Renu Bala* and Veenu Kaul
Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu – 180006 (J&K), India
*Email: renuverma39@gmail.com
Abstract: Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth. is a bulbous perennial herb belonging to family Liliaceae. The species is distributed abundantly on Rocky Mountains and on dry sandy soils near the sea. It is also found growing in J & K in different habitats. The bulbs are of immense medicinal importance and used in the treatments of many ailments, though locals of J & K consider them as a best remedy for joint pains and for removing thorns. While extensive literature is available on its phytochemistry, tissue culture, taxonomy and systematic, little is known about its cytology, reproductive biology, breeding system and genetics. The species is increasingly becoming threatened in few regions due to non-awareness and habitat degradation. The present communication attempts to bring forth the amount of work already done on the species and its importance. It is aimed to motivate the researchers and explorers to undertake more work on the species before it is lost to ruthless traders and urbanization.
Keywords: Bulbs, Diploid, Morphological variants, Phytochemicals, Polyploidy, Urginea indica
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