Economically Useful Plants And Entrepreneurial Botany

Class 12 | Pure Science — Botany | Chapter 10

Class 12 Unit 10 Pure_Science

Chapter 10: Economically Useful Plants and Entrepreneurial Botany

Learning Objectives

The learner will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge about origin, area of cultivation and uses of various food yielding plants.
• Describe the different spices and condiments and their uses.
• Elicit the uses of fibre, timbers, paper and dye yielding plants.
• Acquire knowledge about the active principles, chemical composition and medicinal uses of plants.
• Develop skill of mushroom cultivation, knowledge of SCP production and sea weed liquid fertilizers.
• Gain knowledge of organic farming - bio fertilisers and bio pest repellants.
• Learn to make terrarium and bonsai.
• Acquire knowledge of cultivation of medicinal plants.

Chapter Outline

• 10.1 Food Plants
• 10.2 Spices and Condiments
• 10.3 Fibre
• 10.4 Timber
• 10.5 Latex
• 10.6 Pulp wood
• 10.7 Dye
• 10.8 Cosmetics
• 10.9 Traditional system of medicines
• 10.10 Medicinal plants
• 10.11 Entrepreneurial Botany

The land and water of the earth sustain a vast assemblage of plants upon which all other living forms are directly or indirectly dependent. Pre-historic humans lived on berries, tubers, herbage, and the wild game which they collected and hunted that occupied whole of their time. Domestication of plants and animals has led to the production of surplus food which formed the basis for civilizations. Early civilization in different parts of the world has domesticated different species of plants for various purposes. Based on their utility, the economically useful plants are classified into food plants, fodder plants, fibre plants, timber plants, medicinal plants, and plants used in paper industries, dyes and cosmetics. Selected examples of economically important plants for each category are discussed in this chapter.

10.1 Food Plants

Currently about 10,000 food plants are being used of which only around 1,500 species were brought under cultivation. However, food base of majority of the population depends only on three grass species namely rice, wheat and maize.

10.1.1 Cereals

The word cereal is derived from Ceres, which according to the Roman mythology denotes "Goddess of agriculture". All cereals are members of grass family (Poaceae) that are grown for their edible starchy seeds. The prominence of cereals as food plants is due to the following attributes:

• Greater adaptability and successful colonisation on every type of habitat.
• The relative ease of cultivation.
• Tillering property that produce more branches which results in higher yield per unit area.
• Compact and dry grains that they can be easily handled, transported and stored without undergoing spoilage.
• High caloric value that provides energy.

The nutrients provided by cereals include carbohydrates, proteins, fibres and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Cereals can be classified into two different types based on their size namely Major Cereals and Minor Cereals.

Major Cereals

Rice / Paddy

Botanical name: Oryza sativa

Paddy is a semi-aquatic crop and is grown in standing water. It is an important food crop of the world, occupying the second position in terms of area under cultivation and production, next to wheat. Rice is the chief source of carbohydrate.

Origin and Area of cultivation: South East Asia is considered as the center of origin of rice. Earliest evidences of rice cultivation have been found in China, India and Thailand. It is mainly cultivated in Delta and irrigated regions of Tamil Nadu.

Uses: Rice is the easily digestible calorie rich cereal food which is used as a staple food in Southern and North East India. Various rice products such as Flaked rice (Aval), Puffed rice / parched rice (Pori) are used as breakfast cereal or as snack food in different parts of India. Rice bran oil obtained from the rice bran is used in culinary and industrial purposes. Husks are used as fuel, and in the manufacture of packing material and fertilizer.

Do You Know?

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is located in Los Banos, Manila the capital city of Philippines. This is the only institute in the world which exclusively carries out research on rice. IRRI aims to improve livelihoods and nutrition, abolishing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Whatever IR rice varieties available in the world are developed through rice breeding programme and released by IRRI. Till date IRRI has produced 843 rice varieties that have been released in 77 countries. IR8 is a high-yielding semi-dwarf rice variety developed by IRRI in the early 1960s and it is called as miracle rice, much celebrated for fighting famine. Another variety to mention is IR36 which is a semi-dwarf variety that proved highly resistant to a number of insect pests and diseases that raised farmers' rice yields and brought down the prices of the staple food in Asian families. The International Rice Gene bank of IRRI has a collection of more than 117000 types of rice, comprising of modern and traditional varieties including wild relatives of Paddy.

Wheat

Botanical name: Triticum aestivum

Origin and Area of cultivation: Earliest evidence for wheat cultivation comes from Fertile Crescent region. The common cultivated wheat, Triticum aestivum is cultivated for about 7,500 years. Wheat is mostly cultivated in the North Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

Uses: Wheat is the staple food in Northern India. Wheat flour is suitable to make bread and other bakery products. Processed wheat flour, that has little fibre, is called Maida which is used extensively in making parota, naan and bakery products. Malted wheat is a major raw material for producing alcoholic beverages and nutritive drinks.

Maize / Corn

Botanical name: Zea mays

Origin and Area of Cultivation: Maize is the only cereal that has originated and domesticated from the New World. Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are the major maize producing states of India. Whereas Perambalur, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Dindigul and Tirupur are the major maize growing belts in Tamil Nadu.

Uses: Most of the corn produced is used as fodder than food. Corn syrup is used in the manufacture of infant foods. Corn is a raw material in the industrial production of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

Do You Know?

Why do popcorn pops? Endosperm in corn consists of two types namely soft and hard. In popcorn soft endosperm constitutes most part of the grain surrounded by thin layer of hard endosperm. When heated, the internal starch and protein are converted into gelatinous substances and when pressure mounts further, the soft endosperm expands and explodes reversing the grain and the gelatinous starch are converted into foam, which readily solidifies outside and convert into crispy, tasty popcorn.

Pseudo-Cereal

The term pseudo-cereal is used to describe foods that are prepared and eaten as a whole grain, but are botanical outliers from grasses. Example: quinoa. It is actually a seed from the Chenopodium quinoa plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate, as well as a whole protein (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids) and have been eaten for 6,000 years in Andes hill region.

10.1.2 Millets (Siru Thaniyangal)

The term millet is applied to a variety of very small seeds originally cultivated by ancient people in Africa and Asia. They are gluten free and have less glycemic index.

Pearl Millet

Botanical name: Pennisetum americanum

Origin and area of cultivation: It is one of the millets introduced in India and Africa. Pearl Millet is rich in fibre, iron and minerals, stable food grain in many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Uses: It is commonly used to make flat bread, gluten free cereal based products, porridge (Kambang koozh), biscuits, pasta and nondairy probiotic beverages.

Finger Millet - Ragi

Botanical name: Eleusine coracana

Origin and area of cultivation: Finger millet is the crop of early introduction from East Africa into India. Ragi is rich in calcium.

Uses: It is used as a staple food in many southern hilly regions of India. Ragi grains are made into porridge and gruel. Ragi malt is the popular nutrient drink. It is used as a source of fermented beverages.

Sorghum

Botanical name: Sorghum vulgare

Origin and area of cultivation: Sorghum is native to Africa. It is one of the major millets in the world and is rich in calcium and iron.

Uses: It is fed to poultry, birds, pigs and cattle and a source of fermented alcoholic beverage.

10.1.3 Minor Millets

Little Millet

Botanical name: Panicum sumatrense

Origin and area of cultivation: This is one of the oldest millets and is native to India. The species name is based on a specimen collected from Sumatra. It is rich in iron and fibre than rice that makes it best for diabetes.

Uses: It is cooked like rice and also milled and baked. It cures anaemic condition, constipation and other gastrological problems.

Foxtail Millet

Botanical name: Setaria italica

Origin and area of cultivation: This is one of the oldest millets used traditionally in India. Which is domesticated first in China about 6000 years. Rich in protein, carbohydrate, vitamin B and C, Potassium and Calcium.

Uses: It supports in strengthening of heart and improves eye sight. Thinai porridge is given to lactating mother.

Kodo Millet

Botanical name: Paspalum scrobiculatum

Origin and area of cultivation: Kodo millet is originated from West Africa, which is rich in fibre, protein and minerals.

Uses: Kodo millet is ground into flour and used to make pudding. Good diuretic and cures constipation. Helps to reduce obesity, blood sugar and blood pressure.

10.1.4 Pulses

The word Pulse is derived from the Latin words 'puls' or 'pultis' meaning "thick soup". Pulses are the edible seeds that are harvested from the fruits of Fabaceae. They provide vital source of plant-based protein, vitamins and minerals for people around the globe.

Black gram

Botanical name: Vigna mungo

Origin and Area of cultivation: Black gram is native to India. Earliest archeobotanical evidences record the presence of black gram about 3,500 years ago. It is cultivated as a rain fed crop in drier parts of India. India contributes to 80% of the global production of black gram. Important states growing black gram in India are Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Karnataka.

Uses: Black gram is eaten whole or split, boiled or roasted or ground into flour. Black gram batter is a major ingredient for the preparation of popular Southern Indian breakfast dishes. Split pulse is used in seasoning Indian curries.

Red gram / Pigeon pea

Botanical name: Cajanus cajan

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is the only pulse native to Southern India. It is mainly grown in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat.

Uses: Red gram is a major ingredient of sambar, a characteristic dish of Southern India. Roasted seeds are consumed either salted or unsalted as a popular snack. Young pods are cooked and consumed.

Green gram

Botanical name: Vigna radiata

Origin and Area of cultivation: Green gram is a native of India and the earliest archaeological evidences are found in the state of Maharashtra. It is cultivated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: It can be used as roasted cooked and sprouted pulse. Green gram is one of the ingredients of pongal, a popular breakfast dish in Tamil Nadu. Fried dehulled and broken or whole green gram is used as popular snack. The flour is traditionally used as a cosmetic, especially for the skin.

Chick pea / Bengal gram

Botanical name: Cicer arietinum

Origin and Area of cultivation: It has originated in West Asia and was known in cultivation for more than 4,000 years in India. It is mainly grown in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Uses: Chick pea protein is rated high in terms of amino acid content and digestibility. Infant food formulae use malted chick pea as an ingredient. Chick pea seed flour is a prime constituent of many forms of Indian confectionary. Roasted and salted, whole or split gram forms the popular snacks of middle class.

10.1.5 Vegetables

While walking through a market filled with fresh vegetables like stacks of lady's finger, mountains of potatoes, pyramids of brinjal, tomatoes, cucurbits, we learn to choose the vegetables that is fresh, tender, ripe and those suit the family taste through experience and cultural practices. Vegetables are the important part of healthy eating and provide many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamins A, E and C. The nutrients in vegetables are vital for maintenance of our health.

Potato

Botanical name: Solanum tuberosum    Family: Solanaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Potato has originated from the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar are the major potato cultivating states of India. Nilgiri and Palani hills also contribute to the potato cultivation in Southern Indian hills.

Uses: Potato tubers are used in a variety of ways like boiled, steamed, fried, baked, roasted or as an ingredient in soup, stews, pies and other dishes. It is the major raw material for the chips industry, brewing industry and in the manufacture of products used for microbiological and clinical applications.

Lady's finger / Okra

Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus    Family: Malvaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Lady's finger is a native of the Tropical Africa. Assam, Maharashtra and Gujarat are the important states where Lady's finger is grown in abundance. Coimbatore, Dharmapuri and Vellore are the major cultivating regions of Tamil Nadu.

Uses: The fresh and green tender fruits are used as a vegetable. Often, they are sliced and dehydrated to conserve them for later use. It has most important nutrients.

Cucumber

Botanical name: Cucumis sativus    Family: Cucurbitaceae

The cucurbits are the vining plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which include cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons and gourds.

Origin and Area of Cultivation: The cucumber is an important summer vegetable in all parts of India. It is originated in India. It has been cultivated for at least three thousand years. Cucumber is commonly cultivated throughout India.

Uses: Depending on the species immature or mature fruit are consumed as fresh or cooked vegetables. It is used in the preparation of salad and pickle. Oil obtained from cucumber seed is good for the brain and the body and the kernels are used in confectionaries.

10.1.6 Fruits

Edible fruits are fleshy structures with a pleasant aroma and flavours. Fruits are sources of many nutrients including potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid and vitamins. Depending on the climatic region in which fruit crops grow, they can be classified into temperate (apple, pear, plum) and tropical fruits (mango, jack, banana).

Mango (National fruit of India)

Botanical name: Mangifera indica    Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: The mango is the native to Southern Asia, especially Burma and Eastern India. It is the National fruit of India. Major mango producing States are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka. Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri are the major mango producing districts of Tamil Nadu. Some of the major cultivars of mango in India are Alphonsa, Banganapalli, Neelam and Malgova.

Uses: Mango is the major table fruit of India, which is rich in beta carotenes. It is utilized in many ways, as dessert, canned, dried and preserves in Indian cuisine. Sour, unripe mangoes are used in chutneys, pickles, side dishes, or may be eaten raw with salt and chili. Mango pulp is made into jelly. Aerated and non-aerated fruit juice is a popular soft drink.

Banana

Botanical name: Musa x paradisiaca    Family: Musaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Bananas were domesticated in South East Asia. Tamil Nadu is the world's Number one banana producer. Theni, Trichy, Erode, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur and Dindigul are the prominent regions in Tamil Nadu where the crop is being cultivated. Major cultivars of banana are Chevazhai, Nentheran, Karpooravalli, Poovan and Peyan.

Uses: The banana fruit is loaded with potassium and essential vitamins, which can be eaten raw or cooked (deep fried, dehydrated, baked or steamed). The fruit can be processed into flour and can be fermented for the production of beverages such as banana juice, beer, vinegar and vine.

Jack fruit (State fruit of Tamil Nadu)

Botanical name: Artocarpus heterophyllus    Family: Moraceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: The jackfruit has originated in the Western Ghats of India and it is the state fruit of Tamil Nadu. The major Jack fruit cultivating areas of Tamil Nadu are Cuddalore, Kanyakumari, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Namakkal, Tirunelveli and Nilgiris. Panruti and Coimbatore districts are the major marketing centres.

Uses: The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Unripe flake slices are deep-fried to make crispy chips. The seeds are either boiled or roasted and eaten. Unripe fruits are used as vegetables.

10.1.7 Nuts

Nuts are simple dry fruits composed of a hard shell and an edible kernel. They are packed with a good source of healthy fats, fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Cashew nut

Botanical name: Anacardium occidentale    Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Cashew has originated in Brazil and made its way to India in the 16th century through Portuguese sailors. Cashew is grown in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa.

Uses: Cashews are commonly used for garnishing sweets or curries, or ground into a paste that forms a base of sauces for curries or some sweets. Roasted and raw kernels are used as snacks.

Table 10.1: Other Common Fruits

S.No	Common Name	Tamil Name	Botanical Name	Family	Edible Part
1	Guava	கொய்யா	Psidium guajava	Myrtaceae	Mesocarp and Endocarp
2	Papaya	பப்பாளி	Carica papaya	Caricaceae	Mesocarp
3	Pomegranate	மாதுளை	Punica granatum	Punicaceae	Aril
4	Fig	அத்தி	Ficus carica	Moraceae	Fleshy receptacle
5	Date Palm	பேரீச்சம்	Phoenix dactylifera	Arecaceae	Pericarp

Almond

Botanical name: Prunus dulcis    Family: Rosaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Almond is a tree native to Mediterranean regions of the Middle East. Almond is cultivated in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Uses: Almonds are often eaten raw or roasted and are available as whole, sliced (flaked), and as flour. Almond oil is made into almond butter or almond milk, which are used in sweet and savoury dishes. Almond helps in promoting HDL (High Density Lipids).

10.1.8 Sugars

We experienced sweetness while eating the stems of sugarcane, roots of sugar beet, fruits of apple and while drinking palmyra sap. This is due to the different proportions of sugars found in it. Sugar is the generic name for sweet tasting soluble carbohydrate, which are used in foods and beverages. Sugars found in sugarcane and palmyra make them ideal for efficient extraction to make commercial sugar.

Sugarcane

Botanical name: Saccharum officinarum    Family: Poaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: The cultivated Saccharum officinarum has evolved by repeated back crossing of S. officinarum of New Guinea with wild S. spontaneum of India to improve the quality. All districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu cultivate Sugarcane.

Uses: Sugar cane is the raw material for extracting white sugar. Sugarcane supports large number of industries like sugar mills producing refined sugars, distilleries producing liquor grade ethanol and millions of jaggery manufacturing units. Fresh sugarcane juice is a refreshing drink. Molasses is the raw material for the production of ethyl alcohol.

Stevia / Sweet leaf

Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana    Family: Asteraceae

Stevia is a sweetener and a sugar substitute, extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. It has no calories and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. The Steveocide is the chemical that is responsible for sweetness in Stevia.

Origin and Area of cultivation: Stevia is a native to Brazil and Paraguay. It is cultivated in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: This is the most popular natural sweetener and is a substitute for white sugar, hence it is extensively used by diabetic patients and health-conscious people.

Palmyra (State tree of Tamil Nadu)

Botanical name: Borassus flabellifer    Family: Arecaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Palmyra is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and New Guinea. Palmyra grows all over Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal districts.

Uses: Exudate from inflorescence axis is collected for preparing palm sugar. Inflorescence is tapped for its sap which is used as health drink. Sap is processed to get palm jaggery or fermented to give toddy. Endosperm is used as a refreshing summer food. Germinated seeds have an elongated embryo surrounded by fleshy scale leaf which is edible.

10.1.9 Oil Seeds

Why fried foods are tastier than boiled foods? There are two kinds of oils namely, essential oils and vegetable oils or fatty oils. The essential oils or volatile oils which possess aroma evaporate or volatilize in contact with air. Any organ of a plant may be the source of essential oil. For example, flowers of Jasmine, fruits of orange and roots of ginger. The vegetable oils or non-volatile oils or fixed oils that do not evaporate. Whole seeds or endosperm form the sources of vegetable oils.

Groundnut / Peanut

Botanical name: Arachis hypogaea    Family: Fabaceae

Origin and Area of Cultivation: Groundnut is native of Brazil. Portuguese introduced groundnut into Africa. The Spanish took it to the South East Asia and India via Philippines. In India Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan are top producers.

Uses: Nuts contain about 45% oil. The kernels are also rich sources of phosphorous and vitamins, particularly thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. It is premium cooking oil because it does not smoke. Lower grade oil is used in manufacture of soaps and lubricants.

Sesame / Gingelly

Botanical name: Sesamum indicum    Family: Pedaliaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Sesamum indicum has originated from Africa. Sesame is cultivated as a dry land crop. West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh are the top producers in India during 2017-18. It is considered as a healthy oil in Southern Indian culture.

Uses: Sesame oil is used for mostly culinary purposes in India. Lower grades are used in manufacture of soaps, in paint industries, as a lubricant and as an illuminant. In India, the oil is the basis of most of the scented oils used in perfumes. Sesame seed snacks are popular throughout India.

Coconut

Botanical name: Cocos nucifera    Family: Arecaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: The origin of coconut is Pacific Island region. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the leading producers in India.

Uses: Coconut oil is classified as edible-industrial oil. Soaps obtained from coconut oil lathers well in soft and hard water. It is used in manufacture of rubber, synthetic resins, lubricants, brake fluids for aeroplanes and detergents. It is used as major hair oil and a base for applying medicinal powders.

10.1.10 Beverages

All non-alcoholic beverages contain alkaloids that stimulate central nervous system and also possess mild diuretic properties. In this part of chapter, we learn about three popular non-alcoholic beverages namely tea, coffee and cocoa.

Tea

Botanical name: Camellia sinensis    Family: Theaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Tea is native of China. Assam is the top tea producer in India, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: Tea is the most popular beverage among all sections of people in India. Regular consumption of green tea is believed to lowers the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol.

Coffee

Botanical name: Coffea arabica    Family: Rubiaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Coffea arabica is the prime source of commercial coffee which is native to the tropical Ethiopia. An Indian Muslim saint, Baba Budan introduced coffee from Yemen to Mysore. Karnataka is the largest coffee producing state in India followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Tamil Nadu is the largest consumer of coffee in India.

Uses: Drinking coffee in moderation provides the following health benefits: Caffeine enhances release of acetylcholine in brain, which in turn enhances efficiency. It can lower the incidence of fatty liver diseases, cirrhosis and cancer. It may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Cocoa

Botanical name: Theobroma cacao    Family: Malvaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Cocoa is native of Tropical American region. The word Theobroma (Theos means God, broma means food) means 'food of the Gods'. Kerala is the largest producer of Cocoa in India followed by Karnataka.

Uses: Cocoa is mainly used in confectionaries and forms an important ingredient in nutritive drinks. Cocoa products are rich in fibres, minerals and antioxidants, thus preventing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, premature ageing.

10.2 Spices and Condiments

"Aroma attracts everyone"

Spices were used extensively throughout the world for several thousands of years. Records of use of garlic and onion dates back 2500 years. Majority of the spices are native to Mediterranean region, India and South East Asian countries. Spices, especially pepper triggered the search for sea route to India and paved way for the exploratory voyages by Spanish and Portuguese.

Spices are accessory foods mainly used for flavouring during food preparation to improve their palatability. Spices are aromatic plant products and are characterized by sweet or bitter taste. Spices are added in minimal quantities during the cooking process. For example, black pepper. Condiments, on the other hand, are flavouring substances having a sharp taste and are usually added to food after cooking. For example, curry leaves.

Cardamom

Botanical name: Elettaria cardamomum    Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is indigenous to Southern India and Sri Lanka. Cardamom is called as "Queen of Spices". In India it is one of the main cash crops cultivated in the Western Ghats, and North Eastern India.

Uses: The seeds have a pleasing aroma and a characteristic warm, slightly pungent taste. It is used for flavouring confectionaries, bakery products and beverages. The seeds are used in the preparation of curry powder, pickles and cakes. Medicinally, it is employed as a stimulant and carminative. It is also chewed as a mouth freshener.

Black Pepper

Botanical name: Piper nigrum    Family: Piperaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is indigenous to Western Ghats of India. Pepper is one of the most important Indian spices referred to as the "King of Spices" and also termed as "Black Gold of India". Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the top producers in India. The characteristic pungency of the pepper is due to the presence of alkaloid Piperine. There are two types of pepper available in the market namely black and white pepper.

Uses: It is used for flavouring in the preparation of sauces, soups, curry powder and pickles. It is used in medicine as an aromatic stimulant for enhancing salivary and gastric secretions and also as a stomachic. Pepper also enhances the bio-absorption of medicines.

Turmeric

Botanical name: Curcuma longa    Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is indigenous to Southern Asia. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric. Erode in Tamil Nadu is the World's largest wholesale turmeric market.

Uses: Turmeric is one of the most important and ancient Indian spices and used traditionally over thousands of years for culinary, cosmetic, dyeing and for medicinal purposes. It is an important constituent of curry powders. Turmeric is used as a colouring agent in pharmacy, confectionery and food industry. Rice coloured with turmeric (yellow) is considered sacred and auspicious which is used in ceremonies. It is also used for dyeing leather, fibre, paper and toys. Curcumin extracted from turmeric is responsible for the yellow colour. Curcumin is a very good anti-oxidant which may help fight various kinds of cancer. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral activities. It stops platelets from clotting in arteries, which leads to heart attack.

Chillies / Red Pepper

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens    Family: Solanaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Capsicum is native to South America and is popularly known as chillies or red pepper in English. India is leading producer and exporter. Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens are important cultivated species of chillies.

Uses: The fruits of Capsicum annuum are less pungent than the fruits of Capsicum frutescens. Capsicum annuum includes large, sweet bell peppers. Long fruit cultivars of this species are commercially known as 'Cayenne pepper' which are crushed, powdered and used as condiment. Chillies are used in manufacture of sauces, curry powders and preparation of pickles. Capsaicin is an active component of chillies. It has pain relieving properties and used in pain relieving balms. Chillies are a good source of Vitamin C, A and E.

Do You Know?

Capsaicin is responsible for the pungency or spicy taste of chillies. Pungency of Chillies is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). World's hottest chilli, Carolina reaper pepper measures 2,200,000 SHU. Naga viper chilli is the hottest in India that measures 1,349,000 SHU. Commonly used cayenne pepper measures 30,000 to 50,000 SHU.

Condiment – Tamarind

Botanical name: Tamarindus indica    Family: Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Tamarind is native of tropical African region and was introduced into India several thousand years before. It is cultivated in India, Myanmar, south asian countries and several African and Central American countries. Tamarind has long been used in Africa and in Southern Asia. The name tamarindus is of Arabian origin, which means "dates of India". (tamar – dates; Indus – India).

Uses: It is used in flavouring sauces in the United States and Mexico. In India, the fruit pulp is major ingredients for many culinary preparations. Sweet tamarinds are sold as table fruits in India imported from Thailand and Malaysia.

Table 10.2: Other Common Spices and Condiments

S.No	Common Name	Tamil Name	Botanical Name	Family
1	Coriander	கொத்துமல்லி	Coriandrum sativum L.	Apiaceae
2	Cumin	சீரகம்	Cuminum cyminum L.	Apiaceae
3	Fenugreek	வெந்தியம்	Trigonella foenum graecum L.	Fabaceae
4	Cloves	இலவங்கம்	Eugenia aromaticum	Myrtaceae
5	Asafoetida	பெருங்காயம்	Ferula asafoetida L.	Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
6	Onion	வெங்காயம்	Allium cepa	Amarillidaceae

Do You Know?

Sambar – The World Inside: When we see the bowl of sambar, we can see the world inside. Mustard, Cumin and Coriander from Mediterranean, pepper from Western Ghats of India, turmeric from Southern Asia, chilly from South America, onion from Afghanistan, tamarind from Tropical Africa, tomato from South America, potato from Peru and Bolivia, lady's-finger from Africa, and redgram from South India make the Sambar as a global dish.

10.3 Fibres

Botanically a fiber is a long narrow and thick-walled cell. Plant fibres are classified according to their use:

S.No	Types of Fibre	Uses	Example
1	Textile fibre	Manufacture of fabrics, netting and cordage.	Cotton, hemp, jute
2	Brush fibre	Making brushes and brooms.	Palm fibres and brooms
3	Plaiting fibre	Making hats, baskets, furniture.	Cane, Vitex and Lantana
4	Filling fibre	Stuffing pillows, cushions and beds.	Silk cotton, Calotropis

Cotton

Botanical name: Gossypium spp.    Family: Malvaceae

Cotton is the world's most important non-food commercial crop.

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is one of the oldest cultivated crops of the world. It has been cultivated for about 8000 years both in new world and in old world. Commercial cotton comes from four cotton species: two from the new world and two from the old world. (1) Gossypium hirsutum (2) Gossypium barbadense are the new world species and (3) Gossypium arboretum (4) Gossypium herbaceum are the old-world species. In India cotton is cultivated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: It is mainly used in the manufacturing of various textile, hosiery products, toys and is also used in hospitals.

Jute

Botanical name: Corchorus spp.    Family: Malvaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Jute is derived from the two cultivated species (1) Corchorus capsularis and (2) Corchorus olitorius. C. olitorius is of African origin whereas C. capsularis is believed to be Indo-Burmese origin. It is an important cultivated commercial crop in Gangetic plains of India and Bangladesh.

Uses: It is one of the largest exported fibre materials of India. The jute industry occupies an important place in the national economy of India. Jute is used for 'safe' packaging in view of being natural, renewable, bio-degradable and eco-friendly product. It is used in bagging and wrapping textile. About 75% of the jute produced is used for manufacturing sacks and bags. It is also used in manufacture of blankets, rags, curtains etc. It is also being used as a textile fibre in recent years.

Coconut / Coir

Botanical name: Cocos nucifera    Family: Arecaceae

Commercial coir is obtained from the mesocarp of coconut. The fibre is known for its light mass, elasticity, high resistance to sea water and for its insulating capacity.

Origin and Area of cultivation: India and Sri Lanka are the top producers since 2001. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the top producers in India.

Uses: It is used in manufacture of mats, cushion seats, bags, packaging material, water-proof and sound proof boards and thermal insulation. Using coir peat in horticulture also made demand for coir. It is also used for manufacturing ecofriendly horticultural products such as biodegradable planting pots.

10.4 Timber

Teak

Botanical name: Tectona grandis    Family: Lamiaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: This is native to South east Asia. It is observed wild in Assam. But cultivated in Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and North-West India.

Uses: It is one of best timbers of the world. The heartwood is golden yellow to golden brown when freshly sawn, turning darker when exposed to light. Known for its durability as it is immune to the attack of termites and fungi. The wood does not split or crack and is a carpenter friendly wood. It was the chief railway carriage and wagon wood in India. Ship building and bridge-building depends on teakwood. It is also used in making boats, toys, plywood, door frames and doors.

Rosewood

Botanical name: Dalbergia latifolia    Family: Fabaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Rose wood is native to India. It is cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Central, Western and Southern India.

Uses: Indian rosewood has yellowish sapwood and dull brown to almost purple coloured heartwood. The wood is characterised by fragrant, heavy, narrowly interlocked grained and medium coarse textured. It is a durable and heavy wood and is suitable for under water use. Wood is used for making furniture, army wagons, temple chariots, cabinets, railway sleepers, musical instruments, hammer handles, shoe heels and tobacco pipes.

Ebony

Botanical name: Diospyros ebenum    Family: Ebenaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is commonly found in tropical forests Southern India and Sri Lanka. Ebony is distributed in forests of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: The heartwood is jet black with a metallic lustre when smoothened and is resistant to attack by insects and fungi. The wood is difficult to season and hence cut into small pieces before seasoning. It is used mainly for making piano keys, handles of cutlery, musical instruments, making sticks, umbrella handles, whips and furniture.

10.5 Latex – Rubber

Rubber

Botanical name: Hevea brasiliensis    Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is a native of Brazil and was introduced outside its native range during the colonial period and has become an important cash crop. Asia contributed 90% of the world production. Kerala is the largest producer in India followed by Tamil Nadu.

Uses: Tyre and other automobile parts manufacturing industries consume 70% of the rubber production. Rubber is used in manufacturing footwear, wire and cable insulations, raincoats, household and hospital goods, shock absorbers, belts, sports goods, erasers, adhesives, and rubber-bands. Hard rubber are used in the electrical and radio engineering industries. Concentrated latex is used for making gloves, balloons and condoms. Foamed latex is used in the manufacture of cushions, pillows and life-belts.

Do You Know?

Rubber – Vulcanization: Charles Goodyear invented vulcanization in 1839. He found that the defects in rubber articles could be overcome by heating rubber with sulphur under pressure at 150 degree Celsius. The process was called vulcanization. The name was given from the Roman God of Fire, Vulcan. Because of this, solid rubber tyres were used for first time in 1867.

10.6 Pulp Wood

The term paper is derived from the word 'papyrus' a plant (Cyperus papyrus) that was used by Egyptians to make paper-like materials. Paper production is a Chinese invention. The Chinese discovered the paper that was prepared from the inner bark of paper mulberry in 105 A.D. For a long time, the art of paper making remained a monopoly of the Chinese until Arabs learned the technique and improved it around 750 A.D. Invention of printing increased the demand for paper.

Manufacture of Wood pulp: Wood is converted into pulp by mechanical, and chemical processes. Wood of Melia azadirachta, Neolamarkia chinensis, Casuarina species, Eucalyptus species are used for making paper pulp.

Do You Know?

Purified dissolving pulp is used as a basic material in the manufacture of rayon or artificial silk, fabrics, transparent films (cellophane, cellulose acetate films), plastics. The viscose process of making rayon is the most common process.

10.7 Dyes

The ability to perceive colour is a wonderful aspect of human eyes and dyes add colour to the goods we use. They have been in use since the ancient times. The earliest authentic records of dyeing were found in the tomb painting of ancient Egypt. Colourings on mummy cements (wrapping) included saffron and indigo. They can also be seen in rock paintings in India.

Indigo

Botanical name: Indigofera    Family: Fabaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Indigofera tinctoria is native to India. It was grown in many states in India. Now it is grown in limited states mainly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Uses: A brilliant dark blue dye 'indigo' was extracted from the leaves of several species of Indigofera. The people of Asia, especially India have known the dye for over 4,000 years. It is also used in painting of murals. Indigofera have long been used in Southern India in temple arts and folk arts, popularly known as Kalamkari. Indigo used for dyeing and printing cotton, rayon and wool.

Henna

Botanical name: Lawsonia inermis    Family: Lythraceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is indigenous to North Africa and South-west Asia. It is grown mostly throughout India, especially in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Uses: An orange dye 'Henna' is obtained from the leaves and young shoots of Lawsonia inermis. The principal colouring matter of leaves 'lacosone' is harmless and causes no irritation to the skin. This dye has long been used to dye skin, hair and fingernails. It is used for colouring leather, for the tails of horses and in hair-dyes.

Do You Know?

Champaran Satyagraha: Indigofera is a very important cash crop among plants cultivated in India during the British regime. Farmers were forced to cultivate Indigofera instead of food crops. Gandhi started satyagraha at Champaran, a village in Bihar in support of farmers. This was the first satyagraha in India by Gandhi. Government accepted 'Champaran farmers bill'. Gandhi's first satyagraha in India achieved a great success.

10.8 Cosmetics

Traditionally in Southern India, people have been using turmeric, green gram powder, henna, sigaikai and usilai for their skin and hair care. These were mostly home prepared products that are used for grooming. Today, cosmetics have a high commercial value and have become chemical based industrial products. In recent years, people have realized the hazards of chemical-based cosmetics and are turning back to natural products.

Aloe

Botanical name: Aloe vera    Family: Asphodelaceae (formerly Liliaceae)

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is a native of Sudan. It is cultivated on a large scale in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Uses: 'Aloin' (a mixture of glucosides) and its gel are used as skin tonic. It has a cooling effect and moisturizing characteristics and hence used in preparation of creams, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, after shave lotions and allied products. It is used in gerontological applications for rejuvenation of aging skin. Products prepared from aloe leaves have multiple properties such as emollient, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiseptic. Aloe vera gel is used in skin care cosmetics.

10.8.1 Perfumes

The word perfume is derived from the Latin word Per (through) and fumus (to smoke), meaning through smoke. It refers to the age-old tradition of burning scented woods at religious ceremonies. In early days, when people were less conscious of personal hygiene, essential oils not only masked offensive odours, but also may have acted as antiseptics. Perfumes are added to baths and used for anointing the body. Perfumes are manufactured from essential oil which are volatile and aromatic. Essential oils are found at different parts of the plant such as leaves (curry leaf, mint), flowers (rose, jasmine), fruits (citrus, straw berry) and wood (sandal, eucalyptus).

Jasmine

Botanical name: Jasminum grandiflorum    Family: Oleaceae

Jasmine, as a floral perfume, ranks next to the rose oil. Major species cultivated on the commercial scale is Jasminum grandiflorum, a native of the north-western Himalayas. In Tamil Nadu, the major jasmine cultivation centres are Madurai and Thovalai of Kanyakumari District. The essential oil is present in the epidermal cells of the inner and outer surfaces of both the sepals and petals. One ton of Jasmine blossom yields about 2.5 to 3 kg of essential oil, comprising 0.25 to 3% of the weight of the fresh flower.

Uses: Jasmine flowers have been used since ancient times in India for worship, ceremonial purposes, incense and fumigants, as well as for making perfumed hair oils, cosmetics and soaps. Jasmine oil is an essential oil that is valued for its soothing, relaxing, antidepressant qualities. Jasmine blends well with other perfumes. It is much used in modern perfumery and cosmetics and has become popular in air fresheners, anti-perspirants, talcum powders, shampoos and deodorants.

Do You Know?

Madurai Malli: 'Madurai Malli' is the pride of Madurai has a distinct reputation universally because of its uniqueness and has been given the Geographical Indications (GI) mark by the Geographical indication Registry of India. Madurai malli has thick petals with long stalk equal to that of petals and the distinct fragrance is due to the presence of chemicals such as jasmine and alpha terpineol. This makes it easy to distinguish Madurai Malli from other places. This is the second GI tag for Jasmine after 'Mysore Malli'.

Rose

Botanical name: Rosa X damascena    Family: Rosaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: R. X damascena has its origin from the Middle East. Major scented rose cultivating states include Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Rose oil is one of the oldest and most expensive of perfume oils. The oil is concentrated in the epidermal cells on the inner surface of the petals. The average oil yield is a little less than 0.5 g from 1000 g of flowers.

Uses: Rose oil is largely used in perfumes, scenting soaps, flavouring soft drinks, liqueurs and certain types of tobacco, particularly snuff or chewing tobacco. Rose water (panneer) containing much of phenylethyl alcohol and other compounds in dissolved confectioneries syrups and soft drinks. In India, the water is much used in eye lotions and eye-washes. In addition, it is sprinkled on guests as a ceremonial welcome.

Sandalwood

Botanical name: Santalum album    Family: Santalaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Sandal tree is native of South East Asia. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are states that possess large natural populations of Santalum album in India. The heart-wood is scented due to the presence of santalol, from which oil is extracted. The oil yield from a wood chip, varies from 4-5% being the highest when distilled from roots (10% of the dry weight).

Uses: Sandalwood oil is a valuable fixative for other fragrances due to the excellent blending properties. More than 90% of the oil is used in the manufacture of scented soaps, talcum powder, face powder, creams, hair oils, hand lotions as well as in perfumery and pharmaceutical industries.

10.9 Traditional Systems of Medicines

India has a rich medicinal heritage. A number of Traditional Systems of Medicine (TSM) are practiced in India some of which come from outside India. TSM in India can be broadly classified into institutionalized or documented and non-institutionalized or oral traditions. Institutionalized Indian systems include Siddha and Ayurveda which are practiced for about two thousand years. These systems have prescribed texts in which the symptoms, disease diagnosis, drugs to cure, preparation of drugs, dosage and diet regimes, daily and seasonal regimens. Non-institutional systems, whereas, do not have such records and are practiced by rural and tribal peoples across India. The knowledge is mostly held in oral form. The TSM focus on healthy lifestyle and healthy diet for maintaining good health and disease reversal.

Siddha System of Medicine

Siddha is the most popular, widely practiced and culturally accepted system in Tamil Nadu. It is based on the texts written by 18 Siddhars. There are different opinions on the constitution of 18 Siddhars. The Siddhars are not only from Tamil Nadu, but have also come from other countries. The entire knowledge is documented in the form of poems in Tamil. Siddha is principally based on the Pancabūta philosophy. According to this system three humors namely Vātam, Pittam and Kapam that are responsible for the health of human beings and any disturbance in the equilibrium of these humors result in ill health. The drug sources of Siddha include plants, animal parts, marine products and minerals. This system specializes in using minerals for preparing drugs with the long shelf-life. This system uses about 800 herbs as source of drugs. Great stress is laid on disease prevention, health promotion, rejuvenation and cure.

Ayurveda System of Medicine

Ayurveda supposed to have originated from Brahma. The core knowledge is documented by Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata in compendiums written by them. This system is also based on three humor principles namely, Vatha, Pitha and Kapha which would exist in equilibrium for a healthy living. This system uses more of herbs and few animal parts as drug sources. Plant sources include a good proportion of Himalayan plants. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India lists about 500 plants used as source of drugs.

Folk System of Medicine

Folk systems survive as an oral tradition among innumerable rural and tribal communities of India. A consolidated study to document the plants used by ethnic communities was launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India in the form of All India Coordinated Research Project on Ethnobiology. As a result, about 8000 plant species have been documented which are used for medicinal purposes. The efforts to document in several under-explored and unexplored pockets of India still continue. Major tribal communities in Tamil Nadu who are known for their medicinal knowledge include Irulas, Malayalis, Kurumbas, Paliyans and Kaanis.

10.10 Medicinal Plants

India is a treasure house of medicinal plants. They are linked to local heritage as well as to global-trade. All institutional systems in India primarily use medicinal plants as drug sources. At present, 90% collection of medicinal plants is from the non-cultivated sources. Growing demand for herbal products has led to quantum jump in volume of plant materials traded within and across the countries. Increasing demand exerts a heavy strain on the existing resources.

Medicinally useful molecules obtained from plants that are marketed as drugs are called Biomedicines. Medicinal plants which are marketed as powders or in other modified forms are known as Botanical medicines.

Keezhanelli

Botanical name: Phyllanthus amarus    Family: Euphorbiaceae (Now in Phyllanthaceae)

Origin and Area of cultivation: The plant is a native of Tropical American region and is naturalised in India and other tropical countries. It is not cultivated and is collected from moist places in plains.

Active principle: Phyllanthin is the major chemical component.

Medicinal importance: Phyllanthus is a well-known hepato-protective plant generally used in Tamil Nadu for the treatment of Jaundice. Research carried out by Dr. S P Thyagarajan and his team from University of Madras has scientifically proved that the extract of Phyllanthus amarus is effective against hepatitis B virus.

Adathodai

Botanical name: Justicia adhatoda    Family: Acanthaceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: It is native to India and Sri Lanka. This species is not known in wild in Tamil Nadu but widely cultivated as a live fence and around temples.

Active principle: Vascin

Uses: Adhatoda possess broncho dilating property. The decoction is used in treating many bronchial disorders such as cough, cold and asthma. It is also used in treating fevers. The extract forms an ingredient of cough syrups.

Nilavembu

Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata    Family: Acanthaceae

Andrographis paniculata, known as the King of Bitters is traditionally used in Indian systems of medicines.

Active principle: Andrographolides

Medicinal importance: Andrographis is a potent hepatoprotective and is widely used to treat liver disorders. Concoction of Andrographis paniculata and eight other herbs (Nilavembu Kudineer) is effectively used to treat malaria and dengue.

Table: Other Important Medicinal Plants

S.No	Common Name	Tamil Name	Botanical Name	Family	Plant Part Used	Medicinal Uses
1	Holy basil	துளசி	Ocimum sanctum	Lamiaceae	Leaves and Roots	The leaves are stimulant, antiseptic, antihypertensive and anti-bacterial and expectorant used in bronchitis. Decoction of roots is given as a diaphoretic in malarial fever.
2	Indian gooseberry	நெல்லி	Phyllanthus emblica	Phyllanthaceae	Fruit	It is a potent rejuvenator and immune modulator. It has anti-ageing properties. It helps to promote longevity, enhance digestion, treat constipation and reduce fever and cough.
3	Indian Acalypha	குப்பைமேனி	Acalypha indica	Euphorbiaceae	Leaves	Used to cure skin diseases caused by ringworms. Powdered leaves are used to cure bedsores and infected wounds.
4	Vilvam	வில்வம்	Aegle marmelos	Rutaceae	Fruit	The unripe fruit is used to treat problems of stomach indigestion. It kills intestinal parasites.
5	Veldt grape	பிரண்டை	Cissus quadrangularis	Vitaceae	Stem and root	Paste obtained from the powdered stem and root of this plant is used in bone fractures. Whole plant is useful to treat asthma and stomach troubles.

Turmeric (as Medicinal Plant)

Botanical name: Curcuma longa    Family: Zingiberaceae

Active principle: Curcumin

Medicinal importance: Curcumin (the yellow colouring principle) is the major pharmacologically active compound of turmeric. It is used to treat Alzheimer's disease due to its property to cross over blood brain barrier. It has a very powerful anti-oxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It is one of the traditional medicines used for wound healing.

Do You Know?

Patenting of Turmeric: University of Mississippi medical center, USA was granted a patent for wound healing property of Turmeric in 1995. The patent was granted both for oral and topical applications and provides an exclusive right to sell and distribute. Since the use of turmeric to heal wounds is a common domain knowledge in India, the Government of India decided to fight against the patent through the Indian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). CSIR collected documentary evidences from various literature to prove that the knowledge on wound healing property of turmeric existed in India for a long time and provided the evidences to the United States Patent and Trade mark Office (USPTO). Based on the evidences the patent was revoked by USPTO. Hence the traditional knowledge (TK) on turmeric was safeguarded from Bio piracy.

Psychoactive Drugs

Phytochemicals / drugs from some of the plants alter an individual's perceptions of mind by producing hallucination are known as psychoactive drugs. These drugs are used in all ancient culture especially by Shamans and by traditional healers.

Opium Poppy

Botanical name: Papaver somniferum    Family: Papaveraceae

Origin and Area of cultivation: Opium poppy is native to South Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the licenced states to cultivate opium poppy. Opium is derived from the exudates of fruits of poppy plants. It was traditionally used to induce sleep and for relieving pain. Opium yields Morphine, a strong analgesic which is used in surgery. However, opium is an addiction forming drug.

Cannabis / Marijuana

Botanical name: Cannabis sativa    Family: Cannabiaceae

Origin and Area of Cultivation: Marijuana is native to China. States such as Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Uttarpradesh and Madhya Pradesh have legally permitted to cultivate industrial hemp/Marijuana. The active principle in Marijuana is trans-tetrahydrocanabinal (THC). It possesses a number of medicinal properties. It is an effective pain reliever and reduces hypertension. THC is used in treating Glaucoma a condition in which pressure develops in the eyes. THC is also used in reducing nausea of cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. THC provides relief to bronchial disorders, especially asthma as it dilates bronchial vessels. Because of these medicinal properties, cultivation of cannabis is legalized in some countries. However, prolonged use causes addiction and has an effect on individual's health and society. Hence most of the countries have banned its cultivation and use.

Do You Know?

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Drugs come in various forms and can be taken in numerous ways. Some are legal and others are not. Drug abuse and misuse can cause numerous health problems and in serious cases death can occur. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India and is responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.

10.11 Entrepreneurial Botany

Entrepreneurial Botany is the study of how new businesses are created using plant resources as well as the actual process of starting a new business. An entrepreneur is someone who has an idea and who works to create a product or service that people will buy, by building an organization to support the sales. Entrepreneurship is now a popular topic for higher secondary students, with a focus on developing ideas to create new ventures among the young people. Vast opportunities are there for the students of Botany. Converting botanical knowledge into a business idea that can be put into practice for earning a livelihood is the much-needed training for the students.

10.11.1 Mushroom Cultivation

Malnutrition caused by the lack of adequate protein and other nutrients in daily diet of people is becoming a major health hazard in developing countries. Mushrooms are the fruiting body of edible fungi and is the most priced commodity among vegetables, not only because of its nutritive value but also for its characteristic aroma and flavor. Mushrooms are also called white vegetable. Two kinds of mushrooms are cultivated namely button and oyster.

Steps Involved in Mushroom Cultivation

• The straw used for composting should be ripe and golden-yellow in colour. It should be cut into 2 to 4 inches and properly sterilized.
• The culture space should be clean and the ventilators and windows should be covered with fine wire mesh to prevent the entry of flies and birds.
• The culture space should be sprayed with 0.1% Nuvan and 5% Formalin, two days prior to spawning and transferring to bags to cropping rooms.
• The spawn used for mushroom should be free from contaminations. Bags should be filled with 8 kg of wet straw.
• During spawning running temperature and relative humidity should be maintained 20°C to 30°C, 75 to 85% respectively.
• Proper watering should be done when the growth coverings are removed. There should not be dry patches on blocks. Excess watering must be avoided.
• About 20 centimeter gap should be maintained in between two bags or blocks.
• Picking must be done as their caps become 10 to 12 centimeter by twisting.

10.11.2 Single Cell Protein (SCP) Production

Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of microorganism, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds. Microorganisms that can be used for the production of SCP have the capacity to synthesize proteins rapidly than higher living organisms. Microorganisms like algae, fungi, yeast and bacteria are used for this purpose.

Small Scale Biomass Production of Spirulina

It requires an aquarium, air pump, nutrients and Spirulina mother culture.

• Take a 30-litre capacity aquarium and fill half of it with water.
• Check if any heavy metal concentration or fluorine or calcium carbonate in water.
• Fill the tank with water and add nutrients preferably zarrouk medium. (Add half of the required nutrients first and add another half later).
• To aerate the culture, fix the air pump (avoid centrifugal pump) after adding nutrients.
• Add the mother culture to the aquarium. For every 1 liter of water add 4 grams mother culture.
• Place it in sunlight for 10-12 hrs every day.
• After a week check the culture and add more water, leave it for one more week, till the biomass becomes dark green.
• Use a very fine cloth and harvest the algae.
• Water can be reused in aquarium.
• Dry the algae for later use.

Single cell protein has a high nutritive value due to higher protein, vitamin, essential amino acids and lipid content. Hence it can form a good protein supplement. However, it cannot completely replace the conventional protein sources due to their high nucleic acid content and slower in digestibility. They may result in allergic reactions.

10.11.3 Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer

Seaweed is rich in trace elements and potassium, which makes it ideal to add to compost in its raw state, to work in as a mulch, or to create a liquid fertilizer. Seaweed fertilizer releases about 60 nutrients from which plants can benefit.

Preparation of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer

• Collect the seaweed that is not too stinky.
• Rinse the seaweed to remove the excess salt.
• Fill a bucket to three quarters way with water. Add as much seaweed as will fit and leave to soak.
• Stir the seaweed mix every two to four days.
• Allow to soak for several weeks to months so that the fertilizer grows stronger and stronger over time. (Make sure to keep the brew somewhere so that its odour will not affect the daily household.)
• It is ready for use once it no longer carries a smell of ammonium.
• When it is ready, use as a fertilizer for plants and garden beds (soil). (It should be diluted with water at a minimum of three parts to one).

Liquid seaweed extract enhances healthy growth of plants, flowers and vegetables. Regular use will help plants to withstand environmental stress, pests and disease attack. It can be used as a foliar spray for fruit, flower, vegetable crops as well as for shrubs and trees. It stimulates healthy growth for all plants.

10.11.4 Organic Farming

Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system in which plants/crops are cultivated in natural ways by using biological inputs to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance thereby minimizing pollution and wastage. Indians were organic farmers by default until the green revolution came into practice. Use of biofertilizers is one of the important components of integrated organic farm management, as they are cost effective and renewable source of plant nutrients to supplement the chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture. Organic farming is thus considered as the movement directed towards the philosophy of Back to Nature.

Preparation of Bio-pest Repellent

Botanical pest repellent and insecticide made with the dried leaves of Azadirachta indica

• Pluck leaves from the neem tree and chop the leaves finely.
• The chopped-up leaves were put in a 50-liter container and fill to half with water; put the lid on and leave it for 3 days to brew.
• Using another container, strain the mixture which has brewed for 3 days to remove the leaves, through fine mesh sieve. The filtrate can be sprayed on the plants to repel pests.
• To make sure that the pest repellent sticks to the plants, add 100 ml of cooking oil and the same amount of soap water. (The role of the soap water is to break down the oil, and the role of the oil is to make it stick to the leaves.)
• The stewed leaves from the mixture can be used in the compost heap or around the base of the plants.

10.11.5 Terrarium

A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a transparent, sealed container. Terrariums are easy to make, low maintenance gardens, and it can survive indefinitely with minimal water.

How to Make a Terrarium?

Prepare the Container: Collect whatever interesting glassware you have or source your container from a store and clean it thoroughly. Plan how to arrange the plants inside the glassware.

Add Drainage Layers: To create a false drainage layer, fill the bottom with pebbles so that water can settle and does not flood. The depth of the pebbles depends on the size of the container.

Add the Activated Charcoal: Cover the pebbles with charcoal to improve the quality of the terraria by reducing bacteria, fungi and odors.

Add Soil: Add enough soil so that the plant roots will have enough space to fit and grow.

Plant: Select the desired plant such as Caralluma species, Asparagus species, Portulaca species, Begonia species, and Chlorophytum species; trim the roots if they are too long. Dig a pit using a stick, and place the plants' roots in it. Add more soil around the top and compact the soil down around the base of the plant. Place little plants in the container and try to keep them away from the edges of the container, so that the leaves do not touch the sides. After planting add accessories like a layer of moss (dried or living), little figurines (old toys, glass beads, stones) or a layer of miniature rocks.

Cleaning and Watering: Wipe if there is any dirt along the sides of the container. Give the terrarium a little bit of water and enjoy the beautiful miniature living world on your table or in your living room. Readymade terrariums can fetch a good price as indoor garden objects or as gift articles.

10.11.6 Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Government of India has identified medicinal and aromatic plants as one of the sectors that can make India a global leader in the 21st century owing to the treasure of about 8,000 medicinal and 2,500 aromatic plants that can provide large number of consumer products with national and international demand. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) has developed a number of high yielding varieties and processing technologies to promote cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Advantages of Cultivation of Medicinal/Aromatic Plants

• Generate employment through development of ancillary industries.
• Foreign exchange earnings through exports.
• Crops are not damaged by domestic animals or by birds.
• Technologies are farmer and eco-friendly.

Do You Know?

National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB): Government of India has set up National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) on 24th November 2000. Currently this board is working under AYUSH Government of India. Developing an apt mechanism for coordination of various ministries and implementation of policies for overall growth of medicinal plant sector both at central/state and international level is the primary mandate of NMPB. It focusses on in-situ and ex-situ conservation and enhancing local medicinal plants and aromatic species of medicinal significance to meet the growing demand.

I. Cultivation of Medicinal Plant – Gloriosa superba

Economically useful part: Seed, Rhizome

Major constituents: Colchicine (0.5-0.7%) and Colchicoside

Uses: Cures gout, anti-inflammatory

Soil and Climate: Red loamy soils are well suited for cultivation. Glory lily is cultivated in Tamil Nadu mainly in the parts of Tirupur, Dindigul, Karur and Salem districts covering an area of 2000 hectare.

Planting: Planting is distributed from June – July. Plough the field 2–3 times and add 10 tons of Farmyard Manure during last ploughing. Trenches of 30 cm depth are formed and tubers are planted at 30–45 cm spacing. The vines are trained over support.

Irrigation: Irrigation should be given immediately after planting. Subsequent irrigation is given at 5 days intervals of time.

Harvest: Pods are harvested at 160–180 days.

Do You Know?

CSIR Aroma Mission of India: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has "Catalyzing Rural Empowerment through Cultivation, Processing, Value Addition and Marketing of Aromatic Plants". This program has contributed significantly in the development, nurturing and positioning of essential oil-based aroma industry in the country. This has led to creation of an ecosystem benefitting the industry, farmers and next generation entrepreneurs.

II. Cultivation of Aromatic Plant – Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Lemongrass is a tropical herb packed with strong citrus flavor. The lemon taste is prized in Asian cooking, as well as in tea, sauces, and soups.

Economic part: Stem base and leaves

Major constituents: Citronella, geraniol and citronellol

Uses: The aromatic oil has flavouring properties and is used in perfumery, cosmetics, confectionary, beverages, mosquito repellents and toilet cleaners.

Soil and Climate: Lemongrass grows well in full sun, with plenty of water, in a rich, well-draining soil.

Planting: This plant can thrive well all through the year. Fill planting holes with composted manure to improve fertility and enhance the soil's ability to hold water. If adding several lemongrass plants to planting beds, space plants 60 cm apart.

Irrigation: Water requirements for this plant will vary dependent upon the type of soil they grow. Sandy, loose soils require more frequent watering than silty loam.

Harvest: Start harvesting as soon as plants are 30 cm tall and stem bases are at least 1.5 cm thick. Cut stalks at ground level.

Summary

• Early civilization in different parts of the world has domesticated different species of plants for various purposes. Based on their utility, the economically useful plants are classified into food plants, fodder plants, fibre plants, timber plants, medicinal plants, and plants used in paper industries, dyes and cosmetics.
• Food base of majority of the population depends on very few Cereals, Millets, Pulses, Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Sugars, Oil seeds, Beverages, Spices and Condiments.
• Oils can be classified into two types namely, essential oils and vegetable oils. The oil yielding plants are groundnut, sesame, sunflower, coconut and mustard.
• Beverages contain alkaloids that stimulate central nervous system. Non-alcoholic beverages are coffee, tea and cocoa.
• Cardamom is 'Queen of Spices' used for flavouring confectionaries and beverages. Black pepper is King of Spices.
• Botanically a fibre is a long, narrow, thick-walled cell. Cotton, Jute and Coconut are fibre yielding plants.
• Teak, Rosewood, and Ebony are woods used for making furniture.
• Rubber is produced from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis. Paper production is a Chinese invention.
• Indigo was extracted from the leaves of Indigofera. The orange dye henna is from the leaves of Lawsonia.
• Perfumes are volatile and aromatic in nature, manufactured from essential oils which are found at different parts of the plant.
• Medicinally useful molecules obtained from these plants are marketed as drugs are called Biomedicines. Phytochemicals from some of the plants which alter an individual's perceptions of mind by producing hallucination are known as psychoactive drugs.
• Entrepreneurial Botany is the study of how new businesses are created using plant resources as well as the actual process of starting a new business.
• Mushrooms are the fruiting body of edible fungi and is the most priced commodity among vegetables.
• Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of microorganism, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds.
• A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a transparent, sealed container.
• Specialty materials like essential oils and pharmaceuticals, are obtained from plants. Many species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are cultivated for such industrial uses, but most are still wild collected.

Evaluation

MCQ Choose the Correct Answer

1. Consider the following statements and choose the right option.
i) Cereals are members of grass family.
ii) Most of the food grains come from monocotyledon.

a. (i) is correct and (ii) is wrong b. Both (i) and (ii) are correct c. (i) is wrong and (ii) is correct d. Both (i) and (ii) are wrong

2. Assertion: Vegetables are important part of healthy eating.
Reason: Vegetables are succulent structures of plants with pleasant aroma and flavours.

a. Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong b. Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct c. Both are correct and reason is the correct explanation for assertion. d. Both are correct and reason is not the correct explanation for assertion.

3. Groundnut is native of ___

a. Philippines b. India c. North America d. Brazil

4. Statement A: Coffee contains caffeine
Statement B: Drinking coffee enhances cancer

a. A is correct, B is wrong b. A and B – Both are correct c. A is wrong, B is correct d. A and B – Both are wrong

5. This is an example of brush fibre yielding plant

a. Cyperus b. Neem c. Cotton d. Palm

6. Tectona grandis is coming under family

a. Lamiaceae b. Fabaceae c. Dipterocarpaceae d. Ebenaceae

7. Tamarindus indica is indigenous to

a. Tropical African region b. South India, Sri Lanka c. South America, Greece d. India alone

8. New world species of cotton

a. Gossypium arboretum b. Gossypium herbaceum c. Both a and b d. Gossypium barbadense

9. Assertion: Turmeric fights various kinds of cancer
Reason: Curcumin is an anti-oxidant present in turmeric

a. Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong b. Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct c. Both are correct d. Both are wrong

10. Find out the correctly matched pair.

a. Rubber – Shorea robusta b. Dye – Indigofera annecta c. Timber – Cyperus papyrus d. Pulp – Hevea brasiliensis

11. Find out the wrongly paired one

a. Burma teak – Tectona grandis b. Rosewood – Dalbergia sp c. Ebony – Diospyros eberum d. Henna – Shorea robusta

12. Observe the following statements and pick out the right option:
Statement I – Perfumes are manufactured from essential oils.
Statement II – Essential oils are formed at different parts of the plants.

a. Statement I is correct b. Statement II is correct c. Both statements are correct d. Both statements are wrong

13. Observe the following statements and pick out the right option:
Statement I: The drug sources of Siddha include plants, animal parts, ores and minerals.
Statement II: Minerals are used for preparing drugs with long shelf-life.

a. Statement I is correct b. Statement II is correct c. Both statements are correct d. Both statements are wrong

14. Select the mismatch.

a. Andrographis – hepato protective b. Adhatoda – broncho dilator c. Phyllanthus – anti-diabetic d. Curcumin – anti-oxidant

15. The active principle trans-tetra hydro canabial is present in

a. Opium b. Curcuma c. Marijuana d. Andrographis

16. Which one of the following matches is correct?

a. Palmyra – Native of Brazil b. Saccharum – Abundant in Kanyakumari c. Steveocide – Natural sweetener d. Palmyra sap – Fermented to give ethanol

17. The only cereal that has originated and domesticated from the new world.

a. Oryza sativa b. Triticum aestivum c. Triticum durum d. Zea mays

18. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
i. Mushrooms are the fruiting body of edible fungi.
ii. Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of macro-organism.
iii. Regular use of liquid seaweed fertilizer will help plants to withstand environmental stress.
iv. SCP can completely replace the conventional protein sources.

a. (i) and (ii) b. (i) and (iii) c. (i) and (iv) d. (i) alone

19. Select the incorrect pair / pairs of statements about single cell protein
i. Chemical pesticides – Safe for human and the environment
ii. Mushrooms – White vegetable
iii. Zarrouk medium – Culture medium
iv. Seaweed – Rich in potassium

a. (i) and (ii) b. (i) and (iv) c. (i) and (iii) d. (i) alone

20. Match the following pairs about mushroom cultivation.
A. Straw size    (i) 75-85%
B. Distance between blocks    (ii) 20 cm
C. Cap size at harvesting    (iii) 2-4 inch
D. Relative humidity    (iv) 10-12 cm

a. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i) b. A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(i) c. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i) d. A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)

21. Assertion: In Spirulina culture, half of the required nutrients added first and the rest later.
Reason: If all the nutrients are added first, it will affect the culture growth.

a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c. A is true but R is false. d. Both A and R are false. Exercise Short Answer Questions

22. Write the cosmetic uses of Aloe.

23. What is pseudo cereal? Give an example.

24. What are cucurbits? Why it is considered as an important summer vegetable?

25. Which fruit is rich in potassium? Mention its economic importance.

26. Discuss which wood is better for making furniture.

27. A person got irritation while applying chemical dye. What would be your suggestion for alternative?

28. Name the humors that are responsible for the health of human beings.

29. Give definition for organic farming.

30. Define bonsai.

31. What is terrarium?

32. Which is called as the "King of Bitters"? Mention their medicinal importance.

33. Differentiate bio-medicines and botanical medicines.

34. Write the origin and area of cultivation of green gram and red gram.

35. What are millets? What are its types? Give example for each type.

36. Write the economic importance of Lycopersicon esculentum.

37. If a person drinks a cup of coffee daily it will help him for his health. Is this correct? If it is correct, list out the benefits.

38. Enumerate the uses of turmeric.

39. What is TSM? How does it classify and what does it focus on?

40. What are the advantages of cultivation of aromatic plants?

41. How will you make a Bonsai tree?

42. What is NMPB?

43. Write the uses of nuts you have studied.

Exercise Long Answer Questions

44. Give an account on the role of Jasminum and Rosa in perfuming.

45. Give an account of active principle and medicinal values of any two plants you have studied.

46. Write the economic importance of rice.

47. Which TSM is widely practiced and culturally accepted in Tamil Nadu? – explain.

48. What are psychoactive drugs? Add a note on Marijuana and Opium.

49. Describe the types of fibres.

50. What are the King and Queen of spices? Explain about them and their uses.

51. How will you prepare an organic pesticide for your home garden with the vegetables available from your kitchen?

52. What will you do if you want to make a portable indoor greenery?

53. Give an account on cultivation of Gloriosa superba / Cymbopogon citratus.

Glossary

Lubricant Oily substance reduces friction. Odour Smell (pleasant or unpleasant). Diuretic Substance that promotes urine production. Cirrhosis A chronic liver disease typically caused by alcoholism or hepatitis. Antioxidant A substance that scavenges free radicals. Carminative A drug causing expulsion of gas from the stomach or bowel. Malnutrition Deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. Spawn Mycelium especially prepared for propagating mushrooms. Aromatic crops Plants that produce aromatic oils. Perfumery The art or process of making perfume. Cosmetics Substances or products used for personal grooming. Confectionary A place where confections/sweets are kept or made. Anti-inflammatory The property of a substance or treatment that reduces swelling. Alzheimer's disease A type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Ethnobiology The study of relationships between peoples and plants. Pharmacopoeia A book containing directions for the identification of compound medicines, published by the authority of a government or a medical or pharmaceutical society. Fixative A substance used to reduce the evaporation rate and improve stability when added to more volatile components. Antiperspirant Products whose primary function is to inhibit perspiration/sweat. Seasoning The processing of food with spices and condiments to enhance the flavour.

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

I. Choose the Correct Answer

1. Consider the following statements and choose the right option.
i) Cereals are members of grass family.
ii) Most of the food grains come from monocotyledon.
a) (i) is correct and (ii) is wrong   b) Both (i) and (ii) are correct   c) (i) is wrong and (ii) is correct   d) Both (i) and (ii) are wrong

a) (i) is correct and (ii) is wrong b) Both (i) and (ii) are correct c) (i) is wrong and (ii) is correct d) Both (i) and (ii) are wrong

Answer: b) Both (i) and (ii) are correct

Explanation: All cereals are members of grass family (Poaceae). Cereals such as rice, wheat and maize are monocotyledons, and they form the food base of the majority of the population.

2. Assertion: Vegetables are important part of healthy eating.
Reason: Vegetables are succulent structures of plants with pleasant aroma and flavours.
a) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong   b) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct   c) Both are correct and reason is the correct explanation for assertion.   d) Both are correct and reason is not the correct explanation for assertion.

a) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong b) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct c) Both are correct and reason is the correct explanation for assertion d) Both are correct and reason is not the correct explanation for assertion

Answer: a) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong

Explanation: Vegetables are indeed an important part of healthy eating (Assertion is correct). However, succulent structures with pleasant aroma and flavours describes edible fruits, not vegetables (Reason is wrong).

3. Groundnut is native of ___

a) Philippines b) India c) North America d) Brazil

Answer: d) Brazil

Explanation: According to the chapter, Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is native of Brazil. Portuguese introduced groundnut into Africa, and the Spanish took it to South East Asia and India via Philippines.

4. Statement A: Coffee contains caffeine. Statement B: Drinking coffee enhances cancer.
a) A is correct, B is wrong   b) A and B – Both are correct   c) A is wrong, B is correct   d) A and B – Both are wrong

a) A is correct, B is wrong b) A and B – Both are correct c) A is wrong, B is correct d) A and B – Both are wrong

Answer: a) A is correct, B is wrong

Explanation: Coffee contains caffeine which enhances release of acetylcholine in brain. Drinking coffee in moderation can lower the incidence of liver diseases and cancer, not enhance it. So Statement A is correct and Statement B is wrong.

5. This is an example of brush fibre yielding plant

a) Cyperus b) Neem c) Cotton d) Palm

Answer: d) Palm

Explanation: According to the classification of fibres in the chapter, brush fibres are used for making brushes and brooms, and the example given is Palm fibres and brooms.

6. Tectona grandis is coming under family

a) Lamiaceae b) Fabaceae c) Dipterocarpaceae d) Ebenaceae

Answer: a) Lamiaceae

Explanation: Teak (Tectona grandis) belongs to the family Lamiaceae as stated in the chapter under the Timber section.

7. Tamarindus indica is indigenous to

a) Tropical African region b) South India, Sri Lanka c) South America, Greece d) India alone

Answer: a) Tropical African region

Explanation: According to the chapter, Tamarind is native of tropical African region and was introduced into India several thousand years before.

8. New world species of cotton

a) Gossypium arboretum b) Gossypium herbaceum c) Both a and b d) Gossypium barbadense

Answer: d) Gossypium barbadense

Explanation: The chapter states that Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense are the new world species of cotton, while Gossypium arboretum and Gossypium herbaceum are the old-world species.

9. Assertion: Turmeric fights various kinds of cancer. Reason: Curcumin is an anti-oxidant present in turmeric.
a) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong   b) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct   c) Both are correct   d) Both are wrong

a) Assertion is correct, Reason is wrong b) Assertion is wrong, Reason is correct c) Both are correct d) Both are wrong

Answer: c) Both are correct

Explanation: The chapter states that Curcumin extracted from turmeric is a very good anti-oxidant which may help fight various kinds of cancer. So both the assertion and reason are correct.

10. Find out the correctly matched pair.

a) Rubber – Shorea robusta b) Dye – Indigofera annecta c) Timber – Cyperus papyrus d) Pulp – Hevea brasiliensis

Answer: b) Dye – Indigofera annecta

Explanation: A brilliant dark blue dye 'indigo' was extracted from the leaves of several species of Indigofera. Hevea brasiliensis yields rubber (not pulp), making option b the correctly matched pair related to dye from Indigofera.

11. Find out the wrongly paired one

a) Burma teak – Tectona grandis b) Rosewood – Dalbergia sp c) Ebony – Diaspyros eberum d) Henna – Shorea robusta

Answer: d) Henna – Shorea robusta

Explanation: Henna is obtained from Lawsonia inermis (Family: Lythraceae), not from Shorea robusta. Hence d is the wrongly paired one.

12. Observe the following statements and pick out the right option:
Statement I – Perfumes are manufactured from essential oils.
Statement II – Essential oils are formed at different parts of the plants.
a) Statement I is correct   b) Statement II is correct   c) Both statements are correct   d) Both statements are wrong

a) Statement I is correct b) Statement II is correct c) Both statements are correct d) Both statements are wrong

Answer: c) Both statements are correct

Explanation: The chapter states that perfumes are manufactured from essential oils which are volatile and aromatic, and that essential oils are found at different parts of the plant such as leaves, flowers, fruits and wood.

13. Observe the following statements and pick out the right option:
Statement I: The drug sources of Siddha include plants, animal parts, ores and minerals.
Statement II: Minerals are used for preparing drugs with long shelf-life.
a) Statement I is correct   b) Statement II is correct   c) Both statements are correct   d) Both statements are wrong

a) Statement I is correct b) Statement II is correct c) Both statements are correct d) Both statements are wrong

Answer: c) Both statements are correct

Explanation: The chapter states that the drug sources of Siddha include plants, animal parts, marine products and minerals, and that this system specializes in using minerals for preparing drugs with long shelf-life.

14. Select the mismatch.

a) Andrographis – hepato protective b) Adhatoda – broncho dilator c) Phyllanthus – anti-diabetic d) Curcumin – anti-oxidant

Answer: c) Phyllanthus – anti-diabetic

Explanation: According to the chapter, Phyllanthus (Keezhanelli) is a well-known hepato-protective plant used for the treatment of Jaundice (not anti-diabetic). Hence c is the mismatch.

15. The active principle trans-tetra hydro cannabinol is present in

a) Opium b) Curcuma c) Marijuana d) Andrographis

Answer: c) Marijuana

Explanation: The chapter states that the active principle in Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is trans-tetrahydrocanabinal (THC).

16. Which one of the following matches is correct?

a) Palmyra – Native of Brazil b) Saccharum – Abundant in Kanyakumari c) Steveocide – Natural sweetener d) Palmyra sap – Fermented to give ethanol

Answer: c) Steveocide – Natural sweetener

Explanation: The chapter states that Steveocide is the chemical responsible for sweetness in Stevia and it is the most popular natural sweetener. Palmyra sap is fermented to give toddy (not ethanol), and Saccharum is cultivated in all districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris.

17. The only cereal that has originated and domesticated from the new world.

a) Oryza sativa b) Triticum aestivum c) Triticum durum d) Zea mays

Answer: d) Zea mays

Explanation: The chapter clearly states that "Maize is the only cereal that has originated and domesticated from the New World."

18. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
i. Mushrooms are the fruiting body of edible fungi.
ii. Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of macro-organism.
iii. Regular use of liquid seaweed fertilizer will help plants to withstand environmental stress.
iv. SCP can completely replace the conventional protein sources.
A. (i) and (ii)   B. (i) and (iii)   C. (i) and (iv)   D. (i) alone

A. (i) and (ii) B. (i) and (iii) C. (i) and (iv) D. (i) alone

Answer: B. (i) and (iii)

Explanation: Statement i is correct – mushrooms are the fruiting body of edible fungi. Statement iii is correct – regular use of seaweed fertilizer helps plants withstand environmental stress. Statement ii is wrong (SCP are dried cells of microorganism). Statement iv is wrong – SCP cannot completely replace conventional protein sources due to high nucleic acid content.

19. Select the incorrect pair / pairs of statements about single cell protein
i. Chemical pesticides – Safe for human and the environment
ii. Mushrooms – White vegetable
iii. Zarrouk medium – Culture medium
iv. Seaweed – Rich in potassium
A. (i) and (ii)   B. (i) and (iv)   C. (i) and (iii)   D. (i) alone

A. (i) and (ii) B. (i) and (iv) C. (i) and (iii) D. (i) alone

Answer: D. (i) alone

Explanation: The chapter states that many chemical pesticides prove unsafe for human and the environment (so statement i is incorrect). Mushrooms are called white vegetables (ii is correct), Zarrouk medium is the culture medium for Spirulina (iii is correct), and seaweed is rich in potassium (iv is correct).

20. Match the following pairs about mushroom cultivation.
A. Straw size   (i) 75-85%
B. Distance between blocks   (ii) 20 cm
C. Cap size at harvesting   (iii) 2-4 inch
D. Relative humidity   (iv) 10-12 cm
A. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)   B. A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(i)   C. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i)   D. A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)

A. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i) B. A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(i) C. A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(i) D. A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv)

Answer: B. A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(i)

Explanation: The chapter states: Straw should be cut into 2-4 inches (iii), about 20 cm gap should be maintained between bags/blocks (ii), picking must be done when caps become 10-12 cm (iv), and relative humidity should be maintained at 75-85% (i).

21. Assertion: In Spirulina culture, half of the required nutrients added first and the rest later.
Reason: If all the nutrients are added first, it will affect the culture growth.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) Both A and R are false.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A c) A is true but R is false d) Both A and R are false

Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation: The chapter instructs to add half of the required nutrients first and add another half later, implying that adding all nutrients at once would affect the culture growth. Both assertion and reason are true and the reason explains the assertion.

II. Answer Briefly

22. Write the cosmetic uses of Aloe.

Answer: 'Aloin' (a mixture of glucosides) and its gel are used as skin tonic. Aloe has a cooling effect and moisturizing characteristics, hence it is used in preparation of creams, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, after shave lotions and allied products. It is also used in gerontological applications for rejuvenation of aging skin, and Aloe vera gel is used in skin care cosmetics.

23. What is pseudo cereal? Give an example.

Answer: The term pseudo-cereal is used to describe foods that are prepared and eaten as a whole grain, but are botanical outliers from grasses. Example: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), which belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate as well as a whole protein containing all nine essential amino acids.

24. What are cucurbits? Why is it considered as an important summer vegetable?

Answer: Cucurbits are the vining plants of the family Cucurbitaceae, which include cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons and gourds. Cucumber is considered an important summer vegetable in all parts of India because it has been cultivated for at least three thousand years and provides good hydration. Depending on the species, immature or mature fruit are consumed as fresh or cooked vegetables and it is used in preparation of salad and pickle.

25. Which fruit is rich in potassium? Mention its economic importance.

Answer: Banana (Musa x paradisiaca) is loaded with potassium and essential vitamins. It can be eaten raw or cooked (deep fried, dehydrated, baked or steamed). The fruit can be processed into flour and can be fermented for the production of beverages such as banana juice, beer, vinegar and vine. Tamil Nadu is the world's Number one banana producer.

26. Discuss which wood is better for making furniture.

Answer: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) is well suited for furniture making. It is characterised by fragrant, heavy, narrowly interlocked grained and medium coarse texture. It is durable and heavy and is suitable for under water use. The wood is used for making furniture, army wagons, temple chariots, cabinets, railway sleepers, musical instruments and hammer handles. Teak is also used but Rosewood is preferred for fine furniture due to its beauty and durability.

27. A person got irritation while applying chemical dye. What would be your suggestion for alternative?

Answer: Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a natural alternative to chemical dyes. An orange dye 'Henna' is obtained from the leaves and young shoots of Lawsonia inermis. The principal colouring matter of leaves 'lacosone' is harmless and causes no irritation to the skin. This dye has long been used to dye skin, hair and fingernails and is a safe alternative to chemical dyes.

28. Name the humors that are responsible for the health of human beings.

Answer: According to Siddha system, the three humors namely Vātam, Pittam and Kapam are responsible for the health of human beings. Any disturbance in the equilibrium of these humors results in ill health. Similarly, the Ayurveda system also recognizes three humor principles namely Vatha, Pitha and Kapha which should exist in equilibrium for healthy living.

29. Give definition for organic farming.

Answer: Organic farming

📝 Summary

1. Economically useful plants are classified into food plants, fodder plants, fibre plants, timber plants, medicinal plants, and plants used in paper industries, dyes and cosmetics, all of which form the foundation of human civilization and daily life.
2. About 10,000 food plants are currently used, but the food base of the majority of the world's population depends on only three grass species: rice, wheat, and maize.
3. Cereals, all members of the grass family (Poaceae), are prominent food plants due to their adaptability, ease of cultivation, tillering property, compact grains, and high caloric value providing carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Rice (Oryza sativa), originating from South East Asia, is the world's second most cultivated food crop after wheat, serving as the chief source of carbohydrate and a staple food in Southern and North East India, with by-products like rice bran oil, husks used as fuel and fertilizer.
5. Entrepreneurial Botany covers practical skills such as mushroom cultivation, single cell protein (SCP) production, seaweed liquid fertilizers, organic farming with bio-fertilisers and bio-pest repellants, terrarium and bonsai making, and cultivation of medicinal plants.