Economic Botany and Plant Utilization

1. Introduction

1. Oil-producing plants provide edible and industrial oils essential for cooking, cosmetics, and medicine.
2. Latex-producing plants produce natural rubber, which is widely used in industries.
3. Coconut, mustard, and rubber are economically significant crops cultivated in India.

2. Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

A.

1. Introduction

1. Beverage plants are cultivated for producing popular drinks like coffee, tea, and cocoa.
2. These beverages have economic, cultural, and medicinal importance.
3. India is one of the major producers of tea and coffee, while cocoa is cultivated in limited regions.

2. Coffee (Coffea spp.)

A.

1. Introduction

1. Fibers are plant-derived materials used for making textiles, ropes, and other products.
2. Timber plants provide wood for construction, furniture, and various industries.
3. India is a major producer of cotton, jute, bamboo, and teak.
4. These plants have economic, industrial, and environmental significance.

2. Important Fiber Plants and Their Uses

A.

1. Introduction

1. Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
2. They contain bioactive compounds that help in disease prevention and treatment.
3. India is rich in medicinal plant biodiversity, with plants used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy.
4. They have applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.

2.

1. Introduction

1. Cereals and pulses are the main sources of food and nutrition for humans.
2. Cereals are rich in carbohydrates, while pulses provide proteins.
3. Both are essential for food security and global agriculture.

2.