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 Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as agarwood, is an evergreen tropical tree of the family Thymelaeaceae and one of the world’s most economically important sources of fragrant resinous wood. Native to South and Southeast Asia, its natural distribution extends through…
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 Commiphora wightii, commonly known as guggul, is a resin-producing member of the Burseraceae (frankincense and myrrh family) native to arid regions extending from southern Pakistan and western India to Oman. The species is best known for producing guggul oleo-gum…
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 The teak tree (Tectona grandis) is among the most commercially important tropical timber species in the world, renowned for producing exceptionally durable hardwood that combines dimensional stability with natural resistance to decay. Belonging to the family Lamiaceae, the species…