Flora of Kerala

COMMON FLORA OF KERALA
FORESTS
M.S.K.PRATHAP
mail@mskprathap.com
www.mskprathap.com
COMMON FLORA OF KERAL A FORESTS

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or
otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the
authors prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in
which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition
being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Collected & Compiled by M.S.K.Prathap

Fisrt Published 2004
Second Edition 2005
Printed and bound in India
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to my mother, Smt.P.Subhadra for her
invaluable assistance in making this book.
I am also
extremely thankful to Sri.Amarnatha Shetty IFS, Conservator

of Forests, Eastern Circle, Palakkad who first encouraged
my interest in this kind of thing and provided much help to
collect botanical names of various species. And obviously it
would not have been possible to produce a work of this kind
without the aid of the various standard reference books.
Honorable mentions are Forest Trees of Kerala by
N.Sasidharan,
Forest Plants of Kerala by Dr.P.N.Nair &
C.S.Nair, Flora of the Presidency of Madras by J.S.Gamble

&
C.E.C.Fischer,
Marshall
Cavendish
Illustrated
Encyclopedia of Plants & Earth Sciences and the great

Britannica Encyclopedia. Thanks are also due to various
web sites on plants and horticulture for providing illustrations
in this book.
M.S.K.Prathap
INTRODUCTION
The diversity of floristic wealth of Kerala Forests is well represented in the habitat,
species and genetic lands of biological spectrum. It is estimated that the flora of Kerala
comprises around 10000 species including cryophytes, lichens, algae and fungi. 3700 of
them are vascular plants in which 3500 are flowering plants. This book is an attempt to
collect and compile botanical names and vernacular names of common plants of Kerala
Forests.
Classification of Plants
Plants can be grouped together according to their form or function in a variety of ways.
One of the most obvious takes into account the overall form of the plant. Habit is one way
of discussing overall form. The following are the more common habits of plants:
v Trees: Woody plants with a single or few trunks near the base.
v Shrubs: Woody plants that branch near the base and therefore have several
trunks.
v Lianas: Woody plants that climb on other plants and use them for support.
They may climb via tendrils, hooks, pads, aerial roots, or other mechanisms.
v Herbs: Non-woody plants which includes Forbs, Graminoids, Ferns, etc.
Scientific Names & Botanical Names
The basic category of plants is the species. Every species on Earth has one, and only
one, correct scientific name by which it is known throughout the world. This species
name is called a binomial because, in fact, it is two words: the genus and the specific
epithet. The binomial system we use today was founded by the Swedish botanist
Linnaeus over 200 years ago. Since there has been a standard method of naming plants
and rules for the creation and application of new names, we not only can communicate
more effectively but also read works from Linnaeus's day and easily understand which
species the author was referring to. Common names are as popular as botanical names
since they are familiar with the common people. Unfortunately, many common names
are used for more than one plant and the name may vary from place to place. Some
plants, which are not economically important, have no common name at all.
Subspecies, Variety and Form
Often, a species exhibits some variation, such as different flower color, leaf shape, or
height. If this variation is sufficient to warrant naming a new species, then a new species
is named; but if the variation is minor or there is a broad range of overlap, a subspecies,
Common Flora of Kerala Forests
variety, or form may be named. When one of these ranks is recognized, its name is
formed by using the species name followed by "ssp.," "var.," or "f.," an additional epithet,
and the name of the author of the subspecies, variety, or form. Which of these three
ranks is used depends upon the type and magnitude of the differences between it and
the other members of the species.
Subspecies is usually used to designate a group of populations that are approaching
species status, and given time it is expected that the subspecies will evolve into a
species. A subspecies is usually geographically distinct and has other characteristics that
distinguish it from the species; however, the degree of separation is insufficient to call it a
species. This is admittedly subjective and is one of the reasons why botanists change the
names of plants. An alternative view held by many botanists is that subspecies is a rank
between species and variety. In other words, subspecies are groups of varieties.
Variety has traditionally been used in the same manner as subspecies, to distinguish
taxa that are approaching species but have not yet reached species status. Variety is
also used to distinguish groups of populations with ecological differences. Variety and
subspecies are often used interchangeably.
A form is usually used to designate a minor variation within a population or a region.
M.S.K.Prathap
SPECIES FOUND IN KERALA FORESTS

Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
Abarema subcoriacea
Fabaceae
cBbek
Abrus precatorius
Fabaceae
kgf
Acacia auriculiformis
Fabaceae
DsX
Acacia catechu
Fabaceae
kjf=enf
Acacia chundra
Fabaceae
kjf=enf
Acacia concinna
Fabaceae
rbRd, rReRd, rvf
Acacia dealbata
Fabaceae
zbbef$
Acacia decurrens
Fabaceae
hbef$
Acacia ferruginea
Fabaceae
kjfsbnx
10
Acacia horrida
Fabaceae
Evcgd
11
Acacia intsia
Fabaceae
12
Acacia leucophloea
Fabaceae
zbsbnx, zjf=enf
13
Acacia mangium
Fabaceae
cefRx
14
Acacia mearnsii
Fabaceae
kJg bef$
15
Acacia nilotica ssp. indica
Fabaceae
kjfsbnx
16
Acacia pennata
Fabaceae
kejr*
17
Acacia planifrons
Fabaceae
kgasbnx
18
Acacia polycantha
Fabaceae
cgiNf
19
Acacia pycnantha
Fabaceae
sie#[\ bef$
20
Achras sapota
Sapotaceae
mse
21
Acorus calamus
Araceae
bRd
22
Acrocarpus fraxinifolius
Fabaceae
vjfsb=, kgj=eaf
23
Acronychia pedunculata
Rutaceae
bfagkvnf, Qejfnfzfcjx, zbjgkglrvf
24
Actinodaphne bourdillonii
Lauraceae
cnbfjf*f
25
Actinodaphne bourneae
Lauraceae
26
27
Actinodaphne campanulata var.

campanulata
Actinodaphne campanulata var.
obtusa
Lauraceae
Lauraceae
28
Actinodaphne lawsonii
Lauraceae
29
Actinodaphne madraspatana
Lauraceae
cnbfjf*f, FsRenf, ct=nf, kfNf bfjf*f
30
Actinodaphne malabarica
Lauraceae
kfNfbfjf*f, zvRJx
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
31
Actinodaphne tadulingamii
Lauraceae
32
Adenanthera pavonina
Fabaceae
ceaf
33
Adhatoda beddomei
Acanthaceae
Easneakx (zJgld)
34
Adhotoda vasica
Acanthaceae
Easneakx
35
Aegiceras corniculatus
Myrsinaceae
kjf*fa
36
Aegle marmelos
Rutaceae
ktbNx
37
Aglaia apiocarpa
Meliaceae
38
Aglaia barberi
Meliaceae
39
Aglaia bourdillonii
Meliaceae
40
Aglaia elaeagnoidea
Meliaceae
hgCeb, ht*eb
41
Aglaia lawii
Meliaceae
kejkf$, zbrjNx
42
Aglaia malabarica
Meliaceae
gbrjNx, gbkf$
43
Aglaia perviridis
Meliaceae
kejkf$
44
Aglaia simplicifolia
Meliaceae
45
Aglaia tomentosa
Meliaceae
vr%cgf
46
Agrostistachys borneensis
Euphorbiaceae
cgNfen, skeBfben\
47
Agrostistachys indica
Euphorbiaceae
48
Aidia gardneri
Rubiaceae
crej
49
Ailanthus excelsa
Simaroubaceae
hrveJf, zhjgcjx, hrcjx, zhjgf
50
Ailanthus integrifolia ssp.

calycina
Simaroubaceae
51
Ailanthus triphysa
Simaroubaceae
cf, zhjgcjx, zhe=fnx
52
Alangium salvifolium
Alangiaceae
Dsenx, DBf*f$, zjx
53
Albizia amara
Fabaceae
bjf, Gq*$
54
Albizia chinensis
Fabaceae
zhebek, zhe\bek, zcebek, zvsvf

bek
55
Albizia falcataria
Fabaceae
hrnfbek
56
Albizia lebbeck
Fabaceae
zvsvf bek, bek
57
Albizia odoratissima
Fabaceae
hgNfbek, kgfbek, kjgbek, zvfbek
58
Albizia procera
Fabaceae
zbbek, kjfkj, kegbek, pnbek
59
Aleurites molucanna
Euphorbiaceae
pxif# Dsked
60
Allophylus cobbe
Sapindaceae
cg\ shBd
61
Alnus nepalensis
Betulaceae
F\ Qe#[%
kejkf$
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
ke%beB
62
Aloe vera
Liliaceae
63
Alphonsea maderaspatana
Annonaceae
64
Alphonsea sclerocarpa
Annonaceae
65
Alphonsea zeylanica
Annonaceae
66
Alpinia galanga
Zingiberaceae
fj
Lauraceae
cgNkdveJf
Lauraceae
cgNkdveJf
67
68
Alseodaphne semecarpifolia var.

parvifolia
Alseodaphne semecarpifolia var.
semecarpifolia
69
Alstonia macrophylla
Apocynaceae
70
Alstonia scholaris
Apocynaceae
SBfnxhen, cgxhen, hen
71
Alstonia venenata
Apocynaceae
lffNf, lren
72
Amherstia nobilis
Fabaceae
MfxMfh b>!x
73
Anacardium occidentale
Anacardiaceae
kMgcebd, hJfcebd
74
Anacolosa densiflora
Olacaceae
k$ceCfkx
75
Anamirta cocculus
Menispermaceae
kanebCd, zhe
76
Andrographis paniculata
Acanthaceae
kfjfRd
77
Annona cherimola
Annonaceae
zJfsceR
78
Annona muricata
Annonaceae
cgef
79
Annona reticulata
Annonaceae
80
Annona squamosa
Annonaceae
kmde%[d Ef#
81
Anogeissus acuminata
Combretaceae
zbenf
82
Anogeissus latifolia
Combretaceae
cBge*fjx, }ec, zb vb, zkejfe*fjx,

zbenf
83
Antiaris toxicaria
Moraceae
DjRe*fnf, DJ$, cjbgjf
84
Antidesma acidum
Euphorbiaceae
EMejftNf, DjfBzaf
85
Antidesma alexiteria
Euphorbiaceae
lncjx
86
Antidesma bunius
Euphorbiaceae
kjfzbf
87
Antidesma ghaesembilla
Euphorbiaceae
88
Antidesma menasu
Euphorbiaceae
htljeb$
89
Aphanamixis polystachya
Meliaceae
zjx, kejkf$
90
Aphananthe cuspidata
Ulmaceae
htlfRgC%f
91
Apodytes dimidiata
Icacinaceae
sgcf
92
Apollonias arnottii
Lauraceae
zvx, kejcebd
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
93
Aporusa acuminata
Euphorbiaceae
vr%zbf
94
Aporusa bourdillonii
Euphorbiaceae
cnzbf
95
Aporusa fusiformis
Euphorbiaceae
96
Aporusa lindleyana
Euphorbiaceae
97
Aralia malabarica
Araliaceae
98
Araucaria columnaris
Araucariaceae
99
Archidentron monadelphum
Fabaceae
100
Ardisia blatteri
Myrsinaceae
101
Ardisia missionis
Myrsinaceae
102
Ardisia pauciflora
Myrsinaceae
103
Ardisia rhomboidea
Myrsinaceae
104
Ardisia solanacea
Myrsinaceae
kgBfcg\
105
Arenga wightii
Palmae
kegzl=@, cnz=@
106
Aristolochia indica
Aristolochiaceae
ijg[zeaf
107
Aristolochia tagala
Aristolochiaceae
kjbf
108
Artocarpus communis
Moraceae
zy[d Htd
109
Artocarpus gomezianus ssp.

zeylanicus
Moraceae
lrfebd, fc
110
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Moraceae
ebd
111
Artocarpus hirsutus
Moraceae
E*fnf, DRvf
112
Asparagus racemosus
Liliaceae
Mlebjf
113
Atalantia monophylla
Rutaceae
cnvejkx
114
115
Atalantia racemosa var.

bourdillonii
Atalantia racemosa var.
racemosa
zbf
cglgzkeN\, bjfkrJf, kegzke
ctcjx
Rutaceae
Rutaceae
kegvejkx
kegvejkx
116
Atalantia rotundifolia
Rutaceae
117
Atalantia wightii
Rutaceae
118
Atuna indica
Rosaceae
119
Atuna travancorica
Rosaceae
keRdcjx
120
Averrhoa bilimbi
Oxalidaceae
yfnff
121
Averrhoa carambola
Oxalidaceae
122
Avicennia marina
Avicenniaceae
QJRf
123
Avicennia officinalis
Avicenniaceae
QJRf
10
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
124
Azadirachta indica
Meliaceae
sbd, Ejsbd
125
Baccaurea courtallensis
Euphorbiaceae
ctfeRdh\, ctftJf
126
Bacopa monnieri
127
Balanites roxburghii
Simaroubaceae
Qeacjx, lehmljg
128
Baliospermum axillare
Euphorbiaceae
veiof, zJfRof
129
Bambusa bambos
Gramineae
cgN
130
Bambusa vulgaris
Gramineae
c*cgN
131
Barringtonia acutangula
Lecythidaceae
vr%sBd, EgshBd
132
Barringtonia racemosa
Lecythidaceae
mcgo
133
Bauhinia malabarica
Fabaceae
EjgNf
134
Bauhinia purpurea
Fabaceae
gb cejx
135
Bauhinia racemosa
Fabaceae
cnRf, kgagNf, cejx, cncejx, Djxhenf
136
Bauhinia tomentosa
Fabaceae
c* cejx, kef, kevtcjx
137
Bauhinia vahlii
Fabaceae
Ejgbf
138
Bauhinia variegata
Fabaceae
skebfoejx, gb cejx, bnfR cnRf
139
Beilschmiedia gemmiflora
Lauraceae
sceJkgf
140
Beilschmiedia wightii
Lauraceae
vijcjx
141
Berrya cordifolia
Tiliaceae
142
Bhesa indica
Celastraceae
zhvenf
143
Bischofia javanica
Euphorbiaceae
sensb=, lfjgd, ezlR\
144
Bixa orellana
Bixaceae
kgc*#, kgj=gc*#
145
Blachia denudata
Euphorbiaceae
146
Blachia umbellata
Euphorbiaceae
147
Blepharistemma serratum
Rhizophoraceae
vr%gj
148
Bombax ceiba
Bombacaceae
Fnbd, htN, cgfnbd
149
Bombax insigne
Bombacaceae
kfnbdd, htN
150
Bombax scopulorum
Bombacaceae
zJfR kfnbd
151
Borassus flabellifer
Palmae
kjfv
152
Boswellia serrata
Burseraceae
kg=fnx
153
Breynia vitis-idaea
Euphorbiaceae
hebntN
154
Bridelia airy-shawii
Euphorbiaceae
cggsb=, zzkvf
155
Bridelia crenulata
Euphorbiaceae
cggsb=, cg\zzkl, cg#wvf
yf
11
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
sh% c#yJf
156
Broussonetia papyrifera
Moraceae
157
Brownea coccinea
Fabaceae
158
Bruguiera cylindrica
Rhizophoraceae
159
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
Rhizophoraceae
160
Bruguiera sexangula
Rhizophoraceae
161
Buchanania axillaris
Anacardiaceae
162
Buchanania barberi
Anacardiaceae
163
Buchanania lanceolata
Anacardiaceae
kgNcebd, cncebd
164
Buchanania lanzan
Anacardiaceae
ct=esBd, vgJcjx
165
Buddleja asiatica
Loganiaceae
166
Butea monosperma
Fabaceae
167
Caesalpinia coriaria
Fabaceae
168
Calamus brandisii
Palmae
kgftj$
169
Calamus gamblei
Palmae
cCftj$, h tj$
170
Calamus hookerianus
Palmae
bftj$, ketj$, zkj
171
Calamus metzianus
Palmae
QafR\ tj$
172
Calamus nilagiricus
Palmae
skBtj$
173
Calamus pseudotenuis
Palmae
zJgtj$
174
Calamus rheedii
Palmae
kegtj$
175
Calamus rotang
Palmae
tj$
176
Calamus thwaitesii
Palmae
bnfR tj$, Evtj$, lafR\ tj$
177
Calamus travancoricus
Palmae
Djftj$
178
Calliandra calothyrsus
Fabaceae
179
Calliandra cynometroides
Fabaceae
180
Callicarpa tomentosa
Verbenaceae
zJgsld, veRdsd, veRdgf#
181
Callistemon citrinus
Myrtaceae
syef$ yXd
182
Calophyllum austroindicum
Clusiaceae
keghg
183
Calophyllum calaba
Clusiaceae
zJghg, Eghg, c*g
184
Calophyllum inophyllum
Clusiaceae
hg
185
Calophyllum polyanthum
Clusiaceae
hg, keghg
186
Calotropis gigantea
Asclepiadaceae
zbzjfd, gb Zjfd
187
Calotropis procera
Asclepiadaceae
fzjfd
k$
kgNcebd, cncebd
eMd, cl
12
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
hgevf, hge*f
188
Calycopteris floribunda
Combretaceae
189
Camelia sinensis
Theaceae
190
Cananga odorata
Annonaceae
kvcjx
191
Canarium strictum
Burseraceae
zlfRf\, hx
Rubiaceae
FjgJ\
Rubiaceae
FjgJ\, }e*t$
192
193
Canthium dicoccum var.

dicoccum
Canthium dicoccum var.
umbellatum
194
Canthium ficiforme
Rubiaceae
195
Canthium pergracile
Rubiaceae
196
Canthium travancoricum
Rubiaceae
197
Capparis sepiaria
Capparaceae
kezef
198
Capparis spinosa
Capparaceae
kjrjx
199
Carallia brachiata
Rhizophoraceae
bJ=@, bYx, bC
200
Careya arborea
Lecythidaceae
shBd
201
Carissa carandas
Apocynaceae
kjfcgf
202
Carissa opaca
Apocynaceae
zJgcg#zaf
203
Caryota urens
Palmae
tv
204
Casearia bourdillonii
Flacourtiaceae
205
Casearia coriacea
Flacourtiaceae
206
Casearia graveolens
Flacourtiaceae
207
Casearia ovata
Flacourtiaceae
208
Casearia wynadensis
Flacourtiaceae
209
Cassia auriculata
Fabaceae
Ebej, Dbj, Ebejx
210
Cassia fistula
Fabaceae
kCfze
211
Cassia marginata
Fabaceae
kaze
212
Cassia montana
Flacourtiaceae
213
Cassia nodosa
Fabaceae
hfd keX
214
Cassia siamea
Fabaceae
c*ze
215
Cassine glauca
Celastraceae
kjgvrjkx, lfcjx
216
Cassine kedarnathii
Celastraceae
217
Cassine paniculata
Celastraceae
218
Cassipourea ceylanica
Rhizophoraceae
Evzef
13
zbgx, cnezb
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
219
Castanospermum australe
Fabaceae
QemdsanfR\ zmddvd
220
Casuarina equisetifolia
Casuarinaceae
keeafcjx, tN, sbed
221
Catunaregam Spinosa
Rubiaceae
cnej
222
Catunaregam torulosa
Rubiaceae
223
Ceiba pentandra
Bombacaceae
h*fcjx, MrctN
224
Celtis philippensis
Ulmaceae
YtleNf, hrveJf
225
Celtis timorensis
Ulmaceae
htlfRgC%f, zbge\
226
Centella asiatica
Umbelliferae
kga*e$
227
Cerbera odollam
Apocynaceae
QlNx
228
Ceriops tagal
Rhizophoraceae
Ev$
229
Ceriscoides turgida
Rubiaceae
vgx
230
Chionanthus courtallensis
Oleaceae
k$Fan
231
Chionanthus linocieroides
Oleaceae
kegef
232
Chionanthus mala-elengi
Oleaceae
cnRfn*f, zhjg$
233
234
Chionanthus ramiflorus var.

peninsularis
Chionanthus ramiflorus var.
ramiflorus
Oleaceae
Oleaceae
235
Chionanthus roxburghii
Oleaceae
236
Chionanthus zeylanica var.

dichotoma
Oleaceae
237
Chlorophora excelsa
Moraceae
EHf\ sld
238
Chloroxylon swietenia
Flindersiaceae
bjfcjx, hgjgXd
239
Chrysophyllum cainito
Sapotaceae
mde% Ef#
240
Chukrasia tabularis
Meliaceae
cnsbd, Mrcsbd
241
Cinnamomum camphora
Lauraceae
Fnbxix, bBv, kJgb
242
Cinnamomum chemungianum
Lauraceae
243
Cinnamomum filipedicellatum
Lauraceae
EgkJgb
244
Cinnamomum keralaense
Lauraceae
kJgb
245
Cinnamomum malabatrum
Lauraceae
bRv, kJgb, Fnbxix
246
Cinnamomum perrottetti
Lauraceae
247
Cinnamomum riparium
Lauraceae
bRv
248
Cinnamomum sulphuratum
Lauraceae
Fnbxix
249
Cinnamomum travancoricum
Lauraceae
14
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
bRv, kJgb, Fnbxix
250
Cinnamomum verum
Lauraceae
251
Cinnamomum walaiwarense
Lauraceae
252
Cinnamomum wightii
Lauraceae
zJgkJgb
253
Cipadessa baccifera
Meliaceae
hgNf\zaf, kRddvejf, zhef
254
Cissampelos pereira
Menispermaceae
heaeNf, cnle=f
255
Citrus grandis
Rutaceae
256
Citrus limon
Rutaceae
zJgvejkx
257
Citrus sinensis
Rutaceae
QeJd
258
Clausena dentata var.

pubescens
Rutaceae
259
Clausena indica
Rutaceae
kegcgfjf
260
Cleidion javanicum
Euphorbiaceae
zRjf
261
Cleistanthus collinus
Euphorbiaceae
Qagkd
262
Cleistanthus malabarica
Euphorbiaceae
Zfcjx
263
Cleistanthus travancorensis
Euphorbiaceae
264
Clerodendrum viscosum
Verbenaceae
zhjgkd, bjgbnx
265
Cocculus hirsutus
Menispermaceae
heleNijg[zeaf, heleNctnf
266
Cocculus laurifolius
Menispermaceae
ce%hff
267
Cochlospermum religiosum
Cochlospermaceae
Mrc*f, heJ*f, heJtN
268
Commiphora berryi
Burseraceae
GMgb
269
Commiphora caudata
Burseraceae
kfNfcjx, kfBgbx
270
Commiphora pubescens
Burseraceae
hfBgbx
271
Commiphora whitii
Burseraceae
iggng
272
Cordia dichotoma
Boraginaceae
bfjf, bfjMx, vJgsbnf
273
Cordia gharaf
Boraginaceae
vrsjenf
274
Cordia monoica
Boraginaceae
hMeRd
275
Cordia octandra
Boraginaceae
276
Cordia wallichii
Boraginaceae
bfjfcjx
277
Corypha umbraculifera
Palmae
kgav, leNfv
278
Couropita guianensis
Lecythidaceae
279
Crateva magna
Capparaceae
280
Croton klotzschianus
Euphorbiaceae
281
Croton laccifer
Euphorbiaceae
15
vr%celNx, cebgnxix
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
282
Croton malabaricus
Euphorbiaceae
zkeNbf, gegcjx
283
Croton scabiosus
Euphorbiaceae
zJgbf
284
Croton zeylanicus
Euphorbiaceae
zhejfb
285
Cryptocarya anamalayana
Lauraceae
286
Cryptocarya beddomei
Lauraceae
287
Cryptocarya bourdillonii
Lauraceae
288
Cryptocarya griffithiana
Lauraceae
289
Cryptocarya lawsonii
Lauraceae
290
Cryptocarya neilgherrensis
Lauraceae
291
Cryptocarya stocksii
Lauraceae
292
Cullenia exarillata
Bombacaceae
kejRvf, zbafebd, sbaebd, cg\henf, kgj=gebd
293
Curculigo orchioides
Liliaceae
vfnv
294
Curcuma amada
Zingiberaceae
295
Curcuma aromatica
Zingiberaceae
kmdltjf c*#
296
Curcuma neilgherrensis
Zingiberaceae
c*tb
297
Curcuma zedoaria
Zingiberaceae
Dabf ksen
298
Cyathocalyx zeylanica
Annonaceae
zkeabeB
299
Cycas circinalis
Cycadaceae
Fq, Fqv
300
Cyclea peltata
Menispermaceae
heaeNf, heafB=@
301
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Gramineae
Ffgd
302
Cynometra beddomei
Fabaceae
303
Cynometra bourdillonii
Fabaceae
304
Cynometra iripa
Fabaceae
305
Cynometra ramiflora
Fabaceae
306
Cynometra travancorica
Fabaceae
ktjf
307
Dalbergia lanceolaria
Fabaceae
zbrf, k\ bek
308
Dalbergia latifolia
Fabaceae
brf, Fqf, kjfbrf
309
Dalbergia paniculata
Fabaceae
hfncjx, zbgzenf, zzhf, zbrf
310
Dalbergia sisso
Fabaceae
311
Dalbergia sissoides
Fabaceae
Fqf, brf, snbrf
312
Daphniphyllum neilgherrense
Euphorbiaceae
zbzedne\
313
Datura metel
Solanaceae
kJggx
kace\hejf, kac\heJ
zencjx
Fjf
16
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
314
Datura stramonium
Solanaceae
Gx
315
Debregeasia longifolia
Urticaceae
}gct, kegzvef, hgnff
316
Delonix regia
Fabaceae
ig$sceu%, Dnmftcjx
317
Dendrocalamus brandisii
Gramineae
bnfR cgN
318
Dendrocalamus strictus
Gramineae
k\cgN
319
Dendrocnide sinuata
Urticaceae
EvzRbfjf, k\ebd
320
Dendrophthoe falcata
Loranthaceae
Ff#, Fff
321
Desmodium gangeticum
Fabaceae
Qejfn
322
Desmodium latifolium
Fabaceae
bnfR Qejfn
323
Dialium travancoricum
Fabaceae
cngNf
324
Dichrostachys cinerea
Fabaceae
zbaln
325
Dilienia indica
Dilleniaceae
Menfl, hfg
326
Dillenia bracteata
Dilleniaceae
327
Dillenia pentagyna
Dilleniaceae
hfg, beBg, kgag
328
Dillenia retusa
Dilleniaceae
cng
329
Dimocarpus longan
Sapindaceae
ztbx, zhejfhg, zg
330
Dimorphocalyx beddomei
Euphorbiaceae
331
Dimorphocalyx glabellus
Euphorbiaceae
332
Dimorphocalyx lawianus
Euphorbiaceae
333
Dioscorea pentaphylla
Dioscoriaceae
334
Diospyros affinis
Ebenaceae
335
Diospyros assimilis
Ebenaceae
336
Diospyros barberi
Ebenaceae
337
Diospyros bourdilloni
Ebenaceae
kjfgbj, ke kjfcjx
338
Diospyros buxifolia
Ebenaceae
ZnfgBf, cncgjf=
339
Diospyros candolleana
Ebenaceae
kejcjx, kjfcjx
340
Diospyros cordifolia
Ebenaceae
bC
341
Diospyros crumenata
Ebenaceae
kjfcjx
342
Diospyros discolor
Ebenaceae
zb$bd Ef#
343
Diospyros ebenum
Ebenaceae
kjfcjx, cgmdlf, ZyCf
344
Diospyros foliosa
Ebenaceae
keghvf, zbgbj
345
Diospyros ghatensis
Ebenaceae
k$ze\
kjfeNf
17
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
346
Diospyros hirsuta
Ebenaceae
347
Diospyros humilis
Ebenaceae
348
Diospyros insignis
Ebenaceae
349
Diospyros malabarica
Ebenaceae
hvf
350
Diospyros melanoxylon
Ebenaceae
ZyCf, lgfcjx
351
Diospyros montana
Ebenaceae
cnRkf
352
Diospyros nilagirica
Ebenaceae
kjfxsej
353
Diospyros oocarpa
Ebenaceae
354
Diospyros ovalifolia
Ebenaceae
zJglgbj, kjfcjx
355
Diospyros paniculata
Ebenaceae
kejf, F, kjfzb
356
Diospyros pruriens
Ebenaceae
Fn, heRdzd
357
Diospyros pyrrhocarpoides
Ebenaceae
358
Diospyros racemosa
Ebenaceae
359
Diospyros saldanhae
Ebenaceae
360
Diospyros sulcata
Ebenaceae
361
Diospyros sylvatica
Ebenaceae
362
Diospyros trichophylla
Ebenaceae
363
Dipterocarpus bourdilloni
Dipterocarpaceae
keje*fnf, k$Rf\
364
Dipterocarpus indicus
Dipterocarpaceae
k$Rf\, zbRvf
365
Dodonaea angustifolia
Sapindaceae
beNf
366
Dolichandrone arcuata
Bignoniaceae
hedkeRdcjx
367
Dolichandrone atrovirens
Bignoniaceae
368
Dolichandrone spathacea
Bignoniaceae
vr%zhe=fnx
369
Donella roxburghii
Sapotaceae
E, vtnBx
370
Drypetes confertiflora
Euphorbiaceae
kagbehfag\
371
Drypetes elata
Euphorbiaceae
372
Drypetes malabarica
Euphorbiaceae
ka
373
Drypetes oblongifolia
Euphorbiaceae
cnw\
374
Drypetes porteri
Euphorbiaceae
375
Drypetes roxburghii
Euphorbiaceae
hgfn*f
376
Drypetes sepiaria
Euphorbiaceae
brjcjx
377
Drypetes travancorica
Euphorbiaceae
zcjgben\
kjfcjx
18
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
378
Drypetes venusta
Euphorbiaceae
zbeMbd, lnkCf
379
Drypetes wightii
Euphorbiaceae
hjf, hnkCfcjx
380
Dysoxylum beddomei
Meliaceae
Dkf$, Da
381
Dysoxylum binectariferum
Meliaceae
Dkf$
382
Dysoxylum ficiforme
Meliaceae
kejkf$
383
Dysoxylum malabaricum
Meliaceae
zbRkf$, Dkf$
384
Ecbolium viride
Acanthaceae
QafRca
385
Ehretia canarensis
Boraginaceae
386
Ehretia laevis
Boraginaceae
jf
387
Ehretia ovalifolia
Boraginaceae
kffaf
388
Ehretia pubescens
Boraginaceae
kJgkcjx
389
Elacocarpus venustus
Elaeocarpaceae
lcjf
390
Elaeagnus conferta
Elaeagnaceae
kegcgfjf
391
Elaeocarpus glandulosus
Elaeocarpaceae
kej
392
Elaeocarpus munroii
Elaeocarpaceae
k$jgoe!x
393
Elaeocarpus recurvatus
Elaeocarpaceae
seNjgoe!x
394
Elaeocarpus serratus
Elaeocarpaceae
kejcebd, jgoe!x, vkej, bnfR kej, kej
395
Elaeocarpus tectorius
Elaeocarpaceae
kej, bjNf
396
Elaeocarpus tuberculatus
Elaeocarpaceae
jgoe!x, kej, vblf, Dcgjx, zleaRx
397
Elettaria cardamomum
Zingiberaceae
Snx
398
Ellipanthus tomentosus
Connaraceae
ha\, ha
399
Embelia ribes
Myrsinaceae
bfBe$
400
Entada scandens
Fabaceae
hjbf, kebf, cnceaf, ken\bf
401
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Fabaceae
402
Epiprinus mallotiformis
Euphorbiaceae
403
Eriobotrya japonica
Rosaceae
404
Eriolaena hookeriana
Sterculiaceae
bg
405
Eriolaena quinquelocularis
Sterculiaceae
zbafve%, zvgx
406
Erythrina indica
Fabaceae
cgjfd, zh&cgjfd, cg#cgjfd
407
Erythrina stricta
Fabaceae
zb&cgjfd, E&cgjfd, cggcgjfd
408
Erythrina subumbrans
Fabaceae
409
Erythroxylon monogynum
Linaceae
kjf*fa
zbsoblejx
19
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
410
Erythroxylum monogynum
Erythroxylaceae
hNRvx
411
Erythroxylum moonii
Erythroxylaceae
htsenf
412
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
413
Eucalyptus citriodora
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
414
Eucalyptus globulus
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
415
Eucalyptus grandis
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
416
Eucalyptus tereticornis
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
417
Eucalyptus torelliana
Myrtaceae
Rtnfhdmd
418
Eugenia argentea
Myrtaceae
419
Eugenia calcadensis
Myrtaceae
420
Eugenia caryophyllata
Myrtaceae
421
Eugenia cotinifolia ssp.

codyensis
Myrtaceae
422
Eugenia discifera
Myrtaceae
423
Eugenia floccosa
Myrtaceae
424
Eugenia indica
Myrtaceae
425
Eugenia rothii
Myrtaceae
426
Eugenia rottleriana
Myrtaceae
427
Eugenia thwaitesii
Myrtaceae
428
Euodia lunu-ankenda
Rutaceae
veMkx, kvn, kfNf, kegkx
429
Euonymus crenulatus
Celastraceae
ohlf
430
Euonymus dichotomus
Celastraceae
cngJ
431
Euonymus indicus
Celastraceae
432
Euonymus paniculatus
Celastraceae
433
Eupatorium glandulosum
Asteraceae
ktCfmdd h
434
Eupatorium odoratum
Asteraceae
Eexh, ktCfmdd h
435
Euphorbia antiquorum
Euphorbiaceae
lgjf
436
Euphorbia nivulia
Euphorbiaceae
Fnf
437
Euphorbia thymifolia
Euphorbiaceae
438
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbiaceae
lfjgf
439
Eurya nitida
Theaceae
kegslRfn, ktjceJd, cr\cgf
440
Excoecaria agallocha
Euphorbiaceae
skecf
441
Excoecaria indica
Euphorbiaceae
zhsenx
iet
20
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
442
Excoecaria robusta
Euphorbiaceae
Sj
443
Fagraea ceylanica
Fabaceae
sceokx, zbsceokx
444
Fahrenheitia integrifolia
Euphorbiaceae
cebfn
445
Fahrenheitia zeylanlca
Euphorbiaceae
zbcjx
446
Ficus amplissima
Moraceae
447
Ficus arnottiana
Moraceae
kjRe$
448
Ficus beddomei
Moraceae
lbfe$
449
Ficus bengalensis
Moraceae
shje$
450
Ficus benjamina
Moraceae
kff, FfRe$
451
Ficus callosa
Moraceae
kaebd
452
Ficus dalhousiae
Moraceae
ke$
453
Ficus drupacea var. pubescens
Moraceae
sn
454
Ficus elastica
Moraceae
F\ J%
455
Ficus exasperata
Moraceae
sljkx
456
Ficus hispida
Moraceae
Zjgcved, heJkx, kef
457
Ficus microcarpa
Moraceae
kff
458
Ficus nervosa
Moraceae
Fqcjx
459
Ficus racemosa
Moraceae
Df
460
Ficus religiosa
Moraceae
DjRe$, syeOfb>!x
461
Ficus rigida var. bracteata
Moraceae
462
Ficus talbotii
Moraceae
kff
463
Ficus tinctoria ssp. parasitica
Moraceae
Ff
464
Ficus tjakela
Moraceae
keje$
465
Ficus tsjahela
Moraceae
sn
466
Ficus virens
Moraceae
zJN
467
Filicium decipiens
Sapindaceae
vrsjenf, kegzvf
468
Firmiana colorata
Sterculiaceae
cnjf
469
Flacourtia indica
Flacourtiaceae
kjfcgf
470
Flacourtia jangomas
Flacourtiaceae
bexzzkl, lNfjd
471
Flacourtia montana
Flacourtiaceae
j$Bx
472
Garcinia cowa
Clusiaceae
473
Garcinia gummi-gutta
Clusiaceae
zkeagNf, hfC%
21
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
474
Garcinia imberti
Clusiaceae
c*ef
475
Garcinia indica
Clusiaceae
zkex, kef
476
Garcinia mangostana
Clusiaceae
477
Garcinia morella
Clusiaceae
478
Garcinia pictoria
Clusiaceae
479
Garcinia rubro-echinata
Clusiaceae
480
Garcinia spicata
Clusiaceae
481
Garcinia talbotii
Clusiaceae
482
Garcinia travancorica
Clusiaceae
cnze=@
483
Garcinia wightii
Clusiaceae
hgNfcjx, EghgNf
484
Garcinia xanthochymus
Clusiaceae
EvbeR, hfC%
485
Gardenia gummifera
Rubiaceae
kfcjx
486
Gardenia resinifera
Rubiaceae
kfcjx
487
Garuga floribunda var. gamblei
Burseraceae
488
Garuga pinnata
Burseraceae
Dkej, kegzvf
489
Givotia rottleriformis
Euphorbiaceae
bjNf, zkelCgd
490
Gliricidia sepium
Fabaceae
491
Glochidion arboreum
Euphorbiaceae
492
Glochidion bourdilionii
Euphorbiaceae
493
Glochidion ellipticum
Euphorbiaceae
}ez}f
494
Glochidion malabaricum
Euphorbiaceae
zJgzvf
495
Glochidion tomentosum
Euphorbiaceae
zvfehgNf
496
Glochidion velutinum
Euphorbiaceae
lad
497
Glochidion zeylanicum
Euphorbiaceae
vr%zbf, hfcgf
498
Gloriosa superba
Liliaceae
scsef
499
Gluta travancorica
Anacardiaceae
zgJg*f
500
Glycosmis cymosa
Rutaceae
501
Glyptopetalum grandiflorum
Celastraceae
502
Gmelina arborea
Verbenaceae
kgf#, kgcfBd
503
Gmelina asiatica
Verbenaceae
cg#gcfBd
504
Gnetum scandens
Gnetaceae
kJg Qea$
505
Gnidia glauca
Thymeleaceae
vd, vfve%
hfncjx, fkfjf
c*ved
22
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
506
Gomphandra coriacea
Icacinaceae
kfNfzaf, zecjx
507
Gomphia serrata
Ochnaceae
bN%cCf
508
Goniothalamus cardiopctalus
Annonaceae
509
Goniothalamus rhyncantherus
Annonaceae
510
Goniothalamus thwaitesii
Annonaceae
vr%zf
511
Goniothalamus wightii
Annonaceae
cnzf
512
Goniothalamus wynaadensis
Annonaceae
513
Gordonia obtusa
Theaceae
kegkjC, kjfseb
514
Grevillea robusta
Proteaceae
mf$b% Qed
515
Grewia asiatica
Tiliaceae
hjgXkcjx
516
Grewia bracteata
Tiliaceae
keRf
517
Grewia flavescens
Tiliaceae
zMaMf
518
Grewia nervosa
Tiliaceae
zke
519
Grewia orbiculata
Tiliaceae
520
Grewia serrulata
Tiliaceae
vJg
521
Grewia tiliifolia
Tiliaceae
af, Gx
522
Guazuma ulmifolia
Sterculiaceae
523
Gymnacranthera canarica
Myristicaceae
GRf\
524
Gymnema sylvestre
Asclepiadaceae
jzef
525
Gyrinops walla
Thymeleaceae
526
Gyrocarpus asiaticus
Hernandiaceae
lCgd
527
Haldina cordifolia
Rubiaceae
c*ad
528
Hardwickia binata
Fabaceae
529
Harpullia arborea
Sapindaceae
ffncad, hgBgzef
530
Helicia nilagirica
Proteaceae
531
Helicia robusta
Proteaceae
532
Helicteres isora
Sterculiaceae
Faxhfjf, bnxhfjf
533
Hemidesmus indicus
Asclepiadaceae
vJgvrf, veJf
534
Heritiera littoralis
Sterculiaceae
535
Heritiera papilio
Sterculiaceae
536
Hevea braziliensis
Euphorbiaceae
537
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Malvaceae
zecjx
zjf
23
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
538
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Malvaceae
sbnfjgf
539
Holarrhena pubescens
Apocynaceae
kgaken
540
Holigarna arnottiana
Anacardiaceae
sjd, kjfsjd
541
Holigarna beddomei
Anacardiaceae
kegsjd
542
Holigarna ferruginea
Anacardiaceae
543
Holigarna grahamii
Anacardiaceae
veRdsjd, sjd, zbsjd
544
Holigarna nigra
Anacardiaceae
sjd, kjfsjd
545
Holoptelea integrifolia
Ulmaceae
Eb$
546
Holostemma ada-kodien
Asclepiadaceae
DazeafR\, DalfRx, DazceafR\
547
Homalium jainii
Flacourtiaceae
548
Homalium travancoricum
Flacourtiaceae
549
Homalium zeylanicum
Flacourtiaceae
550
Hopea erosa
Dipterocarpaceae
551
Hopea glabra
Dipterocarpaceae
Fnze=@, hgBze=@, kjfze=@
552
Hopea parviflora
Dipterocarpaceae
lkx, kkx, zhe=@, Fjgkx, GJfd
553
Hopea ponga
Dipterocarpaceae
Fjgkx, kkx, Fnze=@
554
Hopea racophloea
Dipterocarpaceae
zvagbenfze=@, veRdkx, zlegzheNfR\ zhe=@
555
Hopea utilis
Dipterocarpaceae
kejze=@
556
Humboldtia bourdillonii
Fabaceae
Dafcg\
557
Humboldtia brunonis
Fabaceae
558
Humboldtia decurrens
Fabaceae
559
Humboldtia unijuga var. trijuga
Fabaceae
560
Humboldtia unijuga var. unijuga
Fabaceae
561
Humboldtia vahliana
Fabaceae
562
Hunteria zeylanica
Apocynaceae
563
Hydnocarpus alpina
Flacourtiaceae
cncsjef, Egen, kegcsjef
564
Hydnocarpus macrocarpa
Flacourtiaceae
zbved
565
Hydnocarpus pentandra
Flacourtiaceae
csjef, vrjgf
566
Hymenodiclyon orixense
Rubiaceae
zhjgzenf, sld, Ff#
567
Hymenodictyon obovatum
Rubiaceae
kfng=fcjx
568
Ilex malabarica
Aquifoliaceae
569
Ilex walkeri
Aquifoliaceae
cencgKf, kngbn
kgeCf
Egbf, kejze=@
24
vgN
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
570
Ilex wightiana
Aquifoliaceae
zbseaf
571
Ipomaea paniculata
Convolvulaceae
he$ cglgd
572
Ipomaea turpethum
Convolvulaceae
lfskendhze
573
574
Isonandra lanceolata var.

anfractuosa
Isonandra lanceolata var.
lanceolata
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae
kjfen
575
Isonandra perrottetiana
Sapotaceae
576
Isonandra stocksii
Sapotaceae
577
Ixora arborea
Rubiaceae
578
Ixora brachiata
Rubiaceae
579
Ixora lawsonii
Rubiaceae
580
Ixora notoniana
Rubiaceae
581
Jacaranda mimosifolia
Bignoniaceae
pJe
582
Jatropha curcas
Euphorbiaceae
keebCd, kanebCd
583
Jatropha gossypifolia
Euphorbiaceae
gb kanebCd
584
Julostylis ampumalaensis
Malvaceae
585
Julostylis angustifolia
Malvaceae
586
Julostylis polyandra
Malvaceae
587
Kaempferia galanga
Zingiberaceae
588
Kandelia candal
Rhizophoraceae
589
Kigelia pinnata
Bignoniaceae
smesmpd cjx
590
Kingiodendron pinnatum
Fabaceae
kgNbd, kfRebd, ZRf\, gzRf\
591
Kleinhovia hospita
Sterculiaceae
DlfLf cjx
592
Knema attenuata
Myristicaceae
sejRf\, sejelfjf, zzf, sejlf
593
Kydia calycina
Malvaceae
brd, keebCdzbaf
594
Lagerstroemia microcarpa
Lythraceae
zbsd, zbfnbd
595
Lagerstroemia parviflora
Lythraceae
zvf
596
Lagerstroemia reginae
Lythraceae
cCfcjgld, vr% zbsd, cCfcjx, htcjgld
597
Lannea coromandalica
Anacardiaceae
kjMd, kejfnbd, Glf, knmx, kjRx
598
Lantana camara
Verbenaceae
htzaf, Djftzaf, zke=fCfzaf,

slbfafMdMfzaf
599
Lantana indica
Verbenaceae
Djftzaf
600
Lawsonia alba
Lythraceae
zzcnef
mtfcg
25
ksenx, ktjx
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
601
Leea indica
Vitaceae
cCfzjf
602
Lepisanthes senegalensis
Sapindaceae
Fqsenf
603
Lepisanthes tetraphylla
Sapindaceae
kgNg, veRdzef
604
Leptadenia reticulata
Asclepiadaceae
DalfR\ kfB=@
605
Leptonychia caudata
Sterculiaceae
606
Leucaena leucocephala
Fabaceae
607
Ligustrum gamblei
Oleaceae
608
Ligustrum perrottetii
Oleaceae
609
Ligustrum robustum ssp. walkeri
Oleaceae
610
Ligustrum travancoricum
Oleaceae
611
Limonia acidissima
Rutaceae
612
Litchi chinensis
Sapindaceae
613
Litsea beddomei
Lauraceae
614
Litsea bourdillonii
Lauraceae
615
Litsea coriacea
Lauraceae
616
Litsea deccanensis
Lauraceae
617
Litsea foribunda
Lauraceae
618
Litsea ghatica
Lauraceae
619
Litsea glabrata
Lauraceae
620
Litsea glutinosa
Lauraceae
621
Litsea insignis
Lauraceae
622
Litsea keralana
Lauraceae
623
Litsea laevigata
Lauraceae
624
Litsea ligustrina
Lauraceae
625
Litsea mysorensis
Lauraceae
626
Litsea nigrescens
Lauraceae
627
Litsea oleoides
Lauraceae
628
Litsea stocksii
Lauraceae
629
Litsea travancorica
Lauraceae
630
Litsea wightiana
Lauraceae
hgleNf
631
Lophopetalum wightianum
Celastraceae
zbze, zbabx
632
Loranthus elasticus
Loranthaceae
cebff#
mgyeyg$, Ff$ Ff$
hf\
bfNeRd, veR@sbnx
cjzbfeNf
G=f
bjffj
26
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
633
Macaranga indica
Euphorbiaceae
634
Macaranga peltata
Euphorbiaceae
b, bf, Gfn, zleagkf
635
Madhuca bourdillonii
Sapotaceae
lfafR\
636
Madhuca Iongifolia var.

Iongifolia
Sapotaceae
Fnf
637
Madhuca Iongifolia var. latifolia
Sapotaceae
Fnf
638
Madhuca neriifolia
Sapotaceae
Efnf
639
Maesopsis eminii
Rhamnaceae
640
Mahania leschenaultii
Berberidaceae
cjc*#, cggkad, cggc*Cef
641
Mallotus ferrugineus
Euphorbiaceae
bgf#, kBgbjaf
642
Mallotus intermedius
Euphorbiaceae
643
Mallotus philippensis
Euphorbiaceae
644
Mallotus repandus
Euphorbiaceae
645
Mallotus rhamnifolius
Euphorbiaceae
646
Mallotus stenanthus
Euphorbiaceae
647
Mamea longifolia
Clusiaceae
Mjg
648
Mangifera indica
Anacardiaceae
cebd, ctf
649
Manihot glaziovii
Euphorbiaceae
zmJ J%
650
Manilkara hexandra
Sapotaceae
k>Cf, hBcg\hen
651
Manilkara roxburghiana
Sapotaceae
keven
652
Margaritaria indica
Euphorbiaceae
653
Mastixia arborea ssp. arborea
Cornaceae
kegk%tjx, Zjcjx
654
Mastixia arborea ssp. meziana
Cornaceae
vr%gjgd, zb Dad
655
Meiogyne pannosa
Annonaceae
h$cjx, ebf
656
Meiogyne ramarowii
Annonaceae
657
Melia azedarach
Meliaceae
cnsbd, Mrcsbd, kegsbd
658
Melia dubia
Meliaceae
cnsbd, cnsbd, Ejsb@
659
Meliosma pinnata var. barbatula
Sabiaceae
kebf, kbf, lkfjf
Sabiaceae
zkeNcjx
Sabiaceae
zJgkbf, zMebd
660
661
Meliosma simplicifolia ssp.

pungens
Meliosma simplicifolia ssp.
Simplicifolia
662
Memecylon deccanense
Melastometaceae
663
Memecylon heyneanum
Melastometaceae
27
zzef, kgj=gc*#, vtJfcjx, kggctcjx, leb
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
664
Memecylon malabaricum
Melastometaceae
665
Memecylon molestum
Melastometaceae
666
Memecylon sisparense
Melastometaceae
667
Memecylon talbotianum
Melastometaceae
668
Memecylon terminale
Melastometaceae
669
Memecylon umbellatum
Melastometaceae
ke*ebd, keRet
670
Mesua coromandelina
Clusiaceae
cCfved
671
Mesua pulchella
Clusiaceae
k$gjgNf
672
Mesua thwaitesii
Clusiaceae
kfNfved
673
Meteromyrtus wynaadensis
Myrtaceae
674
Michelia champaca
Magnoliaceae
kx
675
Michelia nilagirica
Magnoliaceae
zbzkx
676
Microtropis latifolia
Celastraceae
677
Microtropis ovalifolia
Celastraceae
678
Microtropis ramiflora
Celastraceae
679
Microtropis wallichiana
Celastraceae
680
Miliusa tomentosa
Annonaceae
kevwl
681
Miliusa veluntina
Annonaceae
bftf
682
Miliusa wightiana
Annonaceae
kevwl
683
Millingtonia hortensis
Bignoniaceae
ske%gcjx, kfsaMx, cjcf
684
Mimusops elengi
Sapotaceae
Fn*f
685
Mischodon zeylanicus
Euphorbiaceae
lv
686
Mitragyna parvifolia
Rubiaceae
vr%ad, brd, sJemd kad, htad,

kaccjx
687
Mitragyna tubulosa
Rubiaceae
cng, veRdad
688
Mitrephora grandiflora
Annonaceae
c*eJ
689
Mitrephora heyneana
Annonaceae
lg
690
Morinda citrifolia
Rubiaceae
zJgc}dpvef
691
Morinda coreia
Rubiaceae
c}dpvef, c*eb, c*Cef
692
Moringa pterygosperma
Moringaceae
kegcgjf=
693
Mucuna prurita
Fabaceae
veRdgjC
694
Muntingia calabura
Elaeocarpaceae
zzvrmd zJf
695
Murraya koenigii
Rutaceae
kJfsbd
Family
Common Name
28
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
696
Murraya paniculata
Rutaceae
keg kJfsbd, cjcg
697
Myristica dactyloides
Myristicaceae
sejenf, Daew\, hMghlf, hw\
698
Myristica fatua var. magnifica
Myristicaceae
zkew\
699
Myristica fragrans
Myristicaceae
pelf
700
Myristica malabarica
Myristicaceae
hlf, zheexzzh\, hfjft
701
Nageia wallichiana
Podocarpaceae
vfJenf
702
Naringi crenulata
Rutaceae
kegvejkx, vjfvejkx
703
Neolamarckia cadamba
Rubiaceae
kad, Egsld
704
Neolitsea cassia
Lauraceae
zbC, krBBx
705
Neolitsea fischeri
Lauraceae
706
Neolitsea foliosa
Lauraceae
707
Neolitsea scrobiculata
Lauraceae
cgNkdveJf
708
Neonauclea purpurea
Rubiaceae
c*vr%ad
709
Nothapodytes nimmoniana
Icacinaceae
hrveJf
710
Nothopegia aureo-fulva
Anacardiaceae
711
Nothopegia beddomei
Anacardiaceae
shRdsjd
712
Nothopegia colebrookeana
Anacardiaceae
sejen
713
Nothopegia heyneana
Anacardiaceae
714
Nothopegia racemosa
Anacardiaceae
veRdsjd
715
Ochlandra beddomei
Gramineae
Qea
716
Ochlandra rheedii
Gramineae
FqJ, Q$
717
Ochlandra travancorica
Gramineae
Fq, FqJ$
718
Ochna lanceolata
Ochnaceae
fnff
719
Ochna obtusata
Ochnaceae
720
Ochreinauclea missionis
Rubiaceae
Egbf
721
Ochroma pyramidale
Bombacaceae
ye$m
722
Olea dioica
Oleaceae
Zav, bfav
723
Olea glandulifera
Oleaceae
724
Oreocnide integrifolia
Urticaceae
725
Ormosia travancorica
Fabaceae
726
Orophea erythrocarpa
Annonaceae
727
Orophea malabarica
Annonaceae
cnceaf
29
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
728
Orophea thomsonii
Annonaceae
729
Orophea uniflora
Annonaceae
730
Oroxylum indicum
Bignoniaceae
hnk hevf , zbelfjf, be#elfjf
731
Osyris wightiana
Santalaceae
zbvx, hggjgbf
732
Otonephelium stipulaceum
Sapindaceae
zhejfhtbx
733
Ougenia oojeinensis
Fabaceae
veR@sb=
734
Pajanelia longifolia
Bignoniaceae
EBe$, hevf
735
Palaquium bourdilloni
Sapotaceae
sl\hjf, henf
736
Palaquium ellipticum
Sapotaceae
henf
737
Palaquium ravii
Sapotaceae
henf
738
Pamburus missionis
Rutaceae
keavf
739
Parkia biglandulosa
Fabaceae
740
Pavetta indica
Rubiaceae
heb
741
Pavonia odorata
Malvaceae
Fjgsbnf
742
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Fabaceae
jze
743
Pemphis acidula
Lythraceae
744
Pericopsis mooniana
Fabaceae
745
Persea americana
Lauraceae
746
Persea macrantha
Lauraceae
kgNcebd, GqJebd
747
Phoebe cathia
Lauraceae
gan\
748
Phoebe lanceolala
Lauraceae
749
Phoebe wightii
Lauraceae
750
Phoenix humilis
Palmae
fr$
751
Phoenix sylvestris
Palmae
ker, vrnz=@, ker$
Rosaceae
sengb\cjx, kncjx
752
753
Photinia integrifolia var.

sublanceolata
Photinia serratifolia var.
tomentosa
Rosaceae
754
Phyllanthus emblica
Euphorbiaceae
755
Phyllanthus indofischeri
Euphorbiaceae
756
Phyllanthus niruri
Euphorbiaceae
757
Phyllanthus polyphyllus
Euphorbiaceae
758
Pinanga dicksonii
Palmae
zvf
krBe%zvf
kegkcgkd, kevcgkd
30
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
759
Pinus caribaea
Coniferae
kjryfR\ zzh\
760
Pinus ellottii
Pinaceae
eXd zzh\
761
Pinus khasya
Coniferae
kemfw\
762
Pinus merkusii
Pinaceae
zavezmJfx zzh\
763
Pinus oocarpa
Pinaceae
Qkdsae zzh\
764
Pinus patula
Pinaceae
hegn zzh\
765
Pinus radiata
Pinaceae
sceJf zzh\
766
Piper longum
Piperaceae
lfnf, hfnf
767
Piper nigrum
Piperaceae
kgjgkgNkd, vcgNkd
768
Pithecellobium dulce
Fabaceae
cvfn hgNf
769
Pittosporum dasycaulon
Pittosporaceae
770
Pittosporum neilgherrense
Pittosporaceae
DCnfsb=
771
Pittosporum tetraspermum
Pittosporaceae
772
Pleiospermium alatum
Rutaceae
kt%x
773
Pleurostylia opposita
Celastraceae
kjgbeNf
774
Plumbago rosea
Plumbaginaceae
zfzeagsbnf, gb zkeagsbnf
775
Plumbago zeylanica
Plumbaginaceae
zkeagsbnf, zbzeagsbnf,
lgzeagsbnf
776
Plumeria rubra
Apocynaceae
hsie[ cjx
777
Poeciloneuron indicum
Clusiaceae
bRfn, htlxzkef
778
Poeciloneuron pauciflorum
Clusiaceae
hgNfbRfn
779
Polyalthia cerasoides
Annonaceae
zJgzvagve%, vjN
780
Polyalthia coffeoides
Annonaceae
bf
781
Polyalthia fragrans
Annonaceae
zvagve%
782
Polyalthia longifolia
Annonaceae
DjCcjx, DsMekx
783
Polyalthia rufescens
Annonaceae
784
Polyalthia shendurnii
Annonaceae
785
Polyalthia suberosa
Annonaceae
786
Polyscias acuminata
Araliaceae
787
Pongamia pinnata
Fabaceae
788
Popowia beddomeana
Annonaceae
789
Pouteria campechiana
Sapotaceae
Zd Htd
790
Premna tomentosa
Verbenaceae
veRdsd, kegsld, zkeBgsld
G=@, zhe=@
31
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
791
Premna wightiana
Verbenaceae
hf
792
Prunus cerasoides
Rosaceae
F\ keg zJf
793
Prunus ceylanica
Rosaceae
DveJfzhe=@
794
Pseudarthria viscida
Fabaceae
ctbfn
795
Psidium guajava
Myrtaceae
796
Psychotria beddomei
Rubiaceae
797
Psychotria connata
Rubiaceae
798
Psychotria truncata
Rubiaceae
799
Pterocarpus dalbergioides
Fabaceae
E\[ce\ hs[ekd
800
Pterocarpus marsupium
Fabaceae
sb=
801
Pterocarpus santalinus
Fabaceae
jvx, hlxix
802
Pterocymbium tinctorium
Sterculiaceae
hf
803
Pterospermum acerifolium
Sterculiaceae
zJgzke, cnganf
804
Pterospermum diversifolium
Sterculiaceae
hjx
805
Pterospermum obtusifolium
Sterculiaceae
806
Pterospermum reticulatum
Sterculiaceae
cnbtjx
807
Pterospermum rubiginosum
Sterculiaceae
cnganf, ffnebd, Ztf
808
Pterospermum suberifolium
Sterculiaceae
cggkgx
809
Pterygota alata
Sterculiaceae
Evzef, shezef
810
Punica granatum
Punicaceae
celNx
811
Radermachera xylocarpa
Bignoniaceae
zbagjC, hfcgjf=
812
Randia dumetorum
Rubiaceae
cnej
813
Rapanea capitellata var.

capitellata
Myrsinaceae
814
Rapanea capitellata var. sessilis
Myrsinaceae
815
Rapanea wightiana
Myrsinaceae
rjcjx
816
Raphidophora pertusa
Araceae
Dfen
817
Rauwolfia serpentina
Apocynaceae
m%if, Dcndzhejf
818
Rauwolfla densiflora
Apocynaceae
bnfR Dcndzhejf
819
Reinwardttodendron
anamalaiense
Meliaceae
fkf$
820
Rejoua dichotoma
Apocynaceae
ktven, kgfnxhen, kgjgghen, kbjen
821
Rhizophora mucronata
Rhizophoraceae
hvf$
32
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
822
Rhododendron arboreum
Ericaceae
keghtbjMd, Dnf
823
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Myrtaceae
zkej, lbfgzke
824
Rhus mysorensis
Anacardiaceae
fcjx
825
Ricinus communis
Euphorbiaceae
febCd, EbCd
826
Rinorea zeylanica
Violaceae
827
Rubia cordifolia
Rubiaceae
ceaf
828
Sageraea dalzellii
Annonaceae
c*eJ
829
Sageraea grandiflora
Annonaceae
c*eJ
830
Salix tetrasperma
Salicaceae
bf
831
Samadera indica
Simaroubaceae
kjfz}e
832
Samanea saman
Fabaceae
cBcjx, GJxlt=fcjx
833
Santalum album
Santalaceae
vx
834
Sapindus emarginatus
Sapindaceae
gbgkeRdcjx
835
Sapindus trifoliata
Sapindaceae
GJgbf, hMzecjx, beRd
836
Sapium insigne
Euphorbiaceae
k$cjx
837
Saraca asoca
Fabaceae
DsMekx, suchgXdhx
838
Schefflera capitata
Araliaceae
Zfncjx
839
Schefflera chandrasekharanii
Araliaceae
840
Schefflera racemosa
Araliaceae
Zfncjx, jgk
841
Schefflera stellata
Araliaceae
kcjx
842
Schefflera wallichiana
Araliaceae
kfcjx
843
Schleichera oleosa
Sapindaceae
htbx, otlNx, htbCx
844
Schrebera sweitenioides
Olacaceae
sceinf=, cxinf=x
845
Scleropyrum pentandrum
Santalaceae
Fjgcgf
846
Scolopia crenata var. brevifolia
Flacourtiaceae
jNx
847
Scolopia crenata var. crenata
Flacourtiaceae
kecjx, jNx
848
Scurrula cordifolia
Loranthaceae
Ff#
849
Securinega leucopyrus
Euphorbiaceae
zhjfxebd
850
Semecarpus anacardium
Anacardiaceae
slze, sjd, sJgcjx, s%gjg, Dngsjd
851
Semecarpus auriculata
Anacardiaceae
zbsjd
852
Semecarpus travancorica
Anacardiaceae
Dbgjx
853
Sesbania grandiflora
Fabaceae
Dkf, jgocejx, Dimdlf
Family
Common Name
33
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
854
Sida acuta
Malvaceae
c*gJgsef
855
Sida carpinifolia
Malvaceae
zJghjgb
856
Sida cordifolia
Malvaceae
zbtjx
857
Sida retusa
Malvaceae
EvgJgsef
858
Sida rhombifolia
Malvaceae
Dlfyn
859
Sida rhombifolia var. retusa
Malvaceae
kgJgsef
860
Sida rhomboidea
Malvaceae
kgJgsef
861
Sida veronicaefolia
Malvaceae
bfgJgsef
862
Solanum violaceum
Solanaceae
zJgg
863
Sonneratia caseolaris
Sonneratiaceae
ef
864
Spathodea companulata
Bignoniaceae
Hq\cjx, mdhesLe[fR
865
Spondias indica
Anacardiaceae
keBx
866
Spondias pinnata
Anacardiaceae
DBx
867
Sterculia balanghas
Sterculiaceae
zlef
868
Sterculia foetida
Sterculiaceae
hfCjd, zheebNx, cnxhjf, hrveJf
869
Sterculia guttata
Sterculiaceae
kebNx, hrveJf
870
Sterculia urens
Sterculiaceae
zlef, lrzef, De\bBgf
871
Sterculia villosa
Sterculiaceae
872
Stereospermum chelonoides
Bignoniaceae
helfjf
873
Stereospermum colais
Bignoniaceae
htelfjf, helfjf, kjf=B
874
Stereospermum reticulatum
Bignoniaceae
cnRtjx
875
Streblus asper
Moraceae
hjgbcjx
876
Streblus taxoides
Moraceae
kan
877
Strombosia ceylanica
Olacaceae
k$ad, k$ceCfkx
878
Strychnos nuxvomica
Loganiaceae
ke*fjx
879
Strychnos potatorum
Loganiaceae
slxhsj$, fx
880
Suregada angustifolia
Euphorbiaceae
881
Swietenia macrophylla
Meliaceae
cueiCf, bnfR cueiCf
882
Swietenia mahogani
Meliaceae
cueiCf
883
Symplocos anamallayana
Symplocaceae
884
Symplocos cochinchinensis ssp.

laurina
Symplocaceae
885
Symplocos foliosa
Symplocaceae
34
hsef
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
886
887
888
889
890
Botanical Name
Symplocos kurgensis
Symplocos macrocarpa ssp.
canarana
Symplocos macrocarpa ssp.
macrocarpa
Symplocos macrophylla ssp.
macrophylla
Symplocos macrophylla ssp.
rosea
Family
Common Name
Symplocaceae
Symplocaceae
Symplocaceae
cnjN
Symplocaceae
Symplocaceae
891
Symplocos oligandra
Symplocaceae
892
Symplocos pendula ssp.

pendula
Symplocaceae
893
Symplocos pendula ssp. villosa
Symplocaceae
894
Symplocos pulchra
Symplocaceae
895
Symplocos racemosa
Symplocaceae
896
Symplocos wynadense
Symplocaceae
897
Syzygium aqueum
Myrtaceae
898
Syzygium aromaticum
Myrtaceae
899
Syzygium benthamianum
Myrtaceae
900
Syzygium bourdillonii
Myrtaceae
901
Syzygium bracteata
Myrtaceae
zJg}eJ
902
Syzygium calophyllifolium
Myrtaceae
vrsjeax
903
Syzygium caryophyllatum
Myrtaceae
}eJ
904
Syzygium chavaran
Myrtaceae
bJ\
905
Syzygium courtallense
Myrtaceae
906
Syzygium cumini
Myrtaceae
}eb$, }eJ, zhjf}eJ, kege
907
Syzygium densiflorum
Myrtaceae
zZjf, }eb$
908
Syzygium gambleanum
Myrtaceae
909
Syzygium gardneri
Myrtaceae
kjf}eb$, vr%}eb$, keRfjf
910
Syzygium hemisphericum
Myrtaceae
zb}eJ, zb&}eJ, sle$}eb$
911
Syzygium heyneanum
Myrtaceae
912
Syzygium jambos
Myrtaceae
sJem@ Ef#
913
Syzygium laetum
Myrtaceae
zkef}eb$
914
Syzygium lanceolatum
Myrtaceae
}eb$
915
Syzygium makul
Myrtaceae
916
Syzygium malabaricum
Myrtaceae
35
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
917
Syzygium malaccensis
Myrtaceae
918
Syzygium mundagam
Myrtaceae
919
Syzygium munronii
Myrtaceae
920
Syzygium myhendrae
Myrtaceae
921
Syzygium neesianum
Myrtaceae
922
Syzygium occidentale
Myrtaceae
923
Syzygium palghatense
Myrtaceae
924
Syzygium parameswaranii
Myrtaceae
925
Syzygium rama-varmae
Myrtaceae
926
Syzygium rubicundam
Myrtaceae
927
Syzygium stocksii
Myrtaceae
928
Syzygium tamilnadensis
Myrtaceae
k$scevf
929
Syzygium travancoricum
Myrtaceae
zhejfR$
930
Syzygium zeylanicum
Myrtaceae
kegbBv, htBx
931
Tabernaemontana heyneana
Apocynaceae
kg+nen, kgf\hen
932
Tamarindus indica
Fabaceae
beN\hgNf, hgNf
933
Tamilnadia uliginosa
Rubiaceae
cnej, hff
934
Tarcenna asiatica
Rubiaceae
kgftbd
935
Tecoma stans
Bignoniaceae
c* Z$[%
936
Tectona grandis
Verbenaceae
sld
937
Terminalia alata
Combretaceae
kjfcjgld, cf
938
Terminalia arjuna
Combretaceae
vr%cjgld, Egcjgld, zbcf
939
Terminalia bellerica
Combretaceae
lef
940
Terminalia catappa
Combretaceae
lf, yoex
941
Terminalia chebula
Combretaceae
kag
942
Terminalia crenulata
Combretaceae
kjfcjgld, slebd, cf, ktJcjgld
943
Terminalia gella
Combretaceae
944
Terminalia paniculata
Combretaceae
945
Terminalia procera
Combretaceae
946
Terminalia travancorensis
Combretaceae
947
Ternstroemia japonica
Symplocaceae
948
Tetrameles nudiflora
Datiscaceae
kege
hf}eb$
slebd, cjgld, hggcjgld
kegkag, shag
rvf, zbrvf
36
M.S.K.Prathap
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
949
Theobroma cacao
Sterculiaceae
zkese
950
Thespesia populnea
Malvaceae
htbjMd, fnef, htjgf
951
Tinospora cordifolia
Menispermaceae
fc>ld
952
Tinospora cucumerina
Menispermaceae
keghabnx
953
Tinospora malabarica
Menispermaceae
kec>ld
954
Toddalia asiatica var. obtusifolia
Rutaceae
kexzkeNgd
955
Toona ciliata
Meliaceae
coifjfsbd, hagkjC, gb Dkf$, v sbd
956
Trema orientalis
Ulmaceae
EceNf, zheec, Dcjef, zheecjx
957
Trewia nudiflora
Euphorbiaceae
hjgf#, vr%ad
958
Trewia polycarpa
Euphorbiaceae
hjgf#, lbN
959
Tricalysia apiocarpa
Rubiaceae
960
Tricalysia sphaerocarpa
Rubiaceae
961
Trichilia connaroides
Meliaceae
kjgbfnxix
962
Trichopus zeylanicus
Dioscoriaceae
Esjei
963
Trigonostemon nemoralis
Euphorbiaceae
964
Turpinia malabarica
Staphyleaceae
vJNf, kevNx, DNggcjx
965
Turpinia nepalensis
Staphyleaceae
hjzbf
966
Turraea villosa
Meliaceae
967
Vaccinium leschenaultii
Vacciniaceae
knbd, skNecjx
968
Vateria indica
Dipterocarpaceae
zbw\, kgfjfw\
969
Vateria macrocarpa
Dipterocarpaceae
zbw\
970
Vatica chinensis
Dipterocarpaceae
Daew\
971
Vepris bilocularis
Rutaceae
cteMdMejf
972
Vernonia arborea
Asteraceae
cnjgb, zkeabejf
973
Vernonia travancorica
Asteraceae
hjgb, sld
974
Vetiveria zizanoides
Gramineae
jecx
975
Viburnum coriaceum
Caprifoliaceae
zcegct\
976
Viburnum punctatum
Caprifoliaceae
skeCej
977
Vitex altissima
Verbenaceae
cRfn, cRfznd
978
Vitex leucoxylon
Verbenaceae
Egzvef, vr%zvef
979
Vitex negundo
Verbenaceae
zvef, kjgzvef, zb&zvef
980
Vitex pubescens
Verbenaceae
EgcRfn
37
Sl.
No.
Botanical Name
Family
Common Name
981
Walsura trifolia
Meliaceae
982
Wendlandia bicuspidata
Rubiaceae
983
Wendlandia thyrsoidea
Rubiaceae
zbenzaf, shkvejkx
984
Withania somnifera
Solanaceae
Dcggjx
985
Wrightia arborea
Apocynaceae
cRfnxhen, Den
986
Wrightia tinctoria
Apocynaceae
oen, vfnen, kfen
987
Xanthophyllum arnottianum
Xanthophyllaceae
ca, zce$
988
Xantolis tomentosa
var.elangoides
Sapotaceae
kjfej
989
Xylia xylocarpa
Fabaceae
Fjg#, Fjgcgd, kacjx
990
Xylopia parvifolia
Annonaceae
Fnze=@
991
Xylosma latifolium
Flacourtiaceae
kg
992
Zanthoxylum rhetsa
Rutaceae
cgfnx, zkegcgjfd
993
Zingiber zerumbet
Zingiberaceae
keff
994
Zizyphus glabrata
Rhamnaceae
k%acjx, zkee\
995
Zizyphus mauritiana
Rhamnaceae
Fn
996
Zizyphus oenoplia
Rhamnaceae
b\lganf
997
Zizyphus rugosa
Rhamnaceae
zJglganf
998
Zizyphus xylopyrus
Rhamnaceae
lganf, zhecgd
999
Curcuma longa
Zingiberaceae
1000
Dioscorea tomentosa
Dioscoriaceae
1001
Dioscorea hispida
Dioscoriaceae
1002
Dioscorea alata
Dioscoriaceae
kef$ kfB=@
1003
Dioscorea spicata
Dioscoriaceae
DffB=@
1004
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Dioscoriaceae
1005
Dioscorea wallichii
Dioscoriaceae
38
M.S.K.Prathap
APPENDIX I: COMMON FAMILIES SEEN IN KERALA FORESTS

Acanthaceae
The Acanthaceae is a family consisting about 250 genera and about 2500 species mainly
of tropical shrubs, but include some temperate species. The leaves are opposite and
decussate, simple without stipules, and often have cystoliths which show up as streaks
on the lamina.
The flowers are bisexual, usually irregular or two-lipped, solitary or
arranged in cymes or racemes. The ovary ripens into a capsule in which the seeds are
usually bourne on small hook-like outgrowths.
The seeds have no endosperm and
usually large embryos.
Alangiaceae
This is a small, woody family of obscure affinities comprised of 2 genera and about 23
species. The leaves are simple and without stipules. The flowers are regular, bisexual
and borne in bracteolate, joined pedicels in axillary cymes. The fruit is a drupe with a
hard endocarp and usually crowned with the persistent calyx. The seed has a fleshy
endosperm.
Anacardiaceae
This is the sumac family of flowering plants in the order Sapindales, with about 70 genera
and 650 species of evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and woody vines. It is native to
tropical and subtropical areas of the world, but a few species occur in temperate regions.
Members of the family have resin ducts in the bark, leaves usually composed of leaflets
in various arrangements, flowers often with only male or female parts, and usually fleshy
fruits.
Annonaceae
The custard-apple, or annona, family, the largest family of the magnolia order
(Magnoliales). According to some authorities, it contains 120 genera and 2000 species.
Many species are valuable for their large, pulpy fruits, some are useful for their timber,
and others are prized as ornamentals. The family consists of trees, shrubs, and woody
climbers found mainly in the tropics, although a few species extend into temperate
regions. Leaves and wood are often fragrant. Leaves are simple, with smooth margins,
and alternately arranged in two rows along the stems. The radially symmetrical flowers
are usually bisexual. In some species, flowers are borne directly on large branches or on
the trunk. The fruit is a berry.
39
Apocynaceae
The dogbane family of flowering plants of the gentian order (Gentianales), composed of
more than 150 genera and about 1000 species of trees, shrubs, woody vines, and herbs,
distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Members of the family
have milky, often poisonous juice; smooth-margined leaves; and flowers in clusters
(rarely solitary). The fruit may be berrylike or fleshy but usually is a dry pod (follicle) that
splits open at maturity, releasing many winged or tufted seeds.
Aquifoilaceae
This family of trees and shrubs comprises about 3 genera and 400 species. The family is
widely distributed in both temperate and tropical regions.
The leaves are leathery,
sometimes evergreen and usually alternate; stipules are present but may fall soon after
enlargement of the leaf.
The inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers are bisexual or
unisexual. The fruit is a berry and the seeds have copious endosperm.
Araceae
The Araceae (the aroids) is a large family of mostly herbaceous plants, with great variety
in vegetative habit composed of about 110 genera and 2000 species. The leaves are
simple or compound, basal or produced on the ariel stems. The flowers are bisexual or
unisexual (with both sexes bourne on the same sapdix with the male higher than the
female flowers. On most the species, the fruit is a berry, sometimes leathery, with one to
many seeds which are usually endospermic with a straight embryo.
Araliaceae
The ginseng family of flowering plants, in the order Apiales, comprises approximately 55
genera and 700 species. Most members are shrubs or trees, though there are a number
of climbers and a few herbs. The family has large, usually alternate, compound leaves,
five-parted flowers arranged in compound umbels (flat-topped clusters), and a berry or
(rarely) a drupe (a one-seeded fruit). Several members of the family are economically
important.
Asclepiadaceae
The Asclepiadaceae is a fairly large family of perennial herbs, shrubs, woody climbers or
trees. It comprises about 250 genera and 1800-2000 species. The leaves are usually
opposite or whorled, rarely alternate, simple and generally entire; in some succulent taxa
they are caducous or vestigial. Minute stipules are normally present. The flowers are
regular and bisexual. The fruit consists of a pair of follicles. The seeds are usually
40
M.S.K.Prathap
flattened, ovate to oblong and bear a coma of long, silky hairs; endosperm is present and
the embryo is straight.
Asteraceae (Compositae)
The Asteraceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, with about 1100
currently accepted genera and 25000 species.
Most of its members are evergreen
shrubs or sub-shrubs or perennial rhizomatous herbs, but tap-rooted or tuberous-rooted

perennials and biennial trees are infrequent, as are epiphytes, and true aquatics are rare.
The leaves are alternate or opposite, rarely whorled, and without stipules. Anatomically,
Asteraceae are characterized by the presence of resin canals or latex ducts. The fruit is
one-seeded, indehiscent, nearly always dry, and is termed a cypsela. It may be angular,
rounded, variously compressed, or curved, ornamented or winged in various ways; rarely
it is a drupe, with fleshy endocarp. The seed has no endosperm and a straight embryo.
Avicenniaceae
The Avicenniaceae is a helophytic family of small mangrove trees and shrubs. It contains
about 11 species in a single genus, Avicennia. The leaves are opposite, simple and exstipulate. The Flowers aggregated in inflorescences; in cymes, in panicles, and in
umbels. They are bracteate, small, regular, cyclic and tetracyclic. The Fruit is non-fleshy,
dehiscent and a capsule.
Berberidaceae
This barberry family of the buttercup order (Ranunculales) comprises of 13-16 genera
and 550-600 species of perennial herbs and shrubs. Its members occur in most
temperate regions of the world. In the shrubs the leaves are alternate and spinymargined. The form of the flower is highly variable.
Betulaceae
The Betulaceae is a family of trees and shrubs which includes 6 genera and some 170
species. The leaves are simple, alternate, deciduous and with stipules. The flowers are
bisexual with both sexes on the same plant. The fruit is a single seeded nut which is
often winged for wind dispersal, maturing in late summer or autumn. The seeds have no
endosperm and a straight embryo.
Bignoniaceae
The trumpet creeper or catalpa family of the figwort order of flowering plants
(Scrophulariales). It contains about 120 genera and more than 650 species of trees,
shrubs, and, most commonly, vines. They form an important part of the tropical forest
41
vegetation because of the numerous climbing vines. The family is characterized by

oppositely paired, usually compound leaves and bell- or funnel-shaped, bisexual flowers
having a five-lobed calyx and corolla; two long and two short stamens arising from the
corolla tube; and a pistil positioned above the attachment point of the other flower parts,
on a disk, and consisting of two fused, ovule-bearing carpels enclosing two, or rarely one,
chambers that contain many ovules attached along the central axis. The seeds are
usually flat and winged.
Bixaceae
Bixaceae is a family consisting of a single tropical genus (Bixa) of shrubs and small trees.
The leaves are alternate, simple, entire, palmately nerved and with stipules. Both leaves
and saps contain reddish sap. The flowers are regular, bisexual and borne in showy,
paniculate inflorescences. The fruit dehisces along the two valves of the capsule and is
often covered with hairs or stout prickles. The seed contain a large embryo surrounded
by copious starchy endosperm.
Bombacaceae
The bombax or kapok family of tropical flowering trees and shrubs, in the mallow order
(Malvales), comprised of about 20 genera and 180 species. Many species are deciduous
and their entire, palmate or digitate leaves and stipules are shed at the end of each rainy
season. The white or brightly coloured flowers are bisexual and frequently emerge from
the branches and trunks and even near the base. The fruit is a capsule containing
smooth seeds which have little or no endosperm.
Boraginaceae
This family of annual plants, composed of approximately 150 genera and about 2000
species, chiefly of herbs but also including some trees and shrubs, characterized by hairy
foliage. Members of the borage family are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate
areas. The leaves are usually alternate and simple; flowers are funnel-shaped or tubular
and flaring, with five lobes, often nodding or in coiled sprays. The flowers are frequently
distinguished for their bright blues, which sometimes show a shading of red. The fruit
consists of four (rarely two) nutlets or is a drupe.
The seeds are with or without
endosperm and with a curved or straight embryo.
Burseraceae
This family of tropical trees and shrubs in the order Sapindales, composed of about 17
genera and 500 species. All part of the plants especially the bark; contain resin 16
genera of resinous trees and shrubs. Members of the family have leaves that alternate
42
M.S.K.Prathap
along the stem and are composed of many leaflets, solitary or clustered flowers, and
fleshy fruits.
Capparaceae
This medium sized family comprised of 40-50 genera and about 700 species. It contains
herbs, trees and shrubs and some lianas. The leaves are alternate, rarely opposite, and
simple or palmate or digitate. They have 2-7 leaflets. The flowers are bisexual or rarely
unisexual; fruits are capsules; and seeds are without endosperm.
Caprifoliaceae
The honeysuckle family of the teasel order (Dipsacales), well known for its many
ornamental shrubs and vines, primarily composed of north temperate species but
including some tropical mountain plants. The family has 18 genera and about 450
species, mostly woody shrubs and vines. The leaves are usually opposite, simple and
without stipules. The flowers are bisexual and either regular or irregular. The fruit is
most often a berry and the seeds typically have a small straight embryo with copious
endosperm.
Casuarinaceae
The Casuarinaceae is a distinctive family of trees and shrubs adapted to dry habitats
comprising about 65 species in one genus, Casuarina. The leaves are very peculiar in
structure, appearing as whorls of reduces, many-toothed sheaths surrounding the
articulations of the jointed stream. The flowers too, are highly reduced, and usually
unisexual, with the male and female flowers bourne on different plants. The fruits are
enclosed in hard bracteoles which later open to release them, with the result that mature
inflorescences resemble pine cones.
The seeds have a straight embryo and no
endosperm.
Celastraceae
Celastraceae is the spindle tree family, in the order Celastrales, comprising about 55
genera and 850 species of woody vines, shrubs, and trees, native in tropical and
temperate zones. Leaves are frequently leathery and flowers are small, with four to five
sepals and petals; alternating between the petals, stamens rise from a usually
conspicuous nectar disk. The seeds possess a large, straight embryo surrounded by
fleshy endosperm and often covered by a brightly coloured aril which aids in dispersal by
birds.
43
Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
The garcinia family, in the tea order (Theales), comprising about 40 genera and about
1000 species of tropical trees and shrubs. Several are important for their fruits, resins, or
timbers. Members of the Clusiaceae family usually have broad-ended, oblong, leathery
leaves with a strong, central vein from which branch many delicate, horizontal veins. The
plants have resinous, sticky sap, flowers with numerous stamens often united in bundles,
and separate petals and sepals. Male and female organs often occur in separate flowers.
Cochlospermaceae
This small family of tropical trees and shrubs contains 2 genera and about 38 species.
The leaves are alternate, palmately lobed and with stipules. The flowers are regular or
slightly irregular, bisexual, often showy and bourne in racemes or panicles. The fruit is a
three to five valved capsule, containing seeds which may be hairy or not, and coiled or
straight in shape. The seeds contain oily endosperm.
Combretaceae
The Combretaceae is a family of tropical trees, shrubs and lianas which includes 20
genera and about 475 species. The leaves are entire, alternate or opposite and without
stipules. The flowers are small, regular and bisexual rarely unisexual) often clustered in
globular or elongated heads , and nectar may be produced in abundance.
Most of the
species have wingless fruits which are either fleshy and animal-dispersed or have
spongy tissue and are water-dispersed.
The seed has no endosperm, and the
cotyledons are very variable in form.
Coniferae
Coniferae is a small family of trees and shrubs. The leaves are usually alternate or
fascicled, rarely opposite, usually rigid or linear, rarely broad. The flowers are unisexual
or bisexual. Seeds are often winged and have a straight embryo.
Connaraceae
This Dictotyledonous family of tropical trees or twining shrubs contains 16 genera and
about 350 species. Some species of this family are economically important. The leaves
are alternate and without stipules, and are pinnate or trifoliolate, a few species being
unifoliolate. The flowers which are produced in panicles are generally bisexual or either
regular or slightly irregular. The fruit is generally a follicle containing a single seed which
may or may not contain endosperm. The seed often have an outer appendage (aril).
44
M.S.K.Prathap
Convolvulaceae
The Convolvulaceae is a family of herbaceous and woody, often climbing plants,
composed of about 1800 species in 50 genera. The leaves are alternate, simple, rarely
with stipules. The flowers are bisexual, regular, often with an involucre of bracts. The
fruit is a capsule, often dehiscent. The seeds are sometimes hairy, with little endosperm
and a curved embryo often with folded cotyledons.
Cornaceae
The Cornaceae is a small family of trees and shrubs and rarely herbs. It contains about
13 genera and over 100 species. The leaves are opposite or occasionally alternate,
simple and sometimes evergreen. The flowers are small, regular, bisexual or unisexual
with both sexes on separate plants. The fruit is a drupe or berry with 1-4 locules and one
or two stones.
Cycadaceae
The Cycadaceae are woody, unbranched or sparsely branched, palm-like, dioecious,
seed-bearing trees or shrubs with thick, pithy stems. The leaves are alternate, spirally
arranged in a cluster at the summit of the stem, frond-like, pinnately compound, usually
stiff, often with sharply pointed leaflets. The ovules and seeds (2-8) are born naked on
the petioles of reduced leaves that are loosely clustered at the stem apex of female
plants. Male plants produce male or microsporangiate cones that bear many scales,
each with an abundance of microsporangia scattered over the lower surface. Seeds are
typically large.
Datiscaceae
This is a family of the begonia order (Begoniales) of tropical and sub tropical trees
(Octomeles, Tetrameles) and herbs (Datisca) of little economic value.
This family
composed about 3 genera and 4 species. The leaves are alternate, either pinnate or
simple, and without stipules. The flowers are either unisexual or bisexual. The fruit is a
membraneous capsule bearing seeds with a straight embryo and little or no endosperm.
Dilleniaceae
This large family contains 18 genera and 530 species of trees, shrubs or herbs,
sometimes climbers. The leaves are alternate, simple, entire, toothed or rarely pinnate;
petioles with sheaths and without stipules or without sheaths and with lateral deciduous
stipules. The flowers are yellow or white, sometimes very large.
45
Dipterocarpaceae
This is a family of small to very lofty trees, in the tea order (Theales), comprising 22
genera and about 580 species. Most of the species are lofty trees with leathery,
evergreen leaves and aromatic resins. Their clustered, fragrant flowers have five twisted,
leathery petals. Dipterocarpus species provide a variety of products in addition to useful
timber.
Ebenaceae
The Ebenaceae is a medium sized family composed of 2 genera and 400-500 species.
Members of the family are mostly small trees with a monopodial crown and flattened
foliage sprays. Some are shrubs. The leaves are alternate, simple, entire and without
stipules. The flowers are usually unisexual with male and female on separate plants,
rarely structurally bisexual. The fruit is a berry, the pericarp pulpy to fibrous, with a stony
inner part. The seeds are several, without endosperm, which is sometimes ruminate.
Elaeagnaceae
The Elaeagnaceae is a small family of much-branched shrubs, covered with silvery or
golden scales. It contains 3 genera and about 50 species. A considerable number of
species are thorny. The stems and leaves are covered with silvery, brown or golden
hairs which are either peltate or scaly. The leaves are alternate, opposite, or in whorls,
and are leathery in texture, simple, entire and without stipules. The flowers are regular
and either solitary or bourne in clusters or racemes. They are bisexual or unisexual, the
male and female usually being borne on different plants. The fruit is an achene or drupelike structure enclosed by the thickened lower part of the persistent calyx. It contains a
single seed with little or no endosperm and a straight embryo with thick, fleshy,
cotyledons.
Elaeocarpaceae
The Elaeocarpaceae is a smallish family of tropical and sub tropical trees and shrubs,
some of which are cultivated as ornamentals. The leaves are alternate or opposite, and
have stipules. The flowers are regular, bisexual, bourne on racemes, panicles or cymes,
and have four or five sepals, free or partly united, the fruit is a capsule or drupe; the seed
contain straight embryo and abundant endosperm.
Ericaceae
The Ericaceae is a large family composed about 100 genera and 3000 species, mainly of
shrubs. As this is a large family providing a general description is not possible.
46
M.S.K.Prathap
Erithroxylaceae
This tropical and subtropical family of trees and shrubs includes the important cocaine
producing coca plant. The plants have simple, alternate (rarely opposite), ovoid leaves
and stipules within the petioles. The terminal or axillary flowers are very small, occurring
in fascicles.
They are usually regular and bisexual, rarely unisexual (with sexes on
separate plants). The fruit is an ovoid drupe borne beyond the persistent calyx. The
seeds have endosperm and a straight embryo.
Euphorbiaceae
The spurge family of flowering plants, in the order Euphorbiales, comprised of more than
5000 species in 275 genera. Many members are important food sources; others are
useful for their waxes and oils and as a source of medicinal drugs; dangerous for their
poisonous fruits, leaves, or sap; or attractive for their colourful bracts (leaf-like structures
located just below flower clusters) or unusual forms. Most of species of the family are
found in temperate and tropical regions. The family consists of annual and perennial
herbs and woody shrubs or trees, rarely climbers.
The leaves are alternate, rarely
opposite, and have stipules. They are usually simple, and when they are compound they
are always palmate and never pinnate. The flowers are of one sex, with male and female
flowers usually borne on the same plant. Petals are rarely present. The fruit is usually a
schizocarp, sometimes a drupe. In a number of genera, the seeds are carunculate; they
usually have copious endosperm.
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
The Fabaceae or Leguminosae is a very large family of herbs, shrubs and trees with a
great variety of habit, including aquatics, xerophytes and climbers comprising 700 genera
and 17000 species. Many species are of enormous importance to man. This family has
been classified into 3 subfamilies viz.Mimosoideae (Mimosaceae), Caesalpinioideae
(Caesalpiniaceae) and Papilionoideae (Papilionaceae).
a) Mimosoideae
Mainly tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs comprised of approximately 56 genera
and 500-3000 species. The leaves are often bipinnate and the flowers are regular with
the petals valvate in bud, and with 10 or more stamens.
b) Caesalpinioideae
Mainly tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs comprised of approximately 180 genera
and 2500-3000 species. The leaves are usually pinnate but sometimes bipinnate and the
47
flowers are usually more or less irregular with the lateral petals covering the standard in
the bud. There are 10 or fewer stamens, free or monadelphous.
c) Papilionoideae
These are temperate, tropical and subtropical in distribution, mostly herbs, but some
trees and shrubs amongst its 400-500 or so genera and upwards of 10000 species. The
leaves are often pinnate but sometimes simple. The flowers are irregular with the lateral
petals enclosed by the standard in the bud. There are 10 stamens, usually diadelphous
but sometimes monadelphous or free.
Flacourtiaceae
The Indian plum family, belonging to the violet order (Violales) and comprising 89 genera
and about 1250 species of widely distributed tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs.
Various species yield edible fruit or commercially useful wood. The leaves are simple,
alternate, opposite or in whorls, toothed or entire. The branches are sometimes spiny,
and flowers are regular, bisexual or unisexual with the sexes on separate plants. The
fruits are capsules, berries, drupes, dry indehiscent and winged, horny or prickly, and
containing seeds sometimes with arils or silky hairs and usually with much endosperm.
Flindersiaceae
The Flindersiaceae is a family of trees, or shrubs, bearing essential oils. It contains
some 17 species in 2 genera. The leaves alternate, or opposite; petiolate; non-sheathing;
gland-dotted; aromatic; compound; pinnate, or ternate, or unifoliolate; exstipulate. The
flowers are small, regular, cyclic and pentacyclic. The fruit is a non-fleshy; not multiple, or
multiple to not multiple; dehiscent; capsule. Seeds are non-endospermic, compressed,
winged and with a curved embryo.
Gnetaceae
The Gnetaceae is a family of tropical trees and shrubs, rarely climbers, in the order
Gnetales, composed of one genus, Gnetum, with 30 or more species. The Leaves are
opposite, large, green and without stipules. The flowers are unisexual. The fruit is fleshy
and winged with drupaceous seed.
Graminae (Poaceae)
The grasses or Graminae comprise some 9000 species grouped into about 650 genera.
Although not the largest, the family is ecologically the most dominant and economically
by far the most important in the world. It provides all the cereal crops (including rice),
most of the worlds sugar as well as bamboos, canes and reeds. In a typical grass the
48
M.S.K.Prathap
system is fibrous and often supplemented by adventitious roots from the lower nodes of
the stem. Branching occurs mainly at ground level and the upright stems are cylindrical.
The leaves are bourne in two rows at intervals along the stem, their point of origin being
termed a node, and they are composed of two parts, sheath and blade. The fruit is a
caryopsis, although some bamboos have a rather fleshy pericarp. In many species, the
fruit is viable for 5 years or so; while a few exceed 30 years.
Hernandiaceae
The Hernandiaceae is a family of tropical genera of trees, shrubs and some lianas. This
pantropical family composed of 4 genera and 76 species.
The leaves are without
stipules, large, simple or palmately compound and alternately arranged. The flowers are
regular, unisexual or bisexual and arranged in cymose inflorescences. The fruit is an
achene, sometimes two or four-winged.
The seed, with a leathery testa, has no
endosperm.
Icacinaceae
The Icacinaceae family of tropical trees, shrubs, and woody climbers, belonging to the
order Celastrales, comprising about 60 genera and about 400 species. The alternate
leaves usually are leathery and simple in outline. The flowers are small, whitish or
greenish, clustered, and either unisexual or bisexual. The fruit is usually a one-seeded
drupe, sometimes a samara, the endocarp is often laterally flattened and ornamented
with depressions or pits and the seeds usually have no endosperm and a small straight
embryo.
Lauraceae
The Lauraceae is a family of mostly trees or shrubs, although a few are parasitic climbers
without true leaves. The family consists of about 32 genera and 2500 species. The
leaves are alternate or opposite, usually leathery and evergreen, and without stipules.
The flowerers are regular and either bisexual or unisexual on the same plant. The fruit is
a berry or drupe like, often enclosed by the perygyneous part of the flower which may
become a more or less fleshy cupule. The seed does not have endosperm and contains
a straight embryo.
Lecythidaceae
This family of tropical trees comprised of about 20 genera and 450 species. Tree size
varies from very small to very large. The leaves are spirally arranged in clusters at the
tips of the twigs, each leaf large, simple, usually without gland-dots. The flowers are
bisexual and bourne in spike, generally large and showy, in shades of red, pink, yellow or
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white and have a fluffy appearance due to numerous stamens. The usually large fruits
have fleshy outer layers, hard and woody inner layers and are indehiscent. The seed is
large, woody and lacks endosperm.
Liliaceae
The Liliaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants and certainly one of the
most important horticulturally, as it includes the lilies and numerous other outstandingly
beautiful cultivated genera. It comprised of about 3500 species in 250 genera. Most of
the Liliaceae are herbs, and of these, a large percentage has swollen storage organs
such as bulbs, corms, rhizomes or thick fleshy roots.
The leaf characters vary
enormously within the family from basal and linear with parallel veins to cauline and
broadly ellipsoid with net-veining. The flowers are usually regular and bisexual, and
bourne in a raceme, sometimes solitary or more or less condensed into a cyme. The fruit
is either a dry capsule or, less frequently, a fleshy berry. The seeds have a straight or
curved embryo and abundant endosperm.
Linaceae
The Linaceae is a small but wide spread family of herbs and some shrubs composed of
13 genera and some 300 species. The leaves are usually alternate, small, entire and
with or without stipules.
The inflorescence is cymose, bearing regular bisexual flowers.
The fruit is usually a capsule but in some species drupaceous. The seed contain a
straight embryo and endosperm ranges from none to copious.
Loganiaceae
Family of flowering plants in the order Gentianales, containing about 21 genera with more
than 500 species of woody vines, shrubs, or trees native primarily to tropical areas of the
world. Members of the family bear leaf-like appendages at the base of the leafstalks and
have terminal flower clusters. The ring of petals on each flower has four or five
overlapping lobes. The fruit is a capsule containing winged or wingless seeds.
Loranthaceae
The Loranthaceae is a family of parasites with green leaves, most of which are anchored
to a host plant by means of suckers usually regarded as modified adventitious roots.
This family composed of at least 35 genera and about 1300 species. The leaves are
usually evergreen, leathery, opposite, regular and without stipules. They can be bisexual
or unisexual, with sexes on the same or different plants. The fruit is usually a drupe or
berry, and there is a characteristic layer of sticky viscin surrounding the seeds, which
adheres to the beak of birds feeding on the fruits.
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Lythraceae
The Lythraceae is a small family of herbs, shrubs and trees including several
ornamentals and species producing dyes, including 22 genera and 450 species.
The
leaves are opposite, whorled or spiral, simple and entire, with very small or no stipules.
The flowers, borne in racemes, panicles or cymes, are usually regular and bisexual. The
fruit is a dry, dehiscent or indehiscent capsule. The seeds are numerous, with a straight
embryo and no endosperm.
Magnoliaceae
This magnolia family of the order Magnoliales that contains 12 genera and 220 species,
includes many handsome, fragrant-flowering trees and shrubs. Most have simple leaves
and an elongated cone-like floral axis with flowers that have six tepals (sepals and petals
that are not distinctly different), many spirally arranged stamens, and one, two, or many
carpels (female reproductive structures). The seeds of many species hang by threads
from the cone-like fruits. In most species the flowers are bisexual and are borne on
branch tips. The long floral axis, spiral arrangement of the flower parts, and simple
vessels (water-conducting cells) in the wood all mark the family as a primitive one on the
evolutionary scale.
Malvaceae
This mallow family, a large group of flowering plants, in the order Malvales, contains
about 95 genera and over 1000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees. Representatives
occur in all except the coldest parts of the world but are most numerous in the tropics.
The leaves are alternate, with stipules; often stellate hairs are present. The flowers are
bisexual and regular; with parts usually in fives. The fruit is dry, capsule or schizocarp.
The seeds are often covered in fine hairs and have no endosperm.
Melastomataceae
A relatively large family, the Melastomataceae is composed mainly of shrubs and small
trees, but also of a few vines, herbs, marsh plants and, rarely, epiphytes.
about 240 genera and 3000 species.
It consists of
The leaves are opposite and decussate but
sometimes with one of each pair smaller than the other or rarely alternate by abortion.
The flowers are bisexual; regular and usually have four or five each of sepals and free
petals. The fruit is a berry or loculicidal capsule. The seeds are small, numerous and
lack endosperm.
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Meliaceae
This mahogany family of flowering plants, of the order Sapindales, comprised of 51
genera and about 575 species of trees and (rarely) shrubs, native to tropical and
subtropical regions. Most members of the family have large compound leaves, with the
leaflets arranged in the form of a feather, and branched flower clusters. The flowers are
regular, and are usually bisexual, but often unisexual (the sexes bourne on separate
plants) although they may appear bisexual. The fruit is fleshy and coloured or a leathery
capsule. The seeds are often winged while others have a fleshy aril or fleshy testa; they
are with or without endosperm and have a straight or curved embryo.
Menispermaceae
This family comprised of 65 genera and about 350 species of climbing or twining shrubs
or occasionally herbs, or very rarely erect shrubs or small trees.
The leaves are
alternate, simple or very rarely compound, entire or lobed, often peltate; without stipules.
Flowers are deciduous, small solitary fascicled capitate or cymose or more frequently
racemed or panicled, sometimes bracteate, occasionally 3-bracteolate.
The fruit is
drupaceous, usually curved, often to horseshoe shape and the endocarp has attractive
sculpturing.
Moraceae
The Moraceae, mulberry family of the nettle order (Urticales), with about 40 genera and
some 1000 species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs, distributed mostly in
tropical and subtropical regions. Plants of the family contain a milky latex and have
alternate or opposite leaves and small, petal-less male or female flowers. The fruits of
many species are multiple because fruits from different flowers become joined together.
The seed is with or without endosperm.
Moringaceae
The Moringaceae is a family of small, quick-growing deciduous trees composed of 12
species in one genus, Moringa. The very graceful leaves are two or three times pinnate
and alternate; stipules may be present or replaced by stipulate glands. The numerous
flowers are irregular, bisexual, sweet-scented, cream or red, and produced in axillary
panicles. The fruit is an elongated pod-like capsule with three valves, and contains many
black, rounded, winged or wingless seed without endosperm and a straight embryo.
Myristicaceae
This is the nutmeg family of the magnolia order (Magnoliales), best known for the
fragrant, spicy seeds of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). The family contains 15 other genera
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and about 380 species of evergreen trees found throughout moist tropical lowlands. Most
species have fragrant wood and leaves. The trees, which are often large, have either
male or female petal-less flowers, the united sepals of which form a three- to five-lobed
funnel or cup. Male flowers have 2 to 20 united stamens; female flowers have a single
ovary with one ovule (potential seed). A fleshy covering, known as an aril, surrounds the
fluted seed, which has much endosperm (starchy nutritive tissue for the developing
embryo). The simple leaves have smooth margins and are alternately arranged along the
stem.
Myrsinaceae
The Myrsinaceae is a medium sized family of trees and shrubs, of little economic
importance except for a few species grown as ornamentals. This family comprises of 32
genera and 1000 species. The leaves are alternate, simple, leathery and without stipules
and are usually dotted with glands or conspicuous resin ducts. The flowers are small,
regular, bisexual or unisexual (then with the sexes on separate plants) and are normally
borne in fascicles, but they may also be in terminal panicles, corymbs or cymes. The fruit
is a fleshy drupe.
The seeds have a straight or slightly curved embryo and fleshy
endosperm.
Myrtaceae
The Myrtaceae is a larger family whose habit ranges from straggling and small shrubs
contains about 100 genera and about 3000 species.
The leaves are usually opposite
(less often alternate), leathery, evergreen and typically entire, without stipules, and
characteristically pellucid-dotted with sub epidermal glands containing oils. The flowers
are regular and bisexual, most frequently in cymose, less often in racemose,
inflorescences, rarely solitary; they are generally epigynous, but varying degrees of
perigyny are found. The fruit is usually a fleshy berry (rarely a drupe) or dry (then a
capsule or nut). There is little or no endosperm.
Ochnaceae
The most primitive family of the tea order (Theales), comprising some 40 genera and 600
species of tropical trees and shrubs, with a few genera of herbs. Members of the family
usually have alternate, simple leaves with parallel lateral veins. They have clustered
flowers, usually with five petals and sepals. There are 3 to 15 projecting, jet-black seeds.
Olacaceae
The Olacaceae is a family of shrubs, trees, climbers and lianas composed of about 25
genera and 250 species. The leaves are alternate, and entire, without stipules, and have
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a characteristically rough and parchment-like texture. The flowers are regular, green or
white, each with a much-reduced calyx of 4-6 shallow lobes or teeth. The fruit is a single
seeded drupe or nut. The seed has a small, straight embryo and copious endosperm.
Oleaceae
This is the olive family, belonging to the order Scrophulariales and named for the
economically important olive tree (species Olea europaea). A number of plants in the
family are of economic or aesthetic importance. Most of the 29 genera and about 600
species of the family Oleaceae are woody plants native to forested regions. Most
members are trees or shrubs, but a minority, such as most jasmines, are woody climbers.
The leaves are usually opposite, without stipules, simple, trifoliolate or pinnate, often
entire or lobed. The flowers are bisexual, rarely unisexual (the male and female borne on
separate plants). The fruits are various - capsule, berry, nut, drupe or samara, dry or
fleshy, dehiscent or indehiscent, with 1-4 seeds.
Oxalidaceae
The Oxalidaceae is a family of mainly tropical and subtropical annual and perennial herbs
including a number of ornamentals. It comprised of 2 genera and some 900 species.
The leaves are alternate and without stipules, sometimes simple, but often pinnately or
palmately compound. The flowers are regular, bisexual, and borne either solitary or in
cymose inflorescence.
The fruit is a capsule.
The seeds have a straight embryo
surrounded by fleshy endosperm.
Palmae (Arecaceae)
The Palmae is a family chiefly of tropical trees and shrubs and vines usually having a tall
columnar trunk bearing a crown of very large leaves; coextensive with the order
Palmales. It comprised of about 212 genera and 2780 species. The family as a whole
contains a great deal of diversity, but much less within the natural groups now
recognized. Since most palm trees grow in the shade of tropical forests until they get tall
enough to reach the direct rays of the sun, they tolerate relatively low indoor light for
many years. Palms may be monoecious or dioecious. Female plants are required for
fruits on those that have showy fruits. Many palms become large with age and outgrow
their location but make attractive, manageable house plants for several years. Edible
palms produce coconut, dates and palm oil and they have numerous uses in and around
the home and market in the tropics.
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Pinaceae
The Pinaceae is a family of trees and a few shrubs in the order Pinales, comprised of 200
species and 9 genera. This is the largest family of gymnosperms. Leaves are needles,
borne singly, or in fascicles on short shoots, spirally arranged on stem, evergreen in
nearly all species. All plant parts resinous and aromatic, usually with sticky resin exuding
from cuts in needles or stem. Monoecious with small pollen (male) cones and larger seed
(female) cones with spirally arranged scales.
Piperaceae
This tropical family of small trees, shrubs and woody climbers composed of about 5
genera and 2000 species.
Its principal genus, Piper, yields the common condiment
pepper. The leaves are characteristically alternate, simple, entire, dotted with glands
containing pungent aromatic oil, and have winged petioles. The flowers are tiny, bisexual
or unisexual, borne in racemes or spikes which are usually leaf-opposed. The fruit is a
fleshy single seeded drupe, often sunk into the inflorescence axis or fused with the
bracts.
Pittosporaceae
This is a family of 9 genera and 200-240 species of trees, shrubs, or vine-like plants, in
the order Rosales. The leaves are evergreen and leathery, typically entire, and without
stipules. These are bisexual, rarely tending towards unisexuality and poloygamy (male,
female and bisexual on the same plant) and regular. The fruit is a loculicidal capsule or
berry; the seeds are mostly numerous, sometimes
winged, often smeared with a
brownish resin-like mucilage. The bark is traversed by resin-containing canals.
Plumbaginaceae
The Plumbaginaceae is a medium-sized family of annual or perennial herbs and shrubs
or climbers, many of which are cultivated as garden ornamentals. It contains some 560
species in 10 genera. The leaves are either arranged in a basal rosette or alternately on
the aerial branched stems. They are simple, glandular and without stipules. The flowers
are bisexual and regular. The fruit is usually enclosed by the calyx and is normally
indehiscent. The seed contains a straight embryo surrounded by mealy endosperm.
Podocarpaceae
The Podocarpaceae is a family of evergreen shrubs or trees, usually with straight trunk
and more or less horizontal branches. It contains 18 genera and 173 species. The
leaves are usually spirally arranged, sometimes opposite, scale-like, needle-like, or more
apart, flat and leaf-like, linear to lanceolate. The Plants are monoecious or dioecious.
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Pollen cones usually catkin-like; stamens numerous, close together, imbricate, each with
2 sporangia; pollen grains usually winged. Seeds completely covered by a fleshy
structure referred to as an epimatium, wingless.
Proteaceae
The Proteaceae is one of the most prominent families of the Southern Hemisphere. It
consists of 62 genera and over 1000 species of trees and shrubs.
The leaves are
alternate, entire or divided, without stipules, leathery and often hairy to some extent. The
flowers are irregular and bourne in sometimes showy racemes, spikes or heads with a
ring of bracts. The fruit is a fascicle, drupe or nut. The seeds are often winged and have
no endosperm.
Rhamnaceae
The Rhamnaceae is a large family of temperate and tropical trees and shrubs with some
climbers. It contains about 9000 species in 58 genera. The leaves are alternate or
opposite, simple and with stipules. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, sometimes
without petals, bisexual (rarely unisexual), regular and usually bourne in cymes. The
fruits are varying in form according to their means of dispersal. Some are dry, dehiscent
and wind-dispersed, but most are fleshy drupes or nuts, dispersed by the mammals and
birds which eat them.
Rhizophoraceae
The rhizophoraceae is a tropical family of shrubs, climbers and trees contains 16 genera
and about 120 species. The leaves are simple and entire, usually opposite and with
conspicuous, caducous stipules, rarely alternate and without stipules. The flowers are
bisexual (rarely unisexual), regular, and hypogynous to epigynous, borne in cymes or
racemes, rarely solitary, in the leaf axils.
The fruit is a berry or drupe, or dry and
indehiscent, rarely a dehiscent capsule or winged; the seeds, sometimes with an aril, and
with or without fleshy endosperm.
Rosaceae
The Rosaceae is a large and important family of woody and herbaceous plants
comprised of 122 genera and 3,370 species. It includes deciduous or evergreen trees,
shrubs, shrublets or herbs.
The leaves are alternate (rarely opposite), simple or
compound, and typically bear a pair of stipules at the base although these may be
difficult to detect or even absent in a few genera. The flowers are characteristically insect
pollinated and frequently large and showy; a high percentage of all species are actual or
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potential garden ornamentals. Usually the flowers are regular and bisexual. The fruits of
Rosaceae are very diverse, fleshy or dry, and provide important characters for dividing
up the family.
Rubiaceae
The madder family of the Rubiales order of flowering plants, consisting of about 500
genera with more than 6500 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, distributed primarily in
tropical areas of the world. Members of the family have leaves opposite each other with
stipules or in whorls, unbroken leaf margins, and leaf-like appendages at the base of the
leafstalks. The leaves usually are large and evergreen in tropical species, deciduous in
temperate species, and needle-like or scale-like in desert species. The plants may bear a
single flower or many small flowers clustered together. The flowers are bisexual and
regular. The fruit is a capsule, berry, drupe or schizocarp. The seeds are sometimes
winged; they have straight embryo and endosperm may be preset or absent.
Rutaceae
This family of flowering plants belongs to the order Sapindales and valuable as a source
of edible fruit and as ornamentals. Known as the citrus, or rue, family, the Rutaceae
includes woody shrubs and trees (and a few herbaceous perennials) and consists of 150
genera and 1700 species distributed throughout the world, especially in warm temperate
and tropical regions. The crushed leaves of the members of this family produce a strong
foetid aroma from oil glands, which can be seen as small, translucent black dots on he
leaves. This is the most distinctive feature of the Rutaceae. The fruits are very variable
between different sub families and tribes, being schizocarps, drupes or berries. The
seeds may lack endosperm.
Sabiaceae
Sabiaceae is a small tropical and sub tropical family of trees or shrubs and a few
climbers of limited use as ornamentals. It has 4 genera and about 80 species. The
leaves are alternate and are odd-pinnate or simple, without stipules. The flowers are
regular, bisexual or unisexual with both sexes on the same plant and are bourne in
terminal or axillary cymes or panicles. The fruit is indehiscent and drupaceous, and the
seeds have little or no endosperm.
Salicaceae
Salicaceae is a family consisting of 4 genera and about 350 species. This family is of
mostly north temperate trees and shrubs containing the aspens, the poplars and the
willows. The leaves are simple, usually alternate, have stipules and are almost invariably
57
deciduous.
The flowers are unisexual, male and female flowers borne on separate
plants. The fruits are small capsules bearing numerous seeds, each furnished with a tuft
of hairs to aid in dispersal by wind. The seeds have no endosperm and a straight
embryo.
Santalaceae
Santalaceae is the sandalwood family (order Santalales), which includes about 36
genera and more than 400 species of semi-parasitic shrubs, herbs, and trees, distributed
in tropical and temperate regions. In some genera the unlobed, usually alternate leaves
are reduced to scale-like structures. The green leaves contain some chlorophyll, which
allows the plants to manufacture food, but all Santalaceae are parasites to a certain
extent and form connections to their hosts to obtain water and nutrients. The majority of
the Santalaceae are root parasites; the others are stem parasites. Most have small,
inconspicuous, bisexual or unisexual flowers, which occur singly, although a few species
have groups of flowers in the leaf axils or on short spikes. The one-seeded fruit may be
surrounded by a brightly coloured nutlike structure. The seed has no testa and copious
endosperm.
Sapindaceae
Sapindaceae contains about 150 tropical and sub tropical genera and 2000 species.
About 300 species are lianas and the rest are trees and shrubs including some
economically important food plants.
The leaves are normally alternate, simple or
compound and without stipules. The flowers may be regular or irregular and are often
unisexual or functionally so, borne in cymose inflorescence.
The fruits are various:
capsules, nuts, berries, drupes, samaras or schizocarps, often red containing seed which
are often arillate.
Sapotaceae
This large family of tropical trees with 35-75 genera and about 800 species yields timber
and latex and edible fruits. White latex is present at least in the twigs, usually also in the
bark, and is sometimes copiously produced.
The leaves are simple, entire, spirally
arranged and often crowded in false whorls and sometimes wit stipules which soon drop.
The flowers are bourne in fascicles, often behind the leaves or on the trunk; they are
bisexual, regular or irregular, scented and often white or cream. The fruit is a berry, not
articulated. The one or few seeds have an oily endosperm and bony testa and a large
embryo.
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Simarubaceae
The Simaroubaceae is a medium-sized family of trees and shrubs which includes about
120 species in 20 genera. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, rarely simple, and usually
without stipules. The often numerous small flowers are regular, bisexual and unisexual,
and are bourne in cymose spikes or dense panicles. The fruit is a samara, schizocarp, or
capsule, the seeds with or without endosperm, having thick cotyledons and a straight or
curved embryo.
Solanaceae
The Solanaceae, a cosmopolitan family of herbs and a few shrubs and trees, is one of
the most important serving mankind. It contains many essential vegetables, fruits. The
family contains approximately 90 genera and 2000-3000 species.
The leaves vary
greatly in shape and size, and are entire or variously dissected; they are always without
stipules and usually alternate. The flowers are bisexual, usually regular and composed
of five sepals and five (rarely 3-10) petals. The fruit, containing many seeds, is either an
indehiscent berry, or less commonly a capsule. The seeds contain copious endosperm.
Sonneratiaceae
This tropical family of trees and shrubs has 2 genera and 8 species. The leaves are
opposite, simple, entire, and without stipules.
The flowers are regular, bisexual or
unisexual (sexes on the same plant). The fruits are capsules or berries and contain
many seeds which lack endosperm and have short, leafy cotyledons.
Staphyleaceae
This Family consists of 5 genera and about 60 species of temperate or tropical trees and
shrubs. The leaves are opposite or alternate, trifoliolate or pinnate, with paired stipules.
The flowers are regular, bisexual or sometimes unisexual with male and female on the
same plant, rarely on separate plants and are bourne in paniculate clusters. The fruits
are either berrylike or inflated capsules with an open top.
Sterculiaceae
The cocoa, or chocolate, family of plants, in the order Malvales consists of about 60
genera and about 700 species of tropical or subtropical trees, shrubs, and herbs. The
leaves are alternate and simple or palmately compound (i.e., divided into leaflets that
radiate from a common point, finger-like). The flowers, often unisexual, are solitary or
clustered and have three to five sepals and five or no petals. The fruit is fleshy or dry and
is generally a capsule.
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Symplocaceae
The Symplocaceae is a small family of tropical and sub tropical trees which contains 500
species in 2 genera. The leaves are alternate, often evergreen, leathery and usually
without stipules. The flowers are regular and bisexual. The fruit is a cylindrical drupe,
crowned by calyx lobes. The seeds have a straight or curved embryo.
Theaceae (Ternstroemiaceae)
This medium-sized family of trees and shrubs consists about 29 genera and 1000
species.
Leaves usually coriaceous and simple, alternate, serrate or entire, rarely
stipulate. The flowers are axillary, solitary or fascicled or in terminal or axillary racemes
or panicles or springing from the trunk. The fruit is a capsule, berry or achene with the
sepals persistent at the base. The seed usually has no endosperm and a straight or
curved embryo.
Thymeleaceae
The Thymelaeaceae is a medium-sized family, mainly of shrubs contains about 45
genera and about 500 species. The leaves are alternate (occasionally opposite), entire
and without stipules.
The flowers are regular, usually bisexual, and basically cup-
shaped, with parts normally in fours or fives and are grouped in racemes, capitula or
fascicles. The fruit is variable, an achene, berry, drupe or occasionally a capsule; the
seed has little or no endosperm and the embryo is straight.
Tiliaceae
Linden or basswood family, consisting of about 41 genera and 400 species of mostly
shrubs and trees, widely distributed. It includes the lindens (limes) and the economically
important jute. The leaves are alternate in two ranks, both tending to lie towards the
upper side of the horizontally spreading shoots which bear them. The flowers are bourne
in complex cymes in the leaf-axils, and are normally bisexual, regular, small and green,
yellow or white. Fruits are of various forms and the seed contain endosperm and welldifferentiated, straight embryos.
Ulmaceae
This is the elm family of the nettle order (Urticales), with 16 genera and about 2000
species of trees and shrubs, distributed primarily throughout temperate regions.
Members of the family have watery sap, and its leaves alternate along the stem. The
leaves usually have toothed edges and often are lopsided at the base. The flowers lack
petals. Male and female flowers are borne together or apart on the same plant. The fruit,
a samara, may be winged, fleshy, or nutlike.
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Urticaceae
The nettle family comprising about 45 genera and over 1000 species of herbs, shrubs,
small trees, and a few vines, distributed primarily in tropical regions. The leaves are
varied and the sap is usually watery. The small, greenish flowers often form clusters in
the leaf axils. Both male and female flowers may be borne on the same plant. The curled
stamens of the male flowers straighten quickly as the flowers open, releasing the pollen.
The dry, one-seeded fruit often is enclosed by the outer whorl of the flower cluster.
Vacciniaceae
The Vacciniaceae is a family of small trees, often epiphytic. The leaves are alternate or
falsely whorled, entire or serrate and without stipules.
Flowers are hermaphrodite,
regular in racemes or solitary axillary. The fruit is a berry, rarely dry and indehiscent.
The seeds have a minute embryo.
Verbinaceae
This large family contains about 75 genera and over 3000 species of herbs, shrubs, trees
and many lianas. The leaves are usually opposite, rarely whorled or alternate, entire or
divided and without stipules. The flowers are usually bisexual, arranged in racemose or
cymose inflorescence. The fruit is a drupe, less commonly capsule or schizocarp. The
seeds have a straight embryo and little or no endosperm is present.
Violaceae
This medium-sized family of herbs, shrubs or trees comprises of 22 genera and about
900 species. The leaves are alternate or very rarely opposite, entire crenate, serrate or
pinnatisect, stuipulate. The Flowers are regular, bisexual and have five sepals and five
petals. The fruit is a capsule which usually dehisces, often explosively, along lateral lines
into three or five valves. The seeds contain a straight embryo and a fleshy endosperm.
Vitaceae
The Vitaceae is a family of mainly climbers and some shrubs containing about 700
species in 12 genera. The leaves are alternate and simple or pinnately or palmately
compound, often possessing stipules, and with pellucid dots on the blade. The flowers
are very small, regular and bisexual or unisexual, with male and female on the same
plant. The fruit is a berry. The seeds have a straight embryo surrounded by copious
endosperm.
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Xanthophyllaceae
The Xanthophyllaceae is a family of small trees composed of 60 species in one genus,
Xanthophyllum. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, leathery and simple. The flowers
are very irregular and zygomorphic. The fruits are fleshy or non-fleshy, indehiscent,
without fleshy investment and one seeded. Seeds have no endosperm.
Zingiberaceae
The Zingiberaceae is a distinctive family of perennial aromatic forest plants which yield
spices (including ginger), dyes, perfumes, medicines, and a number of ornamental
species cultivated for their showy flowers. The aerial stems, when present, are invariably
short, usually leafless, but sometimes quite leafy. The leaves emerge from the rhizomes
as two distinct ranks and toward the base they consist of open or closed sheaths. The
flowers are irregular and bisexual and their structure is unique and very complicated. The
fruit is a brightly coloured, sometimes very fleshy capsule. The seeds are large, rounded
or angled, with copious endosperm: many are rapped in a distinctive red aril.
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APPENDIX II: STRUCTURE OF A PLANT

The three basic structures on a plant are stems, leaves, and roots. The other main parts
are flowers, fruits and seeds which have been derived from these basic structures.
1. STEMS
Stems are formed from the epicotyl, the portion of an embryo above the seed leaves
(cotyledons). They usually have leaves, and their growing tip or shoot apex has small
stubs on its side, which develop into leaves. The stem acts as a support for the leaves,
and transports nutrients to the leaves and food to the roots. In some plants, the stems
also photosynthesize and store food.
Stems comprise several parts. In the middle is the pith, a region of undifferentiated cells
which, together with the cortex, form a base for the other layers to grow in. Surrounding
the pith is either a ring or a series of bundles containing the cells that transport fluids.
This is known as the vascular tissue. Outside of this is a layer of cells known as the
cortex and then the epidermis, the skin of the stem, which is modified into bark in woody
plants.
1.1 Bark
Bark is the external skin of a woody stem. The main functions of bark are to protect the
growing stem and at the same time allow air to pass into the living portions of the stem.
Because the stem is constantly growing in circumference, the bark is often shed
periodically.
Many trees and shrubs can be identified exclusively by their bark. The following is a short
list of some bark types:
Smooth
: Without hair, glands, or roughness.
Ridged
: With prominent, longitudinal ribs.
Furrowed : With longitudinal grooves.

Plated
: With shallow, circular depressions.
Fibrous
: With thread-like strands.
1.2 Stem Modifications

Stems of some plants occur in a modified form to accommodate additional functions. The
following are some modified stem forms:
63
Corm: An underground, vertical stem that is swollen. A corm looks very much
like a bulb but is composed of stem tissue, as opposed to a bulb, which is
made up of leaf tissue.
Phylloclade: A flattened, green stem with small, scale-like leaves.
Phylloclades
look
like
leaves
and
even
function
as
leaves.
But
morphologically, they are stems.

Rhizome: A horizontal stem found underground. A rhizome can be
distinguished from a root by the presence of nodes on the rhizome ends.
Runner: A thin, horizontal stem found above ground with a rosette of leaves
at the end. A runner is very similar to a stolon. Both structures allow the plant
to move within its environment.
Spine: A modified stem (or leaf stipule, or root) that is sharp. The term thorn
is a synonym. A prickle is similar, but is produced from the epidermis of the
stem, leaf, or root.
Stolon: A horizontally growing stem at ground level with leaves along its
length (not just a rosette at the end, as in a runner) and adventitious roots
that form at the nodes. Stolons are similar to runners.
Tendril and hook: Modified stems or leaves that grasp other plants and act
like grappling hooks.
Tuber: An underground, swollen stem. A tuber is usually a swollen rhizome.
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M.S.K.Prathap
2. LEAVES
The leaf originates as a small projection at the apex or tip of the stem; it is attached to the
stem; and in temperate plants there nearly always is a vegetative bud near where it is
attached to the stem. The basic role of the leaf is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the
process in which energy from sunlight is combined with carbon dioxide and water to
produce sugar and oxygen.
Leaves are generally flat to provide as much surface area as possible for the absorption
of sunlight. Leaves also have small openings on their lower surface, called stomata,
which allow the carbon dioxide in and the oxygen out. It is supplied with a system of
veins that link up with the veins in the roots and stems. These veins supply the water for
photosynthesis and other nutrients needed by the photosynthesizing cells, and they carry
the sugars formed via photosynthesis to other parts of the plant, where they feed the
living cells of the roots and stems or are stored for future use.
Following are different parts of a leaf:
Lamina: The flat portion of a leaf, also

called the leaf blade.
Petiole : The stalk to which the lamina

is attached. There are several types of
petiolev viz. Phyllode (a broadened,
leaf-like petiole), Pulvinus (a swollen
area at the base of a petiole) and
Sheath (a broadened petiole base that
surrounds the stem)
Stipule: A leaf-like growth at the base

of the petiole. The presence of
stipules is characteristic of a number
of species. Often, they protect the
buds and developing leaves and then fall off. Some can be large and
conspicuous. They are typically paired in dicots, when they are present, and
absent in monocots.
Buds: Small shoots with scale-like leaves which, when given the proper
conditions, burst out in growth. Although not technically leaves, buds are nearly
always found associated with the base of a leaf petiole.
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2.1 Types of leaves

Leaves can be categorised as follows:
Simple leaf: A leaf with only one lamina.
Compound leaf: A leaf with two or more lamina (called leaflets). Compound
leaves can be recognized by the absence of a bud at the base of the leaflet.
Following are different types of compound leaves:
v Palmate: Leaves with the leaflets attached to a common point.
v Pinnate/Bipinnate/Tripinnate: Leaves with the leaflets aligned along a
central stalk (called a rachis). Pinnately compound leaves may have only
a single rachis or the rachis may branch once, in which case it is called
bipinnate; twice, in which case it is called tripinnate; or three times, in
which case it is called quadripinnate. These leaves can be further
classified into paripinnate, in which all the leaflets are more or less paired,
and there is no single terminal leaflet, and imparipinnate, in which there is
a single terminal leaflet.
v Ternate/Biternate: Leaves with three leaflets and in which the terminal
leaf is not stalked. In other words, this is a palmately compound leaf with
three leaflets. It follows that biternate leaves are doubly ternate, with the
ternate divisions again ternately divided.
v Trifoliate: Leaves with three leaflets and in which the terminal leaflet is
stalked. In other words, this is a pinnately compound leaf with three

leaflets.
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M.S.K.Prathap
2.2 Leaf Shape

The following are some of the more common leaf shapes:
Deltoid (deltate): About the same length as width. Shaped like a triangle in which
all sides are the same length.
Elliptic: One and a half to two times longer than wide. Shaped like a narrow oval.
The margins are symmetrically curved, and the leaf is widest at the middle.
Lanceolate: Three to six times longer than wide. Shaped like the tip of a lance.
The margins are symmetrically curved, and the leaf is widest toward the base.
Linear: More than twelve times longer than wide. Long and narrow with more or
less parallel margins.
Oblong: One and a half to two times longer than wide. Similar to elliptic but the
margins are parallel, not curved.
Ovate: One and a half to two times longer than wide. Shaped like an egg. The
margins are symmetrically curved, and the leaf is widest below the middle.
2.3 Leaf Base

The base of the leaf blade can have a wide variety of shapes. The following are a few
common leaf base shapes:
Acute: Tapering to a sharp point with convex sides.
Auriculate: A base with rounded projections that have a concave inner margin.
Cordate: Heart-shaped; the base has a notch similar to that at the top of a heart.
Cuneate: Tapering to a sharp point. Similar to acute but with straight, not convex,
sides.
67
Hastate: A base with outwardly pointed lobes.

Oblique: A base that is not symmetrical on both sides.
Obtuse: Tapering to a blunt point.
Peltate: Borne on a stalk attached to the lower surface rather than to the base or
margin of the leaf.
Perfoliate: A leaf in which the bases of two opposite leaves are fused around the
stem, so that the stem appears to pass through the leaf.
Sagittate: With a downwardly pointed lobe on each side of the base.
Truncate: A base that is squared off at the ends, as if cut off.
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M.S.K.Prathap
2.4 Leaf Margin

The margin or edge of a leaf can have teeth, hairs, or other type of indentation. Some of
the more common margin types are:
Ciliate: With hairs along the margin.
Crenate: With low, rounded teeth that have no point.
Dentate: With teeth along the margin that are pointed outward from the margin.
Similar to serrate, but in serrate the teeth are pointed at least slightly upward
towards the tip.
Double Serrate: With serrate teeth along the margins of other, larger serrate
teeth.
Entire: Without any indentations or teeth.
Serrate: With teeth along the margin that are pointed upwards towards the tip of
the leaf.
Undulate: With a wavy margin.
2.5 Leaf Lobe

Leaves can have shallow indentations or deeper indentations, forming lobes. It can be
difficult to distinguish between deeply incised teeth and shallow lobes. Some of the more
common types of lobing are:
69
Cleft: The margin is cut in towards the midvein.

Incised: The leaf is cut sharply and deeply, into usually regularly shaped
lobes.
Lacerate: Irregularly lobed with deep incisions that look as if they were torn.
Laciniate: Slashed; similar to incised, but the cuts are sharply angled.
Palmate: Palm-shaped; with several lobes from a single point.
Pectinate: Comb-shaped; the same as pinnatifid but with more numerous,
straighter, and narrower lobes.
Pedate: Similar to palmate, but the lateral lobes are further dissected.
Pinnatifid: Pinnately lobed half the distance or more to the midrib, but not all
the way to the midrib.
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2.6 Leaf Apex

The apex or tip of the leaf, like the base, comes in a wide variety of shapes that are
characteristic of different species. Some of the more common leaf apex shapes are:
Acuminate: A sharp apex with less than a 90 degree angle and concave
sides.
Acute: Similar to acuminate but with straight to convex sides.
Apiculate: Similar to mucronate in that it ends in a sharp point but the point
includes tissue from the midvein and the lamina.
Aristate: Ending in a hard,bristle-shaped tip.
Caudate: Very acuminate, with a long and thin tip.
Cuspidate: A form of acuminate in which the tip tapers gradually to a point.
Emarginate: Broadly notched at the apex. Similar to retuse, which is only
slightly notched.
Mucronate: A sharp point (mucro) formed by a continuation of the midvein.
Obcordate: Heart-shaped; notched at the tip like the top of a heart.
Obtuse: A blunt apex with more than a 90 degree angle.
Retuse: Slightly notched at the apex.
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2.7 Leaf Arrangement

Leaves can be arranged on a stem in a variety of ways. Some of the more common
arrangements are:
Alternate: One leaf per node. Oaks have alternate leaves.
Basal: All the leaves coming from the base. Tulips have basal leaves.
Equitant: Overlapping one another into two vertical rows or ranks, forming a
fan, as the leaves of irises.
Fascicled: Clustered, as in most species of pine.
Imbricate: Overlapping one another.
Opposite: Borne across from one another at the same node; paired.
Rosulate: Arranged in a basal rosette, with little or no stem.
Whorled: With three or more leaves at the same node, arranged in whorls.
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M.S.K.Prathap
73
3. ROOTS
Roots are plant parts that can bear other roots and stems but never leaves. They
have a characteristic structure, including a growing tip, or root apex, which does not
produce leaves but is surrounded by a cap of cells, the root cap. They also have a
characteristic internal structure. Roots have several functions. They anchor a plant to
a site, absorb water and nutrients from the soil, store nutrients, and support bacteria
or fungal hyphae, which work with the root to the benefit of both organisms.
3.1 Root Systems
Roots are formed in two ways during the development of the plant. Primary root
systems are roots and their branches derived from the hypocotyl, the portion of the
embryo below the seed leaves (cotyledons). They are the first root structures formed.
In monocots, the primary root system does not develop well; instead, an adventitious
root system forms in which roots arise from stem or leaf tissue. At the bottom of a
corn plant, for example, are a number of these adventitious roots growing out of, and
acting as a prop for, the stem.
3.2 Root Types and Modifications
There are many different types of roots based partly on structure and partly on the
major function of the root:
Aerial roots: Roots formed and remaining above ground. They often have
functions other than absorption.
Fibrous roots: Thread-like, numerous roots, such as those of many grasses.

They are usually adventitious in origin.
Haustoria: The areas of a parasitic plant that attach to its host, through which
the parasite absorbs nutrients. These may be derived from roots or stems.
Nodules and Mycorrhizae: Connections between a plant and either bacteria

or fungi. Many members of the bean family form root nodules. These nodules
contain a bacterium that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant
can use. Mycorrhizae are fungi that are connected to a plant via haustoria.
The fungi gain some nutrients from the parent plant, and they benefit the
parent plant by absorbing nutrients more efficiently.
Pneumatophores: Roots found on plants in swampy areas in which there is

not enough oxygen in the water for the root to survive. These roots grow
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M.S.K.Prathap
toward the water surface and then bend over, forming a knob above the
water. Pneumatophores are almost hollow, allowing air to pass to the living
tissue of the root.
Prop root: A root that acts as support for the parent plant.
Root hairs: Small, hair-like projections from the epidermis or outermost layer
of a root. Most absorption of water and nutrients occurs via root hairs.
Tap root: Primary roots that have more or less enlarged and grown
downward.
Tuberous root: A swollen root in which nutrients (usually starch) are stored
for the parent plant.
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4. FLOWERS
4.1 Flower Parts
The following are the major flower parts:
Androecium: The male parts of the flower forming a whorl between the
gynoecium (the female parts) to the inside and the corolla (the showy parts)
to the outside. It includes one to many stamens, each of which typically
includes a filament and an anther. Within the anther pollen is produced.
Anther: The part of a stamen where pollen is produced. It typically sits atop a
filament.
Calyx: The outermost whorl of modified leaves found in the typical flower. It is
the collective term for all the sepals of a single flower and is frequently green
and inconspicuous.
Corolla: The usually showy part of the flower, a whorl of modified leaves just
inside the calyx. This is the collective term for all the petals of a single flower.
Carpel: The structure that bears and encloses the ovules (egg-containing
structures in the ovary).
Corona: An extra-floral set of appendages that protrude from between the
corolla and the stamens or from the corolla. The crown-like corona of
Daffodils is an example.
Filament: The part of the stamen that typically serves as a stalk for the
anther.
Fruit: A mature ovary that frequently contains mature ovules or seeds.
Gynoecium: The female parts forming a whorl at the center of the flower. It
includes one to many pistils, each of which typically includes a stigma, style,
and ovary.
Hypanthium: The cup formed from the receptacle and/or perianth that has
fused with the androecium. Not all flowers have a hypanthium. The rose
family (Rosaceae) has many species whose flowers have a hypanthium.
Ovary: The typically enlarged, bottom part of the pistil where ovules are
produced.
Ovule: The egg-containing structures within the ovary that develop into
seeds.
Locule: A chamber within the ovary. A simple ovary has a single locule while
a compound ovary has more than one locule. For example, a bicarpellate
ovary has two locules. The number of locules is usually the same as the
number of carpels.
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M.S.K.Prathap
Pedicel: The "stalk" that supports a single flower in an inflorescence made up

of more than one flower.
Peduncle: The "stalk" that supports either a single flower, in plants that
produce only a single flower, or an entire inflorescence.
Perianth: The collective term for all the sepals and petals of a single flower.
Petal: A sterile, highly modified leaf that is a single "unit" of the corolla. Petals
are usually the showy part of a flower and may include special structures,
called nectaries, for attracting insect pollinators and/or special, ultraviolet
markings, called honey guides, for guiding insects, such as bees, to pollen.
Pistil: A single female reproductive "unit." The pistil typically has three
recognizable regions: the stigma, the style, and the ovary.
Pollen: The male gametophyte. Pollen grains give rise to sperm.
Rachis: The central stalk of an inflorescence to which the pedicels of
individual flowers are attached.
Receptacle: The region at the top of either the peduncle or pedicel where the
floral appendages (for example, sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils) are
attached.
Sepal: A sterile, modified leaf that is a single "unit" of the calyx. Sepals are
frequently green and inconspicuous.
Stamen: The male reproductive structure made up of an anther and a
filament.
Staminode: A whorl of modified leaves just outside the stamens. Staminodes
are frequently inconspicuous and stamen-like.
Stigma: Typically, the top portion of a pistil, which receives pollen and
provides conditions necessary for their germination.
Style: The typically elongated region of a pistil between the stigma and ovary.
Tepal: The term used for any single "unit" of the perianth when sepals and
petals are morphologically similar.
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4.1 Flower Sexuality

Bisexual: With both stamens (male parts) and pistils (female parts).
Pistillate: Female flowers-that is, imperfect flowers lacking stamens.
Staminate: Male flowers, that is, imperfect flowers lacking pistils.
4.2 Plant Sexuality
Dioecious: Species having male and female plants (that is, only male flowers
on some plants and only female flowers on different plants).
Monoecious: Species having both sexes on the same plant in separate (that
is, imperfect) flowers.
Polygamous: Species having both imperfect (pistillate and/or staminate)
flowers and perfect flowers on the same plants.
Polygamo-dioecious: Polygamous, but primarily dioecious.
Polygamo-monoecious: Polygamous, but primarily monoecious.
4.3 Numbers of Flower Parts

Complete: Flowers that have all four floral whorls (calyx, corolla, stamens,
and pistils).
Incomplete: Flowers that lack one or more of the four floral whorls (calyx,
corolla, stamens, or pistils).
Perfect: Flowers with both stamens (male parts) and pistils (female parts).
Imperfect: Flowers lacking either stamens (male parts) or pistils (female
parts).
4.4 Position of Flower Parts
Epigynous: The perianth (sepals and petals) and androecium (male parts)
are attached above the base of the ovary. Therefore, the ovary is inferior or
half-inferior.
Half-inferior: The ovary is surrounded by, or embedded in, the receptacle
(the region at the top of either the peduncle or pedicel where floral
appendages are attached). Therefore, the flower is epigynous.
Hypogynous: The perianth (sepals and petals) and androecium (male parts)
are attached below the ovary. Therefore, the ovary is superior.
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M.S.K.Prathap
Inferior: The ovary sits primarily below the attachment point of the perianth
(sepals and petals) and androecium (male parts). Therefore, the perianth is
epigynous.
Perigynous: The perianth (sepals and petals) and androecium (male parts)
are fused at the base so that the sepals, petals, and stamens appear to arise
from the rim of a floral cup (the hypanthium). This condition is frequently
found in plants of the rose family (Rosaceae).
Superior: The ovary sits primarily above the attachment point of the perianth
(sepals and petals) and androecium (male parts). Therefore, the perianth is
hypogynous.
4.5 Corolla Parts

Corolla is the collective term for all the petals of a single flower. This is usually the showy
part of the flower.
Limb: In fused corollas, any extension of the petal beyond its fused base.
Throat: The opening at the top of the tube in fused corollas.
Tube: The tube-like structure where the petals are united at the bottom of
fused corollas.
4.6 Corolla Shapes
Corollas can be either actinomorphic (radially symmetrical, meaning that when you look
down on the calyx or corolla you can see an infinite number of bisecting lines or planes
that can cut the flower in equal halves) or zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical, meaning
79
that when you look down on the calyx or corolla you can see that only one bisecting line
that can cut the flower in equal halves).
The following are different actinomorphic forms:
Campanulate
: Bell-shaped.
Funnelform
: Funnel-shaped.
Rotate
: Wheel-shaped.
Salverform
: Trumpet-shaped.
Tubular
: Cylindrical.
Urceolate
: Urn-shaped.
The following are different zygomorphic forms:
Bilabiate : With two lips composed of fused petals, as in snapdragon.
Galeate
: With a helmet-shaped appendage on one side.
Saccate
: With an enlarged, pouch-like appendage on one side.
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M.S.K.Prathap
4.5 Perianth Terminology

The perianth is the collective term for all the sepals and petals of a single flower.
Apetalous: A flower lacking petals. Common in wind-pollinated plants.
Banner: Topmost petal of the flowers of some plants in the pea family.
Beard: A sepal or petal with a dense cluster or line of hairs.
Claw: A very narrow, stalk-like base of a sepal or petal.
Cruciform: A corolla that, when viewed from above, appears cross-shaped.
Keel: The two united lowermost petals of the flowers of some plants in the
pea family.
Lobe: Any distinct segment of a divided sepal or petal. Members of the pink
family (Caryophyllaceae) have divided petals that appear to have been cut
with pinking shears (thus the common family name, pink).
Spur: Any hollow protuberance from a sepal or petal. Impatiens species, for
example, frequently have spurred sepals.
Wing: One of two lateral petals of the flower of some plants in the pea family.
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5. INFLORESCENCES
The inflorescence is the flowering part of the plant.
There are two major classes of inflorescences: terminal, in which the inflorescence
terminates the shoot and axillary, in which the inflorescence is found in the axil of a
leaf.
5.1 Inflorescence Parts
An inflorescence is composed of several different parts:
Floret: The smallest unit of an inflorescence. In grasses, it is composed of
a flower and two bracts called the palea and lemma.
Pedicel: The portion of stem
immediately below a flower (or
spikelet in grasses).
Peduncle: The portion of stem
above the leaves and below
the lowest branching point of
the inflorescence. Or, in a
single-flowered
inflorescence,
the portion of stem below the

flower and above the leaves.
Rachis: The main stem portion
of an inflorescence above the
peduncle
and
below
the
pedicels.
Ray: The outermost flowers of
a
composite
inflorescence.
Rays often look like petals of a

flower.
Scape: A leafless stem arising at ground level and ending at the
inflorescence. The term is equivalent to peduncle but only for plants with
basal leaves.
Spathe: A large bract beneath and enclosing the inflorescence.
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5.2 Types of Inflorescences

Inflorescences are some of the most complex parts of a plant to describe. There are
many small differences and exceptions to common definitions. Some of the more
common inflorescence types are:
Capitulum: An inflorescence in which the flowers are found on a flattened
surface called a receptacle.
Catkin: A pendulous spike of reduced flowers. Catkins are adapted to
wind pollination; they dangle down from the branch and blow in the wind,
allowing the pollen to be freely dispersed.
Cauliflory: Having inflorescences on the stem of a tree.
Corymb: A flat-topped raceme; the lower branches of the raceme are
long and the upper branches are short so that the overall shape is flat.
Cyme: An inflorescence that terminates in a flower, and lateral branches
arising below this flower also terminate in flowers. Usually, the flower at
the end of the central shoot blooms first, with additional flower buds
opening in sequence, from inside out.
Fascicle: An inflorescence with a very short shoot and long pedicels, so
that it appears as if a cluster of flowers arises from a single point.
Panicle: A raceme in which the lateral branches are themselves
branched.
Raceme: An unbranched, elongated shoot with lateral flowers that mature
from the bottom upwards.
Single flower: An inflorescence composed of a single flower. Tulips have
single-flowered inflorescences.
Spadix: A spike with small flowers crowded on a fleshy axis.
Spike: A raceme with unstalked flowers maturing from the bottom
upwards.
Umbel: A flat-topped inflorescence in which the pedicels all originate from
a single point, much like the struts of an umbrella.
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6. FRUITS
A fruit is the structure that encloses one or more seeds and to some extent assists in the
dissemination of the seeds. Many botanists consider a fruit to be a mature ovary, and
therefore do not consider cones to be fruits. In the more advanced fruits discussed
below, a carpel surrounds the seed, which is therefore no longer naked. This type of fruit
is found in the angiosperms, or flowering plants.
6.1 Terms for Describing a Fruit
The fruit is a very complex structure composed of a number of different parts. Some of
the more common terms used for describing fruit are:
Carpel: The unit of an ovary formed from one highly modified leaf. Simple
pistils have a single carpel. Compound pistils have several to many carpels
(often three or five) fused together.
Dehiscent: Split, allowing the seeds to fall out and be dispersed.
Endocarp: The inner layer of the pericarp (fruit wall). The endocarp can be
hard and bony as in peaches or soft as in grapes.
Epicarp or exocarp: The outer layer of the pericarp (fruit wall). The epicarp
can be tough and leathery as in citrus or soft as in cherries.
Fruitlet: The part of a fruit that becomes dispersed in schizocarpic fruits. The
fruitlet contains one or more seeds surrounded by part of the ovary wall.
Indehiscent: A fruit that does not split open.
Locule: A chamber or cavity of a fruit.
Mesocarp: The middle layer of the pericarp (fruit wall).
Pericarp: The fruit wall, often composed of three layers: epicarp, mesocarp,
and endocarp.
Pit: The stony endocarp of a peach or other drupe.
Sarcocarp: Any internal fleshy layer of a fruit.
Schizocarp: A fruit that forms from one ovary but breaks into two or more
fruitlets, each containing seeds.
Seed: Mature ovules composed of a seed coat, endosperm (starch or oil
used to nourish the developing embryo), and embryo.
Segment: A division or portion of a fruit. Usually these correspond to the
locules.
Septum: A partition between two fused carpels.
Stone: The hardened endocarp of a peach or other drupe.
Valves: The parts of the pericarp (fruit wall) that are separated at dehiscence.
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6.2 General Types of Fruit

One way to understand fruits is to look at how they develop. In the simplest
developmental pattern, a single pistil develops into a single fruit. Three fruit types display
this pattern: simple, rhexocarpic, and schizocarpic. A simple fruit is dispersed as a whole
(for example, a berry); a rhexocarpic fruit splits open and the seeds are shed from the
fruit (for example, a capsule); and a schizocarpic fruit splits into separate fruitlets, which
are dispersed (for example, a dill fruit splits into two fruitlets).
In addition to this basic type of fruit are compound fruits (also called aggregate fruits),
which develop from more than one pistil in a single flower, and multiple fruits, which
develop from more than one pistil in more than one flower.
Another way to look at fruits is to distinguish between those that are formed solely from
the ovary and those that are formed from the ovary as well as other flower parts.
A pericarpium is a fruit formed solely from the ovary. Some of the more common types of
pericarpium include:
Achene: A simple, one-seeded fruit in which the pericarp (fruit wall) is
attached to the seed. A nut (in some uses of the term) is an achene with a
hardened pericarp.
Berry (Bacca): A simple, fleshy fruit that does not dehisce. Berries are
usually dispersed by animals that eat them. The seeds pass through their
bodies and are excreted.
Capsule: A rhexocarpic (dehiscent) fruit formed from more than one carpel.
Rhododendrons have capsular fruit. There are several types of capsule,
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M.S.K.Prathap
which are distinguished by the type of dehiscence they exhibit: in a septicidal

capsule, dehiscence is along the septa (the area where the carpels or locules
are fused to each other) separating the carpels. In a loculicidal capsule
dehiscence is via slits formed in the outer wall of the locules (or cavities). In a
poricidal capsule, dehiscence is via pores, small holes in the side of the
capsule.
Drupe: A simple, fleshy, indehiscent fruit with one or more internal stones.
The stones are an adaptation to animal dispersal; they protect the seed
during its passage through the animal's digestive tract.
Follicle: A dry, dehiscent fruit that develops from one carpel and opens
through only one slit.
Hesperidium: A fleshy, berry-like fruit with a tough rind, such as orange,
lemon, and other citrus.
Legume: A dry dehiscent fruit formed from a single carpel, which usually
opens along two sides. This type of fruit is found only in the bean family.
Samara: A simple, dry, indehiscent fruit with wings.
An anthocarp is a fruit formed from the ovary and attached floral parts that have
undergone marked development after fertilization in order to aid in the dissemination of
the seeds.
Some common types of anthocarp:
Anthecium: A grass fruit in which a single spikelet with fertile florets breaks apart
above the glumes (the bracts at the base of the spikelet). There are several other
types of grass fruit that will not be covered here.
Cypsela: A fruit with wings or bristles at its tip.
Glans: A fruit in which the receptacle, pedicel, or peduncle are enlarged.
Pome: A fruit in which the hypanthium (a cup formed by the fusion of the sepals,
petals, and stamens) becomes enlarged and fleshy.
87
6.3 Fruit and Seed Dispersal

Fruits and seeds usually move away from the parent plant in some way. The mechanism
by which this is done is called dispersal. There are six common means of dispersal:
Anemochory: Dispersal by wind.
Autochory: Dispersal by physical expulsion, often explosively.
Endozoochory: Dispersal through animal ingestion and excretion. Many
seeds cannot germinate and grow without first passing through the gut of an
88
M.S.K.Prathap
animal. The acid washing or physical grinding of the seeds helps them
germinate.
Epizoochory: Dispersal by attachment to fur or feathers. Some plants have
barbs on their fruit, which become attached to passing animals and fall to the
ground when the animals clean themselves.
Hydrochory: Dispersal by water. Seeds of rushes are light and easily carried
by water. They also often have tails at each end, which subsequently help
them become lodged in mud or other debris.
Myrmecochory: Dispersal by ants. Myrmechochory is a very important but
often overlooked form of dispersal. Violets and many other spring wildflowers
form small bodies attached to the seed, the sole purpose of which is to
provide food for the ant. The ant takes the whole seed to its nest and then
removes the food body. In the process, the seed is dispersed.
SURFACE FEATURES
Some features can be found on virtually any part of a plant -- namely, surface features.
These generally are hairs, called trichomes in botany. To describe the hairiness of a leaf,
for example, botanists describe the trichomes, their abundance, and orientation,
collectively called the indumentum. The following are common terms used to describe
plant surfaces:
Glabrous: Without any hairs or other surface covering.
Glabrescent: Becoming glabrous over time. In other words, the hairs fall off
as the leaf ages.
Pubescent: Downy. With short soft hairs.
Hispid: With stout, stiff hairs.
Hirsute: With rough, coarse hairs.
Tomentose: Wooly. With long, soft, matted hairs.
Villous: Shaggy. With long, soft, unmatted hairs.
Strigose: With long, stiff, appressed hairs.
Stellate: With stellate hairs (hairs that branch and look like small stars).
Viscid: Sticky.
89

Flora of Kerala

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Flora of Kerala

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COMMON FLORA OF KERALA

COMMON FLORA OF KERAL A FORESTS

Collected & Compiled by M.S.K.Prathap

extremely thankful to Sri.Amarnatha Shetty IFS, Conservator

Forest Plants of Kerala by Dr.P.N.Nair &

C.S.Nair, Flora of the Presidency of Madras by J.S.Gamble

Encyclopedia of Plants & Earth Sciences and the great

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

SPECIES FOUND IN KERALA FORESTS

rbRd, rReRd, rvf

Acacia nilotica ssp. indica

bfagkvnf, Qejfnfzfcjx, zbjgkglrvf

Actinodaphne campanulata var.

cnbfjf*f, FsRenf, ct=nf, kfNf bfjf*f

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

hrveJf, zhjgcjx, hrcjx, zhjgf

Ailanthus integrifolia ssp.

cf, zhjgcjx, zhe=fnx

Dsenx, DBf*f$, zjx

zhebek, zhe\bek, zcebek, zvsvf

zvsvf bek, bek

hgNfbek, kgfbek, kjgbek, zvfbek

zbbek, kjfkj, kegbek, pnbek

Alseodaphne semecarpifolia var.

SBfnxhen, cgxhen, hen

cBge*fjx, }ec, zb vb, zkejfe*fjx,

DjRe*fnf, DJ$, cjbgjf

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

Artocarpus gomezianus ssp.

Atalantia racemosa var.

cglgzkeN\, bjfkrJf, kegzke

cnRf, kgagNf, cejx, cncejx, Djxhenf

c* cejx, kef, kevtcjx

skebfoejx, gb cejx, bnfR cnRf

sensb=, lfjgd, ezlR\

Fnbd, htN, cgfnbd

cggsb=, cg\zzkl, cg#wvf

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

bftj$, ketj$, zkj

bnfR tj$, Evtj$, lafR\ tj$

zJgsld, veRdsd, veRdgf#

zJghg, Eghg, c*g

Canthium dicoccum var.

Ebej, Dbj, Ebejx

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

keeafcjx, tN, sbed

Chionanthus ramiflorus var.

Chionanthus zeylanica var.

Fnbxix, bBv, kJgb

bRv, kJgb, Fnbxix

hgNf\zaf, kRddvejf, zhef

Clausena dentata var.

Mrc*f, heJ*f, heJtN

bfjf, bfjMx, vJgsbnf

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

kejRvf, zbafebd, sbaebd, cg\henf, kgj=gebd

brf, Fqf, kjfbrf

hfncjx, zbgzenf, zzhf, zbrf

Fqf, brf, snbrf

}gct, kegzvef, hgnff

hfg, beBg, kgag

kjfcjx, cgmdlf, ZyCf

Common Flora of Kerala Forests

kejcebd, jgoe!x, vkej, bnfR kej, kej

cnbfjff, FsRenf, ct=nf, kfNf bfjff

cBgefjx, }ec, zb vb, zkejfefjx,

Mrcf, heJf, heJtN

cjc#, cggkad, cggcCef

c}dpvef, ceb, cCef