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PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN
SINDH
AQUATIC PLANTS
SCIENTIFIC NAME: AVICENNIA MARINA
COMMON NAMES: GREY MANGROVE, TIVAR, TIMAR
FAMILY: AVICENNIACEAE
Description
Avicennia Marina, an evergreen shrub or small tree,
usually grows to a height of 1-10m. The leaves are approximately
3-12cm long; and are shiny green on the surface and greyish-white
beneath. Flowers occur in small clusters between February-June
and are yellowish-orange in colour. The fruit contains one seed,
which often germinates before falling off the parent plant. The
bark is brittle and greyish-white in colour.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Grey mangrove grows widely along the shores of Red
Sea to the shores of Arabian Sea. In Pakistan they are distributed
along the coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh.
Avicennia Marina can grow in tropical moist to wet
to hot subtropical moist climates. It requires plenty of sunlight.
The annual preferred temperature ranges from 17 to 26 degrees
centigrade, and pH from 6 to 8.5.
Benefits or Uses
The wood contains tannin, which is used for tanning
and dyeing in the leather industry. It is also used for fuel and
the leaves are used as fodder. Characteristic of all mangroves,
Avicennia Marina not only protects the shores from erosion by
forming thickets along them but also contributes to the build-up
of new land.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CERIOPS
TAGAL
COMMOM NAMES: TAGAL MANGROVE, KANDAL
FAMILY: RHIZOPHORACEAE
Description
Tagal Mangrove, a small to medium sized plant, varies
in height from 5-15m. It is a spreading tree with oblong to elliptic
leaves that are rounded at the tips. They are glossy and green
above and greenish-yellow underneath. The bark is generally smooth,
light grey or reddish-brown in colour. Yellow-green flowers occur
in clusters of 4-5. The tree produces berries that are ovoid and
leathery.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Tagal Mangrove is found in Africa, South Asia and
South Pacific islands. In Pakistan it is found at the mouth of
Indus and in the coastal areas of the country. This plant requires
ample sunlight and well-drained soil within the reach of occasional
tides to grow. It is mainly found in areas with temperatures ranging
between 20 to 40 degrees centigrade, and pH of 6 to 8.5. Climate
may range from subtropical moist to tropical moist.
Benefits or Uses
Extracts from Ceriops yields catechu or cutch, which
is used in the dyeing industry and pharmacy. The tree is also
a folk remedy for malaria and sores. Tree trunks and branches
are used for building houses and boats. The heavy and durable
wood is used occasionally for fuel and wharf-piles.
SCIENTIFC NAME: NELUMBO
NUCIFERA
COMMON NAME: LOTUS
FAMILY: NYMPHAEACEAE
Description
These exquisite flowers stem vertically above the
surface of the water, while their stalks remain submerged. They
are large, whitish-pink in colour, measuring 10-25cm across. Their
leaves are circular about 60-90cm in diameter attached to a stalk.
The root is usually referred to as Lotus feet.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Nelumbo nucifera is found in Pakistan, India and
North of China. In Pakistan, they are widespread all over Nara
and Hakro River in Sindh.
The flowers begin to bloom in May and continue to
bloom until October. They enhance the beauty of the area as they
blossom. During the flowering season the roots are not eaten;
but the fishermen usually dig out the long sticks that grow in
the earlier seasons. These sticks are hard to chew and are known
as Veera in Sindhi meaning unripe. They usually grow in elevations
up to 700m.
Benefits or Uses
The Lotus leaf has great importance for the deep-sea
fishermen. They use the leaves of the plant as crockery and usually
serve rice on it. Apart form this the flower produces edible roots
and seeds.
The Lotus is now a largely cultivated vegetable
in Sindh and is grown by the farmers and small landowners in Larkana
and Dadu in their rice fields after loping the food crops. The
huge circular leaf of the Lotus is used by the pheasant- tailed
jacans to lay their eggs in.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: RHIZOPHORA
MUCRONATA
COMMOM NAME: ASIATIC MANGROVE
FAMILY: RHIZOPHORACEAE
Description
Rhizophora Mucronata is approximately 25m tall.
It has a reddish-brown to slightly blackish bark and elliptic,
thick, leathery, dark green leaves, dotted black underneath. Pale
yellow coloured, bell shaped flowers can be seen growing in clusters
of 3 to 8.
It produces dark brown leathery, conical fruit that
remains attached to the parent plant until the seedling germinates.
The young plant then falls to the ground, and plants itself where
it lands.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
This mangrove species is distributed widely in South
and East Africa and South Asia. In Pakistan it is found in Sindh,
Indus delta and along the coasts of Lasbela and Makran in Balochistan.
They are found growing along tropical coastlines
and in brackish estuaries in climates ranging from humid to sub-tropical
to tropical. It can grow in temperatures up to 40 degrees centigrade
and pH of 6.0 to 8.5.
Benefits or Uses
It is exploited as a source of charcoal and of tannin,
which is used in preparing leather. The timber of the mangrove
is used for cabinetry, construction, piling, poles, posts, shipbuilding,
and wharves.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: EICHHORNIA
CRASSIPES
COMMON NAME: WATER HYACINTH
FAMILY: PONTEDERIACEAE
Description
Water Hyacinths are fast growing aquatic weeds that
attain a height of 40cm. The flowers are extremely attractive
and bluish-purple in colour. Each flower has 6 petals attached
to the base. The fruit is a capsule containing a number of tiny,
ribbed seeds. The plant has shiny green, leathery leaves that
are attached to 6-30cm long petioles. Numerous fibrous roots dangle
in the water below the plant.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Originally a native of South America, Water Hyacinth
can now be commonly found in more than 50 countries of the world.
Although they are capable of growing in a number of wetlands like
lakes, streams, ponds etc., they prefer and grow most abundantly
in water that is rich in nutrients. They are sensitive to cold
and cannot survive temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Benefits or Uses
Water Hyacinth is a popular ornamental plant. However,
it is generally regarded as a nuisance as it creates an obstacle
for navigation, recreation, irrigation, and power generation by
forming dense mats on the water surface. These mats prevent oxygen
and sunlight from reaching beneath the plant and provide a good
breeding place for mosquitoes and insects.
The plant is used to make paper and is also a source
for potash (T.J Roberts). |
