Sanjay Gandhi National Park Project Notes

The forest types represented in SGNP are asfollows: Moist teak bearing forest, Southern moist mixed deciduous
forest, Mangrove scrub andWest coast semi-evergreen forest (Pradhan et al 2005). The significant areas in the park
are therocky plateaus on Kanheri, the mangrove vegetation of Nagla, the semi-evergreen forest at thehighest point.
The spur of North-western Ghats assigns few elevated areas to the Park
BSI records 151 Angiospermic families, 581 genera, 1078 species and 31 infraspecific taxa fromthe park. Some of the
dominant families are Poaceae, Fabaceae, Cyperaceae and Acanthaceae(Pradhan et al 2005).
An amazing array of flora providing aesthetic, historic and cultural value as well as ecological benefits to the
populous city. Protecting this unique treasure has required local residents, grassroots organizations, and the park
itself to strive for a balanced relationship between people and nature.

Flora generally means the vegetation part of the forest. In Sanjay Gandhi National Park the flora consists of
two typical varieties. They are South Indian Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen types. The deciduous trees
mainly shed their leaves during winters but the evergreen trees bear leaves all round the year.
Moist deciduous trees survive in a humid condition and also shed their leaves during the winters. The flora in
Sanjay Gandhi National Park also sheds their leaves during winter season. There are also Teak Bearing and
Mangrove type of forests in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The major trees here includes the
 Acacia
 Ziziphus
 Euphorbia
 Teak
 Karanj
 Shisham
 Red Silk Cotton
 Kadamba
Flora in Sanjay Gandhi National Park consists of numerous flowering and non flowering trees.

SGNP’s biodiversity is greatly influenced by elements of the Sahyadri Hills to the east, and over the years, the
changes brought about by human impact.
The most dominating habitat-type here is the Forest habitat. Of flowering plants alone, an estimated 1300 species
exist in SGNP. Much of the forest here conforms to the southern mixed-deciduous forest, dominated by the  Tectona,
Albizzia, Terminalia, Holarrhena, Firmiana, Dalbergia, Garuga, Grewia, Adina, Ficus, Madhuca, Caraya, Butea and
bamboo compositions. This is most evident in the lowlands and up along the hill slopes.
On the upper slopes and in some of the secluded, narrow valleys and stream-beds, there are elements of semi-
evergreen, and also some evergreen flora. The few small patches of true Asoca (Saraca asoca) are magical, dense
and deep green always, so striking against the leaf-fall of the deciduous all around, the flash of a Blue Mormon
butterfly, the rambling whistling of a Malabar whistling-thrush, the fluty notes of a Brown-cheeked Fulvetta.
Bamboo is quite widespread, especially in the lower areas, and the teak – bamboo forest community with its
characteristic bird-life and general make-up is easily evident. The Karvi (Strobilanthes) is a widespread shrub that
constitutes the undergrowth of vast stretches of the forest here; this abundant shrub, while visible all through, even
as dry stalks during summer, is most flamboyant when it blooms once after every seven years.

Tribes such as Warlis and Mahadeo have historically lived in the forest and even now, there are tribal hamlets inside
the park.
Kanheri caves, the two millenia-old Buddhist rock-cut structures found inside the park
large variety of medicinal plants that one can find there.

Examples of flora
The park is a bustling forest, with an estimated 800 types of mauve. This flower is native to the park and the
surrounding regions, including Karnala, the Yeoor hills, Tungareshwar and some parts of Goregaon’s Film City.
forest area of the park houses over 1,000 plant species
Kadamba, teak, karanj, shisham, and species of acacia, ziziphus, euphorbia, flame of the forest, red silk cotton and a
number of other varieties of flowers.
Karvi or karvy shrub, a flowering plant that blossoms once in eight years, in a mass flowering covering the forest floor
in a lavender blush. It grows in abundance in the Western Ghats hills near Mumbai and throughout the Sanjay
Gandhi National Park

The SGNP is floristically diverse due to its proximity to the different habitats which varies from typical moist
deciduous to semi-evergreen, littoral swamp vegetation, mangroves to basalt plateaus and grasslands.
about 1300 flowering plant species for an area of 104 sq. km. Of which more than 130 spp. are endemic to India,
moreover, some species Hygrophilla anomala, Dipcadi saxorum, Bhidea burnsiana, Ipomea salsettensis,
Chlorophytum borivilianum, etc are solely described from the SGNP and adjoin. Though the SGNP flora is well
explored and enumerated in recent years, the status of endemic species are always neglected and our understanding
of their occurrence is far from complete.

s the part of our project on documentation of endemic plants from the northern Western Ghats and the endemic
plants from SGNP are particularized in the present article.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the Kanheri Caves, especially during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri.

The Nagla Block has unique mix of semi-deciduous and mangrove scrub forest. The advent of the monsoons had the
forest buzzing with new life, both floral and faunal. The Ephemerals had awoken from their year long slumber to
make the most of the rains. The caterpillars could be seen hungrily chomping on their food plants. The Red Silk
Cotton Bugs could be seen everywhere scurrying about their business and various mushrooms and fungi had made
an appearance.
To most of us, Plants generally come across only as a side attraction on nature trails and they are usually
remembered for their medicinal and economical uses. And this stands to reason, as the complexities about a plant
and its bodily functions and processes can be understood only if one studied them over a period of time. A day in the
forest is hardly enough to know anything more about them than their names.
Luckily for us, Hemanth Tripathi, who understands the mysterious and amazing green world was with us and shared
some very interesting things about the flora.
It is quite remarkable to know that every plant has its own fascinating mechanism for attracting its pollinators and
thus reproducing.
Here are exciting facts about some of the plant species that we saw at Nagla Block.
1. Common Name: Dragon Stalk Yam
Scientific Name: Amorphophallus commutatus
Family: Arum, Araceae
Local Name: Jungli Suran
Marathi Name: Shevla

Amorphophallus commutatus – Picture Courtesy -Viral Patel

This is an Ephemeral plant. Ephemeral plants are those that that have a short life cycle timed to exploit a short
period when resources are freely available. The flower of this plant appears just before the monsoons and the leaf
appears with the rains. The leaf lasts one growing season. The Flowers have an unpleasant odour which attracts flies
for pollination.
You can see in the pictures below that, these species develop an inflorescence consisting of an elongate or ovate
spathe (a sheathing bract) which usually envelops the spadix (a flower spike with a fleshy axis). The spathe can have
different colors, but mostly brownish-purple or whitish-green. On the inside, they contain ridges or warts,
functioning as insect traps.
The spadix has tiny flowers: female flowers at the bottom, then male flowers, actually a group of stamens, and then
a blank sterile area. This last part, called ‘the appendix’, consists of sterile flowers, called staminodes, and can be
especially large. In the below picture you can see the male and female flowers where the inflorescence has been cut
off giving a view of the inner section.
Observations
"Argyreia nervosa or Silky Elephant Glory is a common climber with heart-shaped leaves that have a silky-soft base.
The adivasis bandage wounds with these leaves. Morinda tinctoria, locally known as bartondi. Its roots produce the
red-coloured aalta that classical dancers apply to their hands and feet."
Story in Mahabharata. Once, Bhishma Pitamah was travelling in his chariot when a lizard crossed his path, bringing
the entourage to a halt. Enraged, the patriarch got down and flung it into the forest. The creature got entangled in
the thorns of the Bridelia retusa or the aasan tree and died a painful death, but not before cursing Bhishma that he'd
meet a similar end. "We all know about the bed of arrows," says naturalist Renee
Trek on Shilonda trail. saw a variety of climbers that sprout in the Western Ghats
Nature Information Center of the SGNP

. The survey identified 84 tree species from 28 families, 17 species of Shrubs from 8 families, 37 species of Herbs
from 19 families, 20 species of Climbers from 11 families, 3 species of Bamboos from 1 family, 1 species each of
Epiphyte and Parasite and 4 species of Palms. Of 84 species of trees, 81 were known to have an intrinsic value as
food, commercial, medicinal, religious or all. 66 of 79 species of plants recorded showed a high inherent value and
used by local communities to generate natural income. Having known of the values of trees, 6 of the 84 species of
trees were recorded as endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic to the region. Similarly, atleast 6 species of wild
plants belonged to one of the categories of the Red Data List. It is quite evident that the species of plants in SGNP
provide mankind with large number of goods and services. Recognizing their exquisite properties as medicinal,
commercial and food, the forests can be considered as a source worth millions to enhance human wellbeing
graphs
Literal copy
Results
The floristic survey at disturbed and undisturbed areas of the park categorized 84 different species of trees belonging to 28
families. Similarly, 17 species of Shrubs belonging 8 families, 37 species of Herbs belonging to 19 families, 20 species of Climbers
belonging to 11 families, 3 species of Bamboos from one family, 1 species of Epiphyte and 1 species of Parasite and 4 species
from one family of Palms have also been recorded from the park.

Value of Floral Diversity

Observations made from the recordings of trees show that from 84 species belonging to 28 families, atleast 81 of them are known
to have an intrinsic value as either as food, commercial, medicinal, religious or all values. From the trees recorded, flowers of
Nyctanthes arbor – tristis and Mammea suriga are known to be used as religious offerings. Cochlospermum religiosum, Michelia
champaca and Mitragyna parvifolia are also known to have religious importance alongside possessing commercial value while
Ixora brachiata and Aegle marmelos possess both religious and medicinal values. Having known of the values of these trees, 6 of
the 84 species of trees recorded are known to be endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic to the region. While Garcinia indica and
Atalantia racemosa are known to be endemic to the region, Flacourtia montana and Syzygium cumini are endangered and rare.
Also, Ixora brachiat is known to be endangered and Miliusa tomentosa is regarded as a species being endemic, endangered and
vulnerable. A graphical representation as given in Figure 3 gives percent distribution of the trees recorded in SGNP as food,
commercial or medicinal source. Of the total recorded species of trees, 40 percent possess medicinal value. Miliusa tomentosa, an
endemic, endangered and vulnerable species found in the region of the park is known to have antibacterial properties while
Terminalia chebula is known to have properties to cure blindness and inhibit the growth of malignant tumours. Bauhinia
racemosa is used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes. Syzygium cumini listed as endangered and rare is known
for its medicinal properties to cure tooth and gum disorders, diabetes, diarrhea and ringworm due to its antibacterial properties.
Also, 13 percent of the trees are known to be economically important while serving as food source with high monetary returns.
Two species of trees belonging to Family Anacardiaceae, viz., Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica, known throughout
the country for their highly priced fruits are found in the park. Similarly, Annona reticulate and Annona squamosa, are also known
for their highly priced fruit. In addition to value as food, Annona squamosa is considered to have medicinal properties where bark,
leaves and roots are used in traditional medicines. The fruits of Tamarindus indica are used as a flavoring agent in Indian cuisines.
Some trees though do not support high commercial value for their produce as food, the fruits and other parts of these trees are
used by locals as food, thus supporting and sufficing their victuals; for example, the fruits, young pods and leaves of Sesbania
grandiflora are eaten as vegetables in Southeast Asia.
SGNP has recorded species of trees comprising 18 percent of their value to produce commercial goods from the sum total of
economically important values, which not only generate high quality timber but also commercially viable non – timber products.
Tectona grandis, Acacia chundra, Acacia catechu and Mitragyna parvifolia found in the park are known for their highly valued
and durable timber used for construction of buildings, boats and furniture. Pterospermum canescens, Manilkara hexandra,
Gardenia latifolia, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Diospyros melanoxylon are other species seen in the park which are valued for
their hard wood. Samanea saman is a species that has value as both fuel wood and timber. The wood of Wrightia tinctoria is
extensively used for turnery. The wood of Terminalia elliptica is used for furniture, cabinetwork, joinery, paneling, boat –
building, railroad cross – ties and decorative veneers while Macaranga peltata and Melia dubia are highly used in plywood
industry. Apart from the trees known to produce commercial timber and fuel wood, species like Bombax ceiba and
Cochlospermum religiosum are known for the cotton obtained from their fruit, used for filling economically priced pillows,
quilts, sofas etc. Parts of Butea monosperma are used for timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. Of all the wild plants studied,
most of all showed high fundamental and commercial value.
51 percent comprise of plants that possess medical properties and are used as traditional / folk medicines, for example, Rauwolfia
serpentine has been used in traditional medicines to cure hypertension and high blood pressure. The roots of the plants contain
alkaloids that are useful in curing these diseases. However, over – collection of the plant has endangered the plant in the wild.
Chlorophytum borivilianumi, a plant endemic to the SGNP also holds a high market value due it medicinal properties. Its over –
collection to develop drugs has resulted in the plant being endangered from the wild.
From the plant species identified, 29 percent of them were known to have been used as food by natives or sold in markets. Parts of
the plants like tubers (Curcuma pseudomontana), leaves (Hygrophila serphyllum), and fruits (Capparis zeylanica) are used by
local communities. However, the over – collection of these products from the forests have resulted in the species becoming
endangered. Ceropegia vincifolia, a twiner, produces tubers that are cooked and eaten like potatoe. Extensive collection of tubers
for food by tribal communities has endangered this plant. Similarly, over – collection of tubers of Gloriosa superba for alkaloid
extraction has endangered this plant in the wild. Flower stalks of Amorphophallus commutatus are sold by tribals as a monsoon
produce. These flower stalks yield a high cost in local markets which has resulted in the decrease of its produce due to over –
exploitation.
The two species of bamboo, namely, Bambusa arundinacea and Dendrocalamus strictus, have high commercial value as building
materials. Urena lobata is cultivated for termite – and – water resistant fibre used in making fishing line, rope and binding cord.
The plant is seen growing gregariously in the Park.
Conclusion
From the discussion made herewith, it is quite evident that the SGNP like all forests is home to several species of plants that
provide mankind with large number of goods and services. Recognizing their exquisite properties as medicinal, commercial and
food, the forests can be considered as a source worth millions. Thus, the foremost pressure on such habitats comes in form of
high levels of demand for their goods (raw materials). Such high demand sets in an interlocking loop affecting the overall survival
of the species which begins with the high demand triggering high volume extraction coupled with destructive methods of
harvesting which invariably damage the population, subsequently affecting the natural regeneration of these species leading to
altered availability of the goods and services. It thus becomes imperative as a social responsibility for conserving and protecting
the fragile ecosystem from such practices of over and unsustainable harvesting. This has reinforced the urgent need to conserve
the resource base in forests; however, the challenge is to assign the conservation priorities, given the gap in our current
understanding in respect of natural distribution and population size, causes and kinds of threats, issues related to regeneration,
reproductive biology and phenology, critical socio – economic elements operating in a habitat, prevailing harvesting mechanisms
and other trade – related pressures, propagation methods and management priorities for augmenting the resource base.

., "Argyreia nervosa or Silky Elephant Glory is a common climber with heart-shaped leaves that have a silky-soft base.
The adivasis bandage wounds with these leaves. Morinda tinctoria, locally known as bartondi. Its roots produce the
red-coloured aalta that classical dancers apply to their hands and feet."
Story in Mahabharata. Once, Bhishma Pitamah was travelling in his chariot when a lizard crossed his path, bringing
the entourage to a halt. Enraged, the patriarch got down and flung it into the forest. The creature got entangled in
the thorns of the Bridelia retusa or the aasan tree and died a painful death, but not before cursing Bhishma that he'd
meet a similar end. "We all know about the bed of arrows," says naturalist Renee Vyas
An amazing array of flora providing aesthetic, historic and cultural value as well as ecological benefits to the
populous city. Protecting this unique treasure has required local residents, grassroots organizations, and the park
itself to strive for a balanced relationship between people and nature.
The park is also historically and culturally important, with archaeological sites that trace back more than 2,000 years
and more than 100 caves, many of religious importance.
It is a hilly area, ranging from 30 m - 480 m in elevation.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park receives about 2,000 mm of annual rainfall which supports diverse vegetation growth
and varied habitat. Many endangered species of flora live here. There are as many as 1,300 species of plants.

Future/ problems
nearly 2 million visitors annually, the ecological integrity of land adjacent to these public areas has degraded. The
lakes and water sources in the park, while not a large percentage of Mumbai’s total needs, are as vulnerable and
coveted as they are critical.
The city-park interface requires considerable attention to ensure that the park is adequately protected. Today, many
thousands of families and dwellings encroach upon and sometimes spill into the protected area as housing needs
expand in the growing city.
Two million annual visitors also means two million opportunities to inspire and connect people to the land that
supports and uplifts them
But we’re also fighting other problems such as littering and dumping of debris in the forest. We’ve regularly been
busting illegal liquor dens in the forest as well.”
During the summer and any time before the monsoon, fires burn in the park, at least one every two weeks. This has
resulted in the loss of rare trees and the loss of habitat for wild animals. The locals are often suspected of burning
the trees on some of the outskirts of the forest to build their homes there
SGNP embraces floral species possessing medicinal, food and commercial values. Owing to over–collection, they
have been listed as either being endemic, rare or endangered in Red Data Book.

Chlorophytum borivilianum is a rare herb recorded from the park and is listed as endemic to the National Park. The herb is also
reported to now be endangered and vulnerable due to over – collection as has been discussed in further part of this chapter.
Dipcadi saxorum listed as vulnerable in the Red Data Book of Plants is also recorded from the park. Ceropegia vincifolia, an
annual climber, found in the park, is also reported to have attained the status of being endangered due to over collection (

Recent:
Shardul Bajikar –an adviser to the IUCN’s Urban Wildlife Specialist Group – are sharing their passion for conservation
with students, researchers, policymakers and visitors on nature walks into the park. Bajikar and other local residents
and NGOs have lobbied political leaders and media representatives for increased protection for SGNP and its
connecting corridor to the forests of Tungareshwar to the north. Their collective efforts resulted in the government’s
establishment of the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (80 sq. km), a protected area that creates a connection
between SGNP and the larger wild areas nearby – a key to long-term viability for the wildlife within SGNP.

Now, Get Herbal Plants At SGNP

Updated: Mar 30, 2014
The demand for herbal and medicinal plants in the city has prompted the Sanjay Gandhi National Park authorities to
set up a nursery-cum-garden where they will nurture and sell such plants
medicinal plants, fruit plants and spice plants such as Awla, aloe vera, cloves and mnago, as the Sanjay Gandhi
National Park (SGNP) authorities have decided to set up a nursery-cum-garden where they will grow such plants on a
two-acre garden next to the Nature Information Centre.

Updated on : Thursday, June 7, 2018, 9:38 AM IST

Mumbai: MMRC promises to plant 20,900 trees in SGN
Mumbai: Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjay
Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on Wednesday promising to plant 20,900 trees and will maintain them for seven years. 

Amorphophallus commutatus-Jungli Suran

Once the spathe opens, pollination must happen the same day. Through a number of ingenious insect traps,
pollinating insects are kept inside the spathe to deposit pollen on the female flowers, which stay receptive for only
one day, while the male flowers are still closed. These open the next day, but by then the female flowers are no
longer receptive and so self-pollination is avoided. The male flowers shower the trapped insects with pollen. Once
the insects escape, they can then pollinate another flower. The pollinated flowers then develop a roundish berry as a
fruit.

Amorphophallus commutatus
2. Common Name: Broken Bones Tree, Indian Trumpet Flower, Tree of Damocles, Midnight Horror.
Scientific Name: Oroxylum indicum
Family: Bignoniaceae
Local Name: Bhut Vruksha
Marathi Name: Tetu

Oroxylum indicum
The Sword of Damocles tree is so called because of the large hanging sword like seed pods, which range from 40 to
120 cm long. It is a well-known medicinal tree, with all parts of the tree being used in some way.

Oroxylum Indicum seed pod

The most interesting thing about this tree is that it is pollinated by bats. In order to facilitate pollination, the flowers
are large and thick, considering the size of the bats. They are reddish- purple outside and pale, pinkish-yellow within.
Also they bloom in the evening owing to the nocturnal nature of their pollinators and drop off shortly after midnight,
while its stigma is highly sensitive, and quickly close upon being touched.

Oroxylum Indicum Flower

Oroxylum Indica is self incompatible, which means that the pollen of a plant is unable to develop a pollen tube at the
stigma of the same plant, while pollen of another plant of the same species does fertilize the plant.

Flora in Sanjay Gandhi National Park reminds us of the above poem by Joyce Kilmer. Sanjay Gandhi National
Park is also known as Borivali National Park. In the year 1974 it has been attributed a Heritage Status. The lush
green setting of this place and the exquisite view of the mountains and hills that are located nearby are
relaxing for the eyes.

contributed more and more each year to higher soil fertility and biomass production.
capitalize on the valuable natural services that biodiversity provides.

marigold seeds are sown in pots as a symbol for auspiciousness and patience to await the divine. In  Hinduism too,
the flower symbolizes auspiciousness. The saffron/orange colour signifies renunciation and hence is offered to God
as a symbol of surrender. Marigolds are considered pure and are a global religious symbol, signifiant in Hindu,
Buddhist, and Catholic celebrations. As such, in India they are traditionally offered to honor all gods and goddesses,
but especially Laxmi and Ganesh. The colors of themarigold are also significant to Hindus
6. Tulsi: goddess consort of Lord Vishnu. There is a complete festival in which Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu which
also proclaims the start of the marriage season. Tulsi is also important because of its amazing medicinal properties. It
can be used to cure insect bites, gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis,
flatulence, nausea, cramps, colds, fever, flu and other infectious diseases.

5. Peepal:
The Peepal tree is another highly significant tree in Hinduism. It is also called the Sacred Fig or the Bodhi Tree. It was
a peepal tree under which Buddha had meditated and gained enlightenment. It is considered the king of the trees in
Hinduism and is obviously very important in Buddhism too. It is also very useful in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It
can be used to treat asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammation, infections and sexual
disorders. It is also very good for Jaundice.

4. Banyan:
Banyan tree is the third most significant plant in Hindu religion. There is usually a temple or shrine below every
banyan tree. Or you’ll find banyan trees near temples. The tree is worshipped on its own too. It is said to be the
abode of Lord Krishna as he mentions the banyan tree in the Gita. It was also important because it provided a large
area of shade to weary travelers and villagers in the summers of India. It is so significant that it is also the national
tree of India. The name “Banyan” comes from the Gujarati word “Baniya” for merchants who would trade with the
Portuguese under the shade of these trees.

3. Ashoka Tree:

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The Ashoka tree is a small evergreen rain-forest tree that has beautiful and fragrant red and yellow flowers. It is
considered to be a sacred tree in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The tree used to be a centre piece in every
palatial garden in India. Also a lot of temples and Buddhist monasteries have the symbol of the Yakshi, a female deity
standing with her foot on the trunk and her hand holding the branch of an Ashoka tree. It is found naturally in
Central and Easter Himalayas and in the Western Ghats.

2. Parijaat Tree, Kintoor:

This is a unique addition in this list as the Parijaat tree is not the name of a whole species but one specific tree in
Kintoor in Uttar Pradesh. It is a unique male tree of the baobab genus. These trees are found in some arid parts of
Africa and Australia and are very rare unique and antique trees. The one in Kintoor is believed to be 1000 to 5000
years old, which is possible for a baobab tree. It is related to Mahabharata as it is said to have been brought from
heaven by either Arjun or Krishna and is said to be growing out of Kunti’s ashes. It is also considered to be a
Kalpavriksha or wish fulfilling tree and many people visit it every year.

various Gods and Goddess have been associated with different trees like bel, rudraksa (seeds of Elaeccarpus) are
close to Lord Shiva, peepal to Lord Visnu, mango (Mangifera indica) to Lord Hanuman, asoka to Kamadeva, etc.

1. Sandalwood: The Sandalwood is another plant that is considered holy and is used in worship rituals all over
India. It is related to Lord Dharukavaneshwara. The tree itself is not worshipped but its wood, which is very
fragrant, is used in worship which gives it a lot of religious significance. The wood is turned into a paste and
then used to decorate the idols and mark foreheads of the devotees.
2. Peepal Tree – The most worshipped tree in India which in Sanskrit is known as “Ashvattha”. Peepal tree is
also known as Bodhi tree or tree of enlightenment as it is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment
under peepal tree. This is the reason why Peepal tree is sacred to Buddhist. Also the present Kali Yuga began
with the death of Lord Krishna that had happened under this tree only. In Hinduism it is believed that roots
of Peepal tree are Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and the leaves are Shiva. A red thread or cloth is tied around
Peepal tree for worship so cutting down Peepal tree is considered inauspicious.
3. Banyan Tree – It is believed that three gods – Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are symbolized by
the Banyan tree. Mostly the childless couple worship banyan tree and it is supposed not to be cut. In most of
the Hindu cultures, this tree represents life and fertility.
4. Bel Tree – Bel is another very auspicious and sacred tree in India that is supposed to be associated with Lord
Shiva. To please Lord Shiva, leaves of Bel tree are offered to Him and thus known as bilva. Bel leaves are
trifoliate or tripatra and it is believed that it symbolizes three work of Lord – the preservation, creation and
destruction as well as three eyes of the Lord. So during the worship of Lord Shiva offering Bel leaves is
compulsory.
5. Ashoka Tree – Ashoka is one of the most sacred and well-known trees of India. In Sanskrit, Ashoka means
without grief or the one who gives no grief. As per Hinduism, Kama Deva (Lord of Love) is associated with
Ashoka tree. Even Sita Devi was kept by Ravana in Asoka Vatika.
6. Mango Tree – Mango tree is another very sacred tree in India whose leaves, wood as well as fruits are used
in many rituals. To mark any auspicious occasion, string made from mango leaves is hung on the entrance.
 Mango leaves are kept in the pot with coconut during Kalash Sathapana. Blossoms of Mango tree are offered
to Goddess Saraswati on Basant Panchami. Mango tree is also very auspicious for Buddhists as it is believed
that Lord Buddha had created a huge mango tree at Shravasti from the seed.
7. Neem Tree – Many medical benefits are associated with neem tree and because of this it is highly respected
in India. It supposed to be an expression of Goddess Durga. In Bengal, the tree is believed to be a place of
living of ‘Sitala’ the great Pox-mother who can cause and cure disease. To cure pox, neem leaves are rubbed
on the body and by offering a prayer to her. It is also believed that smoke produced by burning neem leaves
keep the evil spirits away from you and your home. Mahatma Gandhi was a great believer in neem.
8. Banana Tree – It is really a very auspicious tree in India. Its every part is used in performing one or the other
ritual. Like welcoming gates are made by using trunk, leaves are used to distribute Prasad, fruit is offered to
Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Banana tree is also worshipped in Kadali Vrata. Banana tree with flowers
and fruits is worshipped for the welfare of the family.
9. Coconut Tree – Coconut tree, especially in South India is one of the most sacred trees and must for a family
to plant it at home. Coconut is used while performing all the Hindu rituals and offered in all kinds of pujas.
Even before any puja, sthapana with water filled pot, mango leaves and coconut is done. It actually
symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered that three black marks on coconut shell are the three eyes of
Lord Shiva.
10. Sandal wood Tree – For worshipping Gods, paste and oil of sandal wood tree are used. Sandal wood imparts
fragrance to everything even to the axe that is used to cut this tree. So anything that is just excellent is
known as chandana. Holy places are purified with chandan.
11. Kadamb Tree – It is the tree of Lord Krishna as he used to play his flute under this tree. His childhood
activities like jumping in Yamuna, dancing with gopis, climbing on the trees were all done on or around
Kadamb tree. So flowers of Kadamb tree are offered at various temples.
12. Sal tree, Sagon, deodar, pine and Sheesham.
13. The great Banyan tree is one of the sacred tree in India also known as Bargad and Vatavriksh. Banyan or
Bargad is the National tree of India and use for many health benefits such as Improves immune
system,Antibacterial properties and control of cholesterol.
14. The peepal tree also known as Ashwatha tree hold great importance in Ayurveda to cure diseases. Peepal
tree holds religious importance for Hindu in India as well for Buddhist,  Gautama Buddha attained
enlightenment underneath the Peepal tree now called as Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya.
15. Audumbar Tree is considered to be the most blessed tree by Dattatreya and said to have healing
power. Dattatreya is a Hindu deity combination of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
16. The mango tree is a fruiting trees native to South Asia and the fruit is national fruit of India. Its fruit and
leaves are used in several religious ceremonies of Hindus.
17. Imli tree is known as Tamarind Tree or Indian date tree, and its fruits are used extensively in so many Indian
cuisines and around the world.
18. jamun tree is native to India and a very popular seasonal fruit tree with immense health benefits. This
tropical black berry has a unique taste, colour and flavour.

Religious
1>Lord Ganesha is most pleased with offerings of red flowers. Red flowers are factors of Mars and Moon. Thats why
he likes Red Hibiscus flower.
2>Kunda, Downy Jasmine. They are called nithya mullai.
3> Clitoria Ternatea, Gokarna (Blue)
4>Marigold They are called chendumalli and offered to Ganesha. It is also used in decorating temples. Offering of
this flower cures one of chronic diseases and gives good health.
5>Durva Grass
It is an important offering to Lord Ganesha. No ritual or worship to Ganesha is complete without offering this blade
of
6>Shevanti, Chrysanthemum (Yellow)
It is a perennial plant and has a good fragrance.
This flower offering removes evil eyes, bad effects of black magic and from adverse forces.
7>Piper Betel, Maghai Paan
All auspicious Vedic functions or puja require betel leaves. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati themselves had
sown the seeds of paan in the Himalayan ranges
8>making a vastra from cotton
9>Turmeric being a tuber, the frequencies of earth in it are in far greater quantity than in stems growing above the
surface of earth. Vermilion is prepared from turmeric

10>One such practice followed Maharashtra is the gifting of "gold" during Dussehra. If you know anything about
celebrating the festival, you may be familiar with the ritual and know it doesn't have anything to do with the
precious metal. The leaves of the Apta tree, whose scientific name is Bauhinia racemosa , also known as the Bidi leaf
tree, play a significant part during Dussehra celebrations. It's a custom to exchange Apta leaves calling it " sona" or
gold during the festival. The tree is often called "sonpatta", literally meaning gold leaves.
11>Hindu pujas offerings of fresh flowers and fruits for Gods and Godesses: marigold, rose, and white lilies, Bilva leaf
or Bel Patra.
12>Bel patra and fruit: Shiva. several medicinal properties mentioned in puranas, vedas
13>The Neem tree is native to India and associated with Hindu festivals of Ugadi and Gudi Padva. Neem leafs are
traditionally recommended during early summer in Ayurveda.
14> Ber tree is medium sized tree,popular for its small berries also found in the jungle and villages.
15> Bael tree species is native to India and known for its medicinal values. Aegle marmelos is considered to be
sacred by Hindus.
16>amla, Indian gooseberry is a edible fruit and the tree is considered sacred by Hindus. The fresh fruits of the plant
are used in traditional Indian medicine as well as used in various Ayurvedic herbal preparations.