Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke (Lamiaceae): A New Distributional Record for Peninsular India with Focus on its Economic Potential

Abstract

Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke (Lami- aceae), alien to the Indian flora, was discovered in the natural habitat from two locations of different agro-eco- logical zones of Odisha. After critical review of published literature on distribution, it was earlier known only from Uttarakhand. However, its natural occurrence in Odisha was found to be a new record for peninsular India. A de- tailed diagnostic description, photographs, ecology and potentiality of the species was provided for easy identifi- cation and further economic utilization.