EIACP Resource Partner on Biodiversity

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia absus L.

Vernacular Names:

Chiksi, Chimas.

Local name

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect herbs, with 2 pairs of leaflets and glands between both pairs. Flowers pink or red’, in terminal or leaf-opposed racemes. Fertile stamens 7-7. Pods flat

Fl & Fr:

August - November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in wet and shady habitats in the forests as an undergrowth.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The Bhil and Saharia tribes of Kota district apply externally the seed-paste to cure infection of wounds and sores and take internally as blood purifier. Garasias take orally the decoction of leaves as a cough remedy. Meena tribals apply the paste of seeds for the treatment of opthalmia and skin affection.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia auriculata L.

Vernacular Names:

Anwal, Tarwan, Tarawar

Local name

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Bushy shrubs, with 8-12 pairs of leaflets and glands between all pairs. Flowers yellow with orange veins, in axillary and terminal racemes. Pods flat.

Fl & Fr:

August - November

Ecology

Distribution:

Gregarious in gravelly and sandy soils throughout the State.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The Garasia tribals wash the eyes with the decoction of seeds in ophthalmia and conjunctivitis. Bhils take orally the fresh flowers with sugar to cure diabetes and urinary disorders. They also give leaves as an anthelmintic to the children. The Saharia tribals in Kota district make a paste of root-powder with mustard-oil to apply against skin disesses and on the abdomen against problems in urinary discharge. Kathodias cure cough and cold by taking orally the root-powder in Udaipur district and Bhils of Banswara cure diarrhea. The twigs are used as tooth-brush.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Stem-bark is widely used for tanning the leather by the natives, particularly in Pali and Udaipur districts. The bark is also exported to the other neighbouring States.

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Stem-bark is crushed and dropped into the water for stupefying the fishes by the Garasias.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia fistula L.

Vernacular Names:

Amaltas, Bahawa, Dhediya, Garmale, Karmalo, Dodiya, Kirmalo

Local name

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Medium-sized trees, with 4-8 pairs of leaflets and yellow flowers in long axillary pendulous racemes. Pods cylindrical, long, blackish-brown when ripe.

Fl & Fr:

April - June

Ecology

Distribution:

Occasionally found in the forests on the Aravallis; usually planted along the roads

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The tribals of Pali and Udaipur districts use the seeds to cure snake-bite. They also take orally the pulp of fruits as safe purgative. Garasias and Bhils apply the poultice of leaves to cure chilblain. It is also beneficially rubbed in facial paralysis and rheumatism by them. Saharia tribals of Kota district make a paste of roots, black peeper and leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Kathal) and apply it to remove swellings of throat. They also take orally the extract of stem-bark and leaves to cure dyspepsia, liver congestion and habitual constipation. The Kathodi tribals give the same extract to cure bronchitis and pneumonia. The fruits-pulp is eaten or given orally with water to cure abdomenache, constipation, diarrhea, typhoid, jaundice, tuberculosis and as a vermifuge by the tribals of Udaipur district. The pulp is usually taken with sugar. The seeds are eaten by the tribals of Banswara district for having a sound sleep

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The flowers are cooked as vegetable by Bhil and Garasia tribals in Pali and Udaipur districts.

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

The wood is durable and much preferred for agricultural implements (plough) and hut material (pillar, beam) by the tribals. The tools for grinding-called “Ookhala and Mosati” are made from its wood by the Bhil and Garasia tribals

Commercial:

The natives use the bark as a tanning material throughout the State

Magico-Religious belief:

Bhil and Saharias protect their sleeping children from getting frightened by keeping the dry fruits under their pillows. The flowers are offered to the god and goddedd by them. They also make garlands for adornment from the flowers

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia mimosoides L.

Vernacular Names:

Ikrar.

Local name

Tribal Names:

Prostrate or decumbent herbs, with 30-60 pairs of leaflets. Flowers yellow, in axillary fascicles of 1-3; stamens 10. pods flat, linear.

Short Description:

Fl & Fr:

August – November

Ecology

Distribution:

Occasionally found in the forests in the east of Aravalli in shady habitats

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The root-powder mixed with con flour is made into a paste which is applied on belley to cure colic pains by the Bhils and Damors of Sirohi district

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia obtusifolia L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Pumaria, Puadia, Punwad

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect herbs, with 3 pairs of leaflets and glands between the pairs of leaflets. Flowers yellow, in axillary racemes; three large anthers with neck at the apex. Seed-areole slit-like.

Fl & Fr:

August – November

Ecology

Distribution:

Abundant in the forests and wastelands

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The roots are rubbed on a stone with lemon juice and paste so formed is applied on ringworm by Bhil and Garasia tribes. The Saharia tribals take orally the seed-powder with whey to ease the irritation of itchy eruptions. They also fry the leaves in castor oil and apply to foul ulcer. The local Vaids prescribe the leaves to cure tuberculosis glands. Cassia tora L. (Puadia) also finds similar uses.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The unripe fruits and young leaves with tender shoots are cooked as vegetable by the tribals in rural areas

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The dry stem and branches are burnt during night by the tribals of Udaipur and Banswara districts as an alternative of torch. Cassia tora L. (Puaria) is used as a substitute of this species.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia occidentalis L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Kesundo, Talka, Chakundra, Mari-pumbadio.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Diffuse undershrubs, with 3-6 pairs of leaflets and a gland on the petiole. Flowers yellow, in corymbose panicles. Pods linear-oblong.

Fl & Fr:

August – November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in wastelands and fringes of forests.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Garasias and Bhils apply the paste of leves to cure skin diseases and take orally as a purgative.

Veterinary uses:

The decoction of fresh leaves is applied on the foot by the tribals to cure foot and mouth diseases of cattle. Damors apply the paste of roots to cure ringworm and paste of fruits against scorpion-stings. The tribals of southern Rajasthan put few drops of leaf decoction into ears to cure earache and tie warmed leaves over the eyes to cure conjunctivitis.

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia senna L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Bhui-khakhosa, Hindi-sena, Sonamukhi

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Herbs or shrubs, with 4-8 pairs of lanceolate leaflets and yellow flowers in racemes. Glands absent. Pods oblong, with reticulately veined  valves.

Fl & Fr:

Throughout the year

Ecology

Distribution:

Parts Used:

Cultivated in the gardens for ornamental purpose and commercially for the leaves used for drug.

Human uses:

Local Vaids consider it to have cathartic properties and therefore, prescribe it to cure habitual constipation. The leaves yield a commercial drug “Senna”.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia siamea L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Seemia

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Trees, with 4-14 pairs of leaflets and yellow flowers in panicles. Foliar glands absent. Pods strap-shaped.

Fl & Fr:

Most part of the year

Ecology

Distribution:

Planted along the roads and in the gardens

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

The tribals make household and kitchen articles from its wood

Instrument:

Wood is very much popular in light wood industry in the State for making helves, walking sticks etc.

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia sophera L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Kasunda

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Shrubs, with 6-10 pairs of leaflets and glands on the petiole. Flowers yellow, in umbellate racemes. Pods turgid, linear.

Fl & Fr:

August – January

Ecology

Distribution:

Rare, in wastelands, chiefly in the east of Aravalli.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The seed-paste is applied on ringworm by Garasias of Pali and Udaipur districts. Bhil ladies in eastern Rajasthan very often take fresh infusion of leaves to cure gonorrhea and externally apply the paste of leaves to cure syphilis. Kathodi  and Damor tribes take orally the decoction of plant to cure bronchitis. They also mix the bark and seed-powder in honey and give to the diabetic patients to eat.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Caesalpiniaceae

Scientific Name:

Cassia tora L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Puaria, Talka, Chakundra, Puadia, Punwad

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Suffruticose herbs, with 3 pairs of leaflets and glands between them. Flowers yellow or reddish tinged, geminate; all 7 anthers rounded at apex. Pods linear, turgid.

Fl & Fr:

August – November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in wastelands and forests, often confused for C. obtusifolia L.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The root-paste is applied as an antidote to snake-bite and scorpion-sting Udaipur region. Alcoholic extract of plant prepared by the Bhils in hilly tracts is used as an antibiotic to wash and cure the ringworm. Garasias in Pali district prepare a decoction of leaves and leaves and seeds to cure several skin diseases.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Pods are cooked as vegetable by the tribals and seeds are powdered and used as a substitute for coffee by the Kathodias

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Most tribals use this plant for washing the clothes. The plants are boiled in the water and dirty wearings are put in the warm extract for sometime before washing them

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Celastraceae

Scientific Name:

Cassine glauca (Rottb.) Kuntze

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Trees, with opposite or sub-opposite, orbicular-elliptic leaves and greenish-yellow flowers in paniculate cymes. Drupes obovoid; seeds not arillate.

Fl & Fr:

September – November

Ecology

Distribution:

Occasional, In the forests in central and southern Rajasthan

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Wood is specifically preferred for cabinet work and for making frames of pictures. Tribals hardly make any item from its wood by themselves

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The powder of roots is soaked in water and solution is given orally with some other drink in large quantity as a poison by the Nut and Sansi tribals to their enemies/voictims.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Vitaceae

Scientific Name:

Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Char, Char-bel, Khira, Jordnibel, Khajoor-glan

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Herbaceous climbers, with 3-foliolate leaves and greenish- white flowers in axillary or pseudo-terminal cymes. Berries obovate-globose, dark purple to black when ripe.

Fl & Fr:

July – December

Ecology

Distribution:

Common among bushes in the wastelands, forests and boundaries of fields

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The leaves are made into a paste and applied to cure yoke-sores of bullocks by the Bhils. The Garasias in Pali district give decoction of roots to the ladies to control excessive bleeding from the uterus. Bhils in Udaipur districts boil the root-decoction and inhale the vapours to cure mumps. They also apply root-paste as an ointment to cure pimples, boils and carbuncles. Bhils of Udaipur region take orally the extract of roots to cure disbetes

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Celastraceae

Scientific Name:

Celastrus paniculatus Wild.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Malkangani, Jangli-mali, Kangni-kavela, Mali

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Unarmed, shrubby climbers, with ovate-elliptic leaves and greenish yellow flowers in terminal panicles. Ovary free from the disc.

Fl & Fr:

April - November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in dry deciduous forests, particularly in the east of Aravalli

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The Kathodi tribals in Udaipur district take orally the stem-bark powder with water to cure snake-bite. Bhils and Garasias apply the seed-oil on forehead to cure headache and take internally to increase memory power. They also eat pulp of fruits to cure dropsy or seeds are brewed to make a liquor which is given to drink to the patients of dropsy. The tribals of Sirohi district consider seed-oil useful internally as well as externally as a good remedy against gout, rheumatism and paralysis. They also eat seeds with sugar and ghee as a health tonic. The tribals of Udaipur region add fruits in fermenting broth of Madhuca indica (Mahuwa) before distillation of alcohol. This liquor is taken for deworming the intestine.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The gum has sweet taste and eaten by the children. Garasias widely eat it during famine

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

The bast fibres or strips of bark are uaes for sealing the rims of a musical instruments-called “Dholak”.

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Garasias of Sirohi district add stem-bark to the fermenting broth before distilling local alcohol to increase intoxicity. Damors of Durgapur district, however, add the leaves for this purpose.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Amaranthaceae

Scientific Name:

Celosia argentea L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Surli, Garke, Garkha

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect annuals. Leaves linear-lanceolate or ovate-elliptic. Flowers white or pink. Seeds lenticular, black, shining.

Fl & Fr:

August - November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common weed in cultivated fields, waste grounds, preferably on sandy or stony ground during post monsoon season

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The leaves and tender shoots are cooked to make a favourite vegetables by the tribals

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Poaceae

Scientific Name:

Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Bhurat

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect or geniculately ascending grass. Leaf-ligule a ciliate rim. Spikelets in spiciform panicles; bristles of involucres retrorsely scabrid and tenaciously prickly; upper glumes 1 to 5- nerved.

Fl & Fr:

August - December

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in sandy and hummocky plains in the desert

Parts Used:

Human uses:

This is known as queen of cookery grass in the desert and people value it next to Pennisetum (Bajra) due to high percentage of flat and proteins. Usually the grains are powdered and made into bread-locally called “Khankara”. Some tribals also mix the flour of Citrullus colocynthis (Toos, Tumba) seeds with it and then bake breads. A delicious dish-locally called “Malad”, is also prepared by the tribals of desert after frying the flour of grains of Bhurat in ghee and adding sugar in it. It is considered useful in muscle building and improvement of health. Cenchrus setigerus (Dhaman) is sometimes used as a substitute for this species.

Veterinary uses:

Both species also serve good fodder for cattle.

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Apiaceae

Scientific Name:

Centella asiatica (L.)

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Brahmi-buti, Popli

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Creeping herbs, with broadly suborbicular leaves and pink or red flowers in fasciculate umbels. Fruits ovoid.

Fl & Fr:

Throughout the year

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in the east of Aravalli in moist habitats

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The poultice of plant mixed with oil is rubbed on the head to sharpen the memory. The leaf-juice is also believed to increase the memory when taken internally with ghee in Sirohi and Udaipur districts.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The plant has stupefying narcotic properties and in higher doses it produces cephalalgia or vertigo with a tendency of coma. It is probably the reason that tribals make no use of it in the State.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Asteraceae

Scientific Name:

Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) O. Kuntze

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Ghora-jeera, Jangli-jeera.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect, aromatic, punctuate or glandular hairy annuals. Leaves elliptic-obovate or ovate, coarsely serrate. Heads purple. Achenes terete, 10 to 12-ribbed, glandular hairy.

Fl & Fr:

December – March

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in wet and shady habitat in wastelands and forests.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Veterinary uses:

The seeds are crushed and given orally to the cattle to cure abdominal pain.

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Asclepiadaceae

Scientific Name:

Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Hedulo, Khadula.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Twining herbs, with fleshy, orbicular or ovate leaves. Flowers grayish purple; corolla-tube inflated at base. Follicles terete, glabrous.

Fl & Fr:

Ecology

Distribution:

Rare in exposed rocky habitats on the hillocks

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The raw tubers are eaten by the tribal ladies of southern Rajasthan to promote fertility and vitality. They are also considered effective against snake-bite and retention of urine in Udaipur region

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The tubers are eaten by the shepherd to quench their thirst in the desert. They also consider the tubers good for digestion as a tonic.

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Chenopodiaceae

Scientific Name:

Chenopodium album L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Bathua, Chilario

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Herbs, with oblong-rhomboid, somewhat fleshy leaves. Flowers pale-green, born in cluster in paniculate, ebracteate spikes; perianth-segments without any swelling on the back. Seeds rugose.

Fl & Fr:

October – April

Ecology

Distribution:

Weed in cultivated fields, gardens and another humid places

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The powder of seeds is taken orally to cure swollen gums by the Bhils of Banswara district. The leaves are tied to cure sprains.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Tender branches with leaves are cooked as vegetable. Chenopodium murale (Jangli-bathua, Chandalia) is sometimes used as a substitute for this purpose; the vegetable of both is usually given to the patients since it is rich in iron and considered very nutritive, laxative and anthelmintic.

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Liliaceae

Scientific Name:

Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Safed-musali.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Annual herbs, with many cylindric root-fibres ending in ellipsoid tubers. Leaves linear-lanceolate. Flowers white, in dense racemes. Capsules obovoid, transversely veined.

Fl & Fr:

June – October

Ecology

Distribution:

Rare, on the hills, particularly at Jalore, Jhalawar and Mt. Abu.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The tribals of Udaipur district give orally the root-powder with milk to cure bone fracture.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Scientific Name:

Chrozophora rottleri (Geis.) A. Juss. ex Spreng.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Subali, Dekha-chowkdi, Gubra, Khakaguddi.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Stellately hairy herbs, branches in the upper region. Leaves entire or 3-lobed, ovate to suborbicular. Sepals of female flowers triangular; stigma red. Capsules purple

Fl & Fr:

August – May

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in moist sandy-loam soils, particularly in the east of Aravalli.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The leaves are placed over inflamed face from sunstroke.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Leaves are used by the Bhils and Damors as a fish poison for hunting  them.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Fabaceae

Scientific Name:

Cicer arietinum L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Chana, Channa, Channo

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Much-branched herbs, with pinnate leaves and turgid-oblong fruits.

Fl & Fr:

December – March

Ecology

Distribution:

Commonly cultivated as a winter season crop in southern and south-eastenr parts of the State

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The tribals of Barmer district eat roasted seeds to cure jaundice

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The tender twigs are cooked as vegetable-called chana-ka-sag.

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

The roasted seeds are offered on Tuwsday to Lord “Hanuman” and on Friday to Goddes “Santoshi Mata” by the tribals as well as educated people throughout the State.

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Menispermaceae

Scientific Name:

Cissampelos pareira L. var. hirsute

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Chhoti-taan, Tan, Kalipar

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Twining, dioecious shrubs, with orbicular or reniform leaves, greenish yellow flowers and subglobose fruits which become red on ripening.

Fl & Fr:

July – October

Ecology

Distribution:

Common among the hedges and fences of fields and gardens and on the outskirts of forests

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Kathodi tribe of Udaipur district mix the root-powder with the powder of Marsdenia tenacissima (Jiti-marua-bel) roots and take orally with water six or seven time for 2-3 days to cure snake-bite. Bhil and Garasia tribes apply the leaves on external sores and abscesses, while juice of leaves is given in jaundice by them. The local Vaids and herbalists advise to chew the roots since they have diuretic, lithotriptic and febrifugal properties. The tribals of Southern Rajasthan take orally the decoction of roots as a perfect medicine against snake-bite, mad dog-bite and pneumoni. In Udaipur region, however, tribals take orally the decoction of roots to cure diarrhea and abdomenache.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Vitaceae

Scientific Name:

Cissus quadrangularis L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Jangli-angoor.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Though this is not growing in the State, but the plant organs are available in the local market which are being used in medicines

Fl & Fr:

Ecology

Distribution:

Parts Used:

Human uses:

One intermodal portion of stem is prescribed by local Vaids to eat for a few day daily for early cure of bone fracture.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

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Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Orobanchaceae

Scientific Name:

Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Wight

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Beaphor, Louki-mula.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Purplish-yellow, leafless, root-parasites, parasitising Calligonum, Capparis, Salvadora, Calotropis and Acacia species in the desert. Flowers yellow, not 2-lipped. Capsules subglobose, beaked

Fl & Fr:

October – March

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in W. Rajasthan

Parts Used:

Human uses:

During winter season, the entire plant is kept in the water adding some common salt for about 15 days and then crushed. The juice so obtained is applied on bleeding piles by the tribals of desert, especially Bhils and Garasias.

Veterinary uses:

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Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Scientific Name:

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Indrayan, Toos, Tumbo, Tumbi

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Perennial herbs, with 2 to 3-fid tendrils and deeply 3 to 5- lobed leaves. Flowers greenish-yellow. Fruits globose, molted with yellowish blotches.

Fl & Fr:

Almost throughout the year

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in sandy habitats, particularly in the desertic zones.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The powder of dry roots is taken orally with water by the Bhils in the west of Aravalli to cure jaundice, urinary diseases and rheumatism. They also collect immature fruits during rainy season, stuff them with salt and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), put it for a few days and then eat to cure acute stomachache. The commercial drug “colocynth”, obtained from the dry pulp of fruits, is drastically hydragogue, cathartic and produces large watery evacuations. In higher doses it causes violent gripping, prostration and somes bloody discharge. The tribals of Barmer district put 2-3 drops of decoction of roots in the ear to cure earache.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The tribals of desert  collect the seeds, wash them many times with salt-water to remove the bitterness of they are buried with salt in small dugouts in sand for a few weeks and later washed, dried and powdered to make breads solely or after mixing with Bajra flour. A delicious dish-called “Khankara” is also prepared by the natives of desert by mixing it’s seeds with the seed-flour of Cenchrus biflorus (Bhurat) and C. setigerus (Dhaman). Sometimes the seeds as such are mixed with the flour of Vigna aconitifolia (Moth) to prepare thick breads.

Drink & Beverages:

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Commercial:

The seeds yield a non edible oil which has a reputable place in soap industry, in paints, varnishes and candle making. As such, there has been a great demand of seeds in the State.

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The pulp of fruits is bitter in taste and acts as an acro-narotic poison resulting to death. The smaller quantity of dry powdered pulp is reported to cause abortion, if taken orally.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Cucurbitaceae

Scientific Name:

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Matira, Tarbooj

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Softly hairy annuals, with 2-fid tendrils. Leaves 3-lobed, lobes pinnatifid. Flowers pale yellow. Fruits subglobose or ellipsoid, large, green or variegated longitudinally.

Fl & Fr:

August – December

Ecology

Distribution:

Naturalized in desertic zones, elsewhere cultivated

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The powder of dry seeds of C. nlanatus var. fistulosa (Tinda) is applied against scorpion-sting by the tribals of Barmer district

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The pulp of fruits is sweet and edible. The natives of desert pound the dry seeds and mix the seed-powder with the flour of Bajra to make the breads during famine. They also cook the seed-powder with milk and the preparation is locally called as “Kheech”. The dry seeds give the taste of almonds and largely eaten as such. The roasted seeds are also eaten with salt by the natives. The rind of fruits is cooked as vegetable-called “Khelera”.

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Commercial:

The seeds yield 20-40 percent edible oil whichis used locally as a substitute for Sesamum oil (Til) and ground-nut oil. Commercially the oil finds its use in paints, varnishes, soap, candle and in lubrication.

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The pulp of fruits sometimes contain higher percentage of bitter principles, such fruits are toxic.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Rutaceae

Scientific Name:

Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Khatta.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Thorny trees, with ovate-elliptic leaves, white flowers tinged with pink-purple and oval or oblong fruits.

Fl & Fr:

During winters

Ecology

Distribution:

Occasionally cultivated for edible fruits

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The fruit-juice is taken orally with some salt by the tribals of Udaipur for relief in body-heat and diarrhea. However, the tribals of Chittorgarh district put a few drops of fruits-juice into eyes to cure conjunctivitis. They also boil the leaves in water and then tie them over the pimples and boils

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Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Rutaceae

Scientific Name:

Citrus maxima L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Chakotra, Chakutra

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

The fruits of this plant are sold in the local market, probably imported from neighbouring States since this species is not usually grown in Rajasthan

Fl & Fr:

Ecology

Distribution:

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The pulp of fruits is also considered very effective in pasing out urinary calculi if eaten for a longer duration by the Bhils of Dungarpur

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The whole fruit is given to eat to their cattle by the Bhils in Banswara district to cure indigestion caused by iron objects eaten with the fodder

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Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Rutaceae

Scientific Name:

Citrus medica L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Nimbu, Neembu

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Large shrubs or small trees, with axillary spines, white flowers and globose fruits.

Fl & Fr:

December – June

Ecology

Distribution:

Commonly cultivated for its edible fruits

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Veterinary uses:

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Magico-Religious belief:

A lemon is split into four pieces up to nearly ¾ of its vertical diameter. Two stripes of red cloth are passed through the cuts. After adding vermilion it is moved around the face of victim and then all items are put in a clay vessel which is drifted in water or buried in the soil after closing the mouth. The tribals believe that the patient sick due to evil spirits gets cured by this method. The tribals also tie the lemon along with green fresh chillies and charcoal at the main entrance of huts with the belief that evil spirits will not enter in their huts.

Conservational measures:

Others:

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Cleomaceae

Scientific Name:

Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Noddi, Navli

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Glandular hairy herbs, with 3 to 5-foliolate leaves. Flowers yellow, in bracteates racemes. Capsules oblong, glandular.

Fl & Fr:

Throughout the year

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in gravelly and rocky habitat in desertic zones.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The decoction of fresh leaves is taken orally twice or thrice a day for a week by Garasia and Bhil tribes to cure leucoderma.

Veterinary uses:

The decoction is also dropped in the nostrils of camels to worms.

Food & Fodder:

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Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Cleomaceae

Scientific Name:

Cleome gynandra L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Safed-bagra, Karalia, Hulhul

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Glandular hairy herbs, with 3 to 5-foliolate leaves. Flowers white, in terminal racemes. Capsules linear-cylindric.

Fl & Fr:

July – December

Ecology

Distribution:

Common weed in wastelands during rainy season.

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The decoction of seeds is given orally in cough, cold and fever. Bhils believe that leaf-juice when dropped in the ear, it is very effective to cure intermittent fever-locally called “Tihalia or Otalgia”. They also rub the leaves in rheumatic pains and headache. Garasia tribe eat fresh leaves to cure intestinal ulcer and take orally 5-10 gm seed-powder with cold water daily after dinner for three days to cure painful piles and for removing intestinal worms. The tribals of Barmer eat the vegetable of leaves to cure night-blindness and apply the seed-powder on the eyes to improve eye-sight

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

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Conservational measures:

Others:

The seeds and bruised leaves are extremely irritant causing redness, hyperaemia and vesication. They are also used as fish poison and to kill lice by the tribals.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Cleomaceae

Scientific Name:

Cleome viscosa L.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Bagro, Bagra, Pili-hulhul

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Glandular hairy herbs, with 3 to 5-foliolate leaves. Flowers yellow, in leafy racemes; stamens more than 10. Capsules cylindric, beaked.

Fl & Fr:

September - November

Ecology

Distribution:

Common weed infields

Parts Used:

Human uses:

The seeds are effectively used orally by the tribals and local inhabitants to cure bleeding piles and for deworming the stomach of children. Bhils apply crushed leaves to heal up old wounds. They also drop leaf-juice in earache and take orally in fever and plague. The tribals of Mukundara range in S.E. Rajasthan prepare a paste of the plant and apply on ulcer infected with guinea-worms (Naaru) to expel the latter.

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

Conservational measures:

Others:

The seeds and leaves cause irritation, redness, hyperaemia and vesication.

Referecces

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan, India. Singh V, Pandey R.P.

Family:

Verbenaceae

Scientific Name:

Clerodendrum phlomoidid L.f.

Vernacular Names:

Local name

Arni, Anni.

Tribal Names:

Short Description:

Erect or scandent shrubs, with solid stem and opposite, rhomboid-ovate leaves. Flowers white, in panicles. Fruits obovoid.

Fl & Fr:

August - March

Ecology

Distribution:

Common in wastelands

Parts Used:

Human uses:

Bhils apply leaf-juice on the male sex organs to cure syshilis. The decoction of fresh roots is also given by them orally to cure gonorrhea and to the children o cure measles. They also apply non-edible seed-oil to their hairs as a hair tonic. The Saharia and Damor tribals take about 50 gm leaves and boil them in 250 ml water till it is reduced to one-fourth. Now the decoction is filtered and litlttle sugar is added to it before taking orally thrice a day for 2 days to cure pain of joints. However, the Bhils of Udaipur prepare a sweet-called “Laddoo” with seed-powder, ghee and flour

Veterinary uses:

Food & Fodder:

The Garasia tribals mix the twigs of this plant with the fodder of their cattle suffering from diarrhea and worms.

Drink & Beverages:

House Bldg. & Technique:

Instrument:

Tender twigs are used for making bows and arrows by the Garasias.

Commercial:

Magico-Religious belief:

The tribals of Sendra and Lalpura forest range in Pali district rub the juice of plant on the body of infant child believing that it will protect him from evil spirits.

Conservational measures:

Others: