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| Last Updated:: 30/12/2020

Ethnobotany

ETHNOBOTANY

 

Ethnobotany of Rajasthan

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:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

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:

 

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:

 

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:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

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”.

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

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

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:

 

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

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

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:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

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:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

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:

The leaves are used to kill lice and ticks.

Referecces

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

  

 

Family:

 

Fabaceae

Scientific Name:

Clitoria ternatea L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Gokarni

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Twining herbs, with imparipinnate, 5 to 7-foliolate leaves and blue or white flowers. Pods spreading.

Fl & Fr:

Most part of the year

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Cultivated ornamentally and escapes near habitations.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Damor and Dhanka tribes crush the seeds with water, slightly warm up the paste and apply it on testes to cure swellings due to syphilis. Bhil and Garasia tribals take orally the extract of fresh leaves to cure congestion of liver and biliousness. The root-powder with cow-milk is taken twice or thrice a day for 3 months by Meenas Saeaimadhopur district to cure hydrophobia and poisoning by rat biting.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

The alcoholic extract of the roots acts as a brisk purgative and tenesmus; in a dose of 5-10 gm, the person feels feverish and uneasy

Referecces

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

 

 

Family:

 

Menispermaceae

Scientific Name:

Cocculus hirsutus (L.) DielsBajar-bel, Vev-no-velo

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

 

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Scandent, dioecious shrubs, with cordate-lanceolate or subdeltoid leaves. Male flowers minute, yellowish-green, in panicles. Fruits reddish-purple, smooth; seeds transversely rugose.

Fl & Fr:

September – April.

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common throughout the State on thr fringes of forests

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Root-powder is given with milk or honey to eat for 20-30 days in chronic rheumatism and venereal diseases. Juice of leaves is antiseptic and applied on old eczema. The local Vaids usually prescribe fresh decoction of leaves with sugar to be taken early in the morning for about a week to cure leucorrhoea. During treatment, the use of salt is prohibited and butter is to be taken in plenty. The Saharia and Bhil tribes use the leaves as a vegetable to cure night-blindness. Damor and Bhils drop the juice of leaves on cuts, sores and wounds for early cure. In Udaipur district, however, the Bhils drop the juice of leaves in eyes to cure conjunctivitis. They also mixes the juice of leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and take orally as a poison antidote or chew the leaves of both for the same. The decoction of roots is considered very effective by the Bhils of Udaipur in diarrhea, when taken orally.

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:

 

Menispermaceae

Scientific Name:

Cocculus pendulus (J.R. & G. Forst.) Diels.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Pilwan

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Straggling shrubs, with lanceolate-oblong leaves. Male flowers in axillary clusters. Fruits ovoid-obovoid, comprssed.

Fl & Fr:

October - January

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common throughout Rajasthan among bushes and shrubs in wastelands

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Leaf-sap when mixed with water forms a jelly which is applied externally by Bhil and Garasia tribes in skin diseases. The Bhils of desert area, however, take orally leaf paste as a remedy against oozing of blood from nose.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

Juice of ripe fruits yields a durable purple-blue dye which is used as ink and for dyeing the cloths by the tribals.

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

  

 

Family:

 

Cochlospermaceae

Scientific Name:

Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Ganiara

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Small, soft-wooded, dioecious trees. Leaves long-petioled, broadly ovate, palmately 3 to 5-lobed. Flowers bright golden yellow. Capsules broadly ellipsoid or obovate, ribbed, glabrous.

Fl & Fr:

January - April

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Very rare, in dry deciduous forests in the east of Aravalli.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

 

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

Totems and taboos: This species is considered as a plant totem of Ganawa clan of Bhils and, therefore, preserved by them

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

  

Family:

 

Arecaceae

Scientific Name:

Cocos nucifera L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Nariyal, Naral, Sriphal, Kanchli

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

So far this plant is not naturally growing in the State, but the plant products/organs are available in the market which are being utilized by the tribals variously.

Fl & Fr:

 

Ecology

 

Distribution:

 

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The fibrous mesocarp is used as scrubber (Sinhara) for cleaning the post by the Bhils of Udaipur region

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

The musical instrument-called “Chikara and Ravanhattha” are made by Garasias with the help of coconut shell (belly) and bamboo culms (main body). The tribals make bangles with the fruit-shell.

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

Kathodias offer coconut (Nariyal) to the “Holi-lit” and pray for the recovery from long persistent illness. They again offer nuts next year on getting desired results. The fruits are also offered to the god and goddess. The fruits of Cocos nucifera and seeds of Abrus precatorius (Chirmi) with some animal flesh are put on road crossing by the tribals to pass on their troubles to someone passing by or happens  to touch them.

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

  

 

Family:

 

Poaceae

Scientific Name:

Coix lacryma-jobi L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Jorgadi

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Robust, spongy, annual grass, often rooting at lower nodes. Leaves cordate at base, with a glabrous membranous ligule. Racemes consisting solitary basal female spikelet and several male spikelets upwards with glume hardly or narrowly winged.

Fl & Fr:

August - December

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in semi-aquatic habitats in the east of Aravalli.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Bhil and Meena tribals give orally the decoction of roots to the ladies to regularize menstruation.

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:

 

Araceae

Scientific Name:

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott

Vernacular Names:

Arbi

Local name

 

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Perennial herbs, with tuberous root-stock of various size and shape. Leaves cordate or sagittate at the base, entire, purple-blotched. Spadix with an apical barren appendage, shorter than spathes; spathes pale-yellow.

Fl & Fr:

 

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Cultivated for edible tubers which are cooked as vegetable; also grow wild along water courses in the forests in Chittorgarh, Kota and Sirohi district

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The root-stock, if eaten raw, causes irritation in the throat and stomach. It also causes kidney diseases and marked degeneration of adrenals.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

The unripe fruits are also very acrid advised not to eat.

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

  

Family:

 

Commelinaceae

Scientific Name:

Commelina benghalensisL.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Bukano, Bakhna, Buchna

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Diffusely branched, decumbent herbs, with elliptic-ovate leaves. Flowers blue; spathes sessile or subsessile. Capsules 3- gonous; seeds pitted.

Fl & Fr:

July-October

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in moist and shady habitats throughout the State

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Bhils residing along the Aravalli range prepare a vegetable with the vegetative parts or mix them with gram flour (Besan) and make “Pakoris” to eat for the patients of leprosy for quick cure of the disease. In Udaipur region, the tribals apply the paste of leaves on nose to cure epistaxis and decoction of roots with the leaves of Kirganelia reticulate (Kamaboi, Nedbadi) is given to cure tetanus

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:

 

Burseraceae

Scientific Name:

Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Gugal.

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Spinous shrubs or small trees. Leaves 1 to 3-foliolate, deciduous. Flowers 4-merous, brownish red. Drupes ovoid, shortly beaked.

Fl & Fr:

January-May

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Rare, on open dry hills and other rocky habitats. Also being cultivated on commercial scale in the State

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Bhils take orally the powder of bark with water to cure cough and cold. They also inhale the fumes of gum-resin to cure fever, bronchitis, nasal catarrh, laryngitis and phthisis. Garasias desolve the gum-resin in warm water and use for gargling against pyorrhea, tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Tribals of Barmer give orally the gum to the children suffering from speech defect. Saharia tribals apply the paste of gum-resin on cuts and injuries for early healing. The Kalbelia nomadic tribe take orally the fresh decoction of plant to cure asthma. The twigs are used as tooth-brush.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

The stem yields a gum-resin which has found a reputable place in calico-printing, dyeing silk and cotton, fumigation and perfumery. The tribals make cuts and incisions in the stem to increase the yield of gum-resin, collect it and sale in the market.

Magico-Religious belief:

The tribals and other natives believe that fumes of dry gum-resin ward off evil spirits and please their god

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

 

Family:

 

Convolvulaceae

Scientific Name:

Convolvulus auricomus (A. Rich.) Bhandari var. volubilis (Clarke) Bhandari

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Rata-bel, Ratanjot

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Twining, white hairy herbs. Flowers pinkish-white, numerous in large heads born on up to 6 cm long peduncles.

Fl & Fr:

October-November

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in wastelands among bushes in

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The plant is boiled in the water and decoction is taken orally with sugar or honey as a drink with cooling effect during hot, scorching summer by the tribals of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts.

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:

 

Convolvulaceae

Scientific Name:

Convolvulus prostrates Forssk.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Santari, Santar, Sankhpushpi

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Prostrate or suberect herbs, with linear-oblong or oblanceolate leaves. Flowers pinkish-white, in axillary clusters. Capsules glabrous.

Fl & Fr:

 

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in sandy habitats throughout the State.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The open flowers are collected early morning and crushed with sugar; the mixture is taken daily as a brain tonic and as a laxative by different tribal communities of the State. The tribals of Banswara district give orally the leaf-paste with water against bone fracture. The plant is also sometomes used as a substitute for Ayurvedic drug known as “Sankhpushpi.”

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:

 

Cucurbitaceae

Scientific Name:

Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottl. & Wild.) Hook. f.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Kadwai-nai

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Perennial, climbing herbs, with suborbicular leaves and more than 3.5 cm long male peduncles. Female flowers pedunculate. Fruits ovoid, stalked; seeds without bulging on the sides.

Fl & Fr:

August - November

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Rare, in dry sandy soils of the desertic zones.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The decoction of roots is given orally by the tribals of Udaipur against snake-bite. They also apply the paste of roots externally believing that it causes blisters which burst after sometime and the poison comes out. Tribals of Sirohi reported that paste of roots is used against swellings

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:

 

Molluginaceae

Scientific Name:

Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Moti-luni.

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Glabrous herbs, with alternate, obovate leaves. Flowers pinkish-red, in terminal and leaf-opposed cymes. Staminodes petaloid. Capsules globose.

Fl & Fr:

August - December

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in sandy and rocky habitats of desert.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The fresh juice of plant is taken orally as a purgative by the Bhils of Barmer and Jaisalmer districts

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

The green leaves are cooked as vegetable by the tribals of desert

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

 

 

Family:

 

Tiliaceae

Scientific Name:

Corchorus capsularis L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Jute

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Annual herbs, with ovate-lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers in axillary cymes. Capsules globose, beakless.

Fl & Fr:

August - October

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Occasionally found in low-lying areas and rice-fields in E. Rajasthan

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

 

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

The bast fibres derived from the stem-bark are fine, soft and lustrous. The natives make thin ropes and cordages which are suitable for spinning and weaving

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family:

 

Tiliaceae

Scientific Name:

Corchorus depressus(L.)  Stocks

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Chamkas, Baphuli

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Prostrate, perennial herbs, with obovate to elliptic leaves and yellow fllowers in leaf-opposed cymes. Capsule-beak entire.

Fl & Fr:

August - March

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Chamkas, Baphuli

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The plants are dried in shade, powdered and taken regularly by man with fresh milk of goat as a tonic to gain sexual vigour  in desertic zones. The decoction of fresh plant is given orally to cure dysentery, dyspepsia and liver  disorders by the Bhils and Garasias. The nomadic tribes viz. Sansi and Nut, take decoction of fruits and seeds with goat- milk and sugar (Gur) during acute diarrhea. Kathodi tribals apply fresh leaves om wounds and skin eruptions.

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:

 

Tiliaceae

Scientific Name:

Corchorus fascicularis Lam.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Kost, Chunchi

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Woody annual herbs, with elliptic-oblong leaves and yellow flowers in

Fl & Fr:

September - November

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Rare, prefers sandy habitata

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The decoction of fruits is used orally as a tonic for health due to higher percentage of proteins by the tribals of South and S.E. Rajasthan

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:

 

Tiliaceae

Scientific Name:

Corchorus olitorius L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Chamghas, Rajaan.

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Annual herbs, with ovate-lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers. Capsules 5-valved, 10-ribbed, with entire beak.

Fl & Fr:

August – October.

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common weed in wastelands and fields

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The seeds are best known to the tribals to be highly purgative. The nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes apply the paste of fresh leaves on genitalia and take the decoction orlly to cure syphilis. The decoction of plant is also taken orally as a general health tonic and to cure gonorrhea by them. C. tridens (Kag-nasha) is also used for the same purposes in desertic zones by the Bhils of Western Rajasthan

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

The tribals fulfil their requirement of fibre to some extent from the bark of this plant for making ropes and cordages for various uses.

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

 

Referecces

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

 

 

Family:

 

Ehretiaceae

Scientific Name:

Cordia dichotoma Forst. f.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Bara-gunda, Lisora, Gunda, Lesuwa.

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Deciduous trees, with 3 to 5-nerved, elliptic-ovate or obovate leaves longer than broad. Flowers white, in dichotomous cymes. Fruits globose, yellow to red when ripe.

Fl & Fr:

February - June

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in deciduous forests.

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Garasia and Bhil tribes eat the seed-kernels against ringworm. They also take orally the decoction of stem-bark to cure indigestion

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

The ripe fruits are eaten by the tribal children and unripe ones are pickled with the fruits of Mangifera indica (Aam). A vegetable made with the immature fruits of Mango, Gunda, Prosopis cineraria (Khejri), Capparis deciduas (Ker) and seeds of Acacia Senegal (Kumatio), locally called in the desert as “Panchmal-ka-sag”, is usually served In the marriages.

Drink & Beverages:

The tribals of Banswara and Dungarpur districts distil spirituous liquor from the ripe fruits for their own use.

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

The wood is widely used for well-work and packing boxes by the tribals along the Aravalli hills. They also make small boats for hunting the fishes. The timber of Ehretia aspera (Tambotan, Tamboli) also finds similar uses in the hilly tracts.

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

Tribals of southern Rajasthan use the bast fibres obtained from the stem for making brushes, ropes and cordages

Referecces

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

  

Family:

 

Ehretiaceae

Scientific Name:

Cordia gharaf (Forssk.) Ehrenb. ex Asch.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Gundi, Gundhia

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Medium-sized trees, with oblanceolate, feather-nerved leaves. Flowers white,  in corymbose cymes. Drupes ovoid, yellow when ripe.

Fl & Fr:

April-December

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in the forests and wastelands

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The mature fruits are eaten by most of the tribal communities to cure constipation, piles, intestinal worms and toothache. The decoction of stem-bark is used for gargling as an astringent by the Patelias.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

The mature fruits are eaten in the hilly tracts by the natives and also sold in the market. Sometimes Bhils cook vegetable from the flowers and young fruits.

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

The wood is used by the tribals for making various small agricultural implements (plough, yoke) and household articles. The timber of Cordia macleodii(Padal,Gunda) also finds similar uses in Sirohi and Banswara districts. In hut making, it is preferred for pillar and plank.

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

This species is considered as a plant totem of Gunadia clan of Bhils.

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

The tribals of Kota district make brushes from the bast fibres obtained from the stem. Garasias, however, use the fibres for knitting Aduni (cushion) used for carrying loads on heads . The ladies and children chew the stem-bark with Kattha as a substitute of Pan (Betel leaf) to redden their lips and tounge at the occasion of festival and marriage. Sometimes when Kattha is not available, the prickles of Bombax ceiba (Semal) are chewed with the bark

Referecces

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

  

 

Family:

 

Zingiberaceae

Scientific Name:

Costus speciosus (Koen.) J.E. Smith

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Mahalakri

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Robust herbs, with oblanceolate-obovate leaves and white flowers in compact spikes. Katewa & Guria (1997) have recorded the medicinal uses of this plant from southern Rajasthan.

Fl & Fr:

June-October

Ecology

 

Distribution:

The authors, however, doubt about its occurrence in wild in Rajasthan

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

Dry root-powder is taken orally by the tribals of southern Rajasthan for rheumatic pain

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:

 

Capparaceae

Scientific Name:

Crateva nurvala Buch.-Ham

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Vaivarno, Vanno, Varno, Vanni.

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Deciduous trees, with ash-coloured bark. Leavespetiolate, leaflets obliquely falcate, acuminate. Flowers creamish-yellow when fresh. Fruits subglobose or ovate-oblong, grayish when dry, with flat papillae.

Fl & Fr:

February - June

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common in wastelands, rarely found in the forests at low elevation along water streams; occasionally planted in the gardens

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The leaves are put in boiling water and hot leaves are tied locally to cure guinea-worms by the Bhils. They also apply the paste of stem-bark with the bark of Schrebera swietenioides (Mokha) to heal up chilblain. In Udaipur region, the tribals add the stem-bark to the broth during distillation of liquor which is given to the patients of dropsy.

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

Bhils make a musical instruments-called “Dholok” from ita wood. Rarely the wood of Tectona grandis (Sagwan) is used for this purpose

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

The Bhils of Dungarpur district make a paste of stem-bark and apply on the skin for improving complexion.

Referecces

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

 

  

 

Family:

 

Convolvulaceae

Scientific Name:

Cressa cretica L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Rudanti

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Dwarf, hairy herbs, with apparently crowded, ovate leaves. Flowers pink, axillary; stamens exserted. Capsules ovoid.

Fl & Fr:

November-May

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Common along the railway-lines and near salt lakes

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The tribals of desert area, especially Bhils in Nagaur district, give the decoction of plant as a growth and health tonic to their children

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:

 

Fabaceae

Scientific Name:

Crotalaria burhia Buch.-Ham. ex Benth.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Sinia

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Deciduous undershrubs, with oblong-lanceolate simple leaves and yellow flowers in terminal racemes.

Fl & Fr:

March-August

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Abundant in dry sandy habitats in the desertic zones

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

The root-juice with sugar is given to cure kidney pain by the tribals of Barmer district

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

The plant serves a good fodder for camels in the desert. The camels also equally prefer Crotalaria medicaginea Lam. (Gulali) for fodder

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

The poor tribals chiefly use the dry plants for making their huts, particularly for making the walls and roof

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

Bast fibre extracted from the stem by the Bhil and Garasia tribals is used ropes and cordages in desertic zones. Though the fibre is not so strong, but is prone to decay. Sometimes the ropes are made by twisting the live plants for tying the bundles of fire-wood. Dry plants are chiefly collected for fire-wood in the desert area.

Referecces

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

 

  

 

Family:

 

Fabaceae

Scientific Name:

Crotalaria juncea L.

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Sanai, Sann

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Shrubs, with elliptic-lanceolate leaves, yellow flowers and turgid, oblong fruits.

Fl & Fr:

September - February

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Cultivated during rainy season as a green manure crop and for fibres obtained from the stem

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

 

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief:

 

Conservational measures:

 

Others:

Fibres extracted from the stem are used for making cushions (Indoni, Aduni) for carrying loads on the head. Tribals also sell the fibres in bundles of 1-2 kg.

Referecces

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

 

  

 

Family:

 

Fabaceae

Scientific Name:

Crotalaria spectabilis Roth

Vernacular Names:

 

Local name

Jangli-sann, Sani

Tribal Names:

 

Short Description:

Undershrubs, with oblong-lanceolate, mucronate leaves; stipules and bracts foliaceous, persistent. Pods linear-oblong, glabrous, 20 to 30-seeded.

Fl & Fr:

September-December

Ecology

 

Distribution:

Rare, in wastelands near gardens and parks. Native of Argentina; usually cultivated in the gardens for ornamental purpose

Parts Used:

 

Human uses:

 

Veterinary uses:

 

Food & Fodder:

 

Drink & Beverages:

 

House Bldg. & Technique:

 

Instrument:

 

Commercial:

 

Magico-Religious belief: