refters etc.; Leaves for thatching mats, fans, basket work; fruits edible; Sap of peduncle for 'toddy' and Palm sugar

3.

Cocos nucifera Linn.

Arecaceae

Coconut Palm;Nariyal (H); Thennai(Tam);

Tengu(Mal)

Oil, Copra, Fibre

4.

Eucalyptus gomphocephala A. Dc.

Myrtaceae

Turat

Timber;Oil

5.

Thespesia populnea (Linn.) Soland ex Corr.

Malvaceae

Indian tulip;

Paraspipal(H);

Bhend(Mar);

Poovarasu(Tam)

Bark yields fibre and dye; wood useful

PLANTS SUGGESTED FOR SOCIAL FORESTRY

1.

Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Corr.

Rutaceae

Bael tree;Bel (H); Vilvam(Tam);

Maredu(Tel)

Fruits edible; Medicinal; Timber

2.

Aesculus indica Colebr. ex Camb.

Hippocastanaceae

Horse chest-nut;Pangar(H)

Nuts edible;Timber

3.

Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq.

Rubiaceae

Kadamba(H); Kadam(Beng); Vellaicadamba(Tam)

Wood useful; Flowers fragrant

4.

Averrhoa carambola Linn.

Averrhoaceae

Carambola tree

Fruit edible

5.

Castnea sativa Mill.

Fagaceae

Sweet chest-nut

Timber; Seed edible

6.

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn.

Bombacaceae

White silk cotton;

safedsimul(H); Ilavu(Tam); Katesawar(Mar)

Seed fibre; timber

7.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bl.

Lauraceae

Cinnamon, Dalchini(H);

Ilayangam (Tam)

Bark yield spice

8.

Cocos nucifera Linn.

Arecaceae

Coconut tree;Nariyal (H); Thenai (Tam)

Oil from the nut, copra; Fibre from husk, etc.

9.

Diospyros kaki Linn. f.

Ebenaceae

Persimmon

Fruits

10.

Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Arecaceae

African oil palm

Palm oil from fruits; Ornamental

11.

Elaeocarpus spp.

Elaeocarpaceae

Rudraksham

Timber; Seeds made into rosaries

12.

Emblica officinalis Geartn.

Euphorbiaceae

Emblic myrabolan, Amla(H);

Avla (Mar);

Fruits edible; Medicinal

13.

Eriobotrya japonica (Thumb.) Lindl.

Rosaceae

Lokat (H)

Fruits

14.

Eucalyptus spp.

Myrtaceae

Neelgiri

Timber; Oil from leaves

15.

Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud.

Sapindaceae

Longan;

Ashpal(Beng);

Wumb(Mar);

Puvatti(Tam)

Ornamental; Shade; Fruits

16.

Garcinia indica Chois

Guttiferae

Red mango

Fruits edible

17.

Gmelina arborea Linn.

Verbenaceae

Ghamar (H); Kattanam (Tam)

Timber; Fodder

18.

Grewia spp.

Tiliaceae

Phalsa, etc.

Fruits edible

19.

Grevillea robusta A. Cunn.

Proteaceae

Silver oak

Wood used; Shade tree; Ornamental

20.

Juglans regia Linn.

Juglandaceae

Akhrot

Fruits edible; Wood useful

21.

Lagerstroemia spp.

Lythraceae

Jarul, Harsingar (H)

Wood; ornamentla

22.

Leucaena Leucocephala (Lamk.) de Wit

Mimosaceae

Soobabul (H &Mar);

Lasobaval (Guj)

Tagarai (Tam)

Green manure; Fodder; Firewood; Timber

23.

Limonia acidissima Linn.

Rutaceae

Wood apple;

Kait(H);

Velaga(Tel);

Kavath(Mar)

Fruits edible;Gum;Wood

24.

Litchi chinensis (Gaertn.) Sonner.

Sapindaceae

Litchi

Fruits edible

25.

Moringa oleifera Lamk.

Moringaceae

Drum stick tree;

Sainjana(H);

Murangai(Tam);

Shevga(Mar); Munaga(Tel)

Medicinal

26.

Muntingia calabura Linn.

Elaeocarpaceae

Singapur-cherry

Fruits edible; Shade

27.

Nephelium lappaceum Linn.

Sapindaceae

Rambutan;

Ramboostan

Fruits;Wood useful

28.

Orchard plants-citrus, apples, cherries, pears, plums,

 

berries and nuts

Fruits and nuts

29.

Persea americana Mill.

Lauraceae

Avocado

Fruits

30.

Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre

Fabaceae

Indian beech;

Karanja (H & Mar); Pangam(Tam);

Ganuga (Tel)

Non-edible oil;

Medicinal;

Timber;

firewood

31.

Sapindus spp.

Sapindaceae

Soapnut, Ritha (H); Puvamkottai (Tam)

Fruits used as soap; Timber

32.

Sapium sebiferum (Linn.) Roxb.

Euphorbiaceae

Vilaiti shisham (H)

Fat from seeds used in Soap and Candle

33.

Sesbania grandiflora Pers.

Fabaceae

Basna(H); Avesi(Tel);

Hadga(Mar)

Vegetable;

Firewood

34.

Syzygium cumini Skeels

Myrtaceae

Black plum;

Jamun(H);

Naval(Tam);

Jambul(Mar)

Fruits edible;

Medicinal

35.

Tamarindus indica Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Tamrind tree;

Imli(H); Tentul(O)

Puli

(Tam & Mal)

Fruits and young leaves edible; Condiment; Firewood, Timber

36.

Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.

Rhamnaceae

Indian cherry plum;Ber(H);

Hanthai(Tam)

Fruits edible; Fodder;Firewood

               PLANTS SUGGESTED FOR CROP ROTATION IN AGRICULTURAL FRAMS

1.

Amaranthus caudatus Linn.

Amaranthaceae

Ram-dana(H); nantmul(Beng)

Food grain

2.

Brassica spp.

Brassicaceae

Mustards & Rapeseed

Oilseed crop

3.

Coriandrum sativum Linn.

Apiaceae

Coriander; Dhaniya (H); Kothamalli (Tam)

Condiment; Medicinal

4.

Cucumis sativus Linn.

Cucurbitaceae

Cucumber;Kheera(H); Kakdi(Mar)

Vegetable

5.

Fagopyrum esculentum Moench

Polygonaceae

Buckwheat;Kutu(H)

Food grain crop; Medicinal

6.

Guizotia abyssinica Cass.

Asteraceae

Niger;Kalatil(H); Valesulu (Tel)

Oil seed crop

7.

Helianthus annuus Linn.

Asteraceae

Sunflower; Suryamukhi(H); Suryaphul (Mar)

Oil seed crop

8.

Medicago sativa Linn.

Fabaceae

Lucerne;Lusan(P) Lasun ghas(Mar)

Fodder

9.

Melilotus indica (Linn.) All.

Fabaceae

Sweet clover;Senji(H)

Fodder

10.

Phaseolus lunatus Linn.

Fabaceae

Double bean;Ban barbati(Beng)

Vegetable

11.

Raphanus sativus Linn.

Brassicaceae

Radish;Mooli (H);  Mula (Mar)

Vegetable

12.

Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench

Poaceae

Sorghum, Jowar

Fodder grain; Fodder

13.

Trifolium alexandrinum Linn.

Fabaceae

Egyptian clover; Berseem (H & P)

Fodder

14.

Zea mays Linn.

Poaceae

Maize, Makka(H); Mokka jonna (Tel)

Food grain;Fodder

HEDGE PLANTS

1.

Acnistus arborescens Schlect.*

Solanaceae

-

Ornamental;Fruit for birds

2.

Adhatoda vasica Nees

Acanthaceae

Bakas(H & Ben); Adathodai (Tam)

Green manure;Amenity; Medicinal

3.

Buddleja madagascariensis Lamk.

Loganiaceae

Buddleia

Ornamental

4.

Duranta repens Linn.

Verbenaceae

Golden dew drop

Ornamental

5.

Euphorbia antiquorum Linn.

Eurphorbiaceae

-

Ornamental

6.

Jatropha gossypifolia Linn.

Eurphorbiaceae

Bellyache Bush

Ornamental

7.

Justicia gendarussa Linn. f.

Acanthaceae

Willow leaved justicia

Ornamental

8.

Lagerstroemia indica Linn.

Lythraceae

Pride of India

Ornamental

9.

Lawsonia inermis Linn.

Lythraceae

Indian Privet; Mehandi(H); Goranti (Kan)

Leaves yield dy

10.

Synadenium grantii  Hk. f.

Eurphorbiaceae

African milk-bush

Ornamental

11.

Vitex negundo Linn.

Verbenaceae

Nigandi(H); Nirgundi (Beng); Vennochi (Tam & Mal)

Reclamation of forest land;Medicinal

AVENUE TREES

1.

Acacia auriculiformis A.Cun. ex Benth.

Mimosaceae

Australian Phyllode acacia

Firewood

2.

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Simaroubaceae

Maharuk (H & Mar);

Perumaram (Tam)

Wood useful

3.

Albizzia spp.

Mimosaceae

Siris (H); etc.

Wood useful; Shade tree

4.

Azadirachta indica A.Juss.

Meliaceae

Neem(H);

Vaeppamaram(Tam)

Timber

5.

Dalbergia spp.

Fabaceae

Shisham(H); etc.

Timber (Durable)

6.

Delonix regia (Boj) Rafin.

Caesalpinaceae

Gul-mohar (H)

Shade, ornamental

7.

Dillenia indica Linn.

Dilleniaceae

Chalta (H & Beng);

Karamal (Mar & Guj)

Uvu (O)

Timber ; Jam and Jellies from fruits

8.

Ehretia acuminata R. Br.

Ehretiaceae

Ivory wood

Fruits edible

9.

Elaeocarpus spp.

Elaeocarpaceae

Rudraksham

Timber

10.

Eucalyptus spp.

Myrtaceae

Neelgiri

Timber

11.

Filicium dicipiens Thw.

Sapindaceae

Ningal (Tam);

Niroli(Mal)

Timber

12.

Grevillea robusta A. Cunn.

Proteacear

Silver oak

Timber; Shade tree

13.

Melia azedarach Linn.

Meliaceae

Bakain(H);

Malaivembu(Tam)

Wood; Medicinal

14.

Parkinsonia aculeata Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Jarusalam Thorn;

Vilayati Kilkar (H)

Ornamental

15.

Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Backer ex K. Heyne

Caesalpiniaceae

Copper pod;

Konda Chinta (Tel) Ivalvagari(Tam)

Ornamental; Wood useful

16.

Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre

Fabaceae

Indian beech;

Karanja(H);

Pangam(Tam); Ganuga(Tel)

Non-edible oil;Medicinal Timber, Fire wood

17.

Populus spp.

Salicaceae

Himalayan Poplar;

Piplas

Timber

18.

Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.

Fabaceae

False acacia

Timber

19.

Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.

Mimosaceae

Rain tree;

Vilaiti siris(H)

Firewood

20.

Spathodea campanulata Beauv.

Bignoniaceae

Scarlet bell

Ornamental

21.

Swietenia mahagoni (Linn.) Jacq.

Meliaceae

Mahagani (H)

Timber

22.

Syzygium cumini Skeels

Myrtaceae

Black Plum;Jamun (H);

Jambul(Mar)

Fruit edible

23.

Tabebuia spp.

Bignoniaceae

Basant rani(H); etc.

Ornamental

24.

Tamarindus indica Linn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Tamarind tree; Imli(H); Tentul(O); Puli(Tam)

Timber; Condiment; Firewood; Fruits and young leaves edible

25.

Thespesia populnea (Linn.) Soland. ex Correa

Malvaceae

Indian tulip; Paras-pipal (H); Poovarasu (Tam)

Bark fibre

ORNAMENTAL TREES

1.

Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth.

Mimosaceae

Australian Phyllode acacia

Firewood

2.

Albizzia procera Benth.

Mimosaceae

White siris tree;

Velvagai (Tam)

Timber, Medicinal

3.

Citharexylum subserratum Sw.

Verbenaceae

Fiddlewood tree

Ornamental

4.

Erythrina crista-galli Linn.

Fabaceae

Dadap, etc.

Wood useful

5.

Eucalyptus ficifolia F. Muell.

Myrtaceae

Red-flowering fum

Wood

6.

Guaiacum officinale Linn.

Zygophyllaceae

Lignum Vitae tree

Wood useful; Resin

7.

Kleinhovia hospita Linn.

Sterculiaceae

Kleinhovia;

Panaitteku(Tam)

Medicinal ; Wood useful

8.

Kydia calycina Roxb.

Myrtaceae

Roxburghs Kydia;Pola(H); Potari(Tel)

Bark fibre; Wood useful

9.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Linn.) Pers.

Lythraceae

Jarul(H)

Wood useful

10.

Muntingia calabura Linn.

Elaeocarpaceae

Singapur-cherry

Fruits edible

11.

Parkinsonia aculeata Linn.

Casealpiniaceae

Jerusalem thorn;

Vilayati Kikar(H)

Fuel wood; Fodder

12.

Paulownia tomentosa Steud.

Scrophulariaceae

-

Excellent wood

13.

Sophora viciifolia Hance

Fabaceae

-

Timer (Grown in cooler climates)

14.

Spathodea campanulata Beauv.

Bignoniaceae

Scarlet-bell

Ornamental

15.

Syzygium spp.

Myrtaceae

-

Timer

16.

Tabebuia spp.

Bignoniaceae

Basant rani(H); etc.

-

SHRUBS

1.

Acacia farnesiana Willd.

Mimosaceae

Fragrant acacia

Bark yield tanin

2.

Calliandra tweedi Benth.

Mimosaceae

Calliandra

-

3.

Callistemon linearis DC.

Myrtaceae

Bottle brush

Bark from fibre

4.

Dombeya mastersii HK. f.

Sterculiaceae

Dombeya

-

5.

Hamelia patens Jack.

Rubiaceae

The spreading hamelia

-

6.

Murraya paniculata (Linn.) Jack.

Rutaceae

Orange Jasmine

-

7.

Rosa moschata Mill.

Rosaceae

Wild rose

-

8.

Russelia equisetiformis Schlecht. & Cham.

Scrophulariaceae

Bright coral-red

-

9.

Serrissa foetida Lamk.

Rubiaceae

-

-

10.

Tamarix spp.

Tamaricaceae

Tamarisk

Twigs used for making baskets

CLIMBERS

1.

Antigonon leptpus HK. & Arn.

Polygonaceae

Antigonum

-

2.

Jacquemonita pentantha (Jacq.) G. Don

Convolvulaceae

-

-

3.

Pyrostegia venusta (Ker-Gawl.) Miers

Bignoniaceae

Golden shower

-

4.

Porana volubilis Burm.

Convolvulaceae

-

-

5.

Quisqualis indica Linn.

Combretaceae

Rangoon creeper

-

6.

Wisteria sinensis DC.

Fabaceae

Grape flower wine

-

HERBS

1.

Ageratum conyzoides Linn.

Asteraceae

Ageratum

-

2.

Althaea rosea (Linn.) Cav.

Malvaceae

Hollyhock

-

3.

Bellis perennis Linn.

Asteraceae

Daisy

-

4.

Calendula officinalis Linn.

Asteraceae

Calendula

-

5.

Callistephus chinensis (Linn.) Nees

Asteraceae

Aster

 

6.

Celosia argentea Linn.

Amaranthaceae

Cockscomb

 

7.

Centaurea cyanus Linn.

Asteraceae

Corn flower

 

8.

Coleus amboinicus Lour.

Laminaceae

Coleus

 

9.

Coreopsis drummondii Torr. & Gray

Asteraceae

Coreopsis

 

10.

Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.

Asteraceae

Cosmos

 

11.

Cosmos sulphureus Cav.

Asteraceae

Cosmos

 

12.

Dahlia spp.

Asteraceae

Dahlia (Singles)

 

13.

Gomphrena globosa Linn.

Amaranthaceae

Globe Amaranth

 

14.

Gypsophila cerastioides D. Don

Caryophyllaceae

Gypsophila

 

15.

Ocimum sanctum Linn.

Lamiaceae

Tulsi (H); Tulasi (Kan & Guj)

 

16.

Papaver rhoeas Linn.

Papavaraceae

Lal-post (H)

 

17.

Phlox drummondii HK.

Polemoniaceae

Drummond Phlox

 

18.

Pimpinella monoica Dalz.

Apiaceae

Lady's Lace

 

19.

Polianthus tuberosa Linn.

Agavaceae

Tuberose

 

20.

Portulaca grandiflora HK.

Portulacaceae

Portulaca

 

21.

Salvia spp.

Lamiaceae

Sage

 

22.

Solidago canadensis Linn.

Asteraceae

Golden rod

 

23.

Tagets erecta Linn.

Asteraceae

Marigold; Genda (H)

 

24.

Tradescantia virginiana Linn.

Commelinaceae

-

 

25.

Zinnia spp.

Asteraceae

Zinnia

 

NON-LITTORAL HIGH SALINITY AND WATER SCARCITY CONDITIONS

Sr.

Botanical Name

Family

Economic Use

Ecological Preference

1.

Eucalyptus magacornuta C.A. Garden

Myrtaceae

Shade tree, leaves rich in oil Wind-treak, sheler belts

-

Saline soils, shfting sands

2.

Tamarix articulata (aphylla)

Tamarcaceae

timber useful, fire wood

 

3.

T. diosca Roxb.

Tamarcaceae

Baranches used for making baskets

River beds and sea coasts

4.

Thespesia populnea (Linn.) Soland, ex Correa

Malvaceae

Shade

-

ALONG BACKWATERS

Botanical Name

Family

Occurrence

Economic use

Sapium indicum Willd.

Euphorbiacene

 

Seed yield oil, fruits for fish poison, root bark medicinal

Hibiscus tiliaceaus Linn.

Malvaceae

 

Bark fibre used for many purposes, leaves for cattle feed; root medicinal.

FRESH WATEH SWAMPS

Myristica magnifica Bedd.

Myristicaceae

 

 

M. laurifolia

Myristicaceae

 

 

M. canarica

Myristicaceae

 

 

M. malabarica Lam.

Myristicaceae

 

Seed oil used for illumination

Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers

Lythraceae

 

Wood for structural work,

Lophopetalum wightianum Arn.

Celastraceae

 

flooring and interior fittings

Eugenia montana

Myrtaceae

 

Timber

Carallia brachiata

Rhizophoraceae

 

Fruits edible, and also used in treatment of containous ulcers

Eucalyptus ptychocarpa F. Muell.

Myrtaceae

 

Very attractive, wood useful.

MANGROVE BEE PLANTS

(In the order of their distance from sea water)

Botanical Name

Family

Economic Use

Ecological Preference

Avicennia officinalis Linn.

Avicenniaceae

Wood for fuel, leaves used as cattle fodder

Tidal forests, Neop high tide level salt Marshes

Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Linn.) Lamk.

Rhizophoraceae

Fire-wood, wood used in house construction

Swampy regions normal high tide level

Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce

Rhizophoraceae

Green manure, wood for charcoal, fuel

Swampy regions

Rhizophora mucronata Lamk.

Rhizophoraceae

Timber, bark for tannin, fruits edible

Bed level, swampy regions Normal high tide level

Sonneratia acida Benth.

Sonneratiaceae

Fruits eaten, medicinal, wood useful

Swampy regions

Cressa cretica Linn.

Convolvulaceae

-

Saline marshes and coastal sands

Acanthus ilicifolius Linn.

Acanthaceae

Cattle fodder

Further towards land

Clerodendrum inerme (Linn.) Gaertn.

Verbenaceae

Ornamental

Further towards land

Aegiceras corniculatum (Linn.) Blanco

Myrsinaceae

Bark for tanning, wood for fuel

Spring high tide level

Amoora cucullata Roxb.

Maliaceae

Wood for posts and fire wood

On the landward higher land

Barringtonia racemosa (Linn.) Spring

Barringtoniaceae

Fire wood, fruit, seed and root medicinal

Higher land

Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.

Guttiferae

Timber, seed-oil used in skin diseases etc.

Higher land

Dalbergia spinosa Roxb.

Fabaceae

-

Higher land

Exeoecaria agallocha Linn.

Euphorbiaceae

Wood for match industry.

Spring high tide level

Heritiera littoralis Dryand

Sterculiaceae

Timber, seeds edible, bark for tannin

Higher land

Hibiscus tiliaceus Linn.

Malvaceae

Bark fibre, leaves for cattle feed, root medicinal

Near back waters, tidal streams, along river banks

Salvadora persica Linn.

Salvadoraceae

Wood useful

Saline soil.

Xylocarpus granatum Koen

Meliaceae

Wood valuable

Higher land

X. molluccensis (Lamk.) Roem.

Meliaceae

Carapa-oil from seeds

Higher land

Areca triandra Roxb.

Arecaceae

-

-

Nypa fruitcans Wurmb.

Arecaceae

Sweet sap for jaggery, sugar, alcohol and vinegar. Leaves useful.

Mangrove swamps, tidal forests

Phoenix pludoss Roxb.

Arecaceae

Leaves useful; fruits and pith of the stem edible.

Spring tides on drier areas within salt water mangroves.

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