Introduction The garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is the world’s most economically important strawberry and one of the most extensively cultivated berry crops. Belonging to the family Rosaceae, it originated through hybridization between the Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) and the…
Introduction Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, commonly known as bael, is a deciduous tree in the Rutaceae (citrus) family native to the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its exceptionally hard-shelled fruit, which…
Introduction Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is a long-lived multipurpose tree of the family Sapotaceae, renowned for its abundant, nectar-rich flowers and oil-rich seeds that support food systems, traditional industries, and rural economies. Native to the Indian subcontinent, extending from Nepal, India,…
Introduction Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.), commonly known as carambola or kamrakh, is a tropical fruit tree in the family Oxalidaceae distinguished by its uniquely ridged fruit, which forms a characteristic star shape when sliced transversely. Native to tropical Southeast…
Introduction Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as lotus or sacred lotus, is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is one of the most recognizable aquatic flowering plants in the world, distinguished by its large emergent leaves, thermogenic flowers,…
Introduction The cocoa plant (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the world’s most economically important tropical tree species because its seeds form the basis of the global chocolate industry. A member of the Malvaceae family, it is native to tropical…
Introduction Cinnamomum tamala, commonly known as Indian Bay Leaf, is an aromatic evergreen tree in the Lauraceae. Native to the Himalayan region and adjoining parts of South and Southeast Asia, it is distinguished commercially by its highly fragrant leaves, which…
Introduction Litchi chinensis (litchi or lychee) is one of the most economically important fruit trees within the Sapindaceae. Native to southern China and adjacent regions of northern Vietnam and Laos, the species is distinguished by its edible translucent aril, a…
Introduction Coffea arabica, commonly known as the coffee plant or Arabica coffee, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Rubiaceae. Native to the montane forests of Ethiopia and adjacent regions of northeastern Africa, it is the world’s…
Introduction Citrullus lanatus is among the most economically important fruit crops in the family Cucurbitaceae, distinguished by its large pepo, a specialized berry with a hardened rind and fleshy interior. Native to Africa, the species was domesticated from wild African…