Introduction Bhringraj, scientifically accepted as Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., is a herbaceous species of the daisy family (Asteraceae) widely recognized in traditional medicine and pharmacognosy. Although commonly published as Eclipta alba in older botanical and Ayurvedic literature, current taxonomic authorities…
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 Monstera adansonii Schott, commonly marketed as a Swiss cheese plant, is a hemiepiphytic climbing aroid in the Araceae native to tropical Central and South America (POWO 2026). Its most commercially distinctive trait is the perforated mature foliage, produced through…
Introduction Persea americana, the avocado, is among the world’s most commercially important subtropical fruit trees because of its nutrient-dense, oil-rich fruit and exceptionally broad international trade footprint. Belonging to the Lauraceae family, the same lineage as cinnamon and bay laurel,…
Introduction Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as globe amaranth, is distinguished by its persistent, papery inflorescences that retain colour long after drying. It belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The species…
Introduction Dragon Fruit, botanically Selenicereus undatus, is the most commercially important white-fleshed pitaya and among the most widely cultivated climbing cacti in the world. It belongs to the cactus family Cactaceae and is accepted by Kew POWO as native from…
INTRODUCTION Arrowroot, Maranta arundinacea, is a tropical perennial herb best known for its starchy rhizomes, which yield a fine, easily digestible flour widely used in food and medicine. Belonging to the family Marantaceae, it is native to northern South America…
Introduction Chikoo, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, is a tropical evergreen fruit tree in the family Sapotaceae, native to southern Mexico and Central America. It is distinguished by its sweet, brown, berry-like fruits and its production of chicle, a natural…
Introduction Duranta erecta L. is a sprawling, fast-growing evergreen shrub native to a broad arc of the Americas, extending from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and into South America as far south as Argentina. The species belongs to…
Introduction Tradescantia zebrina Bosse, commonly known as spiderwort, wandering dude, or inch plant, is a prostrate to trailing perennial herb in the family Commelinaceae, native to eastern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. The species is among the most widely cultivated ornamental…