Answer to Question #197555 in Biology for Uma Sehgal

Question

Describe the work done on plant taxonomy in ancient India.

Answer 1

Plant taxonomy in India included a broad classification of plants into trees, shrubs, herbs and creepers and could be found in the mantras of Rig Ved. Plants were also classified into those that produced fruits and flowers and those without fruits and flowers. Later Hindu literature (like Manu) classified plants into annual plants, trees bearing fruits without evident flowers, trees bearing flowers and fruits, bushy or shrubby plants, succulent shrubs, grasses, twiners and decumbent herbs.