Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 2015, 3(2), 84-90 ISSN (Print): 2454 – 7492 ISSN (Online): 2347 – 4114 www.ajabs.org Survey of Some Important Ornamental Flowering Plants of Solan, Hima- chal Pradesh with Enumeration Aditya Kumar1*, Sayeeda Kousar Bhatti 2, Chhavi Mangla 3 and Ashok Aggarwal 4 1Department of Botany, Dayanand Post Graduate College, Hisar, Haryana, INDIA 2School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, INDIA 3Department of Botany, DAV College (Lahore), Ambala City, Haryana, INDIA 4Department of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, INDIA * Correspondance: E-mail: [email protected] (Received 01 June, 2015; Accepted 06 June, 2015; Published 09 June, 2015) ABSTRACT: The paper documents the knowledge of some important ornamental flowering plants of Solan, Hima- chal Pradesh. In the present investigation, seasonal trips were made to collect the plants from different sites of dis- trict Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The ornamental flowering plants were observed and some of the plants with medici- nal as well as ornamental importance were selected. Proper field note of each specimen was recorded and their iden- tification was done by giving botanical name, local name, parts used, habitat and general morphology. Fifteen or- namentally important plant species belonging to 15 genera and 11 families were studied. The purpose of study is to explore and document the important plant species as they play a vital role in decorative purposes, perfume indus- tries and as well as in the field of medicines. Keywords: Ornamental flowering plants; Solan, Himachal Pradesh; Economic and Medicinal Importance.. INTRODUCTION: Since the beginning of life, ornamental plants also plays an equally important part plants have served humankind as source of fuel, food, in cleansing urban air, cooling the atmosphere around clothing, shelter and medicine. Plants contain numer- us and assisting with use and recycling of vital essen- ous chemicals as a result of their natural metabolic tial elements in the soils, providing nutrition to bacte- activities. These chemicals may be essential for plant ria, fungi and microorganisms living in the soils. The- growth or as byproducts of its metabolism; they may se plants also play crucial role in cooling the atmos- also be potentially useful as food or as medicine1. The phere through the evapo-transpiration process on their plants are grown for the display of their flowers but in leaves and other parts thereby preventing health haz- many cases ornamental features include leaves, fruit, ards7. Aquccah8 reported that in many societies some stem and bark. The estimated area under the flowers flowers are associated with specific events. The crop in the country is about 1.06 hectare2. preservation of the flower lies in its strong power to The scent of flowers in particular awakens our senses. alleviate human sorrow and uplift our physiological We associate relaxing, calmness, delicacy, harmony, well being which is closely linked to our health. The heart opening, love and sensuality with it. Traditional- wide biodiversity in flowers viz. shape, size, type, ly flowers are grown for aesthetic, social function and colours and divine fragrances help us combat stress, extraction of essential oils and manufacturing of per- sooth the pain, help us forget for moments all the bad fumes3. The bulk of the flowers are used as such in and scary things this world presents us with on a daily garlands and decorative bunches for religious offer- basis. ings and a small quantity for the production of oils Due to large demand of flowers, cultivation of orna- and attars. The essential oil in flowers is extract mental plants has received an impetus in the recent through effleurage which is widely used for produc- years. So, the enhancement of growth and flowers tion of Jasmine attars in India4. A member of family production of such plants is desirable. Iridaceae, Gladiolus, is globally cultivated commer- cially for ornamental and medicinal purposes5,6. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It has become nec- Flowers for the use in daily life are produced for the essary to enhance the biomass production and quality decorations in festivals of both rooms and guests, for of ornamental plants in order to fulfil the need of soci- important ceremonial presentations, for needs of per- ety. Therefore, it requires formulation of planning and sonal cleanliness, for the decoration of tombs and strategies for their conservation and enhancement of finally for the religious sacrifices and funerals. The their products. 84 [(Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 3(2), 2015, 84-90) Survey of Some Important Ornamental Flowering Plants of Solan, Himachal Pradesh …] Study site: The study was undertaken at different information of ornamental flowering plants. The sites located in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. study provides information of fifteen plant species Solan is located at 30.920 N, 77.120 E and has a geo- belonging to eleven families (Table I). Among all the graphical area 1936 sq.km. The climate of the area is families, Asteraceae was found to be dominant fol- generally sub- temperate, semi- humid characterized lowed by Apocyanaceae. Fourteen species and ten by cold winter with mild summer and moderate rain- families belonged to dicot group while one genera, fall. one species and one family belonged to monocot group. The selected ornamental flowering plants Survey: Different sites and localities of district So- have both ornamental as well as medicinal im- lan were visited during the course of investigation. portance. The highly used parts of the plants were Fifteen ornamental plants of economic importance roots, leaves, flowers, stalks, corms, oil and dried were surveyed from different sites. The purpose of rhizome. In some cases, whole plant was claimed for the survey was to collect information of some orna- the cure of many ailments. Different types of prepa- mental flowering plants with proper field notes, iden- rations made from medicinally important species tification of the plants by giving botanical name, included juice, oil, decoction and paste. The present common name, locality, economic importance and survey also provides a brief account of the use of general morphology. The photography of all flower- various flowering plants against diseases like colds, ing plants was done. fevers, headaches, eye inflammations, hypertension, skin disease, coughs, pulmonary infections, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Floriculture could rheumatis, diabetes and malaria etc. It is also evident be considered as the most colourful sector of horticul- that a few flowers like Crysanthemum leucant- ture. India is the second largest grower of flowers hemum, Dahlia variablis, Gladiolus grandiflorus, after China. With urbanization and increase in dispos- Lilium rubescens, Nerium indicum and Rosa indica able income level, the demand for floriculture prod- play a vital role in decorative purposes, perfume ucts has increased significantly. As a result, there has industries and are regular constituents of several been an increasing demand for cut flowers like Rose, medicines. Floriculture has been identified as a po- Gladiolus, Gerbera, Orchid, Carnation, Lily etc. There tential business due to divergence of farmers towards is an equally good demand for the traditional flowers high value floral crops and utilization of flowers at like Jasminum grandiflorum, Tagetes patula, Chry- social and industrial level9. The results in the present santhemum sp., Rosa indica etc. This has led to the investigation are also constant with the reports of transformation of floriculture sector from household George et al.10 who studied the properties and uses activity to a commercial venture. It is one of the fast- of different trees and ornamental plants. Viability est growing segments of horticulture having potential and resource use in ornamental plants nursery busi- for providing enhanced returns to the farmers besides ness in Nigeria has also been studied by Segun et providing employment opportunities to the unem- al.11. Our results are also in corfirmity with the find- ployed youth. ings of Reddy et al.12 who explored the ornamental Colourful Flowers of Himachal Pradesh and the flowering species of Ysr district of Andhra Pradesh. beauty of big and small blooms is a treat to any plant Ornamental species are also the source of medicinal lover. Himachal Pradesh has a wonderful cold cli- importance13. A recent trend in order to establish eco- mate that supports growth of flowering plants. Sur- friendly human habitat is the landscape gardening vey of different sites and localities of district Solan, and bioaesthetic planning. Himachal Pradesh was carried out for the collection Table 1: Studies on some important ornamental flowering plants. Sr. Botanical Common Parts Family Habitat and General Morphology Economic Importance No. Name Name Used The roots are anti- Aster amellus are native of Italy. The inflammatory, depurative, plants do better at medium and high Aster amellus Michaelmas haemostatic and pectoral. 1. Asteraceae Roots elevations. Single flowers are small, Linn. daisy They are used in the treat- daisy like, borne in large heads and ment of coughs, pulmonary white, deep blue or pink in colour. infections and malaria. Catharanthus The plants are 30-60cm. tall and It is used for circulatory roseus (Linn.) Whole covered with bright green smooth discorders and support for 2. G.Donn. Periwinkle Apocynaceae dried oblong leaves. The flowers are rosy the metabolism of brain. plant purple. The plants are free flowering Some anticancer drugs (Vinca rosea) and bloom around the year. (Vincristine / Vinblastine) 85 [(Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 3(2), 2015, 84-90) Survey of Some Important Ornamental Flowering Plants of Solan, Himachal Pradesh …] extracted from the plant. Extract of plants have been Plants are hardly perennials attaining shown to have a wide varie- Chrysanthemum Seeds, the height of up to 0.5m. They are ty of potential medicinal 3. leucanthemum Moon daisy Asteraceae aerial summer flowering plants. The flow- properties including anti Linn. parts ers have white rays and yellow disc HIV-1, antibacterial and florets.