A Study on the Ex-Situ Conservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants in Dr. Sushila Tiwari Herbal Garden, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
Pottepaka Shravan
Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India.
Modala Rakesh
Non-Timber Forest Products Discipline, Silviculture and Forest Management Division, Forest Research Institute Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India.
Soboro Komal
Non-Timber Forest Products Discipline, Silviculture and Forest Management Division, Forest Research Institute Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India.
L. R. Lakshmikanta Panda *
Forest Research Institute Deemed to be University, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A study was conducted at the Dr. Sushila Tiwari herbal garden in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with the aim of scientific documentation and data collection of medicinal plants. The study found there are approximately 126 species present in the herbal garden, trees being the most abundant species followed by shrubs, herbs, climbers and grasses. The major families found in the herbal garden are Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae etc. Critically endangered species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Endangered species such as Oroxylum indicum, Ginkgo biloba, Cammiphora wightii, Rauvolfia serpentina, and Strychnos lucida. Near threatened species such as Aegle mermelos, were also found in the garden. Herbal gardens are crucial for conserving rare and endangered medicinal plants, while also promoting the utility of commonly available and frequently used medicinal plants among people, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Keywords: Herbal garden, Ex situ conservation, Rishikesh, medicinal plants, critically endangered