ODISHA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICLTURE AND

TECHNOLOGY, BHUBANESWAR
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, BHUBANESWAR

COURSE TITLE- Agroforestry

COURSE CODE- Fo (AG) - 111
CREDIT HOURS- 2(1+1)

TOPIC- SACRED PLANTS OF THE WORLD AND THEIR

SIGNIFICANCE

SUBMITTED TO- Dr. Nirakar Bhol

Professor, Dept. Of Silviculture & Agroforestry
College of Forestry, College of Agriculture, OUAT, BBSR

SUBMITTED BY- Sweta Dash

ADMISSION NO.- 201210052
SECTION- A GROUP- IV

DATE OF SUBMISSION- 02/06/2021

 SACRED PLANTS OF THE WORLD AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

1. Lotus-
 Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera
 Significance:
Lotus is the national flower of India and in Hindu traditions; Gods are often depicted sitting on the
flower. For the same reason, Buddha is also seen sitting on the flower. The lotus has long been
regarded as sacred by many of the world's religions, especially in India and Egypt, where it is held
to be a symbol of the Universe itself. Rooted in the mud, the lotus rises to blossom clean and
bright, symbolizing purity and resurrection. The leaves and flowers are borne high above the water.

2. Henbane-
 Scientific name: Hyoscyamus niger
 Significance:
In ancient Greece, it was related to Apollo. Henbane is considered a witch plant. The dead in
Hades are crowned with henbane as they wander hopelessly beside the River Styx. Spells and
rituals use henbane in baneful magic (harmful magic), to attract love, divination, and to bring rain.

3. Sage-
 Scientific name: Salvia officinalis
 Significance:
Salvia officinalis is a perennial, evergreen sub shrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to
purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae and native to the Mediterranean
region, though it has been naturalized in many places throughout the world. Sage is often
mentioned as the herb of immortality, domestic virtue, health, and wisdom. Sage was a sacred
ceremonial herb of the Romans. It has been cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes for
many centuries in Europe.

4. Buttercup-
 Scientific name: Ranunculus
 Significance:
Buttercup, (genus Ranunculus), also called crowfoot, have tuberous or fibrous roots.
The flowers are solitary or loosely clustered and have five green sepals, five to many glossy yellow
(sometimes white) petals, and numerous male and female structures (stamens and pistils).
Buttercup flower symbolizes friendship, humility and simplicity, but it still sends a clear message
to anyone who is receiving it as a gift.

5. Shamrock-
 Scientific name: Trifolium dubium
 Significance:
A shamrock is a young sprig, used as a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint is
said to have used it as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity. The name shamrock comes
 from Irish seamróg [ˈʃamˠɾˠoːɡ], which is the diminutive of the Irish word seamair óg and simply
means "young clove”. It brings luck and well being in life.

6. Myrtle-
 Scientific name: Myrtus
 Significance:
It is is a fragrant, evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers
with long stamens, and, after their blooming, purple-black berries. In Talmudic tradition, it is one
of the plants used in the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth. It is said that this plant accompanies a person
from birth to death. It is auspicious to decorate the baby cradle with it.

7. Yew tree-
 Scientific name: Taxus baccata
 Significance:
Taxus is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs known as yews in the family Taxaceae. They are
relatively slow-growing and can be very long-lived, and reach heights of 2.5–20 meters (8.2–
65.6 ft), with trunk girth averaging 5 meters. Yew wood is reddish brown (with whiter sapwood),
and is very springy. It was traditionally used to make bows, especially the longbow. The yew tree
is a frequent symbol in the Christian poetry of T. S. Eliot, especially his Four Quartets.

8. Holy basil-
 Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
 Significance:
Holy Basil or Tulsi is associated with divinity in the Hindu religion. In the “Charaka Samhita” the
consummate text on Ayurveda written around 1000 BC, Holy basil is described as “the
incomparable one” and is considered to be an incarnation of Tulasi or Vrindavani, a consort of
Lord Vishnu. It is considered a symbol of fidelity and helpful in attaining spiritual enlightenment.
It has been used to support a healthy response to stress, maintain blood sugar levels within a normal
range, promote longevity, nourish the mind and elevate the spirit.

9. Peyote-
 Scientific name: Lophophora williamsii
 Significance:
The peyote, is a small, spineless cactus with psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. In the
late 1800s, the modern-day Native American Church (NAC) was formed, a key part of which is the
ingestion of peyote as a religious sacrament during all-night prayer ceremonies. In addition to
psychoactive use, some Native American tribes use the plant in the belief it may have curative
properties. They employ peyote for such varied ailments as toothache, pain in childbirth, fever,
breast pain, skin diseases, rheumatism, diabetes, colds, and blindness.

10. Cannabis-
 Scientific name: Cannabis sativa
 Significance:
Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to Eastern Asia, but now of
cosmopolitan distribution due to widespread cultivation. It has been cultivated throughout recorded
 history, used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods
and medicine. It is one of the five essential plants mentioned in the Vedas, along with soma and
barley. It is part of our medicinal and spiritual culture. It was considered sacred in ancient China,
India, and Rastafari tribe (Israel), whereas some religions prohibit intoxicants.

11. Jimson weed-

 Scientific name: Datura stramonium
 Significance:
Jimson weed is a plant. The leaves and seeds are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety
concerns, jimson weed is used to treat asthma, cough, flu (influenza), swine flu, and nerve diseases.
Some people use it as a recreational drug to cause hallucinations and a heightened sense of well-
being (euphoria). Jimson weed has its roots in ancient Indian culture, where it is related to lord
Shiva. In Ethiopia, it is consumed to enhance creativity with its power of hallucination.

12. African dream root-

 Scientific name: Silene undulata
 Significance:
In cultivation, S. undulata is an easily grown, but moisture hungry herb. It is tolerant of extreme
heat, >40 °C (104 °F), and moderate cold, −5 °C (23 °F). A moisture retentive seedbed is essential.
The fragrant flowers open at night and close in the day. It is a biennial to short lived perennial and
the root can be harvested after the second year. Silene undulata is regarded by the Xhosa people as
a sacred plant. Its root is traditionally used to induce vivid (and according to the Xhosa,
prophetic) lucid dreams during the initiation process of shamans, classifying it a naturally
occurring oneirogen similar to the more well-known dream herb.

13. Tobacco-
 Scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum
 Significance:
N. tabacum is a native of tropical and subtropical America but it is now
commercially cultivated worldwide. Other varieties are cultivated as ornamental plants or appear as
a weed. N. tabacum is sensitive to temperature, air, ground humidity and the type of land.
Temperatures of 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) are best for adequate growth; an atmospheric humidity of 80
to 85% and soil without a high level of nitrogen are also optimal. Usually smoked, tobacco can also
be used as an offering to the earth or the spirits, a way to give thanks or ask for help for protection.
It’s also left at graves as an offering to the departed spirit.

14. Blue lily-

 Scientific name: Nymphaea caerulea
 Significance:
It’s been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years as a natural aphrodisiac, sleep aid, and
anxiety reliever. However, due to its psychoactive properties, many people wonder if it’s legal and
safe to use. The Nymphaea water lilies represent innocence, hope, rebirth, wellness, fertility and
pleasure. The blue water lily also called sacred blue lily or blue lotus is an ancient Egyptian
emblem. In the Egyptian legends, a blue water lily is the sign of the sun god and rebirth.
15. Kava-
 Scientific name: Piper methysticum
 Significance:
Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Its scientific name
is Piper methysticum. Pacific cultures traditionally use the kava drink during rituals and social
gatherings. To make it, people first grind its roots into a paste. This grinding was traditionally
performed by chewing the roots and spitting them out, but now it’s typically done by hand. Most of
the research to date has focused on kava’s potential to reduce anxiety.

16. Peepal-
 Scientific name: Ficus religiosa
 Significance:
Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that
belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the bodhi tree, pippala tree,
peepul tree, peepal tree or ashwattha tree. The tree is considered as a most sacred tree in Hinduism.
This tree is a symbol of the Universe's never-ending expanse– indeed; it is revered across the
Indian subcontinent, particularly amongst the Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, as the Tree of Life.

17. Banyan-
 Scientific name: Ficus benghalensis
 Significance:
Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as the banyan, banyan fig and Indian banyan, is a tree native
to the Indian Subcontinent. Specimens in India are among the largest trees in the world by canopy
coverage. With its large number of aerial roots, which grow from the branches and run vertically to
the ground, The Great Banyan is said to appear more like a dense forest than as an individual tree.
In Hindu lore, the banyan tree is considered a heavenly tree because it is said to be the place where
the gods and spirits of deceased ancestors love hanging out. Shiva and Durga love hanging around
the banyan tree, making it emit large amounts of spiritual energy.

18. Bael-
 Scientific name: Aegle marmelos
 Significance:
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as bael, also Bengal quince, golden apple, Japanese bitter
orange, stone apple or wood apple, is a species of tree native to the Indian subcontinent and South
east Asia. It is present in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, and Malaysia as a
naturalized species. Bael contains chemicals called tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins. These
chemicals help to reduce swelling (inflammation). This might help treat asthma, diarrhea, and other
conditions. Also, some of these chemicals help to reduce blood sugar. Bael trees are considered an
incarnation of goddess Sati. Bael trees can be usually seen near the Hindu temples and their home
gardens.
19. Ashoka-
 Scientific name: Saraca asoca
 Significance:
Saraca asoca is a plant belonging to the Detarioideae subfamily of the legume family. It is an
important tree in the cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent and adjacent areas. It is
sometimes incorrectly known as Saraca indica. The ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original
distribution was in the central areas of the Deccan plateau, as well as the middle section of
the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the Indian subcontinent. The ashoka is prized for
its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It is a handsome, small, erect evergreen tree; with deep
green leaves growing in dense clusters. Its flowering season is around February to April. The
ashoka flowers come in heavy, lush bunches. They are bright orange-yellow in color, turning red
before wilting. The flower of Ashoka tree is the state flower of Indian state of Odisha.

20. Banana-
 Scientific name: Musa paradisiaca
 Significance:
The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. All the above-ground parts of a banana
plant grow from a structure usually called a "corm". Plants are normally tall and fairly sturdy, and
are often mistaken for trees, but what appears to be a trunk is actually a "false stem" or pseudostem.
Bananas grow in a wide variety of soils, as long as the soil is at least 60 centimetres (2.0 ft) deep,
has good drainage and is not compacted. The leaves of banana plants are composed of a "stalk"
(petiole) and a blade (lamina). A ripened banana is laden with potassium, calcium, vitamin B6 and
vitamin C, and is a rich source of carbohydrates and fibre. However, in India, they have been valued
medicinally for thousands of years. The banana tree is considered sacred and every part of it is used,
be it the fruit for eating or the leaf, flower and bark in medicinal treatments.

21. Neem-
 Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
 Significance:
Neem, (Azadirachta indica), also called nim or margosa, fast-growing tree of the mahogany family
(Meliaceae), valued as a medicinal plant, as a source of organic pesticides, and for its timber. Neem
is likely native to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South Asia. The plant has
long been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine and is used in cosmetics and in organic
farming applications. In some parts of India, the neem tree itself is thought to be a goddess,
Neemari Devi. It is associated with Goddess Sitala Devi in the north as well as Goddess Marimman
in the south, who are both associated with giving and healing of skin ailments like small-pox.

22. Coconut-
 Scientific name: Cocos nucifera
 Significance:
The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropics for decoration, as well as for its many culinary
and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm can be used by humans in some
manner and has significant economic value. Coconuts' versatility is sometimes noted in its naming.
It is one of the most useful trees in the world. A coconut (Sanskrit: narikela) is an essential element
of rituals in Hindu tradition. Often it is decorated with bright metal foils and other symbols of
auspiciousness. It is offered during worship to a Hindu god or goddess. Hindus often initiate the
 beginning of any new activity by breaking a coconut to ensure the blessings of the gods and
successful completion of the activity.

23. Mango-
 Scientific name: Mangifera indica
 Significance:
The mango tree is erect and branching with a thick trunk and broad, rounded canopy. The leaves of
the tree are are shiny and dark green. They are either elliptical or lanceolate with long petioles and
a leathery texture. The tree produces dense clusters of flowers with cream-pink petals on branched
panicles. Mango tree is another very sacred tree in India whose leaves, wood as well as fruits are
used in many rituals. To mark any auspicious occasion, string made from mango leaves is hung on
the entrance. Mango leaves are kept in the pot with coconut during Kalash Sathapana.

24. Sandalwood-
 Scientific name: Santalum album
 Significance:
A true sandalwood tree grows to a height of about 10 meters (33 feet); has leathery leaves in pairs,
each opposite the other on the branch; and is partially parasitic on the roots of other tree species.
Both tree and roots contain yellow aromatic oil, called sandalwood oil, the odor of which persists
for years in such articles as ornamental boxes, furniture, and fans made of the white sapwood. The
oil is obtained by steam distillation of the wood and is used in perfumes, soaps, candles, incense,
and folk medicines. Powdered sandalwood is used in the paste applied to make Brahman caste
marks and in sachets for scenting clothes.

25. Kadamb-
 Scientific name: Neolamarckia cadamba
 Significance:
Kadamb is a deciduous tree, which grows up to 10m to 15m tall with pale yellow flowers. The
trees grow in almost all tropical parts of India. Kadamb trees also have an important place in our
traditional medicines. The roots are used to treat bronchial issues, fever, muscular pain,
poisonous bites, gynecological disorders, and is also used as an aphrodisiac. This tree is native to
India and also frequently appears in Lord Krishna stories.

26. Plumeria(champa)-
 Scientific name: Plumeria obtusa
 Significance:
Plumeria flowers are most fragrant at night in order to lure sphinx moths to pollinate them. The
flowers yield no nectar, however, and simply trick their pollinators. The moths inadvertently
pollinate them by transferring pollen from flower to flower in their fruitless search for nectar.
These are now common naturalized plants in South and Southeast Asia. In local folk beliefs they
provide shelter to ghosts and demons. They are also associated with temples in, Hindu, Jain,
and Buddhist cultures.
27. Indian gooseberry(Amla)-
 Scientific name: Phyllanthus emblica
 Significance:
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberries, grows on a flowering tree of the same name. The small
berries are round and bright or yellow-green. Though they are quite sour on their own, their flavor
can enhance recipes they’re added to. While we can't be entirely sure when Ayurvedic healers
started using amla berry, historical records tell us they’ve been used in remedies for at least 1,000
years. Incorporating this ancient super fruit into your diet may improve your overall health.

28. Parijaat, Kintoor-

 Scientific name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
 Significance:
It is a protected tree situated in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, India. By the order of local
district magistrate, any kind of damage to the tree is strictly prohibited. The tree is known as
baobab in modern science which is originated in Sub-Sahara Africa and hence its presence in the
fertile land of India makes it rare. Also the age of the tree is still not determined, which makes it
quite possible that the tree may have been planted by someone who used to travel between India
and Africa. The tree needs international attention of scientists to find out more about it. The tree is
also known as 'the tree from paradise' due to its mythological significance.

29. Ashwangandha-
 Scientific name: Withania somnifera
 Significance:
It grows as a stout shrub that reaches a height of 170cm. Like the tomato which belongs to the same
family, ashwagandha bears yellow flowers and red fruit, though its fruit is berry-like in size and
shape. Ashwagandha grows prolifically in India, Pakistan, and SriLanka.In Ayurveda ashwagandha
is considered a rasayana herb, a herb that works on a nonspecific basis to increase health and
longevity. This herb is also considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a
nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and
the neuroendocrine system. The roots and berries of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

30. Rudraksh-
 Scientific name: Elaeocarpus ganitrus
 Significance:
It is an evergreen tree that grows quickly. The rudraksha tree starts bearing fruit in three to four
years. As the tree matures, the roots buttress rise up narrowly near the trunk and radiating out along
the surface of the ground. Elaeocarpus ganitrus is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed
is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism.

31. Doob-
 Scientific name: Cynodon dactylon
 Significance:
Doob grass is palatable, nutritious, and cheap and it is a dependable winter feed for cattle. It is a
turf grass for cattle. Leafy perennial with numerous and stolen used for vegetative propagation.
Readily eaten by all types of livestock and also used as a soil binder for the control of soil erosion.
 This sacred grass is used in the worship of many deities but is especially used when praying to
Lord Ganesha.

32. Turmeric(haldi)-
 Scientific name: Curcuma longa
 Significance:
Turmeric, a plant in the ginger family, is native to Southeast Asia and is grown commercially in
that region, primarily in India. Its rhizome (underground stem) is used as a culinary spice and
traditional medicine. The golden spice supports immune health, helps relieve pain, and can aid in
digestion, among other things. It not only symbolizes fertility and prosperity , turmeric also
represents purity and spiritual connection with the earth (turmeric being a rhizome) and the deep
yellow associated with Sun and abundance and sacral chakra.

33. Kush-
 Scientific name: Cannabis indica
 Significance:
The Cannabis indica plant is cultivated for many purposes; for example, the plant fibers can be
converted into cloth. Cannabis indica produces large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The
higher concentrations of THC provide euphoric effects making it popular for use both as a
recreational and medicinal drug. It is one of the five essential plants mentioned in the Vedas, along
with soma and barley. It is part of our medicinal and spiritual culture.

34. Chir-
 Scientific name: Pinus roxburghii
 Significance:
Chir pine is a tall tree of about 55 m and over 100 cm dbh. Its bark becomes dark red-brown, thick,
deeply and longitudinally fissured, scaly; winter buds brown, small, ovoid, and not resinous. Chir
pine is distinguished from other pine species on the basis of its 3 needle shaped leaves per bundle,
which are slender, flabellate-triangular in cross section. According to Vayu Purana the plant is
considered for religious purposes. Chir is associated with the constellation Jyeshtha (Antares).

35. Daru-
 Scientific name: Berberis aristata
 Significance:
Also known as Indian barberry, "daru haldi" or tree turmeric, is a shrub belonging to the
family Berberidaceae and the genus Berberis. The genus comprises approximately 450-500 species
of deciduous evergreen shrubs. The fruits of the species are eaten by people living in areas where
the plant is found, often as a dessert. They are juicy and contain plenty of sugars and other useful
nutrients that supplement their diet. The roots can also be used for making an alcoholic drink. The
plant as a whole is a good source of dye and tannin which is used for dyeing clothes and for tanning
leather.
36. Theibong/ Jackfruit-
 Scientific name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
 Significance:
The jackfruit, also known as jack tree, is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit
family. Its origin is in the region between the Western Ghats of southern India and the rainforests
of Malaysia. According to mythological lore related to Bhagya Chandra, the King of Manipur who
ruled in 1759, the Hindu god Krishna appeared to him in a dream and directed him to carve images
of His from a particular jackfruit tree in Kaina.

37. Deodar-
 Scientific name: Cedrus deodara
 Significance:
Deodar is widely regarded as one of the strongest woods in India and is a Deodar is used in
Ayurveda for the treatment of inflammation, paralysis, kidney stones, fevers, external injuries, low
appetite, cramps, diabetes, fever, fungus, bacteria, infections, water retention, etc. It has
antispasmodic, anti-poison, and anti-inflammatory properties. Timber is easy to saw.

38. Yopo-
 Scientific name: Anadenanthera peregrina
 Significance:
It grows up to 20 m (66 ft) tall, and has a horny bark. Its flowers grow in small, pale yellow to
white spherical clusters resembling Acacia (e.g. wattle) inflorescences. It is an entheogen which
has been used in healing ceremonies and rituals for thousands of years in northern South America
and the Caribbean.

39. Mistletoe-
 Scientific name: Viscum album
 Significance:
Mistletoe species grow on a wide range of host trees, some of which experience side effects
including reduced growth, stunting, and loss of infested outer branches. A heavy infestation may
also kill the host plant. Viscum album successfully parasitizes more than 200 tree and shrub
species. Historically, mistletoe represents romance, fertility, and vitality. The Celtic Druids
valued mistletoe for its healing properties and likely were among the first to decorate with it.

40. San pedro-

 Scientific name: Trichocereus pachanoi
 Significance:
It has a very distinct look that, once trained, anyone can spot out. The ribs have a very angular
shape. When looking at the profile of the ribs it has a saw like, serrated look to it. In my experience
growing this plant the spines are always the same length no matter the conditions. In pre-Hispanic
times, the cactus played a ritual role in oracles, sexual magic, and shamanism.
41. Syrian rue-
 Scientific name: Peganum harmala
 Significance:
The Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) is a wild growing flowering plant belonging to the
Zygophyllacea family and is found abundantly in Middle East and North Africa. From ancient
times, it has been claimed to be an important medicinal plant with antibacterial, antifungal, and
monoamine oxidase inhibition properties. Syrian rue has been regarded as a magical and medicinal
panacea since ancient times.

42. Jurema-
 Scientific name: Mimosa tenuiflora
 Significance:
The tree is an acceptable source of forage or fodder for animals, providing vital protein and other
nutrients. Jurema has a very important symbolic value to indigenous peoples of the Northeast bring
a plant seen as "an enchanted, a Gift, the force of nature".

43. Jasmine-
 Scientific name: Jasminium
 Significance:
Jasmine is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family. It contains around 200 species native to
tropical and warm temperate regions of Eurasia and Oceania. Jasmines are widely cultivated for the
characteristic fragrance of their flowers. Jasmine's meaning varies by place and culture, but it often
symbolizes love, beauty or sensuality.

44. Mushrooms-
 Scientific name: Agaricus bisporus
 Significance:
Agaricus mushroom is used for cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, “hardening of the
arteries” (arteriosclerosis), ongoing liver disease, bloodstream disorders, and digestive problems.
Other uses include prevention of heart disease, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and stomach ulcers.
Mushrooms have been used for medicine, food and for shamanic use in order to establish contact
with the spirit realm of the Underworld. We know that people during the Neolithic period people
ate fungi and mushrooms as part of their diet.

45. Aya huasca-

 Scientific name: Banisteriopsis caapi
 Significance:
Ayahuasca — also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga — is a brew made from the leaves of
the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, though other
plants and ingredients can be added as well (1Trusted Source).This drink was used for spiritual and
religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still used as a sacred beverage by some
religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.
46. Oak-
 Scientific name: Quercus leucotrichophora
 Significance:
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus of the beech family, Fagaceae. Oak wood has
been used as a hardwood timber for thousands of years, yet it takes up to 150 years before the wood
from an oak tree can be used for construction. Modern uses for oak wood include home wares,
flooring, wine barrels and firewood. Oaks keep forests healthy by maintaining a richer mix of
plants, insects, birds and other animals wherever they grow. And as a source of food and habitat,
they're especially important for wildlife.

47. Brahma kamal-

 Scientific name: Saussurea obvallata
 Significance:
Brahma Kamal, named after Brahma, the God of Creation, probably blooms only for one night in
the entire year, somewhere between July and September. It is commonly known as Night blooming
Cereus, Queen of the night, Lady of the night as its beautiful Lotus like flower blooms late night. In
India it is called as Brahma Kamal and is treated as a sacred plant. It is also popularly known as
Orchid Cactus as the flower has orchid like beauty and plant resembles cactus in habit.

48. Arjuna-
 Scientific name: Terminalia arjuna
 Significance:
Arjuna also known as the “Arjun tree” is a widely grown tree in India. It has various medicinal
properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Arjuna helps reduce the risk of
heart diseases. Arjuna tree also has strong anti-hypertensive property and helps reduce high blood
pressure. The leaves and flowers of this tree are offered to the Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganpati.

49. Timur-
 Scientific name: Zanthoxylum armatum
 Significance:
Timur is an indigenous plant, whose fruits is aromatic and holds medicinal value and are
commonly used as a spice in Nepali cooking either fresh or in dried form. Young shoots of
the timur plant can be used to form toothbrushes and the powder of the dried fruit can also be used
as toothpaste.

50. Bhakel-
 Scientific name: Prinsepia utilis
 Significance:
Prinsepia is a genus of trees in the Rosaceae. It bears fruit which looks like a cherry. It is applied
externally as a treatment for rheumatism and muscular pain caused by hard work. The oil is also
applied to the forehead and temples in the treatment of coughs and colds. The heated oilcake is
applied as a poultice to the abdomen in the treatment of stomachaches.
 REFERENCES

 balconygardenweb.com/18-most-sacred-plants-in-the-world
 https://matadornetwork.com/bnt/15-sacred-plants-around-world/2
 https://www.chhajedgarden.com/blogs/news/top-15-religious-plants-of-india
 https://chippewa.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/greenspace-sacred-herbs/article_49
 https://swati2610.wordpress.com/2017/01/04/4-sacred-herbs-for-health-happiness/
 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/List-of-some-sacred-plants-in-Hindu-mythology_tbl1_263550602
 https://www.britannica.com/plant/buttercup
 https://en.wikipedia.org/
 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/cannabis-is-one-of-five-essential-plants-in-
the-vedas-dr-uma-dhanabalan/articleshow/
 https://www.gardenia.net/plant/myrtus-communis-common-myrtle?/
 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kava-kava
 http://www.bbc.com/travel/
 https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/
 https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
 https://wiki.nurserylive.com/