Medicinal Plants and Their Uses

Forest Produce in Madhya Pradesh

• Lac: A resin used in varnish, polish, and cosmetics; collected from the Kusum tree.
• Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica): Fruits valued for medicinal properties and as food items.
• Bael (Aegle marmelos): Fruits utilized in beverages and traditional medicine; leaves hold religious significance.
• Chironji (Buchanania lanzan): Seeds commonly used in desserts and hold spice market value.
• Sal Seed (Shorea robusta): Seeds processed for oil extraction, used in soaps and cosmetics.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Recognized for antibacterial and antifungal applications.
• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): High in Vitamin C; important in traditional medicine and food additives.
• Harra (Terminalia chebula): Used in Ayurvedic remedies; beneficial for digestive health.
• Baheda (Terminalia bellirica): Fruits noted for astringent properties, used in traditional medicine.
• Gum Karaya (Sterculia urens): Employed in food and as laxatives or adhesives.
• Gum Acacia (Acacia nilotica): Used in the food industry and pharmaceuticals as a binder.
• Resin from Pine (Pinus roxburghii): Utilized in varnishes and adhesives.

Timber Resources

• Teak (Tectona grandis): A major timber species, essential for construction, furniture, and boat building.
• Sal (Shorea robusta): Known for high-quality wood, commonly used in construction and railway sleepers.
• Saj (Terminalia tomentosa): Medium hardwood employed for furniture, plywood, and construction.
• Khair (Acacia catechu): Provides both timber and catechu, valuable for tanning and dyeing.

Fuelwood Sources

• Babul (Acacia nilotica): Key source of fuelwood; also provides charcoal and small timber.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Provides fuelwood; has medicinal benefits linked to its leaves, seeds, and bark.
• Mahua (Madhuca indica): Offers fuelwood; wood also used for crafting implements.

Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP)

• Tendu Leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon): Crucial for rolling local cigarettes (bidis); an important livelihood source.
• Mahua Flowers (Madhuca indica): Used for local liquor production; flowers and seeds are edible and nutritious.

Forest Classification in Madhya Pradesh

• Legal Classification:

  • Reserved Forests: High protection level (about 65.26% of total forest area); no activities allowed without permission.
  • Protected Forests: Medium protection; local access to resources under conditions (around 32.84%).
  • Unclassified Forests: Not under specific legal protection (1.90%).

• Canopy Density:

  • Very Dense Forests (VDF): Canopy density exceeding 70%.
  • Moderately Dense Forests (MDF): Canopy density between 40-70%.
  • Open Forests (OF): Canopy density between 10-40%.

• Forest Types:

  • Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests: Eastern and southern MP regions.
  • Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: Central and western MP.
  • Tropical Thorn Forests: Areas with low rainfall.
  • Subtropical Broadleaved Hill Forests: Found in hilly terrains.

Major Forest Locations

• Vindhya Range: Forests in districts like Rewa, Sidhi, and Satna.
• Satpura Range: Includes regions like Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, and Betul.
• Narmada Valley: Features mixed forests along the Narmada.
• Chambal Valley: Drier regions with thorny vegetation (Morena, Sheopur).
• Western MP: Deciduous forests in areas like Dhar and Jhabua.
• Eastern MP: Dense forests, particularly known for teak and bamboo (Mandla, Dindori, Balaghat).

Forest Area Statistics

• Total Forest Area: 77,493 sq km, covering 25.14% of the geographical area of Madhya Pradesh.
• Forest Density:
  • Very Dense Forest: 6,675 sq km.
  • Moderately Dense Forest: 34,169 sq km.
  • Open Forest: 36,649 sq km.
  • Scrub Area: 1,135 sq km.
• Madhya Pradesh accounts for the largest forest area in India, contributing substantially to national green cover.

Key Highlights from Forest Report 2021

• Forest Expansion: Increased forest cover by 68 sq km from previous assessment.
• Tree Cover: Approximately 15,944 sq km of tree cover outside recorded forest areas.
• Biomass Stock: Forest biomass estimated at 720 million tonnes, crucial for carbon sequestration.

Major Timber and NTFP

• Timber Species: Includes Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Tendu leaves, Indian Laurel, Palash, and Mahua.
• Non-Timber Products:
  • Tendu Leaves: Largest producer in India, vital for bidi production.
  • Bamboo: Prominent in Satpura and Vindhya regions; used in various industries.
  • Gum: Gum karaya extracted from trees, regarded as a significant export item.

Fruits and Other Minor Produce

• Tamarind (Tamarindus indica): Fruit pulp used in cooking and traditional medicine.
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini): Edible fruits used in various beverages and medicinal applications.
• Kullu Gum (Sterculia urens): Useful across multiple industries (textiles, pharmaceuticals).
• Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus): Used in construction and production of handicrafts and paper.
• Honey: Wild honey collected by tribal communities; utilized for food and medicinal purposes.
• Kusum (Schleichera oleosa): Seeds processed for oil; supports lac production.
• Palash (Butea monosperma): Flowers provide dye; wood is useful for fuel and timber.
• Dhawda Gum (Anogeissus latifolia): Source of gum for food and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Mango (Mangifera indica): Consumed both fresh and dried; has medicinal applications.