Hortus Indicus Malabaricus: An Enquiry into Alien Plants: II

D A Patil

doi:10.32439/ps.v4i3.163-167

Abstract

Rheede’s Magnum Opus (1678-1693) – Horti Indici Malabarici – reflects the indigenous medical knowledge of the people of Malabar region (India) in the 17th century. It invited attention of researchers from different walks of life. It dovetailed the science of medicine and culture of indigenous people of India. The present author extended investigation on it from the standpoint of plant invasion prior to this period. This account sheds light on additional 32 alien plant species pertaining to 32 genera and 23 angiospermic families. As many as 20 biogeographical regions have been divulged for their floral contribution to India. The American and African continents share maximum contribution. Nearly all parts of the Old and New Worlds showed contacts with the then India. The author is inclined to state that such ancient botanical annals should be re-investigated on various grounds to disclose past biological invasion which help manage our present biodiversity.

Highlights

The land of Malabar (India) was discovered by the Europeans in their quest for lucrative plant wealth as source of spices, sugar, medicine, cotton, oils, etc
It was Van Rheede, a Dutch soldier and a keen naturalist made a milestone history of Indian Botany. He was the Dutch Governor of Cochin (1663) and Commander of Malabar in 1669. He botanised in this region consulting native people, the results of which were embodied in his ‘Hortus Malabaricus Indicus (Rheede, 1678-1693)’
The present author made a further headway to divulge plant invasion from their botanical annals (Patil, 2020)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The land of Malabar (India) was discovered by the Europeans in their quest for lucrative plant wealth as source of spices, sugar, medicine, cotton, oils, etc. Pedro de Covila was the first Portuguese to set foot on Indian landmass It was Van Rheede, a Dutch soldier and a keen naturalist made a milestone history of Indian Botany. He was the Dutch Governor of Cochin (1663) and Commander of Malabar in 1669. He botanised in this region consulting native people, the results of which were embodied in his ‘Hortus Malabaricus Indicus (Rheede, 1678-1693)’ (cf Manilal, 2012).

METHODOLOGY

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

II IX IX IX XI X XII