Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Authors 

Dr. Ghulam Akbar, Ph.D 

Dr. Suraiyya Fatima, Ph. D 

Edited by Saeed-ul-Islam 

Design by Nida Zarar 

Published in 2012 by WWF – Pakistan. Any reproduction in full or in part of this 

publication must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as 

the copyright owner. 

ISBN-978-969-8283-98-1 

Indus for All Programme, WWF - Pakistan 

606 - 607, Fortune Centre, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S., Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi 

Tel: 021 34544791-92, Fax: 021 34544790 

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Copyright © Text, photographs and graphics: 2012 WWF - Pakistan 

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Contents 

PREFACE 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

How to use this floral guide 

1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.1 Climate 

1.2 Physiography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.3 Demographic profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.4 Culture of Sindh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1.5 Cultural/Historical sites of Sindh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

i) Mohen Jo Daro 

1.6 

ii) Bhambore 

iii) Ranikot 

iv) Thatta 

v) Chaukundi Tomb 

vi) Kot Diji Fort 

vii) Shrines of Sindh 

Land use system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2. Ecological profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2.1 Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2.2.1 Indus Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2.2.2 Importance of Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

a) Ecological importance 

b) Economic importance 

3. Major Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.1 Coastal Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.2 Riverine Forest Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.3 Deltaic Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.4 Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.5 Deserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

3.6 Rangelands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

4. Biodiversity profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

5 Protective area network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

6 Ramsar sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

7 Reserve forests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

8. Flora of Indus Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

9. Bryophytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

10. Pteridophytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

11. Gymnosperms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

12. Dicotyledons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

13. Monocotyledons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

14. Common Trees of Indus Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

15. List of Endemic Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

16. Newly Recorded Species of Indus Ecoregion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

17. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

18. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

19. Index of Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

20. Index of Scientific Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 

1.1 

Preface: 

This guidebook has been produced by the Indus forAll Programme, the first phase of 

a 50 year biodiversity vision described in the Indus Ecoregion Conservation 

Programme. This task began in 2006 and took almost three years to complete. It 

involved extensive field work, collecting and preserving plant specimens and, 

identifying and cataloguing them based on taxonomic and botanical lines. The Guide 

presents details of those plant species which are most commonly observed in Indus 

Ecoregion. It does not, however, provide a complete listing of all plants found in the 

Indus Ecoregion. The guide is designed to educate and help nature lovers, 

researchers, students and other interested persons and groups about the variety 

and scope of natural flora found in selected ecosystems of the Indus Ecoregion. 

Although there have been some sporadic efforts, mainly by the University of 

Karachi,to document plant species of Sindh, no comprehensive vegetation surveys 

have been undertaken since 1922 when Blatter et al. 

of Bombay Natural History 

Museum first carried out a detailed vegetation expedition of the Indus Delta. There 

are two main reasons for this dearth of research on plant species. Firstly, when one 

compares faunal versus floral explorations, the former discipline has a clear edge 

over the latter mainly because of the inaccurate use of the term “biodiversity.” 

Biodiversity is often misinterpreted to only encompass the animal world as opposed 

to both plant and animal species; rather the species of all kinds of organisms and 

projects aimed at faunal research are frequently able to access greater funding. 

Second, the absence of regular natural vegetation field surveys has produced a 

general lack of awareness about the significance of floral wealth as a building block 

of the rest of the components of biodiversity. Therefore, concerted efforts are 

required to explore the plant wealth of this Saharo-sindian phytogeographic zone 

overlapping the Indus Ecoregion. This floral guidebook is one such attempt by the 

Indus forAll Programme. 

During field vegetation surveys, a total of three new species were recorded, a 

number of plant species were re-discovered, and additional information on endemic 

plant species was gathered. I am certain if botanical surveys are regularly continued 

many more species will be discovered, and threats to plant wealth in critical habitats 

will also be ascertained. As part of an ongoing effort future editions of the guide will 

also address ethno-botanical information with particular emphasis on the traditional 

use of medicinal herbs. I hope that both students and researchers who use this guide 

will help in our efforts to conduct periodic plant surveys, which will ultimately 

contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in some of the unique and globally 

valued ecosystems of the Indus Ecoregion. 

Dr. GhulamAkbar

1.1 

It took almost three years of field work by the plant scientists of WWF – Pakistan’s 

Indus for All Programme in collaboration with botanists from Karachi University to 

gather data, collect specimens, photograph specimens and render illustrations of 

those specimens whose pictures were not available. The researchers were ably 

supported by many others who provided different kinds of assistance during the 

compilation of this study. 

The compilation of this field guide was made possible by the detailed ecological 

Baseline Studies the Indus for All Programme undertook over five selected sites: 

Keti Bunder (coastal and deltaic ecosystem in Thatta District), Keenjhar Lake 

(freshwater ecosystem in Thatta District), Pai Forest (forest ecosystem in Shaheed 

Benazirabad District), Chotiari Reservoir (freshwater-desert ecosystem in Sanghar 

District) and Keti Shah (riverine ecosystem in Sukkur District). 

The authors gratefully acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Imran, post-graduate student 

University of Karachi; Drs. Abdul Khaliq and Rehmatullah Qureshi, Arid Agriculture 

University and Mr. Babar Khan, Head WWF Northern Areas at Gilgit for their help in 

the field. 

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for Mr. Shakil Khaskheli from 

Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur who not only photographed many plants 

species, developed illustrations of those plants whose pictures were unavailable but 

also entertained all of us in the field with his musical talents. We would also like to 

thank a number of university interns for their help in compiling the study under our 

guidance. 

Finally, this study would not have been possible without the support of the Indus for 

All Programme’s staff who made the necessary arrangements to ease our difficult 

field work and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their financial 

help. 

Authors 

Acknowledgements:

How to use this Floral Guide: 

This guidebook includes the existing floral species of Indus Eco-region. It starts from 

the introduction chapter which describes all about Sindh,major ecosystem and their 

ecological profile. It is equipped with all the relevant data, photographs and world 

wide distribution. The herbaceous and shrubby species are grouped under 

Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms (Dicotyledons and 

Monocotyledons). 

Each page of each section provides the family name, scientific name and available 

English and Local names of the species. The description of each species is brief and 

not too technical. Information is also provided on flowering period, habitat and uses. 

These are given in following pattern: 

Description: It includes the type of plant i.e, herb, shrub, grass, tree etc. It also 

includes the size of the plant, the shape and color of flowers fruits and leaves. 

Flowering Period: It means the month in which the species produces flowers e.g, 

from March to May and if found whole the year then it is stated as “throughout the 

year”. 

Habitat: This part tells the reader about the kind most of common growing places of 

the specie as various specie have different habitat e.g, some grow on stony and 

rocky places and some on wet and moist places etc. 

Uses: It comprise of economical and ethnobotanical uses of plants. 

Distribution: It includes world wide occurrence of the specie. Distribution map is 

given on the left side of each page which shows location of the specie in the Sindh 

province only. 

The index of family names and scientific names of species is given at the end to be 

used as a quick locator for the user about the species. Similarly glossaries of 

botanical terms and pharmacological terms are also given at the end of the book. For 

further information and assistance a list of references are also given. In short it is a 

comprehensive guidebook which can be used as an informative tool for students, 

researchers, and any one interested in the natural flora.

01 

Introduction 

Sindh is the third largest province (area wise) of Pakistan stretching about 579 km from north 

to south and 442 km (extreme) or 281 km(average) from east to west, with an area of 140,915 

km². It is situated between 23º and 29º north latitude and between 67º and 71º east longitude. 

It is bordered by Balochistan and the Punjab from north, on the east by Rajasthan (India), on 

the south by the Runn of Kutch and the Arabian Sea and on the West by Lasbela and Kalat 

districts of Balochistan province. Traversed by the Indus River it has been continuously 

inhabited since at least 2500 BC. It also derives its name from the River Indus, which in ancient 

times was known as Sindhudesh, Sindhu being the original name of the River and desh 

meaning territory. 

The earliest reference of the settlement in this area has been found in the oldest written record 

of the subcontinent, the Rig Veda. Other references are also found in the Mahabharata, the 

ancient Hindu epic. The sites that can be considered Sindh’s crowning glory are the Indus 

Valley Civilization at Mohenjodaro (located on the right bank of the Indus) in Larkana District, 

and Makli, the world’s largest necropolis in Thatta District, both of which are classified as 

World Heritage Sites. The first Muslim invader of the sub-continent, Muhammad Bin Qasim 

invaded Sindh in 712 AD, making Sindh an important foothold for Muslims. Sindh is also 

referred to as “Bab-al-Islam” (Gate of Islam) as it was the first place of orientation of Islam in 

the South Asia. Since then Sindh has been a gateway for people entering the subcontinent 

fromAsia,Africa, and even Europe (wikipedia.org). 

(i)

(ii)

1.1 

!Sindh falls in the category of hot and arid land due to low and scanty rainfall. Average 

annual rain fall in Sindh is only 150 to 250 mm. There are three climatic regions in Sindh, the 

lower, middle and the upper Sindh. The lower Sindh (Lar) comprises the Indus Delta, is 

comparatively cool and takes benefit from the moderating effect of sea. It is affected by the 

coastline and has damper, humid, South-Western winds in summer and North-Eastern winds 

in winter make the climate of this region as maritime with rainfall little less than the Middle 

0 

0 

Sindh. The maximum temperature reaches upto 45 C ( occasionally upto 47 C) in summers. 

The middle Sindh (Vicholo), extends about hundred miles north of Hyderabad, has lower 

summer temperature than Upper Sindh but higher than the Lower Sindh. Upper Sindh (Siro) 

which is centered at Jacobabad has a harsh climate. It is one of the hottest places in summer 

0 

and coldest in winter as temperature rises upto 52 C in May and June occasionally frost 

occurs in winter. The air is generally very dry. The highest peak of Khirthar range (Kuttey ji 

Qabar) occasionally receives snowfall. 

Overall Sindh has a continental climate with the variation between summer and winter 

temperatures. It falls into the region of monsoon climate with distinguished characteristics of a 

marked rainy season during the late summer. The hot weather begins in March and continues 

0 

till the beginning of the monsoon in July. The mean maximum temperature reaching the 43 C 

0 

in May, while in the winter temperature is often mild (minmum between 5-10 C) in most parts 

0 

of the province, but occasionally falls below 0 C in upper Sindh(Smyth.1919). 

1.2 

Climate: 

Physiography: 

Sindh is a low and flat plain basin of Indus except the Khirther range along its border with 

Balochistan and Nagarparkar mountainous region in the south-east; and desert area of the 

east. According to physical framework, Sindh can be divided into three distinct physiographic 

regions:(Huges.1876). 

A) The western mountain region: 

The western part of Sindh, bounded by mountain region, consists of hill ranges from Khirthar, 

Bhit, Bhadra and Lakhi. Khirthar mountain range starts from Karachi near Manghopir and 

ends in the western part of Larkana. 

b) Indus flood plain and Delta: 

Indus delta has its apex near Thatta below which Indus River spreads to form the deltaic 

plains. Indus flood-plains comprise of alluvial plain which is divisible into upper and lower 

Indus plains. Upper Indus plain lies in the North of the delta where five rivers of Punjab 

converge in it, while Lower Indus plain lies in the Southern part of the delta and marked only by 

Indus River. Sindh lies largely in the deltaic plains of Lower Indus Valley. 

C) Deserts: 

The eastern part of Sindh is bounded by desert which covers an area of approximately 68,000 

2 

km and comprises of Thar, Nara and Kohistan. Thar Desert is spread on an area of 23,000 

2 

km , Tharparkar, Mithi and Umerkot districts lie in the Thar Desert, with the Runn of Kutch in 

the south. 

2 

Nara desert extends on an area of 22,000 km and represent four districts of Sindh, Shaheed 

Benezirabad (formerly Nawabshah), Sukkur, Khairpur and Sanghar. Kohistan with an 

2 

expansion of 23,000 km embodied the parts of Dadu, Larkana andThatta districts. 

(iii)

(iv) 

1.3 

Demographic profile: 

Sindh comprises of 23 districts, 160 towns and 1094 union councils. Owing to the migration of 

people across the country its population has been increasing at a much faster pace than the 

overall population of Pakistan. The Population of Sindh province is estimated to be 46. 4 

million (Census 2008). Within Sindh, growth patterns were substantially different. For 

example, the proportion of the urban population increased substantially from 29 percent in 

1951 to 49 percent in 1998, as compared to 17 to 35 percent in Pakistan, respectively. 

Sindhi is the principal spoken language that makes up 60% followed by Urdu speakers 

20%.Other linguistic groups from all over the country are Pashto (5%); Punjabi (7) %; 

Gujarati/Memon (3%); Baluchi (2%); Seraiki (1%) and others (2%). Other languages include 

Kutchi (both dialects of Sindhi), Khowar, Thari, Persian/Dari and Brahui. The religious 

composition of Sindh also varies. The majority of residents are Muslim (91), followed by 

Hindus forming 7.5%. Smaller groups of Christians (0.97%), Ahmadi (0.14%); Parsis or 

Zoroastrians, Sikh and a tiny Jewish community (of around 500) can also be found in the 

province (Wikipedia.org). 

1.4 

Culture of Sindh: 

Sindh has a rich and most diverse cultural heritage. Inherited from prehistoric times it keeps 

lasting traces from different ages with rich traditions. Sindhi culture is known for its specific 

traditions which belong to one of the oldest civilizations of the world known as Indus valley 

civilization. Sindhi is the main language which emerged as the confluence of some Arabic, 

Persian and Balochi words over time. Its culture has a unique assemblage of architecture, 

religion, literature and music. Sufism is prevalent in Sindh. The essence of Sufism can clearly 

be seen inthe Sindhipoetry such as that of ShahAbdul Latif BhitaiandHazrat SachalSarmast. 

Sindh is conventionally a large producer of 

cotton cloth. The cloth which is very 

common and a symbol of Sindhi culture is 

Ajrak. From the settlements of Mounds of 

Dead (Mohen Jo Daro), a sculpture was 

found covered in ajrak. So it is believed 

that ajrak is as old as the Indus civilization. 

Along with ajrak, Rilli is an other Sindhi 

emblem 

and part of the heritage and 

culture. Rilli is a patchwork sheet which is 

made by small pieces of different colors 

and different kinds of geometrical shapes 

and stitch together making elaborate The epitome of Sindhi culture; Ajrak 

designs. It is used as bedspread as well as 

a blanket. Khadi and Susi are the two other kinds of cloths that have their own image in Sindhi 

culture. Sindh is known all over the world for its cultural heritage of art and handicraft.

1.1 

1.5 

Cultural and Historical Sites of Sindh: 

Sindh is a wonderful land having a texture of natural beauty which is embodied by sea, rivers, 

lakes, delta, forests, deserts, creeks and mountains. It has a tremendous potential for tourism 

as all areas of Sindh are rich in cultural heritage. Numerous ruins scattered throughout the 

territory offer a constant reminder of the area’s history. Remains of Indus Valley Civilization as 

well as those of other periods enhance the beauty of its ancient historic and cultural aspects. 

The legendry river (River Indus) is said to have started flowing since millions of years and 

remnants of this civilization of 3rd millennium B.C. at Mohen Jo Daro testify to the great 

civilized past of Sindh. Other sites like Harappa, Chanhu-daro, Lothal, Kot Diji, were also 

highly developed cities that narrate about a civilization which had began around 3000 BC, 

reached apex by 2000, and completely perished by 1000 B.C. Its influence had a major impact 

on the lives of past and present inhabitants (Gregory 2002). 

(I) 

Moen jo Daro: 

Mohen Jo Daro is an ancient civilization that flourished in Indus Valley 5000 years ago. 

In sindhi language Moen Jo Daro means Mound of the dead. It is situated on the right 

bank of Indus at a distance of 24 km from Larkana ,and covers an area of 250 hectares. 

It represents various phases of urban growth and 

reorganization. It was preserved with the help of 

UNESCO in 1980. The layout of city was well 

planned, neat and orderly in manner. The city 

was not only built by fire baked bricks but also 

had a brick lined sewerage system. It is a 

wonderful architectural site which showed 

advancement of humanity thousands of year’s 

ago. 

(II) 

Bhambore 

Bhambore previously known as Deebal occupies a unique status of being gateway for Islam’s 

advent in the subcontinent. It was conquered by renowned young Arab warrior Muhammad 

bin Qasim in AD 712. Bhambore is the local name of ruins situated on the north bank of the 

65 km to the east of Karachi to Thatta. The 

remains of the fort are quite well maintained and 

easily marked among the heaps of broken bricks, 

coins and other artifacts found here clearly 

confirmed that this area had a Muslim population 

from the 8th to the 13th century AD. Popular 

folklore Sassi Punno a well known love story links 

to Bhambore. There is a mosque that is probably 

one of the oldest mosques in sub continent. 

The ruins of Mohenjodaro 

Fort bin Qasim - Bhambore 

(v)

(vi) 

1.1 

(III) 

It is the largest historic stone fort in the world. It was used 

by Talpurs who ruled Sindh from 1783 to 1843.The whole 

architecture of the fort is comprised of gypsum and lime 

cut sand stone. It is situated in the Khirthar range about 

30 km southwest of Jamshoro district of Sindh, 

approximately 90 km north of Hyderabad. This beautiful 

oldest palace is the sign of ancient Sindh.The18-mile 

boundary wall is visible from a great distance and has 

much resemblance to the Great Wall of China. 

A large natural sweet water or spring emerging from an underground source is named as 

Parryen jo taro (spring of fairies). 

(IV) 

Ranikot: 

Thatta: 

A magnificent view of the Ranikot Fort 

Thatta is a historical town with 22,000 inhabitants near the Keenjhar Lake, 80 Km east of 

Karachi. It had been a capital of Sindh in the past and at least four Muslim dynasties ruled over 

it. It was a place which renown for its trade and manufactures but its glory has completely 

departed.It is a marvelous, ancient city of Sindh and all of its major monuments are listed 

among the world heritage sites. The only monuments that survive the former glory of Thatta 

are Shahjahani Masjid (Mosque) and the tombs on the Makli Hills. These monuments reflect 

the city as a center of Islamic art. 

a) Shahjahani Masjid 

Shahjahani Masjid is a masterpiece and one of the finest buildings in Thatta. It was built in 

1647 by the order of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as a memorial of his regard for the 

inhabitants. The whole mosque measures, 51,850 square feet. The interior of this building is 

beautifully painted with harmony of colors is highly remarkable. It is decorated by blue kashi 

tiles mostly with a white back ground but yellow and purple has also been used in its 

background. 

b) Makli Hills 

Makli hills are situated on Thatta highway 102 km 

southwest of Jamshoro. These are world largest 

graveyard with a diameter of approximately 8 km 

and supposed to be an eternal home for 125,000 

of Sufi saints, kings, queens, philosophers and 

scholars. The grave stones and mausoleum 

stones represent the different eras and dynasties 

and reveal the history of many bygone days. 

There are monuments of Summa period (14th to 

16th centuries), the Tarkhan & Arghun period 

(16th century), and the Mughul period (16th to 

18th centuries). The finest feature of these 

buildings are the art work of stone 

World’s largest graveyard; Makli Hill 

engraving, perforated stonework and beautiful glazed tile work in the shape of panels and 

dados (Smyth, 1919).

1.1 

(V) 

Chaukundi Tomb: 

The 16th century historic burial site chaukundi tombs located on the National Highway, 27 

km from Karachi, comprise of innumerable sandstone graves with strangely-carved motifs 

in the form of stepped rectangle. This site is famously known as chaukandi due to this 

rectangular shape as chaukandi means four cornered. It is beautifully carved with various 

designs of jewellery, floral patterns and even horses and swords of men. The tombs are of 

various sizes and designs fall into two basic types. One type comprises of pillars supporting 

the roof while other are in the shape of oblong pyramid about 2- 4 m high. 

(VI) 

(VII) 

Kot Diji Fort: 

It is an important archaeological site on the National Highway, located in the Rohri Hills of 

Khairpur. It is situated on the old alluvium of the Indus valley. It was formerly known as fort 

Ahmadabad. It is surrounded by 12 ft mud wall with bastion throughout its length and a huge 

iron gate. According to historians and archeologists it is the earliest phase of Harrapan 

civilization which is dated around 2800-2600 B.C. 

Shrines of Sindh: 

Sindh is known for its deeply rooted sufi tradition which brought together the Hindus and 

Muslims in shared cultural world. There are numerous shrines of sufi saints in Sindh which are 

visited by hundreds of people daily from all around the country. These shrines are known as 

hotbeds for the religious innovation. Shrines played an important role not only as a centre of 

worship but also influence the art and culture, economic, social and political activities. The 

famous and most visited shrines by peoples from all parts of country are as follows: 

Bhit Shah is known as the resting place of the renowned saint, sufi scholar and a greatest 

poet of Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. His most famous written work is the Shah jo Risalo 

which is the complete collection of his poetry. He traveled to many parts of Sindh but in order 

to create a spiritual environment he found a small town on sand dunes or ‘bhit’ which became 

known as Bhit Shah after his name. 

Daraza Sharif is famous for the tomb of Sachal Sarmast who was better known to spread 

the message of divine love through his poetry. His real name wasAbdul Wahab but he entitled 

as Sachal (truthful) because of his love for truth which he preached through out his life. 

Sehwan is an old town of pre-Islamic period and a boundary between the two great divisions 

of the country. It is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet and philosopher 

Shaikh Usman Marvandi (1117-1274) popularly known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. He is 

known as the first sufi saint in Sindh. Sehwan is situated about 300 km from Karachi. This 

town occupied a cardinal place at the time of invasion of Alexander the Great. The shrine 

gives an impressive look with its Sindhi kashi tiles, mirror work and two gold plated doors. This 

town is a hot place for those who want to learn and feel sufism. 

(Vii)

(Viii) 

1.1 

1.6 

Land use systems: 

Sindh is one of the fastest growing regions of the country. Its rapid growth patterns and 

urbanization changes its land use system. Land in Sindh is under different uses such as 

human settlements, agriculture, industries, roads, rangelands, forests and wetlands. 

Although more than 50 percent of the total geographical area is cultivable, only 26 percent of it 

is actually located in the central plain. The land inside Indus embankments is almost equally 

employed by agriculture and forestry, while that outside the embankments is more extensively 

utilized for agriculture in the form of sparsely distributed irrigated plantations. 

02 

2.1 

2.2.1 

Ecological Profile: 

Sindh is blessed with a variety of wildlife and different ecological zones. Mainly it has four 

ecological zones: Hill ranges of Khirthar and Kohistan in the west, sandy desert in the east, 

central alluvial plains along Indus River and Indus delta in the south. 

Ecoregion: 

As defined by scientists at the World Wide Fund (WWF), “ an ecoregion (ecological region), 

sometimes also called a bioregion, is an ecologically relatively large unit of land that contains 

geographically distinct assemblage of species, natural communities and environmental 

conditions” (foreverindus.org). According to IUCN’s scientists “ eco-regions share a large 

majority of their species and ecological dynamics; share similar environmental conditions, 

and; interact ecologically in ways that are critical for their long-term persistence”. There are 

over 238 ecoregions over the globe, popularly known as G 200, representing terrestrial, fresh 

water and, marine habitats. Eco-regions reflect the distribution of a broad range of fauna and 

flora across the entire planet. The biodiversity of flora, fauna and ecosystems that 

characterize an ecoregion tends to be distinct from that of other ecoregion. 

Indus Ecoregion: 

The Global 200 Analysis identified five 

eco-regions in Pakistan. The Indus 

Ecoregion is the only ecoregion that lies 

entirely within Pakistan’s boundaries 

particularly in Sindh province. Being 

located in a semi-arid environment, Indus 

ecoregion harbors Riverine forests along 

the Indus River, mangrove forests in the 

coastal areas while desert ecosystems 

occupy the periphery. Indus ecoregion is 

regarded as the 40th most biologically 

rich ecoregions in the Asia-pacific region; 

it covers approximately 65% Of the 

province of Sindh and partially or fully 

covers 18 districts of Sindh including Map of Indus Ecoregion 

Hyderabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad (formerly Nawabshah), Sanghar, Khairpur and 

Umer Kot. It includes the lower reaches of River Indus, the Riverine forests, freshwater Lakes, 

brackish water, salt Lakes and the Indus delta along with mangrove forests 

(foreverindus.org).

1.1 

2.2.2 Importance of Ecoregion: 

Sindh while situated in arid zone largely depends on the River Indus for its economic, 

ecological and social well being. Presence of mighty Indus in Sindh also somewhat 

ameliorates the otherwise hostile climate of the area in which biodiversity persists in healthier 

way. Indus ecoregion consists of many natural and semi-natural Lakes and water reservoirs 

thus giving rise to a mosaic of habitats such as aquatic, coastal, and riparian. Riparian habitats 

are often notably species rich places, with a variety of microhabitats within which numerous 

plants species coexist (Swanson et al. 1988, Gregory et al. 1991; Urban et al. 

2006). It is a 

unique example of natural wetland type consisting of the main river, the irrigation canals, 

reservoirs, 02 ponds, lakes, marshes, creeks, sand flats, mudflats and the mangrove swamps. It 

is rich in floral and faunal biodiversity. 

a) Ecological importance: 

Indus Delta is the most fertile land as it 

supports wide variety of vegetation such as 

sea weeds, mangroves, herbs, shrubs, 

different grasses etc. The Indus River has 

great ecologicalimportance for the worldas 

it is the main migration route of thousands 

of birds, which cross over the Himalayas to 

spend the winter either in Pakistan or 

further south in India. Out of seven 

recognized major flyways in the world the 

Indus Flyway Number 4 also known as 

Green Route is one of the most 

A flock of Pelicans near Pai Forest 

important flyovers for migratory birds from Siberia. The delta used to be an important area for 

resident and migratory waterfowl, crane, teals, pintails, mallard, etc. of a wide variety of 

species and few species of ducks, geese, eagle, Hobart bustard and falcons. Only a few 

places in the world have such plentiful variety of winged species as the wetlands of Pakistan. 

b) Economic importance: 

Water is considered as an economic asset, a strategic resource and security issue. This 

majestic River is the lifeline of Pakistan’s economy especially agrarian economy. Sindh’s 

coastline of approximately 350 km is also a very productive resource as 48 percent of fish 

export of Pakistan is from Sindh. Moreover, 71 percent of marine fish resources, 65 percent of 

fresh water fish resources, and 100 percent of brackish water fish resources are located in 

Sindh.About 97 percent of available freshwater is used for agriculture. Sindh is an agricultural 

province (producing good quality of wheat, rice and other grains) and agriculture serves as an 

engine of economic growth. 

Proper water management and irrigation system enhance food grains productivity, 

employment and income, and thereby alleviate poverty and hunger. 

03 

Major Ecosystems: 

Sindh has some distinct types of ecosystem; like coastal and marine ecosystem, inland 

freshwater ecosystem, forest ecosystem,Agroecosystems, Desert ecosystem etc. 

(Ix)

(X) 

1.1 

Deltaic Ecosystem: 

3.3 

The fan-shaped or triangular Indus Delta 

is the fifth largest delta and unique by the 

fact that it experiences the highest wave 

energy among all river deltas in the world 

(Wells and Coleman 1984). The main 

features of Indus delta are seventeen 

major creeks and innumerable minor 

creeks and mud, sand and salt flats, 

marshes, lagoons and fringing 

02 

mangroves (Meynell and Qureshi 1995). 

It covers an area of 600,000 ha out of 

which 160,000 ha is occupied by the 

mangrove vegetation (Hoekstra et al., 

Mangroves of Indus Ecoregion 

1997;Anwar 2004). 

These forests are unique in a sense that they are the largest arid mangrove forests in the 

world. Eight species of mangroves have historically been reported in the area, only four 

remain. These are Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculata, Ceriops tagal and Rhizophora 

mucronata (Meynell and Qureshi 1995, Hoekstra 1997; Anwar 2004; Ismail et al. 2006). In 

addition to floral diversity, the Indus Delta is also rich in faunal diversity, which includes fishes, 

reptiles, aves, and from small mammals to large sized mammals. Located southeast of 

Karachi, the large delta has been recognized by conservationists as one of the world's most 

important ecological regions. The Indus River Delta is a highly productive area at the juncture 

of both fresh water and marine systems. It falls under arid climatic condition with an average 

rainfall of about 220 cm and 76 % of relative humidity. It is characterized by moderate tide and 

high wave energy. 

3.4 

Agroecosystem: 

The economy of Sindh is dominates by agriculture, making it the second largest province the 

area under agriculture. In this sense economic development of Sindh is largely dependant on 

the development and growth of the agriculture sector. The province contributes significantly 

to the overall national agriculture production in major crops: 32% in National Rice Production, 

24% in National Sugarcane Production, 21.75% in National Cotton Production, 16% in 

National Wheat Production (Federal Govt. latest communication 2008). 

Rice is considered a ‘luxury crop’ and is cultivated in areas with sandy soils, particularly in the 

deltas. Wheat is a staple food of the inhabitants of the province. It is grown throughout the left 

bank side. The main Kharif crops of the province are cotton, rice, sugar cane, millet, 

maize/corn and a few pulses. Cotton is mainly found in areas that are hot and dry and have 

sandy clay soils. Sugar cane grows only in irrigated areas throughout the province.The total 

cultivated area in Sindh is 5.88 million hectares and the net area sown is 2.39 million hectares. 

The total cropped area is 3.10 million hectares, of which 0.71 million hectares are sown more 

than once (Stewart 1982). Among valuable fruit trees mangoes, bananas, dates, papayas, 

chikus, citrus, guavas and wide range of vegetables are grown. 

The lands now under agriculture were originally under the tropical thorn forest, comprising 

species like Prosopis cineraria, Acacia senegal, Capparis decidua, Salvadora oleoides, 

Salvadora persica, Comiphora stocksii, 

etc. The spread of agriculture has badly decimated 

these species, and thus the tropical thorn forest is regarded as the most threatened 

ecosystem in the subcontinent (Khan 1994).

1.1 

3.1 

The Sindh coastal region extends from the Sir Creek on the east, and the Hub River estuary 

along the Balochistan coast on the west. This coastal region is about 350 km long and can be 

divided into the Indus Delta and Karachi coast. Mangrove forests comprise the main coastal 

vegetation earlier extending over some 600,000 hectares in between Karachi and the border 

between Pakistan and India (Meynell and Qureshi 1995). These forests are now shrunk to less 

than 80,000 Ha. The Indus Delta mangroves are perhaps unique in being the largest area of arid 

climate mangroves in the world. It is estimated that 100,000 people belonging to different 

communitiesare taking benefits forthemselves and theirlivestock. 

These communities use the creek waters and coastal sea for fishing, and the mangroves for 

02 

harvesting fuel wood and fodder and browsing areas for their animals. The grassy mudflats are 

also used for gazing buffaloes and cattle. During the monsoon season, herders from further 

away, graze their livestock onsome parts of the system. It provides breeding groundfor variety of 

fish, shrimps, crabs and other invertebrates. Mangroves are of great significance as a source of 

nutrients for fisheries. Since majority of the people residing near or around the coastal areas are 

engaged in fishing and related activities, mangroves make an important contribution to the local 

and national economy. Avicenna marina (Timar) is the main mangrove species that comprises 

99%ofthe totalmangrove vegetation. 

The coastal wetlands attract a number of migratory birds, particularly waterfowl. Two species of 

turtles are also found in the shores of the Karachi coastline. These are the Green Turtle 

( Cheldnoia mydas) and Olive Ridley Turtles ( Lepidochelys olivacea). 

Karachi coast is known for 

high diversity of birdsand marine mammals. 

3.2 

Coastal Ecosystem: 

Riverine Forest Ecosystem: 

The importance of forests is expected to increase worldwide in the new millennium for 

preservation of environment, stabilizing of climate and conservation of all kinds of biodiversity. 

There is big diversity in the types of forests in Pakistan. These are from the temperate to the dry 

lands interspersed with Riverine forests along the Indus River. Ahmad (1953) described two 

types of forests in Sindh; “ the forests growing inside the flood embankments along the Indus 

River are called Riverine forests and the other are situated outside embankments are called 

Inland forests”. Riverine forest further subdivided in to Pakko and Kacho forests. Pakko forests 

are situated awayfromthe riverbank while Kacho forests are near the riverbank. 

Riverine forests are one of the important ecosystems of Sindh which provide fuel wood, 

timber, fodder, honey and tannin as a source of livelihood for thousands of people. Moreover, 

they serve as carbon sinks and also protect the surrounding areas from the severity of floods. 

These forests are mainly characterized by trees and shrubs. The main tree species grown are 

Babul ( Acacia nilotica), Kandi ( Prosopis cineraria), Lai ( Tamarix spp), and Bahn ( Populus 

Euphortica). 

In many parts, the riverine forests are badly invaded by the alien species 

Prosopis julifloria (Devi) which has replaced many native species. 

Total area of Riverine forests and irrigated plantations is 323,350 ha spread in 14 districts, 

which make 2.3% of Sindh province. According to Wani et al. 

(2004) Riverine forests occupy 

0.332 million hectares area (m ha) in Pakistan that is about 7% of total forests in forestland. 

The Sindh province owns 0.272 m ha Riverine forests, which is about 82% of total Riverine 

forest area in the country. These figures depict that the Sindh province is rich in Riverine 

forests. (Natural VegetationAssessment, 2008). 

Depletion of Riverine forest resources reached such an alarming proportion that harvesting 

had to be banned in 1993 for two years. As a result of a declining trend in the annual 

inundation from the Indus, a nominal area is revived every year in the Riverine forests. Most of 

the Riverine forests are known as 'Reserved Forests' or 'Protected Forests' under the 

"Pakistan ForestsAct, 1927". 

(Xi)

(Xii) 

1.1 

3.5 

Deserts: 

The arid zones of Sindh represent 17 percent of the arid land of Pakistan and can be classified 

2 

as subtropical deserts. These cover an area of over 68,000 km of the province and can be 

roughly divided into three even-sized distinct regions: Thar, Nara and Kohistan, out of which a 

total area of 14.09 million hectares (MHA), 9.28 MHA form rangeland in these areas (IUCN, 

2004). 

2 

Thar covers 23,000 km and has a population of nearly one million people. This region is 

mainly in the Tharparkar, Mithi and Umer Kot districts and extends southwards along the 

Rann of Kutch. Its climate is arid in the north, and semi-arid in the south depending on the 

rainfall 02 which varies from north to south. 

2 

Nara is located in Khairpur Mir District stretches over 22,000 km . Its upper portion lays in 

Sukkur (population 908,373,000), Khairpur (population 1,546,587,000), Shahid Benezirabad 

(Nawabshah) (population 1,071,533) and Sanghar (population 1,453,028) districts. Thar and 

Nara are located on the left side of the river and form the eastern boundary of the province 

(IUCN, 2004). 

2 

Kohistan region covers 23,000 km and occupies four percent of the total landmass of the 

province, consisting of parts of Dadu (90 percent of the area with a population of 1,688,811), 

Larkana (6 percent of the area with a population of 1,927,066) and Thatta (4 percent of the 

area with a population of 1,113,194). Kohistan lies along the western boundary between 

Sindh and Balochistan and extends in the South along the Indus Delta (Qazi, 2003). 

These three regions are distinctly marked with sandy hills steep slope and vast low lying flat 

areas locally known as patt. The vast sandy tracts are broken up by undulating sand dunes 

and/or barren mountains. Though the living condition is inhospitable but these are often 

characterized by ecosystem consisting of unique flora and fauna. Flora consists mostly of 

stunted scrub and bush although trees such as the Prosopis cineraria occasionally dot the 

landscape. The nutritive grasses provide fodder for the livestock that comprise of cattle, 

camels, goats, and sheep. The Ibex of Kohistan and the Gazelle deer and peacocks of 

Tharparkar are animal species unique to this region. 

3.6 

Rangelands: 

The rangelands also known as protected forest are the areas which provide fodder for cattle 

species in desert and dry mountainous area and refuge for mammals, indigenous and 

migratory birds and reptiles. Rangelands are a critical component of the arid zones of Sindh 

covering an area of 0.457 million ha. The rangelands in Sindh are mostly state property and it 

is necessary that they are managed in an integrated manner to ensure productivity in a 

sustainable manner (IUCN 2007). 

4.0 

Biodiversity profile: 

Biodiversity is a term used for all forms of life on earth and its variability among living 

organisms from all sources. Every part of the earth has distinct features of plant, animal and 

microorganisms depending on its climate and geology. It plays an important role in ecosystem 

functions that provide support, regulations and cultural services essential for human wellbeing. 

People rely on biodiversity for food, medicine and other raw materials of their needs 

(IUCN 2007). Sindh is rich with floral and faunal diversity and is a blend of elements from 

different origins.

1.1 

Sindh falls in the category of arid lands with scanty and unpredictable rainfall. The importance 

of the biodiversity of arid and semiarid lands is recently being increasingly recognized as 

these dry lands occupy more than 40 percent of Earth’s land surface have to support more 

than one billion people (Hassan 2003, Donaldson et al. 

2003). The natural flora and 

vegetation being the primary producers play the most pivotal role in every ecosystem by 

providing food and shelter to the natural fauna and livestock. In arid ecosystems, one of the 

most important ecological services of natural vegetation is the control or erosion. The process 

of desertification is known to be associated with decreasing species diversity and habitat 

degradation 

02 

(Xueli and Halin 2003). 

Plant species form an important component of the biodiversity of the province, are a source 

of fodder, and an important source of raw material. Sindh also has a variety of medicinal 

plants, which are used in healthcare products, traditional medications, dyeing, as culinary 

spices, and in natural cosmetics and perfumes. 

Besides floral diversity it is also rich in faunal biodiversity that includes 80 species of large 

mammals, 42 species of small mammals, approximately 414 species of birds, about 65 

species of reptiles, and an estimated 5 species of amphibians (foreverindus.org). Among 

mammals Sindh Ibex / Persian wild goat, Afghan Urial / Asian wild sheep, Indian desert 

Gazelle / Chinkara, Black buck, Hog deer, Blue bull, Striped hyena, Indian desert wolf, Indian 

desert fox, Red lynx, Jungle cat, Pangolin, Indus blind dolphin, Blue whale, Mouse-like 

hamster and many others are found in different areas of Sindh (IUCN, 2004). 

Crocodiles are abundantly found in Manghopir area situated about 16 km north of Karachi 

and in Nara canal. Monitor Lizard and Finch Toed Lizard are the most common species of 

Lizards found throughout the Sindh. A wide variety of snakes can be seen here, like Indian 

cobra, Indian Python, Naja, Saw scaled and vipers etc. Some other amphibians and reptiles 

of Sindh includes Green turtles, Pacific Olive Ridley turtle, Spotted pond turtle, Starred 

tortoise, Sindh broad tailed, Orange tailed sand skink, Indian sand swimmer, Indian 

Chameleon, Oxus/Black cobra, Sindh river snake, Slender blind snake, Indus toad and many 

others (IUCN, 2004). 

Birds from the South Asian subcontinent, east Africa, Europe and much of Asia are found in 

the Sindh, which serve as a caravanserai for Eurasian avifauna travelers. Some fly-in to stay 

here for feeding and breeding during the winter, while the rest fly through. Sindh has four 

resident species 

(Xiii)

(Xiv) 

of ducks of which three are tree ducks like the lesser whistling teal, Cotton teal and Marbled 

teal; while the spot bill duck is a marsh duck. 

The Eurasian Black Vulture or the Cinereous Vulture can also be found in Sindh. They breed 

in Balochistan and NWFP but migrate to Sindh during winters. Among the Sand grouse the 

spotted and chestnut bellied sand grouse outnumber other species and are fairly evenly 

distributed all over the arid areas of Sindh. There are various species of raptors abundant in 

Sindh. The Goshawk is a rare migrant visitor to Sindh, favoring wooded areas. Among the 

resident species are White Eyed buzzard, Shikra, Red-headed Merlin and Kestrel. The White 

Eyed buzzard is the most widespread raptor in the province since it is well adapted to irrigated 

cultivation and wooded areas as it is to fairly treeless scrub desert areas. Other important 

birds of Sindh includes Black Partridge, Grey Partridge, Yellow Legged Green Pigeon, Blue 

Peafowl, Red Turtle Dove, Lesser Flamingo, Crane, Imperial Eagle, Sindh Pied Woodpecker, 

Sindh Jungle Sparrow, Jordan’s Babbler and many others are also observed in the Sindh 

province. 

4.1 Protected Area Network: 

Due to rapid growing human population there is a need to protect forests and forest 

resources. Outside the Indus basin, wildlife has maintained itself due to the remoteness and 

inaccessibility of the terrain, especially in the northern mountainous, tribal areas. 

There are number of protected areas in Sindh. These protected areas contribute to the 

preservation and conservation of biodiversity.

In Sindh, out of 54 protected areas, there is one National park which is Khirthar National Park. 

It is accessible to the public for and facilities for recreation, education and research. There are 

35 wildlife sanctuaries (a wildlife sanctuary is an area, which is set aside specifically as an 

undisturbed breeding ground for the protection of wildlife. It is a restricted area, the use of 

which is denied to public), 14 are game reserves (hunting and shooting of animals in these 

areas are regulated under a special permit), and remaining 4 are unclassified (wildlifeof 

Pakistan.com). 

4.2 

Ramsar Sites: 

In Pakistan 19 wetlands have been declared as Ramsar sites out of which 10 are in Sindh 

province. These have been declared as Ramsar on the basis of regularly supporting 

congregation of 20,000 water birds. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance 

designated under the Ramsar Convention. Amjad and Qidwai (2002) referred wetlands as 

‘biological supermarkets’ because of rich biodiversity, extensive and rich food webs and high 

productivity. 

There are various types of wetlands such as wooded land, peat land, flood plains, and 

mangrove swamps, etc. Ten protected wetlands under the Ramsar Convention are located 

here – the Indus Dolphin Reserve, Kalri Lake, Drigh Lake, Haleji Lake, Jubho Lagoon, Nurruri 

Lagoon, DehAkro, Rann of Kutch, Hub Dam and the Indus Delta. 

Sindh’s coastal and estuarine wetlands serve as critical breeding, rearing, staging, and 

wintering grounds for migrating birds and house a number of globally important fish and 

shellfish species. 

(Xv)

(Xvi) 

Wetlands have significant economic importance for local communities, who harvest several 

wetland species of fauna and flora for food and for economic gain. Sindh’s wetlands feed an 

ever-increasing human population and a substantial dependent population of wetland 

species, both plant and animal. (IUCN 2007). 

4.3 

Reserve Forests: 

Approximately 2.29 percent of the total area of Sindh is covered with forests. The forests of 

Sindh are important for soil stabilization, particularly in the vast arid zone of the province as 

well as for the protection and productivity of neighboring agricultural lands. Forests are 

important sites that support a rich diversity of flora and fauna and meet fuel wood and fodder 

needs of local communities. Forests are also important as grazing grounds for livestock and 

provide important non-timber products such as medicinal plants, spices, and honey. 

Many important forest species are disappearing owing to water deficiency, water logging, and 

salinity, all of which induce severe land degradation. This will have far-reaching implications 

for other sectors including agriculture, wildlife, and wetlands, to name only a few. Water is the 

lifeline of the forest sector and this is rapidly diminishing resource. Coupled with natural 

disasters related to climate change and drought, the sustainability of the forests of Sindh is 

being threatened. 

05 

Flora of Indus Ecoregion:

(Xvii)

Adiantaceae 

Adiantum capillus-veneris L. 

English name: Maiden hair fern, venus-hair fern. 

Local name: 

Description: 

Asmall rhizomatous herb of light green in color. The rachis of leaf is shining black and 

wiry, leaves are divided into much more pinnae each pinnae is about 5 to 10 mm long. 

Habitat: 

Semiaquatic. This fern is commonly found in moist and shady margins of freshwater 

canals and ponds. 

Uses: 

Used as ornamental plant in houses, the plant extract is used 

for induce vomiting, treat liver, spleen and chest diseases. 

Leaves are used as tonic for treatment of hair. Frequently 

Used in Tibb-e-Unani, by the name Per Siao Shan. 

Distribution: 

Sub-cosmopolitan in distribution. 

1

2 

Azollaceae 

Azolla pinnata R.Br. 

English name: water fern, mosquito fern. 

Local name: Jaaru. 

Description: 

The plant is commonly known as mosquito fern, it is very tiny, free floating 

hydrophyte. The plant is variable in colour that is from green to reddish, depending 

upon weather conditions from cold to warmer respectively. Reproduction is by 

spores as well as vegetative propagation. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. It is a floating hydrophyte, found in small 

fresh water canals and ponds. 

Uses: 

InAsian countries the plant is used as fertilizer in rice fields 

because it has symbiotic cyano- bacteria which perform 

nitrogen fixation thus increase the soil fertility. 

Distribution: 

Cosmopolitan in distribution.

Equisetaceae 

Equisetum debile Roxb. 

English name: Horsetails. 

Local name: 

Description: 

Amphibious herb with jointed green stem and distinct nodes, leaves green, narrow 

and minute, in whorls around nodes. Spore bearing cones appear on terminal 

position of the green stem, propagation by rhizome as well as spores. 

Habitat: 

Aquatic or semiaquatic. Common in the moist soils of water courses. 

Uses: 

It possess cooling and diuretic properties and is used to treat 

gonorrhea. The plant is used medicinally to relieve arthralgia. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed inAsian countries. 

3

4 

Marsiliaceae 

Marsilea minuta L. 

English name: clover fern, pepperwort. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An extremely variable plant; cushion-like on dry land, spreading and creeping in 

water; perennial or sometimes annual, produces sporocarps in spring seasons, it 

tolerates considerable organic pollution, propagates by runners. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Commonly found in shallow pools, at the edge of the rivers, canals, 

ditches and in rice-fields. 

Uses: 

The decoction of leaves along with ginger is used in cough 

and bronchitis. 

Distribution: 

Asia, Africa and Madagascar.

Salviniaceae 

Salvinia molesta Mitchell. 

English name: Giant Salvinia, Kariba weed. 

Local name: Be-phrh, Jaaru. 

Description: 

Annual to perennial; free-floating in wide variety of aquatic habitats, the main stem 

fragments easily, upper surface of leaf covered with typical water- repellent hair. It is 

one of the most dreaded aquatic invasive species of the world, which forms thick 

mats on the surface of water bodies, thus out-competing the native flora and 

asphyxiating the aquatic animals. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Grows best in high nutrient levels, in quiet water lakes and ponds, 

ditches, slow flowing streams and rivers and reservoirs of dams. 

Uses: 

The plant can be used as raw material for biogas 

Production;it is also used in aquarium. 

Distribution: 

Native to Southeastern Brazil, but now widespread in 

many Tropical and temperate countries. 

5

6 

Ephedraceae 

Ephedra ciliata Fisch. & Mey ex C.A. Mey. 

English name: Ephedra. 

Local name: Wahri. 

Description: 

A straggling plant species, due to the weak stem it spreads over other plants like 

Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora and Lycium species, the plant has bunch of green 

branches arising form the same node, minute yellowish green strobili (unisexual, 

male or female) come up form each node. Propagated by seed. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Common in the warmer and sandy areas. 

Uses: 

Stem of the plant has ephedrine which is used in cure 

asthma and many other respiratory disorders. However, 

this species does not have enough contents for 

commercial exploitation. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Central & South Asia and 

Africa. It is the only Gymnosperm species found naturally 

In Sindh.

Acanthaceae 

Barleria acanthoides Vahl. 

(Syn: Barleriacanthus acanthoides Oerst.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kandar wari booti. 

Description: 

A small grayish pubescent low growing spiny shrub with many branches, 60 cm tall, 

stem base woody and hard. Flowers white with long narrow tube, opening in night 

and falling in the morning. 

Flowering period: 

September to February. 

Habitat: 

Atough xerophyte, mostly found in hot dry gravel, stony 

and rocky areas. 

Uses: 

The leaves used as alternative and in fever and catarrh. 

The plant is used as fodder for goats and camels. 

Distribution: 

Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Pakistan,Northwest 

India and Djibouti. 

7

8 

Acanthaceae 

Barleria hochstetteri Nees. 

English name: 

Local name: Kakoori booti, Ache phool wari booti. 

Description: 

A small, low growing shrub, woody at the base, with many branches generally up to 

35 cm high, having purple or lilac pink flowers, spineless. Leaves broad oblong 

covered by soft white hairs at both surface. 


April to November. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found on hills and rocks on stony and gravelly 

exposed slopes. 

Uses: 

The plant generally grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

East Tropical África, Arabia, Iran, Pakistan (Balochistan, 

Sindh) and Southwest. India. A rare species in Sindh.

Acanthaceae 

Barleria prionitis L. 

English name: Porcupine flower. 

Local name: Sindhi-Khussaro, Urdu- 

Kantajali, Kanthajathi, Katsareya, 

Punjabi- 

Kantaasherio. 

Description: 

An erect spiny tall shrub with many branches growing upto1-2 m in height, having 

large orange to golden yellow flowers. 

Flowering Period: 

October to March and fruiting from March to June. 

Habitat: 

Mostly grows on stony grounds, but rarely found on sandy 

soils. Grow as a hedge. 

Uses: 

The plant extract is used in whooping cough and 

Tuberculosis. Useful for treating acute and chronic 

congestion of the liver, jaundice and urinary disorders. 

The leave juice is also recommended for treatment of 

fever,nose and throat diseases, and also dropped into 

the ear in Otitis. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan eastwards to Indo-China and Malaysia. Not 

common in Pakistan. 

9

10 

Acanthaceae 

Blepharis sindica Stocks ex T. Anders. 

English name: Blepharis. 

Local name: Asad, Bhangari. 

Description: 

A dichotomously branched, prostrate under-shrub with greenish-hairy and woody 

stem. Leaves elongated and narrow and flowers purple with very short tube and 

three lobed corolla, arranged in strobilus-like spikes with spiny bracts. 


July to November. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in rocky or sandy places. 

Uses: 

The seeds are used as a tonic when boiled in milk, the 

plant or seeds are also used as a cure for earache. 

The plant is consider very good fodder, it increase milk 

quality and quantity in livestock. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to southern Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan).

Acanthaceae 

Peristrophe paniculata (Forsk.) Brummitt. 

( Syn: Dianthera paniculata Forssk.) 

English name: 

Local name: Ubut, Kundri. 

Description: 

An annual, erect, much branched hairy herb, up to 1 m tall or more, having small pink 

or purple flowers in trichotomously branched panicles. Grows gregariously after 

monsoon rains. Reproduces through Seeds. 


August to October. 

Habitat: 

Found in moist and shady places near to tracks. 

Uses: 

Used as antidote for snake-poison,antinematode and 

pesticide. The plant is said to be commonly eaten by ratsin 

theTharparkar desert. The plant paste is used in surgeries 

in case of bone fractures. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh), India, Burma, 

Malaya and Indo-China. 

11

12 

Acanthaceae 

Ruellia patula Jacq. 

English name: 

Local name: Kakoori Booti. 

Description: 

An erect, perennial, pubescent herb or under-shrub growing up to 50 cm with many 

branches and a woody base having white or off-white sessile short-lived flowers, 

opening in night and falling by 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. 


September to March. 

Habitat: 

Tough xerophyte. Commonly found on sandy and stony 

places. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica,Arabia, Pakistan, Southwest India and 

Sri Lanka.

Acanthaceae 

Ruellia linearibracteolata Lindau. 

(Syn: Ruellia sindica Df.) 

English name: 

Local name: Bukhar booti. 

Description: 

An erect, glandular, pubescent low growing subshrub reaching at the height of 40 

cm, much branched woody at the base, leaves narrow elongated with soft hairs. 

Flowers purple or bluish purple. 



Habitat: 

Tough xerophyte. Found in gravel, stony slops especially 

on foothills. 

Uses: 

The plant is grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Southern Pakistan (Karachi, Khirthar range, adjacent 

parts of Balochistan) and Somalia. 

13

14 

Aizoaceae 

Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell. 

(Syn: Orygia decumbens Forssk.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Baro-un-wal, Urdu- 

Patar-chatli. 

Description: 

An annual or short lived perennial herb, procumbent or prostrate with rigid 

branches. Leaves soft, somewhat succulent glabrous. Flowers pink, mauve or 

magenta, opening around 4:00 p.m. 


October to January. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in rocky and stony places in dry hot areas. 

Uses: 

The plant has remarkable medicinal values. 

Distribution: 

Africa, West Asia, India and Pakistan.

Aizoaceae 

Gisekia pharnaceoides L. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Kushta-gandhi, Kirtion, Chapra, Urdu- 

Morang, 

Balu-ka-sag, Punjabi- 

Aluka, Balu-ka-sag. 

Description: 

Asmall decumbent glabrous soft and fleshy herb of hot and sandy areas; 2.5-3.0 cm 

long, variable in form and size. Leaves elliptically elongated, flowers in clusters, 

minute variable in colour. 


August to November. 

Habitat: 

Found in dry sandy places, propagates by seeds. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as purgative by local inhabitants, used 

for the treatment of thirst, scabies, heart-trouble, urinary 

diseases and stomach troubles. It is used as pot herb in 

times of scarcity; fresh green leaves are useful for the 

expulsion of taenia or tapeworm. 

Distribution: 

India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and 

Arabia. 

15

16 

Aizoaceae 

Limeum indicum Stocks. ex T. Anders. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A small prostrate annual or short lived perennial herb of sandy and open habitats 

with glandular-pubescent stem and white flowers. Leaves pubescent, dark green 

small, lamina obovate in shape with pointed apex. 


March to September. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in sandy places and dry river beds. 

Uses: 

It is a useful wild source of food and fodder. 

Distribution: 

Warmer arid and semi-arid regions of the world.

Aizoaceae 

Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fenzl.) Verdc. 

(Syn: Diplochonium sesuvioides Fenzl.) 

English name: 

Local name: Bari ulwaiti, Kori Lonk. 

Description: 

A low creeping annual herb with diffuse, succulent thick reddish stem. Leaf shape 

varies with the soil condition, alternate or sub-opposite, spade shape. Flowers 

minute shiny pink, solitary or sometime in clusters about 1 cm of diameter. 


Most part of the year. 

Habitat: 

Found in moist sandy and slightly saline places. 

Uses: 

Used in cough, flu and cold. Provide fodder to livestock. 

Distribution: 

Africa, India and Pakistan, frequently found in Sindh. 

17

18 

Aizoaceae 

Trianthema portulacastrum L. 

English name: Carpet weed. 

Local name: Sindhi- Wahoo, Wisakh, Khat khataee, Urdu- 

Et-sit, 

Punjabi- 

Biskhapra. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herb with prostrate, succulent, glabrous appearance, grows 

up to 35 cm in length. Leaves soft fleshy and round with wavy margins, flowers small 

sessile (without stalk) whitish or pinkish, axillary-solitary, seeds black, propagates 

by Seeds. 


June to December. 

Habitat: 

Grows gregariously after monsoon rains, common in 

moist and unused areas, also occurs as weed in cultivated 

fields. 

Uses: 

Tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable, 

sometimes used as fodder for cattle.The plant also has 

tremendous medicinal values used for cure Jaundice, 

Asthma, cough and for Fever. 

Distribution: 

Tropical America, Africa, West Asia, Sri Lanka, India, 

and Pakistan.

Aizoaceae 

Trianthema triquetra Rottl. & Willd. 

(Syn: Trianthema crystallina auct.) 

English name: Ice plant. 

Local name: Wahoo, Khat khataee. 

Description: 

Anannual prostrate dense hairyand succulent papilloseherb havingsmall inconspicuous 

white flowers sessile axillary. Leaves minute oblong succulent, reproduces through 

seeds. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found on saline soil and near to cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

It can be used as a fodder for goats and Cattle; the plant 

has potential to cure cough, flu and cold. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Arabia, India and Pakistan. 

19

20 

Aizoaceae 

Zaleya pentandra (L.) Jeffrey. 

(Syn: Trianthema pentandra Linn.) 

English name: 

Local name: Bishkapra, Wahoo, Bishkapra, It-sit, Bishkapra, It-sit, Narwa. 

Description: 

A prostate, perennial herb, somewhat succulent. Leaves fleshy opposite very 

variable in size and shape. Flowers minute, pale pink in small sessile clusters, 

axillary; fruit red. 

It reproduces through seeds. 


October to December. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found on sandy-gravelly usually saline places. 

Uses: 

It can be used for stomach complaints, snake-bite and as a 

fodder for cattle. Seeds are included in sexual tonic 

preparation. 

Distribution: 

Africa, India, Iran, and Pakistan.

Amaranthaceae 

Achyranthes aspera L. 

English name: Prickly-Chaff-flower. 

Local name: Sindhi- Ubat, Kandri, wan ghaa, Urdu- 

Putkhanda, Agara, 

Punjabi- 

Kulri. 

Description: 

A perennial, erect or geniculately much branched herb about 1 m high, leaves 

opposite ovate or ob-ovate to elliptic, greenish-white or purplish-pink flowers in long 

terminal spikes, fruits cylindrical round at the base, seeds brownish. Propagates by 

Seeds. 


June to October and fruiting from July to December. 

Habitat: 

Common in open and moist places, roadsides and near to 

agricultural field. 

Uses: 

Parts of whole plant is used, root is used to treat diarrhea, 

dysentery, stomach troubles, cholera and skin diseases. 

Also used as fodder, Paste of leaves is applied on insect 

bite. The plant is used to reclamation of wastelands, the 

whole plant body used in religious ceremonies in India, 

seeds cooked and eaten rich in protein. 

Distribution: 

Apparentlythecommonestandmost widespreadfromthe 

speciesinPakistan,asitoccursthroughouttheIndian 

sub-continent. 

21

22 

Amaranthaceae 

Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex J. A. Shultes 

(Syn: Iresine javanica Burm.f.) 

English name: Kapok bush. 

Local name: Booh. 

Description: 

An erect perennial much branched herb up to 70 cm tall. Leaves narrow elongated ashgrey 

in colour, flowers minute, off-white, greenish white or pink-tinged, in dense 

terminal inflorescence.Seeds minute black or brown. Reproduces through Seeds. 


Almost throughout the year. 

Habitat: 

Found in sandy-gravelly places. 

Uses: 

Inflorescence and paste of leaves is externally applied 

to heal the wounds and inflammation of human being as 

well as livestock. The mature fluffy inflorescence is used 

for stuffing pillows in some areas. 

Distribution: 

Throughout the drier parts of the tropics and sub-tropics 

of the old world.

Amaranthaceae 

Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DeCandolle 

(Syn: Gomphrena sessilis L.) 

English name: Sessile joyweed, Dwarf copperleaf. 

Local name: Sindhi- Koriyun kum, Urdu- Kanchari, Punjabi- 

Moku-nu-wana. 

Description: 

Asemiaquatic to aquatic, annual or usually perennial prostrate herb up to 50 cm long 

with long narrow sessile leaves, opposite, lamina variable in shape, fleshy with very 

short petiole, rooting at the node. Flowers minute, off-white, in sessile clusters in the 

leaf axils. Propagated by seeds and division of underground stems or by nodal 

rooting. 


May to October. 

Habitat: . 

Commonly found in damp, moist and semi-aquatic 

habitats. 

Uses: 

Juice of plant is given to treat white discharge in urine; a 

paste of plant is applied to wounds and to treat venereal 

disease, also eaten by mothers to increase the flow of milk. 

Distribution: 

Tropics, sub-tropics of both Old and New Worlds. 

23

24 

Amaranthaceae 

Amaranthus graecizans L. 

English name: Pig-weed, tumble weed. 

Local name: Marero ghaa, Cholai. 

Description: 

An annual, erect, decumbent or prostrate herb with angular and smooth stem up to 

45 cm (rarely to 70 cm). Leaves opposite, lamina ovate linear or lanceolate, minute 

green flowers in sessile clusters in leaf axils, male and female flowers separate but 

in the same cluster. 


March to May. 

Habitat: 

Grows gregariously after monsoon rains, commonly 

found in open spaces, near cultivated fields and fallow 

Lands, reproduces by Seeds. 

Uses: 

Used as leafy vegetable and also cultivated for this 

purpose. Yellow and green dyes also obtained form 

the whole pant. 

Distribution: 

A very common herb of Africa, Asia, Saudi Arabia, 

Iran, Afghanistan and North America.

Amaranthaceae 

Amaranthus viridis L. 

English name: Slender amaranth, green amaranth, foxtail. 

Local name: Lulur, Jangli chanali, Mariro 

Description: 

An annual, erect hairy herb rarely decumbent to ascending, 10-75(-100) cm having 

green sessile flowers in a condensed long inflorescence. Leaves broad with long 

petiole, petiole more or less as long as the leaf blade. Propagates by Seeds. 


Almost all over the year. 

Habitat: 

Acommon weed of waste and uncultivated lands. 

Uses: 

Mostly used to cure liver disorders, Juice of the root is 

used to treat inflammation during urination and 

constipation, also used as Spinach substitute. The plant 

have some significant medicinal values, leaves are 

emollient, used in scorpion and snake bite. 

Distribution: 

Throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the 

World. 

25

26 

Amaranthaceae 

Celosia argentea Linn. 

English name: 

Local name: Kukur-phul, Lular, Boobak. 

Description: 

An annual erect glabrous herb up to 0.4-2 meter in height, not much branched. 

Leaves narrow and linear. Inflorescence many-flowered terminal cone shaped 

spike, having plume like sessile flowers white or pale pink. Fruits minute enclosed in 

the sepals. Seeds shining black. 


Mostly during monsoon season. 

Habitat: 

The plant is found near the cultivated fields in sandy 

areas,on hills slopes, dry stream beds. 

Uses: 

Seeds of the plant have tremendous medicinal values, 

used in eye diseases, also used in sore of mouth, used 

to cure diarrhea. Leaves and flowers are edible having 

good nutritional potential. 

Distribution: 

Pantropical in distribution.

Amaranthaceae 

Digera muricata (L.) Mart. 

(Syn: Achyranthes muricata L. ) 

English name: False amaranth. 

Local name: Sindhi- Lulur, Urdu- Tandala, Punjabi- 

Leswa, Tandala. 

Description: 

A low creeping annual herb with diffuse, succulent thick reddish stem. Leaf shape 

varies with the soil condition, alternate or sub-opposite, spade shape. Flowers 

minute shiny pink, solitary or sometime in clusters about 1 cm of diameter. 


August to September. 

Habitat: 

Growing gregariously after monsoon rains in sandy 

loam to sandy and gravelly habitats, also found along 

cultivated and fallow fields. 

Uses: 

Its tender twigs and inflorescence are used as a vegetable 

but have laxative properties in large doses. Flowers and 

seeds are recommended in urinary disorders. Its all 

parts are used both internally as well as externally in 

treatment of many common diseases. 

Distribution: 

Widespread in Southern Asia from tropical Arabia and the 

Yemen to Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and 

Indonesia. 

27

28 

Apocynaceae 

Rhazya stricta Decne. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Verian, Punjabi- 

Wena, Gandera, Sihar, Hisawarg, Sanar. 

Description: 

An erect, stout, up to 80 cm tall, evergreen dwarf shrub, glabrous or puberulous on 

midrib beneath. Leaves leathery elongated variable in size and shape spirally 

arranged on the stem. Flowers small about 3 mm across, star-like white in colour 

arranged on terminal and axillary cymes. 


December to March. 

Habitat: 

Grows on sandy and stony grounds. 

Uses: 

Agood soil-binder. Medicinally leaves are used in the 

treatment of cancer. Juice is used for skin eruptions, sore 

throat, and fever, also very effective to remove debility. 

The juice of the leaves is given with milk to children for 

eruption and an infusion. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Aristolochiaceae 

Aristolochia bracteolata Lamk. 

English name: Worm-Killer, dutchman's pipe. 

Local name: Sindhi-Kidamar, Gandhati, Urdu- 

Kiramar. 

Description: 

A perennial prostrate glabrous herb, with an unpleasant smell and dark purple, 

solitary, pitcher-like flowers, tube whitish or pale purple, tip elongated dark purple 

and hairy. Leaves petiolate bluish green broad, lamina heart shaped with wavy 

margins. Seeds triangular in shape. The plant can be propagated by seeds and by 

vegetative means. 



Habitat: 

It is considered as a rare species found in sandy and 

fine silty as well as gravelly plains. 

Uses: 

It is used by local physicians as a purgative and for its 

anthelmintic properties. The root decoction is employed 

to expel round worms. The bruised leaves mixed with 

castor oil are applied externally in eczema. They are 

also applied to navels of children in colic. Extract juice 

of the plants used as nasal and eardrops, the plant 

showed a definite, positive effect on wound healing. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, Tropical Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. 

29



English name: Worm-Killer, dutchman's pipe. 

Local name: Sindhi-Kidamar, Gandhati, Urdu- 

Kiramar. 

Description: 

A perennial prostrate glabrous herb, with an unpleasant smell and dark purple, 

solitary, pitcher-like flowers, tube whitish or pale purple, tip elongated dark purple 

and hairy. Leaves petiolate bluish green broad, lamina heart shaped with wavy 

margins. Seeds triangular in shape. The plant can be propagated by seeds and by 

vegetative means. 



Habitat: 

It is considered as a rare species found in sandy and 

fine silty as well as gravelly plains. 

Uses: 

It is used by local physicians as a purgative and for its 

anthelmintic properties. The root decoction is employed 

to expel round worms. The bruised leaves mixed with 

castor oil are applied externally in eczema. They are 

also applied to navels of children in colic. Extract juice 

of the plants used as nasal and eardrops, the plant 

showed a definite, positive effect on wound healing. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, Tropical Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. 

29

30 

Asclepiadaceae 

Calotropis procera (Aiton.) Aiton.f. Subsp . hamiltonii (Wight) Ali 

English name: Swallow wart, milk weed. 

Local name: Sindhi- Akk, Urdu- 

Madar. 

Description: 

An erect large shrub or sometime small tree up to 3 m tall with white and purple 

flowers in large dense cluster, milky latex in all parts of the plant. Leaves are 

succulent leathery without petiole cover with waxy substances. Presence of this 

species is considered that it is indicator of overgrazing land. Reproduces through 

seeds. 



Habitat: 

An extremely drought tolerant plant, also considerably salt 

tolerant found frequently in deserts, dry lands and full 

sunny areas. 

Uses: 

Considerably salt-tolerant. Used for the treatment of 

asthma, cough piles, fever, headache, wounds, tooth ache. 

Stem yields a fiber used for making ropes, its leaf buds are 

eaten by locals during snake bite. Ash of the species is 

used for making gun powder, parasitic skin problems in 

animals are cured by the plant. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.


Caralluma edulis (Edgew.) Hook 

(Syn: Boucerosia edulis Edgew.) 

English name: Edible Caralluma. 

Local name: Pippa, Pippu, Chaunga, Pat Khitali. 

Description: 

Asmall erect or prostrate, succulent herb,15-45 cm tall, branched, stem sub-angular, 

leaves appear for very short duration, mostly found as leafless herb, flowers in pairs in 

axils of minute leaves, tube short, corolla lobes narrow and spreading, purple or 

greenish purple, glabrousinside.Seeds hairy. 


September. 

Habitat: 

The plant is considered as a rare species found in the 

gravel plains and on slops of low hills. 

Uses: 

The plant is eaten as a vegetable. The herb is cooling, 

alterative, anthelmintic; used in leprosy and diseases of 

blood and to cure diabetes and hypertension. 

Distribution: 

India (Punjab); Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan). 

31

32 


Glossonema varians (Stocks) Hook.f. 

(Syn: Mostostigma varians Stocks.) 

English name: 

Local name: Munga, Balochi-Gullo, Khurram. 

Description: 

An annual erect branched herb with a height range of 8-20 cm tall. Branches 

pubescent, mostly arising form the base. Leaves fleshy lamina rounded petiolate. 

Flowers sessile yellow, about 6 to 8 mm across grouped into 4-8 flowers in the 

terminal and axile cyme. Seeds yellowish or reddish. 



Habitat: 

Grows on sandy and stony grounds and slopes of foothills. 

Uses: 

Its fruit is eaten-raw, the follicles are eaten and reported to 

possess cooling properties. The tubers are used as tonic 

and improve the digestive troubles. The tubers are 

relished by Shepherd-boys to quench their thirst. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran to NorthAfrica.


Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. 

(Syn: Cynanchum pyrotechnicum Forssk.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kip, Kheep. 

Description: 

An ascending shrub to small tree usually 0.6 to 2.5 m tall with dark green, apparently 

leafless ascending stems having yellow flowers. Leaves appear for very short duration. 

Flowers minute star like formed a bunch of 5 to 8 flowers joint to the main stem with very 

short stalk. Fruitselongated mostly appearin pair, seeds much hairy. 


Most parts of the year. 

Habitat: . 

Acommonspeciesofaridandsemi-aridzone,very commonly 

foundindesertareas. 

Uses: 

Decoctionofwholeplantisconsideredusefulinrheumatic 

complaints.Theplantisstimulativeandtonic.Seedsoftheplant 

usedforeyetreatment.Thewholeplantextractuseforkidneys 

disorders.Localpeopleusetheplantintheconstructionoftheir 

houses, branches are used in thatching roofs, for making ropes, 

used for fire fuel, provide fodder to camels. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,India, Iran,Somalia, Libya,Algeria,Egypt and 

SaudiArabia. 

33

34 


Oxystelma esculentum (L.f.) R. Br. 

English name: Rosy-milkweed. 

Local name: Sindhi-Ak phulri, Anaee, Ewni, Wanverhi, Urdu- 

Dudhi, Dudhia 

latar, Punjabi- 

Gani. 

Description: 

A perennial, slender, lacticiferous climber with milky juice. Leaves linear narrow, 

arise in pair at each node. Flowers with a white or rose corolla marked with purple 

veins. 


July-September. 

Habitat: 

Found throughout plains and lower hills, also common in 

“Kacha” forest climbed over Tamarix (Lai) species. 

Uses: 

Flowers are eaten (as fruit). Decoctions of all parts are 

used against cancer; fresh roots are prescribed in 

jaundice. Decoction of herb is used as gargle in 

infections of throat and mouth. Roots are used in 

Hepatitis. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Burma, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Iraq and 

Egypt.


Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) Field & Wood. 

English name: 

Local name: Vino-mal, Pinjolo wal, Sangraal, Wan wari. 

Description: 

A slender twining herb. Leaves in pair fleshy glabrous covered with waxy 

substances, attached to the main stem with a short stalk, variable in shape. Flowers 

greenish yellow in lateral umbellate cymes. Fruits elongated curved mostly appear 

in pair taper to the tip. 


June to September. 

Habitat: 

The species is common in sand and gravel, low mountains. 

Uses: 

Dry roots are used in gonorrhea; the plant is used in 

indigenous system of medicine as a purgative, used 

generally for healing and venereal diseases. Fruits are 

edible eaten raw. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Arabia and 

India. 

35

36 


Sarcostemma viminale subsp. stocksii (Hook.f.) Ali 

(Syn: Sarcostemma stocksii Hook.f.) 

English name: Sacredsoma. 

Local name: Phok, Soma, Karial. 

Description: 

Straggling weak stemmed sub-shrub with fleshy cylindrical green smooth branches, 

without leaves. Flowers in terminal clusters, sweet scented, white to pale yellow or 

pale green. 


July to September. 

Habitat: 

The plant grows in stony habitat, frequently associated 

with Euphorbia caducifolia. 

Uses: 

The milky juice of the plant is drinkable. The stem has 

emetic, alterative and cooling effects. 

Distribution: 

India, Tropical Africa, Burma and Pakistan.

Asteraceae / Compositae 

Conyza aegyptiaca Ait. 

English name: 

Local name: Sonsali, Bhatar, Gidar gaah. 

Description: 

An erect, medium-sized, pubescent or villous, sticky and aromatic annual herb 

about 30-60 cm tall. Leaves narrow, petiolate toothed. Flowers arranged in terminal 

head about 6-12 mm across, white or creamy in colour. Achene (seeds) very minute 

dispersed by white silky hairs. 


September to November. 

Habitat: 

Coastal regions and waste grounds, in sunny situations, 

nearto tracks and cultivated lands. 

Uses: 

The herb is stimulant, diuretic in febrile conditions; the 

plant is also homeostatic, stimulant, diuretic, and 

astringent. It is also used in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Distribution: 

Tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, Australia and 

Taiwan. 

37

38 


Echinops echinatus Roxb. 

English name: Camel's thistle. 

Local name: Sindhi- Uthkattar, Unt Katara, Bhattar, Luth, Urdu- 

Unthkattar. 

Description: 

An annual erect branched herb up to 70 cm tall. Leaves up to 7 cm long, spiny, 

pinnately divided. Flowers pale blue to pale purple in terminal globose heads about 

3-4 cm across, spines are also present in the flowering head. 


February toApril. 

Habitat: 

Silt among rocks, on hill sides and sandy places. 

Uses: 

The plant is bitter, tonic and diuretic. It is used in hoarse 

cough,hysteria, dyspepsia, scrofula and ophthalmia. 

Mixed with Acacia gum it is applied to the hair to destroy 

lice. 

Distribution: 

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar.


Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. 

(Syn : Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.) 

English name: False daisy. 

Local name: Sindhi- Tik, Daryai Buti, Naaro, Urdu- Bhangra, Punjabi- 

Bhangra. 

Description: 

A prostrate or sub-erect to decumbent hairy herb. Leaves opposite lanceolate without 

petioledarkgreen, oftenrooting atthenodes.Flowersinterminallyoraxillarysolitaryhead 

about 6 to 8 mm across. Fruits triangular without hair but winged. Propagates by seeds or 

rootoffshoots. 


Almost through the year. 

Habitat: 

Common on moist, neglected grounds, water courses, and 

water-margins. 

Uses: 

Plant juice is given to treat fever, and also helps in coagulation of 

blood; plant paste is applied to wounds and skin diseases. Used 

in the treatment of dropsy and liver complaints, and is also 

applied to athlete's foot, eczema, dermatitis Tender shoots and 

leaves are eaten as vegetable. The leaves are used in 

the treatment of scorpion stings and as antidote for snake 

bites. The roots are emetic and purgative, applied externally 

as an antiseptic to ulcers especially in cattle. It also improves the 

color and growth of hairs, externally it is used as an oil treat 

hair loss. 

Distribution: 

India, Brazil, Thailand, China and Pakistan 

39

40 


Gnaphalium polycaulon Pers. 

English name: Many stem cudweed. 

Local name: Kolmur. 

Description: 

An erect to decumbent woolly annual herbs generally15-20 cm tall, branched from 

the base, leaves elongated narrow wavy at the margins, with brownish and white 

heads in clusters in the upper part of the plant. 



Habitat: 

Usually found along water margins and in inundated plains. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Widespread species throughout the tropical and 

sub-tropical regions.


Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. 

English name: Madras carpet. 

Local name: Afsantin, Mustaru, Mundi. 

Description: 

A small annual, prostrate to sub-erect herb generally grows 10-30 cm high. Leaves 

pinnately divided, dense hairy, with a short stalk. Heads yellow, terminal and 

axillary. 


August to February. 

Habitat: 

Found in agricultural fields, in moist fertile soil. 

Uses: 

The leaves are regarded as stomachic and antispasmodic 

and prescribed in infusion and electuary. They are 

considered good for irregular menses. They are used in 

antiseptic and anodyne fomentations. The juice of the 

leaves is employed as an instillation for earache. 

Leaves of this plant are used in ear treatment, generally 

healing, pain-killer, sedatives and stomach problems. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India. 

41

42 


Iphiona grantioides (Boiss.) Anderb. 

(Syn: Inula grantioides Boiss.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kolmur, Naro, Gandraf. 

Description: 

A perennial ascending aromatic herb to small shrub, 20 to 70 cm high with glandular 

hair branches usually arise from the base, the base often woody, leaves soft 

succulent apically lobed (variably lobed), flowers yellow in terminal heads. 


December toApril. 

Habitat: . 

Grows on hilly slopes, dry river beds and arid plains. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder for camels. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India and South EastArabia.


Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Rammaya & Rajagopal. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Bhattar, Bhatar, Urdu- Bhattal, Punjabi- 

Pili-dodak. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial 15-50 cm long herb with milky juice, branches prostrate and 

yellow heads, about 1.5 to 2.5 cm across. Basal leaves radically arranged toothed 

at the margins and without petiole while the upper leaves comparatively small in 

size. Achenes (seeds) very minute about 2-3 mm attached with long soft white hairs 

(pappus). 


March to May and October to December. 

Habitat: 

Widespread weed of the plains, open grassy slops, and 

lower hills, near irrigated parts of lands, mostly grows 

in moist soil. 

Uses: 

Leaves applied to the head of children in fever. Used for 

painful urination and gonorrhoea. The plant have very 

beautiful yellow flowers hence can be used as 

ornamental plant in lawns and gardens. 

Distribution: 

All over India and Pakistan. 

43

44 


Launaea remotiflora (DC.) 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu- Undira, Cha-kan, Punjabi- 

Pathandi. 

Description: 

An annual or biennial erect paniculately branched herb, 60-80 cm tall. Leaves in 

basal rosettes, lower leaves broadly obovate, frequently pinnately divided with 

dentate margins, upper leaves lanceolate. Heads pale yellow. Achenes with soft 

white hairy pappus. 


September toApril. 

Habitat: 

Usually found on sandy, stony open grounds. 

Uses: 

It is reported to be used for chronic obstructions of liver 

and bowels and as diuretic in calculous affections. 

Distribution: 

Tropical to subtropical regions.


Pluchea arguta Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Zika. 

Description: 

An erect branched perennial aromatic shrub, leaves somewhat fleshy soft toothed. 

Heads pink or purplish, about 8 to 12 mm across. Achenes with stiff pappus. 


Almost all the year round. 

Habitat: 

Usually found at the base of hills and rocky places, also in dry 

Stream beds. 

Uses: 

The species has some medicinal properties. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran and India. 

45

46 


Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B. Clarke 

(Syn: Berthelotia lanceolata DC.) 

English name: Indian camphorweed, Fleabane. 

Local name: Phaar buti, Reshami. 

Description: 

An erect shrub, 40-80 cm tall. Leaves lanceolate, leathery with narrow base, without 

petiole and entire margin, heads pink , about 7-10 mm across, arranged in 

compound umbellate manner. 


March-August. 

Habitat: 

Theplantiscommonlyfoundinsemi-desert habitat near the 

water bodies in sandy soil, near cultivated areas, often 

gregarious. 

Uses: 

Plant extract h as cooling effect and is used for the 

inflammations and bronchitis, psoriasis, cough and piles. 

It is also used as antipyretic, analgesic, laxative and nervine 

tonic. The decoction of plant is used to prevent the 

swellings of joint in arthritis, rheumatism and neurological 

diseases. The roots are antipyretic bitter, laxative and 

thermogenic and are used for allaying the pain caused by 

the sting of scorpions. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan ,India, Afghanistan and Northern Africa.


Pluchea wallichiana DC. 

English name: 

Local name: Phaar. 

Description: 

A much branched hairy, tall herb, up to 2 m high, woody at base. Leaves leathery, 

fleshy, lamina larger as compare to the other species of this genus, broadly obovate. 

Heads pale pink, clustered. 


November toApril. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found near the water bodies or moist habitat. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 


47

48 


Pulicaria angustifolia DC. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A branched annual to perennial aromatic herb up to 35 cm high. Leaves narrow 

lanceolate, sessile. Lower leaves with somewhat serrate margins, upper usually 

entire. Heads yellow, showy, ray-florets 3- toothed at apex. 


March to October, depending upon moisture availability. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in sandy and gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Throughout North-West India and Pakistan.


Pulicaria boissieri Hook. f. 

English name: 

Local name: Narro, Kolmir. 

Description: 

A branched hairy dwarf perennial shrub up to 50 cm tall, the plant is densely hairy in 

early stages. Leaves narrowly obovate, soft. Heads bright yellow. 



Habitat: 

Grows on rocks, crevices and among stones. 

Uses: 

It can be use as ornamental plant in gardens. Oil of 

aerial parts of the plant have strong odor. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Pakistan. 

49

50 


Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. 

English name: 

Local name: Ranbo. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herb with many branches, woody base about 32-80 cm high. 

Afairly common and highly variable species, often split into a number of infraspecific 

categories on the basis of leaf breadth and margin. Heads yellow, arranged in 

somewhat corymbose manner. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in stony plains and hilly slopes, also along 

river beds. 

Uses: 

The herb is used as a tonic and a tea substitute, 

antispasmodic and hypoglycaemic. The essential oil 

exhibited insecticidal and antibacterial properties. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran and India.


Sonchus asper (L.) Hill. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- 

Dodak, Bhather kandi waari, Bhattar, Gule furfun, Phastt, 

Urdu- Pili dodak, Balochi- 

Garwa. 

Description: 

A small erect, glabrous, annual herb with milky juice. Stem hollow, cylindrical. Basal 

leaves in rosettes, obovate, pinnatifid, dentate with spiny teeth; upper leaves 

alternate, smaller, with amplexicaul or semi-amplexicaul base, margins with 

spinous teeth. Heads yellow, on elongated stem, arranged in corymbose manner, 2 

to 3 cm across.Achenes flattened with silvery white pappus. 



Habitat: 

A weedy species found around villages and cultivated 

fields. 

Uses: 

The plant is commonly used as an emollient; it is 

pounded and applied to wounds and boils. 

Distribution: 

Widely spread in tropical countries. 

51

52 


Sonchus oleraceus DC. 

English name: Smooth Sow Thistle. 

Local name: Gule furfun, Phastt, Bhather kandi waari, Bhattar. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial erect herb, up to 90 cm tall, heads homogamous, yellow, 

arranged in corymbose manner . The species can be differentiated from S. asper by 

the leaf base auricles of cauline leaves, which are rounded in S. asper and acute in 

S. oleraceus. 


October to February. 

Habitat: 

Most commonly found near villages, orchards and 

cultivated land in moist soil. 

Uses: 

It was once highly valued as a galactogogue and in the 

treatment of diseases of the liver. Its leaves and roots are 

used in indigestion and as febrifuge. Stems are prescribed 

as a sedative and tonic. Roots are used as a vermifuge. An 

ointment made from the decoction is used to dress 

wounds and ulcers. The brownish gum formed by 

evaporation of the latex of milk thistle is a powerful cathartic 

and is used in the treatment of ascites and hydrothora. 

Distribution: 

Tropical countries of the World.


Vernonia cinerascens Schultz.Bip 

English name: Little ironwood. 

Local name: Lanski. 

Description: 

An erect perennial much branched shrub about 30-85 cm tall with grayish white, 

pubescent stem. Leaves narrowly obovate, without petiole. Heads bright purple, 

arranged in corymbose manner. 


Mostly depends upon moisture availability. Most profuse flowering occurs after 

monsoon rains, but also after winter/spring rains in February-March. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in dry stony places. 

Uses: 

Some products obtained form the stem of the plant e.g. 

inks, dyes, stains etc. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and TropicalAfrica. 

53

54 


Xanthium strumarium L. 

English name: Heart-leaf, Cocklebur. 

Local name: Leedhoro, Kandhiri, Dangaii, Muhabat-buti, Chhota gokhru. 

Description: 

An annual, erect, coarse, unarmed, tall herb up to 1.5 m. Leaves with long petiole, 

lamina broad, palmate with dentate margin. Heads unisexual, arranged in recemose 

manner terminally. Propagates by seeds. 


April to September. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in moist places. 

Uses: 

The aerial parts contain a mixture of alkaloids; which is 

useful in chronic malaria and urinary diseases, also used 

in otitis mouth ulcers and toothache. 

Distribution: 

Native of Tropical America, now widespread in most of 

the Tropical and subtropical countries.

Avicenniaceae 

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. 

(Syn: Sceura marina (Forssk.)) 

English name: White Mangrove. 

Local name: Timer. 

Description: 

Evergreen small tree up to 10 m in height. Trunk often with masses of small aerial 

roots but no prop or stilt roots. Bark whitish to grayish or yellow-green, smooth, 

Flowers tiny yellow to orange in color. 


June-August. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in intertidal zone in deltas and estuaries. 

Uses: 

Wood of the plant used for poles and ribs of boats. Bark yields a brown dye. 

Leaves are used as camel fodder. The tree possesses a bitter aromatic juice, 

used as an abortive in tropical Africa and Asia. Root 

and bark are used as aphrodisiac, the wood for 

snakebite, the aqueous extract of the seed for sores. 

Unripe fruits are poultice onto wounds and leaves onto 

skin ailments. 

Distribution: 

Coasts of East and South Africa, southern Asia, 

Australia, and Oceania. From Egypt and Arabia along 

shores of Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, eastward 

along shores of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, southeastern 

and eastern Indian Ocean, South China Sea north to 

Hong Kong and Taiwan, and islands of the Philippine Sea, 

Coral Sea, and South Pacific to Western Australia and 

New Zealand. In Pakistan it is found around the costal belt of 

Sindh and Balochistan. 

55

56 

Bignoniaceae 

Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) Seeman 

(Syn: Bignonia undulata Roxb.) 

English name: Iron wood of hill. 

Local name: Luhiro, Lohara, Ruhero. 

Description: 

A medium sized evergreen tree, 2.5-5 m tall. Leaves, entire; lamina elliptic-oblong to 

elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong. It produces beautiful showy flowers in yellow, 

orange and red colors. 


December - February. 

Habitat: 

Found in dry, gravelly and stony areas, also along stream banks and dry stream 

beds. 

Uses: 

The tree produces quality timber and is the main source of timber amongst the 

indigenous tree species of desert and arid or semi- arid 

regions. Its wood is strong, tough and durable, excellent 

for firewood and charcoal. Leaves are good fodder for 

cattle and goats.Camels, goats and sheep consume 

flowers and pods. It acts as a windbreak and helps in 

stabilizing shifting sand dunes. It is considered as the 

home of birds and provides shelter for other desert wildlife. 

The bark obtained from the stem is used as a remedy for 

syphilis. It is also used in curing urinary disorders 

enlargement of spleen, gonorrhoea, Leucoderma and liver 

diseases. Seeds are used against abscesses. 

Distribution: 

Tecomella undulata isrestrictedto the drier partsof theArabia, 

Southern Pakistan (Sindh and Balochistan) and North-West 

India up to an elevation of 1100 meters.

Bignoniaceae 

Millingtonia hortensis L. 

(Syn: Bignonia suberosa Roxb.) 

English name: Tree Jasmine, Indian Cork Tree. 

Local name: Akash Neem, Neem chambeli 

Description: 

A fast growing, favourite garden tree with straight trunk and few branches bearing 

ornamental leaves. Flowers white, waxy, with long narrow tube and fragrant. It 

blooms in night and sheds flowers early in the morning. 


November -February. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in gardens as an ornamental tree. 

Uses: 

Leaf extract contains antimicrobial activities. Dried flowers 

are bronchodilator and root is used as a lung tonic. 

Distribution: 

China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India 

and Pakistan 

57

58 

Bombacaceae 

Bombax ceiba L. 

(Syn: Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott & Endl.) 

English name: Red silk Cotton tree, Kapok tree. 

Local name: Simbal, Simal. 

Description: 

Atropical tree with a tall straight trunk and grey bark with hard small conical prickles. 

Usually disappearing with age. Flowers large, red (occasionally yellow or white). It is 

an impressive giant size tree up to 30 m tall. It produces capsule that contains white 

fiber like cotton. 


December-February. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in between agricultural lands and roadsides as 

a shade tree. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South- East Asia, China and 

Australia. In Pakistan it is cultivated as roadside and 

garden trees.

Bombacaceae 

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn 

(Syn: Bimbax pentandrum L.) 

English name: Kapok, Java Cotton, Cotton tree. 

Local name: Simal. 

Description: 

A giant size tree up to 30 m high with spectacular, immense plank buttresses. Its 

trunk is straight and cylindrical having grey bark with or without prickles. Flowers 

yellow or white and usually appear before the flush of leaves. 


September-November. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in agricultural fields, shade plant at roadsides. 

Uses: 

Seeds have oils and are eaten ground or roasted. It is 

used in stuffing life jackets and pillows. Leaves, barks 

and seeds are used in dysentery, fevers, venereal 

disease, and menstruation bleeding, asthma and kidney 

diseases. 

Distribution: 

Throughout the tropics of World. 

59

60 

Boraginaceae 

Coldenia procumbens L. 

English name: 

Local name: Tripukshi. 

Description: 

A procumbent branched annual herb, leaves crisp with deeply dentate margin, 

lamina hairy at both surface, rounded at the apex, tapered toward base, flowers 

white, small, in few flowered clusters. 


April to May 

Habitat: 

Found in moist places, particularly on wet soil exposed by 

receding water along margins of lakes. 

Uses: 

The fresh poultice of leaves is applied to mature 

abscesses. The decoction of leaves is given in 

rheumatism and for digestion. The plant juice is 

active against gram-positive bacteria. 

Distribution: 

Tropical India, Pakistan (Sindh), Sri Lanka, Africa, 

Australia and America.

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial, stiff hairy, decumbent subshrub woody at the base. Leaves 5 to 25 mm 

long, variable in shape, quite fleshy 2to10 mmbroad, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate 

with revolute margin. Inflorescence short up to 20 mm long, minute white flowers 

arranged in one sided cyme, anthers attached with corolla. Fruit globose. Consisting 

of 4 nutlets usually winged at back. 


Almost round the year. 

Habitat: 

Sandy and gravelly plains, dry and semi-dry areas. More 

frequent near sea shore. 

Uses: 

All Parts of the plant have medicinal properties. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and North Africa. 

61

62 

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium calcareum Stocks. 

English name: 

Local name: Kharsun. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial hairy under-shrub with ascending branches and woody 

base. Stem narrow. Leaves petiolate, rounded at the apex, leathery. Flowers 

minute, white arranged on long spike. 


April. 

Habitat: 

Acommon plant of stony, rocky, gravelly soil and on slops of 

foothills. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and Iran.

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium crispum Desf. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Pipat-buti, Lulur ghaa, Kharsan, Lanro, Urdu- 

Jati-misak, 

Punjabi- 

Jati-misak, Pipat-buti. 

Description: 

A branched perennial erect shrub, stiff hairy all over, leaves lanceolate or narrow 

lanceolate, variable in size, leaf margin undulate, crisp. Flowers white minute in 

terminal branched one sided cyme. 



Habitat: 

Found in waste or sandy and gravelly places. 

Uses: 

The plant is lactagogue, it increases the lactation. 

The leaves are used to relieve the pain of scorpion 

stings, and also for cleaning and healing ulcers. The 

plant is given in gonorrhea and headache; also used in 

snake-bite. 

Distribution: 

North Africa, Arabia, Iraq and South Asia. 

63

64 

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium curassavicum L. 

English name: Salt heliotrope. 

Local name: Lonak, Kharsun. 

Description: 

A branched glabrous, perennial herb. Stem and branches spreading over the ground 

to form mat like appearance, salt-loving, succulent. Leaves smooth without any 

indumentum. Flowers minute white, arranged in almost double row in one sided 

cyme. 


March toApril. 

Habitat: 

Found in saline fine silty to clayey moist soil, sometimes 

semi-aquatic. 

Uses: 

The roots of the plant are ground to powder and applied to 

sores and wounds, The plant is mostly used in southwestern 

desert of America as drug plant. 

Distribution: 

Native of tropical America, now widespread in many 

parts of the world.

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium ophioglossum Stocks ex Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Hathi-sura, Uth Charo. 

Description: 

A perennial densely branched stiff hairy ascending sub-shrub 40 to 50 cm tall. 

Leaves hairy on both surfaces. Flowers white arranged in two rows on same coiled 

one sided cyme. The plant is considered as infrequent species, not very common. 



Habitat: 

Found in stony and sandy places in lower Sindh and southern 

Balochistan. 

Uses: 

The plant is used again scorpion sting, leaves are used 

to cure ulcer. 

Distribution: 

Very limited in distribution only found in Pakistan, Iran 

and Tropical Africa. 

65

66 

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium ovalifolium Forssk. 

English name: Heliotropio. 

Local name: Uth Charo. 

Description: 

An annual dwarf branched prostrate or decumbent herb. Leaves with dense grayish 

white hairs. Midrib very clear, lamina oval shaped entire margins. Flowers minute, 

white. 


February toAugust. 

Habitat: 

Awetland species, found near the water bodies. 

Uses: 

The plant is used in homeopathic medicine for pain-killer 

and venereal diseases. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Indo-China and 

Australia.

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium strigosum Willd. 

English name: Heliotropio. 

Local name: Chitiphul, Safed bhangra, Kharsun, Gorakh Paan. 

Description: 

A delicate annual prostrate or procumbent branched herb with stiff hairs, usually 

branched from the base. Leaves linear small without petiole, margins entire. 

Flowers white in cymes, minute, deeply five lobed, star shaped. 



Habitat: 

The plant grows on sandy places. 

Uses: 

The plant is reported to possess laxative and diuretic 

properties. It is used sometimes for pains in the limbs. 

The juice of the plant is applied to sore eyes. It is also 

used for boils, wounds and ulcers. It is used in snake-bite. 

Also used as a pain-killer. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Northern and WesternAfrica. 

67

68 

Boraginaceae 

Heliotropium supinum L. 

English name: Dwarf heliotrope. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A prostrate branched annual herb usually

Boraginaceae 

Sericostoma pauciflorum Stocks ex Wight. 

English name: 

Local name: Khirson. 

Description: 

A much branched, erect ascending shrub more than 50 cm tall. Leaves narrow 

lanceolate small alternate without petiole with white minute star like flowers. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in sandy areas. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

The species has very limited in distribution only found near 

costal regions of Pakistan and India. 

69

70 

Boraginaceae 

Trichodesma indicum (L.) R. Brown 

(Syn: Borago indicum L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Chota fulfa, Nila Karai. 

Description: 

An erect, annual herb, stems densely hispid with stinging hairs. Leaves alternate, 

sessile, margin entire, base amplexicaul. Flowers in blue, turning pale pinkish 

purple with age, in many-flowered cymes. Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Generally found near villages, sandy and gravely places, 

along tracks and moist areas. 

Uses: 

Juice of the leaves is applied to boils, against snake bit, and 

also massaged on muscular swellings. The plant is 

considered as a cure for fever. The plant is beneficial in 

diseases of the eye, also considered as diuretic. A cold 

infusion of the leaves is considered depurative pounded 

with water and it is given as a drink to children for 

dysentery. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Philippines, and 

Mauritius.

Brassicaceae/ Cruciferae 

Farsetia hamiltonii Royle. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi-Lathi, Punjabi-Farid booti, Urdu-Lathia. 

Description: 

A perennial erect herb, often woody at the base, 10-40 (-60) cm long, branches 

erect or sub-spreading. Leaves narrow and linear. Flowers light pink to whitish pink 

with 4 petals arrange in cross shape. 



Habitat: 

Found in arid and semi-arid areas, sandy and stony 

habitats. 

Uses: 

The plant used for cooling effects. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to arid area of Pakistan and India. 

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72 

Burseraceae 

Commiphora stocksiana (Engl.) Engl. 

(Syn: Balsamea stocksiana Engl.) 

English name: Gum Gugal. 

Local name: Bayisa gugal, Bhayi. 

Description: 

Common large shrub to small tree of arid zone up to 4 m tall. Leaves margin entire 

on dentate. Flowers minute, pale yellow and red flowers on same plant. Cut 

surfaces of twigs emit a pleasant smell, branches covered with papery bark. 


March to July. 

Habitat: 

Atough xerophyte, found on calcareous rocks and stony 

plateaux. 

Uses: 

During the cold season the plant yields a tasteless and 

odorless gum which is collected by locals (source of 

income),the gum has tremendous medicinal values, 

used in different medicines e.g. to cure ulcer, sores. 

Distribution: 

Only restricted to lower elevated areas of Pakistan and 

neighboringAfghanistan. Not common.

Burseraceae 

Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari 

(Syn: Balsamodendron wightii Arn.) 

English name: Indian Bdellium tree. 

Local name: Guggal,Gugal, Gugar. 

Description: 

A large shrub or small tree of arid areas, up to 4 m tall, thorny and knotty with papery 

bark. Leafless in dry season, bright green and shiny leaves appear after rains, 

leaflets obovate with serrate margins , flowers tiny, dark red, sessile. Cut surfaces of 

leaves and twigs emit a pleasant smell. 


February toApril and againAugust-September. 

Habitat: 

Tough xerophyte. Found on stony plateaux, gravelly, slopes of hills. 

Uses: 

It is the source of Guggul or Indian Bdellium, a gum-resin 

that exudes from the branches. It is largely used as 

incense, in medicine and perfumery. Gum is 

demulcent, carminative, antiseptic, alternative 

expectorant aphrodisiac. Used in ulcer, Syphilis and skin 

diseases. Internally used as uterine stimulant and 

emmenagogue. It is also said to regulate menstrual 

Disorder. Gum is more valuable and expensive than 

the gum obtain from C. stocksiana. 

Distribution: 

The plant is very limited in distribution found only in 

Pakistan, India and some parts of Saudi Arabia and 

adjacent areas of Afghanistan. 

73

74 

Caesalpiniaceae 

Bauhinia retusa Roxb. 

(Syn: Phanera retusa (Roxb.) Benth.) 

English name: Semla gum. 

Local name: Kural, Kandla. 

Description: 

A medium sized deciduous tree with dark brown bark bearing bright yellow flowers. 

Leaves slightly broader than long, divided from the apex, margins entire, venation 

palmate. Flowers showy about 2 cm across. Pod flat, curved, many seeded. 


September-November. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated at gardens and road sides. 

Uses: 

All parts are used medicinally. Gum is used for sores. 

Decoction of leaf is used in headache and malaria. 

Decoction of root and barkisuseful in liver inflammation andasa 

vermifuge. Dried leaves bark and root isalso used in diarrhea and 

dysentery. Seeds are used as tonic and made into paste 

with vinegar and apply on wounds inflicted by snake bite, 

scorpion and poisonous animals. 

Distribution: 

Iran,Afghanistan and Pakistan.


Bauhinia variegata L. 

English name: Orchid tree, Mountain-ebony. 

Local name: Kachnar. 

Description: 

A medium sized deciduous tree about 10-12 m high. The bark is nearly smooth and 

dark brown bearing bright pink or white flowers. Leaves petiolate. It is a very popular 

ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates. 


February-April. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found in orchards and gardens. 

Uses: 

The leaves are given to cattle as fodder. Bark is 

alterative anthelmintic tonic, astringent, useful in skin 

diseases and ulcers. Buds cooked as vegetable. Wood is 

used in building and for agricultural implements. Root is an 

antidote to snake bite. The tree yields gum, bark is used 

for tanning and dyeing. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Nepal, Burma and China. 

75

76 


Senna holosericea (Fresen) Greuter. 

English name: Senna. 

Local name: Sindhi-Ghora wal, Urdu-Jangli 

sana. 

Description: 

A perennial suffruticose 20-70 cm tall herb, branches sub-terete, pubescent. 

Leaves compound consisting of small leaflets arranged opposite on rachis. Flowers 

yellow, 1-1.5 cm across in axillary racemes. Fruit smooth, about 3-4 cm many 

seeded. 



Habitat: 

A common species of disturbed areas, grows in dry 

gravelly soil, near villages, roadsides. 

Uses: 

Leaves and fruits are used for the adulteration of 

Cassia senna. 

Distribution: 

Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Arabia, Iran, India and 

Pakistan.


Senna italica Mill. 

English name: Italian Senna, Dog senna, Country senna, Alexandria senna. 

Local name: Sindhi- Koori sana, Ghorawal, Dadhwal. Urdu- 

Chota taroda, 

Desi sana. 

Description: 

An erect perennial branched herb 40-80 cm tall. Leaves compound, oblong. Flower 

pale yellow about 2 cm across in terminal racemes. Fruit flattened with median crest. 



Habitat: 

Plant grows on disturbed, stony and sandy open grounds. 

Uses: 

Given to cattle for promotion of milk, crushed leaves are 

used for ophthalmic diseases; leaves are also used as 

dressing on wounds and furuncles; milk infusion of the 

root is used in influenza. 

Distribution: 

Egypt, Western Sahara, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, 

Cameroon, Senegal, Angola, Oman, Arabia, Yemen, 

India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

77

Caesalpinaceae 

Tamarindus indica L. 

English name: Tamarind, Indian date. 

Local name: Gadamri, Imli. 

Description: 

A large evergreen and slow growing tree, 20-50 m in height. Leaves paripinnate, 

oblong and obtuse. Flowers generally pale orange and produced in racemes. 


May - June. 

Habitat: 

Commonly cultivated in variety of soil type and habitats. 

Uses: 

Almost all parts of the plant are used especially fruit 

which is carminative, laxative, refrigerant, digestive and 

useful in diseases of bile, infusion is used as a drink in 

febrile diseases. It is also regarded as an important 

ingredient of many tasty dishes. 

Distribution: 

Probably native of tropical Africa cultivated in Pakistan 

and India. It is cultivated and self sown in plains of 

Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. 

78

Capparidaceae 

Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce 

English name: Indian Cadaba. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kodhab, Urdu- 

Kodhab. 

Description: 

Unarmed straggling much branched large shrub to small tree, up to 3 m tall. Leaves 

with short petiole, about 3-6 cm, elongated. Flowers off-white. Fruit an elongated 

capsule, seeds embodied in red pulp which is exposed after bursting of fruit. 


Most part of the year except winter. 

Habitat: 

The plant is found in dry, gravely, slopes of foothills and stony 

habitat. 

Uses: 

A decoction of the roots and leaves is reputed as 

deobstruent and emmenagogue and is recommended for 

uterine obstructions. It is also used as anthemintic and 

aperient. The pulverised leaves mixed with coffee, are taken 

as an iron tonic.In Tanzania, the ashis rubbed into skin to 

relieve general body pains. An infusion or decoction of plant 

is employed in Senegal for pulmonary affections in the children 

and for dysentery. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, Egypt, Tropical Africa, Pakistan and India. 

79

80 

Capparidaceae 

Capparis cartilaginea Decne. 

English name: 

Local name: Kabar, Khawarg, Panetero, Kaluari, Golaro. 

Description: 

A glabrous, branched, prostrate or scrambling fleshy shrub. Leaves ovate to broadly 

elliptic, 2-6 cm broad with entire margin. Flower showy, white, pedicelate, posterior 

pair of petals somewhat hooded and enclosed in the hooded posterior sepal. Fruit 

ovoid or ellipsoid, 3-5 cm long, 2-3 cm long, flesh reddish when ripe. Seeds many. 


Post monsoon to March. 

Habitat: 

Found on stony, rocky slopes and mountain ridges. 

Uses: 

The plant is used to cure earache, headache, snakebite 

and paralysis. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Southern Iran, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, 

Egypt and Tropical East Africa.

Capparidaceae 

Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. 

(Syn: Capparis aphyla Roth.) 

English name: Caper Berry. 

Local name: Sindhi- Pussi, Kirrir. Urdu- Tatali, kareel, Punjabi- 

Karil, karia, kirra, 

karrir. 

Description: 

Drought tolerant leafless shrub to small tree, up to 5 m (rarely more) high, branches 

dark green crooked, spiny. Leaves appear for very short period in the young plant or 

in young shoots, 

very narrow and minute. Flowers orange to almost red, longstalked 

in dense clusters, fruits bright red at maturation. 


January to September. 

Habitat: 

Found very commonly in the sandy plains of desert areas 

and slopes and tops of foothills. 

Uses: 

Its wood is used for fuel, the wood is hard and resistant to 

attacks of termites; it is used for making knees of boats in 

Sindh. Ripe fruit is sweet and edible consumed by locals, 

unripe fruit is used as vegetable and also used for making 

pickle. Ripe fruit is relished by many bird species 

particularly Houbara Bustard. 

Distribution: 

One of the common shrubs of arid plains of Sindh, 

Balochistan and Punjab. Distributed in Northern and 

Tropical Africa, Arabia, eastward to India. 

81

82 

Capparidaceae 

Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Kasturi, Dhanar, Khathoori Urdu- 

Panwar, Madhio, Khiramar, 

Punjabi- 

Noli, Nodi. 

Description: 

A small perennial glandular aromatic herb up to 50 cm tall. Leaves palmatelly 

compound, leaflets obovate. Flowers yellow, minute with four bright yellow petals. 

Fruit capsule, narrow elongated with many seeds. 


Most of the year. 

Habitat: 

Grows in open, sandy-gravelly, rocky grounds. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder for Camels, sheep and goats, the plant 

is used in rheumatic pains, inflammations, scabies, 

leucoderma and is considered as a useful medicine for a 

person suffering from heat. 

Distribution: 

Tropical and NorthAfrica, Egypt,Arabia, Iran,Afghanistan, 

Pakistan and India.

Capparidaceae 

Cleome scaposa DC. 

English name: Beeplant. 

Local name: Kano ghaa. 

Description: 

An erect branched annual herb generally10-30 cm tall with slender. Leaves simple 

small almost rounded with deeply inserted midrib. Stem erect and sparsely 

branched having minute terminal flowers, white turning yellowish, rarely pinkish. 

Fruit capsule, very narrow with tiny seeds. 



Habitat: 

Common in stony, gravelly soil and hilly slops. 

Uses: 

Mostly grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

North and Tropical Africa, Egypt, Arabia, Pakistan and 

India. 

83

84 

Capparidaceae 

Cleome viscosa L. 

English name: Asian Spider flower, wild mustard. 

Local name: Sindhi- Dhanar, Khathoori. Urdu- Jhangli hurhul, Punjabi- 

Hurhul 

bugra. 

Description: 

A viscid, sticky annual herb up to 1 m high. Upper l eaves usually tri-foliate, 

lower 

pentafoliate. Flowers yellow in elongated terminal raceme, bracts tri-foliate. Fruit 

elongated erect capsule, many seeded, seeds minute. 

Propagates by seeds. 


June toAugust. Fruiting from September to November. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in open areas; and on uncultivated lands. 

Uses: 

Whole plantpaste used asan externally for differentskin 

diseases. Seeds containviscosic acid and viscosin. Tender 

shoots and leavesare cooked as vegetable, roasted seeds 

are used in curries or are pickled.Apaste ofthe plant is 

applied externally to treat earache and for deafness 

(diseasesofmiddle ear). 

Distribution: 

Almost throughout tropical countries.

Capparidaceae 

Dipterygium glaucum Decne. 

English name: 

Local name: Pheer. 

Description: 

It is about 60 cm tall under shrub with many slender glabrous branches, rarely 

glandular, woody at the base. Leaves minute light green, attached with short petiole. 

Flowers minute, having four minute bright yellow petals. Fruit rough one seeded. 

Reproduces through seeds. 


February to October. 

Habitat: 

Found in dry, sandy-gravelly habitats. 

Uses: 

The plant grows in desert areas provides service to 

stabilize sand dunes, used for treatment of respiratory 

disorders. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, Egypt, Sudan and Pakistan. 

85

86 

Capparidaceae 

Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. 

(Syn: Cleome gynandra L.) 

English name: African spiderflower. 

Local name: Bugra booti. 

Description: 

A summer annual, erect or sub-erect herb up to 10-50 (-90) cm tall, often glandular, 

hairy. Leaves palmatelly divided into 3 to 5 leaflets. Flowers white or pale pink in 

terminal racemes with long curved stamens. Fruit capsule with many seeds. 


August-October. 

Habitat: 

The plant is commonly found in moist cultivated fields, 

sandy open areas. Often very common after rainfall. 

Uses: 

The leaves are rubbed on the skin as a cure for chibayo 

pneumonia. The decoction of root is used to treat fever. 

The whole plant is used in the treatment of scorpion 

stings and snake bites. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions 

of the world.

Capparidaceae 

Maerua arenaria (DC.) Hook.f. & Thoms. 

(Syn: Niebuhria arenaria DC.) 

English name: 

Local name: Korar. 

Description: 

A struggling shrub with weak stem, initially requires support form other plants, 

growing up to 3 m high, becoming a small tree with age. The plant usually grows in 

association with other plant (mostly straggling over Salvadora oleoides and 

Euphorbia caducifolia). 

Branches glabrous to scabrous. Leaves fleshy dark green. 

Flowers usually in dense, corymbose racemes, white, pedicellate. It is a very 

variable species with regards to hairiness and size and shape of leaves. 


Summer season. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found in dry stony and gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

Roots are used as tonic and stimulant. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. 

87

88 

Caryophyllaceae 

Polycarpaea spicata Wight. & Arn. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual small erect herb 5-10 cm high with woody tap-root, slender stem, soft 

fleshy leaves formed rosette at the base. Flowers in terminal spike like dense 

cymes, combination of bright white and pinkish colours, individual flower has no 

stalk. Seeds angular. 


Throughout the year depending upon availability of moisture/rain fall. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in dry river beds and other sandy places. 

Uses: 

The plant leaves are extensively used against poisonous 

bites from animals. 

Distribution: 

North-west India, Arabia, Egypt, Northern Australia, and 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan).


Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. 

(Syn: Arenaria rubra var. marina L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Naaro thulho. 

Description: 

A delicate annual or biennial herb. Stem branching from the base, 10-30 cm, 

ascending to erect, glabrescent, glandular. Leaves fleshy cylindrical without any 

stalk, bright green. Flowers terminal, pink or mauve. 


February to March. 

Habitat: 

Common in fields and waste lands during winter 

season. 

Uses: 

Grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Mediterranean Europe, South West & East Asia, Egypt, 

Iran, Turcomania, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. 

89

90 

Chenopodiaceae 

Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. 

English name: Coral plant. 

Local name: Kal. 

Description: 

A perennial halophytic fleshy herb usually 70 cm high, with prostrate stem giving 

numerous ascending leafless branches. Male and female flowers separate but on 

same spike (flowering stem). Flowers minute yellow or light green, in terminal 

spikes, branchlets succulent. 


September to February. 

Habitat: 

Ahighly salt tolerant species, mostly found in highly saline 

wet plains near to coast and in creeks. 

Uses: 

The plant is Alexipharmic. The Ashes of the plant is 

used in scorpion sting. 

Distribution: 

Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and 

tropical East Africa.


Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C. Koch 

(Syn: Salicornia macrostachya Moric.) 

English name: Glaucous glasswort. 

Local name: Laaran. 

Description: 

A robust monoecious perennial more or less erect salt tolerant succulent shrub 

growing up to 90 cm tall with diffuse, glaucous-green segmented stem. Flowers very 

minute, in terminal spikes. 



Habitat: 

Saline and clayey soils of coastal areas, extending to 

intertidal zone frequently associated with sparse 

population of Avicennia marina. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Mediterranean coast of South Europe, NorthAfrica, Egypt, 

SaudiArabia, Middle-east, Iran and Pakistan. 

91

92 


Atriplex stocksii Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Perennial salt tolerant halophytic species, 20-60 cm high sub-shrub of pale green 

colour, shining, sub-erect, much branched. 

Leaves slightly fleshy with wavy margin. 

Flowers, unisexual, minute green, 

in terminal spikes, male and female flowers 

usually on the same spike. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in coastal and inland salt deserts. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Distributed range is considered only restricted to Pakistan.


Chenopodium album L. 

English name: Bacon Weed, white goose foot. 

Local name: Sindhi- Jhil ghaa, Chil ghaa, Urdu- Bathu, Punjabi- 

Bathua. 

Description: 

An erect annual salt tolerant succulent species up to 10-150 cm high herb covered 

with mealy, glandular substances. Leaves fleshy almost triangular, venation not 

very clearly visible. Flowers minute greenish in compact terminal panicles. Seeds 

minute roughly rounded black. 


January to March. 

Habitat: 

Mainly a winter annual found in the fields of wheat and 

other winter crops and moist, open places near 

plantations. Rarely found as summer annual in 

July-August. 

Uses: 

Tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable, 

the juice of the plant relieves eye-troubles; juice of the 

root is given to treat bloody dysentery. Seeds are 

chewed in cases of urinary troubles. 

Distribution: 

Almost cosmopolitan, common in subtropical to 

temperate zones. 

93

94 


Chenopodium atripliciforme Murr. 

(Syn: Chenopodium opulifolium Auct.) 

English name: Grey goose foot. 

Local name: Nandro jhil ghaa, Chhoti Jhil. 

Description: 

An annual erect succulent halophytic herb, usually sparsely mealy, sometimes 

glabrous stems reaching to the height of 70 (-120) cm. Leaves angular lamina broad 

triangular thinner than the leaves of C. murale, 

margin toothed only at the base, 

entire to serrate towards apex, acute to rounded or sometime with small beak. 

Flowers pale green. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in forests, grasslands and river-sides. 

Uses: 

Usually grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

North-east Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and Northern 

India.


Chenopodium murale L. 

English name: Nettle-leaf, Goose-foot grass. 

Local name: Sindhi-Jhaloro, Chil ghaa, Balochi- Kurand, Khartua, Urdu-Batho, 

Bathua, Kharatua. 

Description: 

An erect annual halophytic herb; reaching to the height of 70 cm. Leaves triangular 

in shape with toothed margins. Flowers yellowish in clusters of cymes arise form the 

terminal portion of the erect plant. Seeds tiny. Propagates 

by seeds. 


January toApril. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in moist, neglected places. 

Uses: 

The plant is used a pot herb by locals; and is also a good 

fodder, probably the most common species of 

Chenopodium in low land parts of the area. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan. 

95

96 


Halostachys belangerana (Moq.)Botsch. 

(Syn: Arthrocnemum belangeranum Moq.) 

English name: Salt bush. 

Local name: Jhil ghaa. 

Description: 

A large perennial halophytic, succulent shrub to small tree, up to 3.5 m high with 

many leafless branches. Highly salt tolerant species. Flowers minute in terminal 

spikes on lateral branches, flowering spikes green, fruiting spikes purplish. 


November to February. 

Habitat: 

It is found in saline soils and salt-marshes in coastal areas. 

The plant frequently grows in association with 

Anthrocnemum machyrostychum. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

South-west and Central Asia, Northern Iran, Turkestan, 

Armenia, Pakistan and China.


Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Bioss. 

English name: 

Local name: Lana, Lani. 

Description: 

A xerophytic erect ascending twiggy shrub up to 80 cm tall, branches green, jointed, 

leafless. Flowers minute arranged in terminal spike. Fruit winged, off-white. 


November to December. 

Habitat: 

The plant is very common in sandy deserts and gravelly soils. 

Uses: 

It is considered as poisonous plant. 

Distribution: 

Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Central & 

Eastern Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Afghanistan and 

Pakistan. 

97

98 


Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth. & Hook. 

(Syn: Salsola stocksii Boiss.) 

English name: 

Local name: Khar, Barilla, Sajji, Lani. 

Description: 

A glabrous shrub 30-60 cm tall. Leaves short, opposite, angular fleshy without stalk. 

Flowers minute, in terminal spikes. Fruit winged, off -white to bright pink. 


September to October. 

Habitat: 

Grows in saline sodic soil, and rocky ridges and slopes. 

Uses: 

Local people burn the plant in a pit to get carbonate of soda 

which used as alternative of soap for cloth washing. 

The plant is supposed to be very poisonous. The ash of the 

plant with water is used to cure ulcer. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Afghanistan and India (Punjab, Rajasthan).


Salsola imbricata Forssk. 

English name: Foetid saltwart. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kari Lani, Gora lana, Hashok. 

Description: 

A perennial spreading much branched halophytic sub-shrub or shrub, 0.3-1.2(2) m 

high, forming dome shaped bush. Leaves minute fleshy lush green. Flowers minute, 

green in dense spike. Fruits winged, silvery white. 



Habitat: 

Common on many soil types, usually on sandy or 

gravelly soils. 

Uses: 

Eaten by camels only and also used for making alkali. 

The plant ash is very useful for itches. The plant 

frequently used as a vermifuge, laxative and used for 

different skin diseases. 

Distribution: 

The species is distributed in Northern Africa, Pakistan, 

India, Iran , Afghanistan and Arabia. 

99

100 


Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin 

(Syn: Salsola lana Edgew.) 

English name: Seablite. 

Local name: Sindhi- Lani, Urdu- Ushoon, Punjabi- 

Sajji lana. 

Description: 

A perennial evergreen shrub with glabrous branches growing 50-70 cm high. 

Leaves fleshy quite variable in shape, ranging from broadly oblong to linear, sessile. 

Flowers minute, green or reddish, in sessile clusters forming dense spikes. 


April to October. 

Habitat: 

Grows in saline, loamy clayey habitats. 

Uses: 

Usedasfodderforcamels,usedforthetreatmentofwounds, 

leaves are used in ophthalmia and the ash of the plant is used 

for washing clothes. Plant is laxative, diuretic and emetic. 

The plant extract is known to possess antibacterial property 

against micro-organisms. 

Distribution: 

Originally it is a European species extending fromAsia to 

North-EasternAfrica.


Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J. F. Gmelin. 

English name: Lana. 

Local name: Sindhi-Trat, Balochi-Righat. 

Description: 

A large shrub growing up to three meter high with annual fruiting branches usually 

drooping, erect or ascending stem. Leaves fleshy, alternate on main stem, sessile. 

Flowers green, clustered in upper axils, male and female flowers separate. 


August to December. 

Habitat: 

Commonly grow on moist soils, mostly in the coastal areas. 

Uses: 

It is used as fodder for camels and goats. Medicinally 

used as ointment on wounds and decoction of root is 

used for sore-throat in Kenya. 

Distribution: 

Distributed from the coasts of tropicalAfrica through the 

southern part of the Arabian Peninsula along the shores 

of the Indian Ocean eastwards at least up to Madras, 

northwards up to the Dead Sea area in Palestine and 

Jordan. 

101

102 

Combretaceae 

Terminalia catappa L. 

(Syn: Myrobalanus catappa (L.) Kuntze) 

English name: Tropical Almonds. 

Local name: Jangli Badam. 

Description: 

Alarge tree up to height of 35 m with brownish dotted bark. Branches arise usually in 

whorls. Leaves petiolate with broad lamina. Flowers minute arrange in spike. Fruit 

edible. 


June-September. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in orchards, roadside, gardens and in houses. 

Uses: 

Fruit is edible. It is planted as a shade tree; bark contains 

tannin which is used as astringent and coloring leather. 

Wood is red, solid and highly water resistance and used 

in making small boats. Juice of young leaves is used in the 

treatment of leprosy, scabies and other skin diseases. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Asia, North Australia and Polynesia, cultivated 

in Pakistan.

Convolvulaceae 

Convolvulus arvensis L. 

English name: Bindweed, Corn bine. 

Local name: Sindhi- Narro, Naaro, Urdu- Hiran khuri, Punjabi- 

Harin padi, Lehli. 

Description: 

A perennial prostrate or twining herb, found as a weed in agriculture fields. Flowers 

pale purple or lilac, bell shaped, arranged in cymes. Leaves alternate with laminal 

basal wings, elongated taper towards apex. 


October to March. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in agroecosystems, along water courses. 

Uses: 

Juice of the rootisgivenin case offever.The plant roots has 

substances full of vitamin K, the plant also contain 

convolvuline and tannin, the plant is purgative, it is also 

used in skin diseases. 

Distribution: 

The plant is cosmopolitan in distribution. 

103

104 


Convolvulus glomeratus Choisy 

English name: 

Local name: Sankavli, Paddi, Ondavali. 

Description: 

Biennial to perennial prostrate or twining branched herb. Leaves attached with very 

short stalk. Flowers white, in dense hairy globose cymes. 



Habitat: 

Grows on open, stony and sandy places. 

Uses: 

It is used as purgative and given in the form of powder 

prepared from the whole plant. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iran and 

Arabia.


Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu- Baphali, Dodak, Punjabi- 

Proprang, Dodak, Dinho. 

Description: 

A prostrate perennial hairy herb with woody base, 10-30 cm long, wavy 

branches. Flowers small, pale pink or white, sessile to sub-sessile in axillary 

heads. Reproduces 

through seeds. 


January toApril and fruiting fromApril to May. 

Habitat: 

Common in open, waste or sandy places from plains. 

Uses: 

The plant is used in liver diseases, also eaten by cattle, can also 

be used as a vegetable and a coolant in hot weather. 

Distribution: 

NorthernAfrica to Pakistan and India. 

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106 


Convolvulus rhyniospermus Hochst. ex Choisy 

English name: 

Local name: Phesura wal. 

Description: 

An annual dwarf herb, 15-40 cm, with erect or procumbent branched stem. Leaves 

oblong hairy, 1.2-2.5 cm long, attached with short petiole. Flowers in dense axillary 

clusters, whitish pink, corolla tubular, 1.5 cm long. 


September. 

Habitat: 

Common in dry river beds, sandy, gravelly and arid areas, 

found mostly after rainfall. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Limited in distribution, in Pakistan and Central Sudan.


Convolvulus scindicus Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A branched, perennial stiff shrub or under-shrub, 30-60 cm tall. Flowers pale pink or 

creamy white. Leaves leathery pale green, lamina with prominent venation almost 

round. 


March to December. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic plant, grows on dry sandy, calcareous or lime 

soils. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Pakistan (Sindh and neighboring 

Balochistan). 

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108 


Cressa cretica L. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Oin, Gen, Unnh, Urdu- 

Rudani. 

Description: 

An erect, small, dwarf halophyte, branched hairy herb up to 30 cm in height. Leaves 

very minute with salt glands, sessile, triangular. Flowers small white, in the axils of 

upper leaves. 



Habitat: 

Common species of saline and silty soil and water logged areas. 

Uses: 

The plant is used to cure chronic fever and jaundice; 

paste of the leaves applied on sores, good fodder for 

camels, and regarded as a neutralizer of acidity of 

saline soils. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in the xeric tropical zones of both the 

Hemisphere.


Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. 

English name: Water bindweed. 

Local name: Sindhi- Thulho, Naro, Urdu- Nari-kakal, Punjabi- 

Nari. 

Description: 

An annual creeper, hydrophytic herb with hollow trailing or twining stems. Leaves 

smooth, glabrous and angular lamina. Rooting at the nodes, flowers stalked, 

axillary, and purple gradually darken toward the center of flower, open after 9 am. 


October to February. 

Habitat: 

Common in ponds, lakes, ditches and muddy places. 

Uses: 

Young shoots and leaves are eaten as vegetable, young 

leaves also used by diabetic patients, a paste of buds is 

applied for ringworms. It can be a serious weed if left to 

grow unchecked. 

Distribution: 

Throughout tropical and sub tropical regions of the world. 

109

110 


Ipomoea carnea Jacquin. 

English name: Bush Morning Glory. 

Local name: Kanor, Phanphat, Thulho, Naaro. 

Description: 

A large branched shrub, about 2 m high with woody hollow stem, branches mostly 

arise from the base. Leaves large, dark green with prominent venation. Flowers pink 

or whitish pink. It propagates by seeds or by cuttings. 


May to June. 

Habitat: 

The species is commonly found near water bodies. 

Uses: 

Plant is cultivated as a hedge; juice of the plant is 

applied to wounds between the toes caused by 

prolonged walking barefooted in muddy water. The milky 

latex is applied to cuts and wounds. 

Distribution: 

Native of TropicalAmerica, now widely distributed in 

Australia,America, Pakistan and India.


Ipomoea sindica Stapf 

English name: 

Local name: Sankavli, Paddi, Ondavali. 

Description: 

A prostrate or twining annual, branched, about 60 cm long herb. Leaves simple 

petiolate oblong, lamina much longer than broad with ciliate margins. Flowers white, 

arise from the axile of leaves. 


During summer season. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in sandy or gravelly habitat. 

Uses: 

Leaves are externally applied in rheumatism and colic. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Sindh. 

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112 


Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urban 

(Syn: Ipomoea aegyptia L.) 

English name: Hairy wood rose/ morning glory. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herbaceous climber, covered with dense whitish hairs, mostly 

hirsute with long erect to sub-erect bearing white bell shaped flowers, lobed part 

usually at 90° to the tube. Leaves palmately divided into many digits. 


September to January. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in riparian habitat in moist and shady areas 

and near agricultural fields. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

The species is distributed in Northern Africa, Tropical 

America, West Peninsula, India and Pakistan.


Merremia hederacea (Burm.f.) Hall.f. 

(Syn: Evolvulus hederaceus Brum.f.) 

English name: 

Local name: Phasura wal. 

Description: 

Climber with twining or prostrate stems, mostly spread over Phragmites reeds, 

smooth or minutely tuberculate, glabrous or sparsely pubescent. Leaves petiolate, 

heart shaped. Flowers solitary or cymose, yellow bell shaped. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found near water bodies or moist soil, spread over 

Phragmites or Acacia plant. 

Uses: 

Used for herpes zoster. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, tropical Asia to China, Malaysia, 

Queensland and some Pacific islands. 

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114 


Seddera latifolia (Hochst.) & Steud. 

English name: 

Local name: Gorago. 

Description: 

A small stiff shrub with stems arising from a woody base. Young stems and leaves 

having silky-grey pubescence. Flowers solitary, minute, white. 



Habitat: 

The plants are adapted to xeric conditions, found in rocky, gravelly habitats usually 

on hill slopes. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

East Africa, Arabia, Pakistan and India.

Cucurbitaceae 

Citrullus colocynthis Schred. 

English name: Colocynth. 

Local name: Sindhi- Tooh, Tumba, Urdu- Indrayan, Punjabi- 

Tuma. 

Description: 

An annual prostrate herb, 1-2 m long. Leaves deeply dissected almost in three parts 

attached with thick cylindrical stalk. Flowers arise from the axil of leaves usually 

solitary, greenish. Fruits globose about 5 to 9 cm across, yellow when ripe, 

unripe 

with green and white stripes. 


November to January. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found at the top of sand dunes and inter-dunal areas also around 

agricultural fields. 

Uses: 

Thefruit andseedsareusedaspurgativeandroot injaundice, 

urinarydisorders.Theplantisverybitter,pungent, refrigerant, 

purgative,antirheumatic,antipyretic,anthelminticandantiinflammatory.Itisusedinenlargementofspleen,tuberculosus, 

glandsofneck,ulcer,bronchitis,abdominalenlargementinthe 

children. It is used in cure of pimples, dropsy, menstrual 

diseases and preserving hairs form turning grey. Oil of the 

seeds is used as a gastrointestinal restorative. Fruit and root 

are considered as antidote to snake poison. 

Distribution: 

The species isspread in warmer partsofPakistan, India, 

Africa andArabia to Spain. 

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116 

Cucurbitaceae 

Coccinia grandis (L.)Voigt. 

(Syn: Bryonia grandis Linn.) 

English name: IVY gourd kavai fruit 

Local name: Sindhi- Gholaru, Kanduri. Urdu- Bhimb, Kanduri, Kundaru, Punjabi- 

Kanduri. 

Description: 

A pretty twining or spreading herb; extensively spreading vine. Leaves usually 

broader that the length, heart shaped. Flowers bright white, male and female 

flowers on separate plants; ripe red fruit is conspicuous with many seeds. 



Habitat: 

It is commonly found on fences and thickets. 

Uses: 

It is used forvomiting;burning of handsand feetin uterine 

discharges; leaves and stems are used for diabetes and as 

insulin. Tender fruit is sold as vegetable; used as a meat 

tenderizer, fruits are used in curries and said to be useful 

for diabetes; and also used for the diseases of blood and 

inflammations. Leaves are applied externally in skin 

eruption. The dry bark is a good cathartic. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India,Africa and Malaya.

Cucurbitaceae 

Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin 

English name: Wild melon. 

Local name: Chibbar, Gidra wal. 

Description: 

An annual prostrate stiff hairy herb with tendrils. Leaves heart shaped covered with 

stiff hairs at both surface, petiolate, petiole usually as longer as lamina. Flowers 

bright yellow attached with hairy stalk. It propagates by seeds. 


July to October and fruiting fromAugust to October. 

Habitat: 

It is commonly found on uncultivated lands and in sandy places. 

Uses: 

Ripe fruit is edible, and an immature fruit is cooked as a 

vegetable, fodder for cattle.Apaste of the plant is applied 

around the navel in case of difficulty in urination. It is also 

used as cooling agent and first aid treatment for burns and 

abrasions.Achatni is also made from the ripened fruit. 

Distribution: 

Throughout the old world tropics. 

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118 

Cucurbitaceae 

Cucumis prophetarum L. 

English name: Wild Cucumber. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kharchvit, Kharindroyan, Mitero. 

Description: 

A trailing prostrate climbing and creeping perennial herb with slender stem and long 

tendrils. Leaves deeply dissected in three parts, margins wavy. Flowers minute 

about1 cm in diameter. Fruit spiny, yellow when ripe. 


June to July. 

Habitat: 

Common in stony, gravelly plains and dry slopes of foothills. 

Uses: 

The plant is emetic and purgative. A bitter resinous body 

myriocarpin, which produces nausea and is slightly 

purgative, is present in the fruit pulp. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Arabia and Tropical 

Africa.

Cucurbitaceae 

Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. J. Roemer. 

(Syn: Cucumis maderaspatanus Linn.) 

English name: Madras pea pumpkin. 

Local name: Sindhi- Bellari, Chirtati, Urdu- Agumak, Punjabi- 

Gawala, Kakri. 

Description: 

A climbing, scandent or prostrate, annual stiff hairy herb with tendrils, scabrous, 

much branched. Flowers minute, yellow and unisexual, male and female flowers are 

on same plant. Fruit berry, rounded, bright red when ripe. 


August toApril. 

Habitat: 

Common in partly shady and moist places. 

Uses: 

The root is chewed to relieve toothache; squeezed plant is 

applied to treat scabies of animals. The seeds are 

febrifuges. The fruit has poisonous, laxative and 

vermifuge properties, leaves are used for different skin 

diseases. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, China, Malaya,Africa andAustralia. 

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120 

Cucurbitaceae 

Luffa echinata Roxb. 

English name: 

Local name: Bindal. 

Description: 

A tendril bearing climber with furrowed stem. Flowers white and unisexual; male 

flowers in racemes; female flowers solitary. Fruit ovate spiny brown after maturation 

open by operculum. 



Habitat: 

Found near water bodies, mostly climbing on trees or reeds. 

Uses: 

It is reported to be used for the dropsy, nephritis, chronic 

bronchitis and lung complaints. It is applied to the body 

in putrid fevers and jaundice. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Northern Tropical 

Africa.

Cuscutaceae 

Cuscuta hyalina Roth. 

English name: Dodder. 

Local name: Sindhi- Amer wal, Be-phari, Urdu- 

Akash-bel, Niradhari, Amer-bel. 

Description: 

A parasitic annual climber with thin stem, intermingled, yellow to brown. Flowers 

tender, whitish-hyaline. Mostly spread over Acacia nilotica. 

This species can easily 

be separated from all other species of Cuscuta by its long and sharply acute petals 

and obsolete scale. 


January to February. 

Habitat: 

Found as parasite on various plant species. 

Uses: 

The extract of plant is boiled in water and given to 

patient for relieve of chest pain. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India,Abyssinia and Southern TropicalAfrica. 

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122 

Elatinaceae 

Bergia aestvosa Wight & Arnott 

English name: 

Local name: Panika-Phog. 

Description: 

An erect, 20-30 cm tall somewhat glabrous undershrub, non-aromatic, woody at the 

base. Leaves small elongated, dark green, wavy at the margins. Flowers minute, 

white to pinkish. 


December. 

Habitat: 

Common species in cultivated fields. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India.

Elatinaceae 

Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl. 

(Syn: Lancretia suffruticosa Delile.) 

English name: 

Local name: Rohwan, Kharbuja, Chota phog. 

Description: 

A perennial, decumbent or spreading under shrub with woody base. Leaves 

opposite, sessile or sub sessile, oblanceolate or elliptic, margins crenate or minutely 

serrate. Stem glandular-pubescent with small white to pinkish flowers, 4 to 5 mm 

across. 


August toApril. 

Habitat: 

Grow on saline and rocky soils rarely found on sandy soils. 

Uses: 

The leaves are used as poultice on sores and broken 

bones. 

Powdered leaves are rubbed over teeth and gums to 

clean them. Stem is used as tooth brush. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Egypt and Tropical Africa. 

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124 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia caducifolia Haines 

English name: Euphorbia. 

Local name: Sindhi- Minaguta, Danda thohar, Urdu- 

Zaqum, Thor. 

Description: 

A cactus like succulent and leafless ascending and much branched spiny shrub 

growing up to 3.5 m high. Leaves appear for a very short period during rainy season. 

Flowers minute, greenish to red arise in clusters. Fruits tri-lobed. 



Habitat: 

Found commonly on hill slopes and deserts, sand dunes etc. 

Uses: 

It is used medicinally as its root is antiseptic, used in 

snake-bites and scorpion bites and milky juice is used 

in skin eruptions. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India.

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia clarkeana Hook.f 


Local name: Khmer wal, Dudheli. 

Description: 

A small, annual prostrate branched herb. Leaves narrow oblong opposite to each 

other, mostly toothed at the apex, sessile or attached with very minute petiole. 

Cyathia minute, in leaf axils. 


Commonly after monsoon rains but also in other parts of the year depending upon 

moisture availability. 

Habitat: 

It is found on sandy and clay soils, pebbly ground in fields 

and open waste places. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Very limited in distribution only reported form Pakistan 

and India. 

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126 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia granulata Forssk. 


Local name: Sindhi- Khirwal. Urdu- 

Kantha-arak, Maamecho. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herb having prostrate branches, that are variable from 

densely pubescent to almost glabrous. Leaves opposite sub-rounded usually subcordate 

at the base attached with minute petiole. Cyathia axillary on small 

branchlets. 


More or less continuously throughout the year. 

Habitat: 

Common in deserts and semi-deserts also found by 

roadsides. 

Uses: 

Medicinally it is used as blood purifier. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed in Arabia, Egypt, Afghanistan, 

India and Pakistan.

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia helioscopia L. 

English name: Sun-spurge. 

Local name: Sindhi-Dohoduk, Urdu- Gandi-buti, Punjabi- 

Chatriwal. 

Description: 

An annual green fleshy herb sparsely pilose to glabrescent more commonly it 

grows 10 -30 cm tall but sometimes goes up to 50 cm. Leaves spade shaped, 

lamina ciliate at the margins tapered towards the base. Cyathia in terminal 

clusters. Fruits three lobed. 



Habitat: 

Common in sandy fields or on wet sandy clay by 

irrigation canals and also on rocky slopes. 

Uses: 

The herb is cathartic. Latex is applied to eruptions. 

Root is anthelmintic. Seeds with roasted pepper are 

given in cholera. Oil from seed is said to be purgative. 

Stem is used for constipation. 

Distribution: 

More or less throughout Europe, Northern Africa and 

Asia; introduced into North America. 

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128 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia hirta L. 

English name: Hairy spurge, asthma plant. 

Local name: Sindhi-Dhubi, Dhedi, Urdu-Lal 

dhulli, Dudhi. 

Description: 

An annual, prostrate, ascending, or erect hispid hairy herb, up to 30 cm tall. Leaves 

opposite elliptic and hairy, usually red-tinged in drought conditions. Cyathia in 

axillary clusters. The plant becomes more hairy and prostrate during drought 

conditions. 


Throughout the year. 

Habitat: 

Acommon weed found on many places, along roadsides, 

wastelands and cultivated fields, frequent in lawns and 

flower beds. 

Uses: 

E. hirta causes relaxation of bronchitis and has a 

depressant action on heart and respiration. It is 

useful in removing worms in children, in bowel 

complaints, asthma and cough. It promotes formation 

and flow of milk in women; it is also useful in gonorrhoea 

and other urinogenitary complaints. The roots of the 

plant are used to stop vomiting. 

Distribution: 

Distributed in tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world.

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia indica Lam. 

English name: Spurge, milkweed. 

Local name: Sindhi-Khirol, Urdu-Dudhi, Hakshardana, Punjabi-Hazardana. 

Description: 

An annual herb, height range from15 to 30 cm, erect or semi erects to prostrate. 

Leaves and other physical appearance variable according to environmental 

conditions. The plant resembles with E. hirta, but leaf margin not as deeply serrate 

and overall hairiness less than E. hirta. Cyathia are pinkish to purple. 



Habitat: 

Mostlyfound in cultivated fieldsand gardensalong irrigation 

channels. 

Distribution: 

A wide spread species, common throughout tropical 

counties. 

129

130 

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia prostrata Aiton 

English name: Prostrate Spurge. 

Local name: Kheer wal, Dudhi. 

Description: 

A delicate prostrate annual much branched herb. Cyathia reddish in colour, solitary 

or paired. Leaves opposite, dark green attached with very short stalk. Fruits minute 

three lobed. 


Between June toAugust and fruiting betweenAugust to September. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found in moist and open places and margins of 

lawns. 

Uses: 

Apaste of the plant is applied to snake bite. 

Distribution: 

Wide spread throughout warmer part of the world.

Euphorbiaceae 

Euphorbia serpens Kunth. 

English name: Serpent Spurge. 

Local name: Kheer wal, Maamecho. 

Description: 

A prostrate and completely glabrous annual, much branched spreading herb 

generally rooting at nodes. Leaves smooth opposite, lamina rounded typically with 

shallow notch at apex and sub-cordate base, attached with sort petiole, margin 

entire. Cyathia arise form the node. 


September to May. 

Habitat: 

Most frequently on moist soil in cultivated fields. 

Distribution: 

Native to South America, but now widespread in tropical 

and subtropical parts of the world. 

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132 

Euphorbiaceae 

Phyllanthus fraternus Webster 

English name: Serpent Spurge. 

Local name: Niruri, Gulf leaf flower. 

Description: 

An erect herb upto 30 cm tall, branches arising from the axils of scaly leaves on main 

stem, look like compound leaves, unisexual flowers in leaf axils of branches, 

nodding, fruit a small schizocarp of 3 valves. 


July to October. 

Habitat: 

Common herb seen growing in gardens and fields. 

Distribution: 

Common in the arid and semi- arid countries of the world.

Euphorbiaceae 

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Konodcha, Urdu- 

Konodcha, Hazarmani, Ranavali. 

Description: 

A perennial erect herb up to 60 cm tall with slender angular branches. Leaves spoon 

shaped glabrous taper toward the base attached with short petiole, arranged 

alternately on stem. Flowers unisexual, minute white or creamy. Fruit tri-lobed. 



Habitat: 

Frequent on wet soils in fields or near water margins. 

Uses: 

Infusion of the leave is given for headache. The seeds 

possess laxative,carminative and diuretic properties. 

The seeds are useful in bronchitis, earache, ophthalmia, 

griping and ascites. 

Distribution: 

Iran, Afghanistan, Arabia to Egypt, East Africa, India 

and Pakistan. 

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134 

Euphorbiaceae 

Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. 

English name: 

Local name: Kamohi. 

Description: 

A large sub-scandent much branched shrub or small tree. Flowers small, reddish 

orange, and unisexual in clusters. Fruit berry like, become blackish when ripe. 


July to March. 

Habitat: 

Usually found along streams, ponds reservoirs and lakes. 

Uses: 

Leaves and roots are used medicinally for the fractures 

and traumatic injury. Leaves also used for bleeding gums, 

also for diarrhea in infants; in Indo-China the whole plant 

is used in the treatment of smallpox and syphilis; fruit is 

useful in the inflammations and in diseases of blood. 

Distribution: 

Western Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, 

Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Taiwan, 

Philippines, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Fabaceae / Papilionaceae 

Alhagi maurorum Medic 

English name: Camel thorn. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kandero, Jawain, Urdu- Taran jabin, Punjabi- 

Duralabha. 

Description: 

A glabrous or pubescent stiff thorny shrub, height ranges from 30-70 cm. Leaves 

spade shaped. Flowers born on long axillary thorns, red or dark pink attached with 

short stalk. Pods reddish brown, submonili form curved. Reproduce by seeds. 


March toApril. 

Habitat: 

Frequently found in the vicinity of cultivated fields, also 

on moist saline soils. 

Uses: 

It is highly valuable species as it serve as fodder for 

camels and also used as a hedge. It can be used as 

fuel in winter season and even sometimes it is also 

used for making tatties in summer. It is medicinally 

used in the treatment of asthma, cough, bronchitis, 

skin diseases, piles and urinary troubles. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan; Kashmir; Iran, Afghanistan; Russia, Turkey, 

Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Cyprus, North Africa. 

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136 


Alysicarpus longifolius (Rottl. ex Sperng.) Wight & Arnott. 

(Syn: Hedysarum longifolium Rottl. ex Sperng.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual erect herb about 30 to 70 cm tall with spreading weak branches. Leaves 

oblong tapered toward the apex with entire margins. Flowers in terminal long 

raceme, dark pink to reddish, attached with minute stalk. Fruits moniliform, 

resembling beads. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist soil aroundplantation and agricultural areas. 

Uses: 

Mostly grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Java, Tropical Africa, Arabia, China, Madagascar, India 

and Pakistan.


Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub. & Spach. 

(Syn: Cytisus roseum Camb.) 

English name: 

Local name: Makhan Booti. 

Description: 

A delicate annual prostrate herb with slender and smooth hairy stem. Leaves 

trifoliate, sub-rounded. Flowers in pairs on the tip of axillary peduncles, pale pink 

with red streaks on vexillum. 



Habitat: 

Frequently on gravelly soil on hill slopes. 

Uses: 

It is used medicinally to treat diabetes mellitus. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Punjab, Iran,Afghanistan andArabia. 

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138 


Astragalus fatmensis Hochst. ex Blatter. 

English name: 

Local name: Makhan Booti. 

Description: 

An annual erect or semi-erect herb with pubescent hairy stem. Flowers white, in 

axillary clusters (6-8 flowers) on short peduncles. Fruit about 6-10 mm long, oblong 

many seeded, covered with creamy white hairs. 



Habitat: 

The species is found mostly near the sea sides. 

Uses: 

The plant has laxative effects. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India,Arabia and Ethiopia.


Butea monosperma (Lain.) Taubert 

(Syn: Erythrina monosperma Lain.) 

English name: Parrot tree, Flame of Forest. 

Local name: Dhak, Chichra. 

Description: 

It is a medium sized deciduous tree growing up to 15 m of height with a crooked trunk 

and irregular branches. Leaves broadly trifoliate, Flowers orange-red, in racemes. 


March-April. 

Habitat: 

Arare species grown as ornamental plant in gardens. 

Uses: 

It is used for timber, resin, fodder, medicines and dyes. Its 

gum is known as “Kamarkas” and used in certain food 

dishes and medicines. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Burma, Bangladesh, 

Nepal, Mayanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, 

Malaysia and Indonesia. 

139

140 


Crotolaria burhia Buch-Ham. ex Benth. 

English name: Crotalaria. 

Local name: 

Makhan Booti. 

Description: 

A 30-60 cm tall, much branched shrub. Leaves few, simple, mostly sessile, lamina 

very minute, elongated narrow. Inflorescence a 6-12 flowered, elongated raceme, 

flowers yellow attached with very short stalk. 



Habitat: 

A common species of sandy habitat. 

Uses: 

Used as cooling herbal medicines. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan), India and 

Afghanistan.


Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk. 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu- Gulabi, Gulali, Punjabi- 

Gulabi. 

Description: 

An annual herb, 30 cm or less tall. Leaves tri-foliate. Flowers minute, yellow in color, 

arranged in axillary raceme. Fruit globose mostly two seeded. 


March to August. 

Habitat: 

Found in variety of soils as loamy, sandy and stony soils. 

Uses: 

The plant is sold in the local bazaar as a medicinal 

herb. The plant is officinal in Punjab (Baden Powell). 

The leaves and branches are taken in mucilage as 

cooling medicine. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh); India, Malay Isles;Afghanistan; 

China andAustralia. 

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142 


Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taubert 

(Syn: Psoralea tetragonoloba Linn.) 

English name: Cluster bean, Guar. 

Local name: 

Sindhi-Gwar, Punjabi-Guwara. 

Description: 

An annual, erect range from 60-100 cm tall with pubescent branches. Leaves trifoliate, 

foliage attached with short stalk. Inflorescence a raceme, 6-30 flowered. 

Flowers small, purplish. Pod 3 to 7 cm long many seeded (about 10). 



Habitat: 

On sandy-loamy soils usually after monsoon rains, also 

cultivated as crop for edible beans and Guar Gum. 

Uses: 

It is cultivated as a vegetable for human consumption 

and is also used as a fodder. A gum is also obtained 

from the seed flour. It is used in food, paper and textile 

industries. Gum is used as a binder in tablets. Guar gum 

is also used for curing night blindness, dyspeptic 

complaints, anorexia, constipation and agalactia. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh); India, Malay Isles;Afghanistan; 

China andAustralia.

143 


Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. 

English name: Sisoo tree. 

Local name: 

Shisham, Tahli. 

Description: 

Dalbergia sissoo, best known internationally as a premier timber species. It is a 

deciduous tree with light crown. The tree reaches up to 30 m in height and 80 cm in 

diameter. Flowers whitish about 1 cm long and in dense clusters. Bark rough with 

longitudinal furrows, young branch pubescent. Leaf imparipinnate. 


March - May. 

Habitat: 

The tree is common on canal banks, roadsides, fields 

and in forests. 

Uses: 

It is very important tree . The wood which is hard, 

heavy and durable, is very important. Mostly used in 

furniture making, carts, boats, wheels etc. Sissoo 

tree is also an important fuelwood, shade, shelter and 

fodder tree. 

Distribution: 

Sissoo is native to the foothills of the Himalayas of 

India, Pakistan and Nepal while it is also found 

in Sikkim, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. In Sindh it is 

widely planted in the plains along the roadsides, canal s 

and fields and in the forest plantations.


Indigofera argentea Burm. F. 

English name: Wild-indigo, Arabian-indigo, Egyptian-indigo. 

Local name:Sindhi- 

Neer, Se-han, Surmai-Neer, Gokro, Urdu- 

Neel, Surmai- 

Neel, Punjabi- 

Neel. 

Description: 

A pubescent prostrate diffusely branched herb to sub-shrub. Leaves compound 

mostly 7 to 9 foliate, always in odd number. Inflorescence a pedunculate raceme, 

flowers dark pink to red. Pod cylindrical, 4-6 seeded. 



Habitat: 

Found in dry sandy areas. 

Uses: 

The roots and leaves are bitter and used as tonic, the 

seeds are taken internally to act as vermifuge. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran, Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, 

Libya, and Sudan. 

144


Indigofera caerulea Roxb. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Amuch branch sub-shrub 50-70 cm tall. Leave surface smooth above and silky hairy 

below, compound about 7 to 9 foliate odd in number. Flowers minute pinkish in 

colour. Pod curved. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found in stony gravely areas and dry river beds. 

Uses: 

Leaf paste is used in the treatment of jaundice. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Arabia, Somali Republic and Sudan. 

145

146 


Indigofera cordifolia Heyne. ex Roth. 

English name: 

Local name: Basri, Neer, Vakar, Mahori. 

Description: 

A prostrate annual branched herb with pubescent stem. Leaves small ovate with 

short stalk. Inflorescence sub-sessile, 4-8 flowered head. Flowers minute bright 

pink to red. Pod usually two seeded. 



Habitat: 

Common in sandy, gravelly open plains and disturbed 

areas. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan),Afghanistan, India, 

Indonesia,Australia (NorthernAustralia), Ethiopia, Sudan 

and West TropicalAfrica.


Indigofera hochstetteri Baker 

English name: 

Local name: Fooli booti. 

Description: 

An annual branched usually prostrate spreading herb, with many branches. Leaves 

usually 3 to 5 foliate in odd number. Inflorescence a short peduncled raceme. 

Flowers orange, pods flat, curved, many seeded. 


Summer season. 

Habitat: 

Grows on sandy to clayey soils, frequent in the vicinity of 

cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

A palatable species for livestock. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab), Afghanistan, India, 

Arabia, Somali Republic Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, 

Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, and Congo. 

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148 


Indigofera linifolia (Linn.f.) Retz. 

English name: 

Local name: Punjabi-Torki. 

Description: 

A prostrate, annual herb, much branched and pubescent, found mostly in the 

plains and lower hills. Leaves simple, linear, Inflorescence a sessile or shortly 

peduncled raceme. Flowers bright red, pod (fruit) minute, rounded usually one 

seeded. 



Habitat: 

Common in open sandy areas, gravelly slopes and plains, 

after monsoon rains. 

Uses: 

The plant is used in febrile eruption and in amenorrhoea. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab), Azad Kashmir, Bangladesh, 

India,Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Indo-China, Siam, 

Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, China, Eritrea, 

Ethiopia, and Sudan.


Indigofera oblongifolia Forsk. 

English name: Nilam. 

Local name: Sindhi-Jhil, Urdu-Kainthi. 

Description: 

A medium-sized erect woody shrub, pubescent much branched, 70-150 cm tall. 

Leaves compound, leaflet alternate, narrow linear. Inflorescence a raceme up to 10 

cm long, bearing red flowers. Pods curved, many seeded (usually 6 to 8). 


Generally during spring and summer months. 

Habitat: 

Common in sandy plains, quite salt tolerant. 

Uses: 

The plant is antisyphilitic, the root is cooling, improves 

appetite, removes rheumatism, all parts of the plant are 

useful in the enlargement of liver and spleen, the stems 

are used as a gargle in mercurial salivations and for 

washing teeth. 

Distribution: 

In Pakistan it is distributed in Sindh, Punjab and 

Balochistan. 

149

150 


Indigofera sessiliflora DC. 

English name: 

Local name: Dhakri. 

Description: 

A trailing annual, branches canescent white herb. Leaves mostly 5-7 foliate, 

leaflets sub-orbicular (rounded). Inflorescence a sessile head, flowers sessile, 

minute red. Pod liner and cylindrical usually 3 to 6 seeded. 



Habitat: 

Found in sand occupying dunes and gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

Apalatable species, generally grazed by cattle. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab), Arabia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, 

and Senegal.


Lathyrus aphaca L. 

English name: Yellow Vetchling. 

Local name: Jangli matar, Rewari. 

Description: 

A prostrate trailing or scrambling annual herb. Stipules large heart shaped, leaf 

modified into tendril. Stem, glabrous. Flowers pale yellow, 1 to 2 on long axillary 

peduncles. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in plains, low hills and near 


Uses: 

Ripe seeds are used as narcotic and flowers are 

resolvent. Fruit is edible, a palatable species, grazed 

by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kashmir; India; Europe; Northern Africa; 

South-west and Central Asia, often cultivated. 

151

152 


Lathyrus sativus L. 

English name: 

Local name: Jhang Matar, Kisari. 

Description: 

A glabrous to sub-glabrous, smooth, much branched trailing annual herb; Stem 

winged. Leaves compound, leaflets narrow, linear. Flowers solitary, axillary, 

reddish-purple, blue or white. 


March toAugust. 

Habitat: 

Found near cultivation, the plant also cultivated as a fodder 

plant. 

Uses: 

People in scarcity areas consuming it as the principle article 

of diet for months, are known to be affected by a paralytic 

disease, known as Lathyrism. Cooked leaves are used 

as a vegetable medicine, to cure eye diseases. Fresh 

leaf juice is also put in sore eyes, blepharitis and 

also cultivated as fodder crop, fruits are edible. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Europe, Northern Africa, 

South-west Asia and Russia.


Lotus krylovii Schischk. & Serg 

(Syn: Lotus corniculatus Linn.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A small annual herb. Leaves pinnately compound, leaflets 5, two of five at the base 

resembling stipules, entire. Flowers 1 to 2 on long peduncle, subtended by 1-3 leafy 

bracts, corolla pinkish to red, free from stamens. Fruit many seeded. 



Habitat: 

Usuallyfoundinopengrasslandsandmeadowsinassociation 

with Cynodon dactylon. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Chitral, Sukkur),Afghanistan and Iran. 

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154 


Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. var. laciniata Linn. 

(Syn: Medicago polymorpha var. laciniata Linn.) 

English name: cutleaf medick. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A spreading annual herb with glabrous stem, the plant is much branched from the 

base. Leaves small compound tri-foliate with dentate margins. inflorescence a 1-2flowered 

peduncle raceme, minute yellow. Fruit coiled covered with stiff spines. 



Habitat: 

Amongst grass land, in desert areas, in sand, loam, 

growing in cropland, on wasteland. 

Uses: 

A precious palatable species. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,Morocco,Algeria,Tunisia,Kenya,Somali Republic, 

and Southern Europe.


Medicago lupulina L. 

English name: Hop-Clover, Black medick. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A prostrate or semi-erect, annual to perennial herb. Leaves hairy compound three 

foliate leaflets usually obovate, cuneate, retuse to obcordate. Flowers yellow 

minute, in dense head like inflorescence on long axillary peduncles; calyx 

pubescent 1-1.5 mm long, corolla 2.5-3 mm long. Fruit curved one seeded, 2-3 mm. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist meadows in association with Cynodon, 

frequent in lawns. 

Uses: 

The plant is reported to possess limitive properties. 

Aqueous extract of the plant show anti-bacterial 

activity against mycobacteria, also grazed by livestock 

Distribution: 

Pakistan; Kashmir; India; Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, 

Turkey, Europe, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somali Republic, 

Tanganyika and Kenya. 

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156 


Melilotus alba Desr. 

English name: White sweet clover. 

Local name: Sinji. 

Description: 

An erect annual herb with herbaceous, glabrous and sparsely hairy stem bearing 

white sweet scented flowers. The height ranges from 15-50 cm. 



Habitat: 

It is commonly found in open places especially waste areas, roadside, railroads, 

cultivated fields, lawn margins, etc. 

Uses: 

It is used as hay and pasture. Its young leaves are used 

for tea, salads and flavoring agent. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Tibet, Iran, Afghanistan, 

Arabia, Europe, Central Asia, Turkey introduced in 

America and Australia.


Melilotus indica (L.) All. 

(Syn: Trifolium indica Linn.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Sinji, Urdu- Ban methi, Punjabi-Sinjee. 

Description: 

An erect annual herb, 20-40 cm tall. Leaves tri-foliate, leaflet spade shaped, margin 

dentate. Flowers minute yellow, in axillary raceme. Pubescent stem, pod without 

hairs usually one seeded. 



Habitat: 

The plant is commonly found in moist places, frequent on 

lawn margins and cultivated fields. 

Uses: 

It is used as fodder and medicinally used in the treatment 

of tumours and cancers, seeds are very useful in bowel 

complaints, it is also very strong laxative plant. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,India, Orient,Europe,introducedinwarmtemperate 

regions. 

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158 


Rhynchosia capitata (Heyne ex Roth.) DC. 

(Syn: Trifolium indica Linn.) 

English name: 

Local name: Mattar wal. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial, prostrate or climbing herb with pilose stem and many 

branches. Leaves pinnatelly tri-foliate, lamina as longer as wide. Inflorescence 4-6flowered, 

flowers yellow, in axillary peduncled heads, pods hairy. 



Habitat: 

Normally found near agricultural fields. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.


Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. 

English name: Least snout bean. 

Local name: 

Wanverhi, Matar wal, Jungli moath. 

Description: 

A perennial twinning or prostrate herb. Stem glabrous to pubescent and sparsely 

glandular. Leaves pinnatelly tri-foliate, smooth, apparently glabrous but dotted with 

minute orange or black glands. Flowers yellow in axillary long raceme. Pods 

glabrous, few seeded. 


In summer months. 

Habitat: 

It grows in a variety of habitats mostly on heavy textured 

soils in the grass lands. 

Uses: 

The leaves are used as abortifacient. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Lower Burma, Arabia, Tropical 

Africa, West Indies, America and Australia. 

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160 


Rhynchosia schimperi Hochst. ex Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial erect herb or sub-shrub having woody base. Leaves greyish green, 

hairy, leathery, pinnatelly tri-foliate. Flowers yellowish to creamy white. Pods few 

seeded. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in dry and hot semi-desert and hot open 

sandy places. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, (Rajashtan),Arabia and Egypt.


Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. 

(Syn: Aeschynomene sesban L.) 

English name: Sesbania. 

Local name: 

Manjili. 

Description: 

Ashort lived and soft wooded tree up to 8 meter tall. Leaves even-pinnate, with linear 

oblong leaflets, branches not prickly, flowers yellow, sometimes dark colored. 


August - February. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in semi arid regions, generally in sandy soil. 

Uses: 

The plantis mostly used forforage, as green manure,the 

plant is also used as fuel wood. Its leaves are a good 

source of protein for cattle and sheep. 

Distribution: 

It is found almost everywhere except Europe and U.S. 

In Pakistan it is mostly cultivated in different areas of 

Sindh. 

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162 


Taverniera cuneifolia (Roth.) Arnott. 

(Syn: Hedysarum cuneifolium Roth.) 

English name: East Indian-moneywort. 

Local name: 

Jetimad. 

Description: 

A perennial shrub woody at the base. Branches arise usually form the base, ranging 

from 60-100 cm with pubescent branches. Leaves uni-foliate to tri-foliate. 

Inflorescence an axillary raceme, up to 10 cm long, flowers purple to pink. 


Spring-Summer months. 

Habitat: 

Common in gravelly plains, hill slopes, dry stream beds. 

Uses: 

Its roots are sweet in taste and act as anti-inflammatory, 

antiviral, antibacterial, anti- ulcer and anti- diabetic 

agent. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India,Africa and Iran.


Tephrosia purpurea (L.)Pers. 

(Syn: Cracca purpurea Linn.) 

English name: Wild Indigo. 

Local name: 

Sarphonka, Phar wal. 

Description: 

A much branched annual or short-lived perennial erect herb up to 1 m tall, base 

woody. Leaves compound, usually 9 to 11 foliate odd in number. Flowers purplish 

red. Pod flat, curved. Appreciable variation is noticed within the number of hairs on 

stigma. Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Common in dry sandy areas, especially between sand 

dunes. 

Uses: 

It is given in the treatment of bronchitis and bilious 

febrile attacks, and also for treatment of boils, pimples 

and bleeding piles, it is reported to be useful in cough 

and in kidney disorders, the leaves are reported to be 

useful in jaundice. 

Distribution: 

SouthernAsia,Australia, TropicalAfrica, southwards 

to Natal. Introduced in TropicalAmerica. 

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164 


Tephrosia strigosa (Dalz.) Sant. & Maheshw. 

(Syn: Macronyx strigosus Dalz.) 

English name: 

Local name: Haranchapri. 

Description: 

A delicate, annual prostrate more or less erect, slender herb. Leaves simple narrow 

and linear. Stem pubescent, hairy with many branches. Flowers 1-2 on long axillary 

peduncles, bluish or bluish purple in colour. Pods flat 5 to 7 seeded. 



Habitat: 

On sandy loam to clayey loam soils, usually gregarious after 

monsoon rains, also in cultivated fields. 

Uses: 

The roots are used as remedy of toothache. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Burma and Laccadive Islands.


Tephrosia uniflora Pers. 

(Syn: Tephrosia petrosa Blatter & Hallberg) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Vishoni, Urdu - Bhaker Biyani. 

Description: 

A perennial erect or semi-erect subshrub having branches from the woody base, 

grey pubescent. Leaves 5 to 7 foliate, odd in number. Flowers axillary solitary or 

in pair, bright pinkish - purple in colour. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found on sandy and gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

The boiled leaves are eaten for the treatment of syphilis. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Cape Verde Island, Kenya, Tanganyika, 

Somali-republic, Mozambique, Rhodesia andAngola. 

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166 


Trifolium alexandrianum L. 

English name: Berseem, Clover. 

Local name: 

Berseem, Shaftel. 

Description: 

An annual sparingly hairy, about 30-60 cm in height. Stem erect or ascending having 

branches from the base or above. Leave pinnatelly tri-foliate, leaflets lanceolate 

soft. Flowers creamy colour, arranged in terminal head. Propagated by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Grows on wide range of soils preferring loamy soils. 

Uses: 

It is cultivated as fodder crop in Sindh, Balochistan, and 

Punjab etc. 

Distribution: 

Turkey, Iraq, Syria; Lebanon; Palestine; Egypt and Caucasus.


Trifolium fragiferum L. 

English name: Strawberry Clover. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A low growing herb with prostrate or semierect stem. Leaves pinnatelly 3foliate, 

leaflets obovate. The flower heads are round, pink to white. 



Habitat: 

Frequent near agricultural fields. 

Uses: 

Cultivated as fodder plant, a very variable species. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kashmir,Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, 

Ethiopia, NorthernAfrica, Arabia, Egypt and Europe. 

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168 


Vicia sativa L. 

English name: Tare, Vetch. 

Local name: Sindhi-Matri, Urdu-Ankra. 

Description: 

An annual narrow soft herb with prostrate and glabrous stem. Leaves 7 to 9 foliate, 

narrow and elongated. Flowers as purplish pink at the apex and whitish at the base, 

1-2 from leaf axils. 


March to April. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found in waste areas, cultivated fields. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as a fodder. 

Distribution: 

Europe, Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Russia and Far East.


Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc. 

(Syn: Dolichos trilobatus L.) 

English name: Wild bean. 

Local name: Mukni, Jangli moth, Kheerol wal. 

Description: 

An annual herb with reddish glabrous, prostrate pubescent stem. Leaves pinnatelly 

tri-foliate, leaflet broadly ovate, trilobed. Inflorescence a few-flowered cluster on 

long peduncles, predominately yellow. Pod slightly curved, cylindrical. 


During October. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in irrigated lands, drain edges and on road 

verges. 

Uses: 

It is sown as a short term pasture and green manure crop. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab), India, Sri Lanka, Burma, 

Afghanistan and Malay Isles. 

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170 

Fumariaceae 

Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley 

(Syn: Fumaria vaillantii var. indica Hausskn.) 

English name: 

Local name: Pitpapra. 

Description: 

A small glabrous much branched annual delicate erect herb. Leaves much 

dissected, resembling to the family Apiaceae. 

Flowers in terminal raceme, tube 

like usually white to pale pinkish in colour. 



Habitat: 

Agricultural fields, common with wheat crop. 

Uses: 

The planthas laxative properties, used for blood purification, 

the plant extract used in different diseases of liver, stomach 

and skin. 

Distribution: 

CentralAsia, Pakistan, India andAfghanistan.

Gentianaceae 

Enicostemma hyssopifolium (Willd.) Verdoon 

English name: 

Local name: Chota-Chirayata. 

Description: 

An erect glabrous perennial herb, height range from 2-25 cm tall. Stem solitary, 

having white flowers usually three in each leaf- axil. Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Grows usually in moist slightly saline sandy to clayey soils. 

Uses: 

The whole plant is bitter, tonic, stomachic and laxative. 

The whole plant is dried, powdered and given with 

honey as a blood purifier, and in dropsy, rheumatism, 

abdominal ulcers, hernia, swellings, itches and insect 

poisoning. It is acrid, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic 

and a liver tonic. Aqueous extract showed glucose 

lowering effect. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, West Indies, Malaya, India and Pakistan. 

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172 

Illecebraceae 

Cometes surattensis L. 

English name: 

Local name: Tap wari booti. 

Description: 

An annual herb, 10-25 cm tall much branched from the base. Leaves glabrous 

leathery with entire margins. Younger branches glabrous bearing white flowers, 

bracts barbed, turning reddish brown in fruiting. 


February to May. 

Habitat: 

Common on gravelly, stony hill-slopes after winter/spring 

rains, also along stream beds. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and SouthernArabia.

Lamiaceae / Labiatae 

Salvia santolinifolia Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Shwanko. 

Description: 

A suffruticose, much branched small erect or semi-prostrate herb to subshrub. 

Leaves small leathery, sessile, opposite, margin wavy. Flowers small, purple usually 

in pairs, attached with very short stalk along an elongated axis, calyx typically with 

long hairs. 



Habitat: 

Frequent in many parts of Pakistan, growing in a wide 

variety of habitats such as sandy plains, rocky slopes, 

wadis, shale slopes and roadsides. 

Uses: 

The leaves and roots are used as demulscent in 

diarrhea and haemorhoides. 

Distribution: 

Iran,Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

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174 

Malvaceae 

Abutilon bidentatum A. Rich. 

English name: Abutilon. 

Local name: Jangli Khip, Kapaas wal, Pataka. 

Description: 

An erect perennial spreading herb to subshrub with greenish stems, a very variable 

species in leaf size. Leaves broad heart shaped, attached with long stalk. Flower 

pale yellow, fruit having more than 12 segments (carples). 



Habitat: 

Usually found in arid and dry plains of Sindh. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, tropical Africa and Arabia.

Malvaceae 

Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Pers. 

English name: Indian mellow. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial herb or under shrub up to 1 m tall. Leaves soft, lamina heart shaped 

oblong, greyish green with toothed margins attached with long stalk. Flowers dark 

yellow. Fruit having 8 to 12 carpels. 


In Spring and Summer. 

Habitat: 

Fairly common in lower Sindh in sandy soils. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, Arabia and India and Pakistan. 

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176 

Malvaceae 

Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet 

(Syn: Sida indica Linn.) 

English name: Country- mallow. 

Local name: Sindhi- Jhangli-panir, Kapato, Pat-teer, Jangli teer, Urdu- 

Pili-booti, 

Punjabi- 

Petari. 

Description: 

A 1.5 m tall perennial shrub having pubescent stem. Leaves broadly ovate with 

cordate base, usually slightly trilobed towards apex. Flowers orange-yellow, 

solitary-axillary. Fruit have more than 12 segments. 

seeds. 


May to December. 

Habitat: 

Commonly grows in open, waste lands, near cultivated 

fields. 

The plant propagates by 

Uses: 

The root is used to treat cough and fever, a paste of 

seeds or leaves is applied to wounds and is also used 

for boils. Roasted seeds are eaten, bark of the stem 

yields fiber that is suitable for cordage, twine and rope. 

Distribution: 

In Pakistan it is common in Sindh & Punjab, rare in 

N.W.F.P.Distributed in tropics and sub-tropics of new and 

old worlds.

Malvaceae 

Abutilon muticum (Del. ex DC.) Sweet 

(Syn: Sida mutica Del. ex DC.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kapohi, Akarri. 

Description: 

A perennial ever green shrub about 0.5-2 m tall. Leaves are hairy ovate or almost 

round attached with long stalk. Stem stellate pubescent, flowers axillary, solitary or 

fascicled; orange yellow. Fruit globose more than 25 segmented. 


March to October. 

Habitat: 

Common in plains and hills in sandy soils, it occurs in plains 

throughout Pakistan, very common in Sindh. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed in Tropical Africa, Arabia, 


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178 

Malvaceae 

Hibiscus lobatus (J.A. Murray) O. Ktze. 

(Syn: Solandra lobata J. A. Murray) 

English name: Hibiscus. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An erect annual herb height ranges from 25 to 60 cm tall with pubescent stem. 

Leaves very variable in shape and size. Flowers white to pale yellow, axillary solitary 

or in terminal racemes. Fruit slightly globose. Seeds minute black in colour. 


March to June. 

Habitat: 

Found in stony, gravelly soils and slopes of foothills. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica, Pakistan, Madagascar and centralAsia.

Malvaceae 

Hibiscus micranthus L.f. 

English name: 

Local name: Gangati, Jangsopari. 

Description: 

An erect less branched shrub up to 70 cm tall, with scabrid branches. Leaves hairy 

sub-sessile to petiolate with dentate margins. Flowers variable in colour form white to 

pale pink, arise form the axil of leaves. Fruit globose, seeds hairy. 


January to May. 

Habitat: 

The species is commonly found on slopes of hills, and 

gravelly plains. 

Uses: 

The plant is considered as febrifuge. Leaf juice is used 

for renal remedy. 

Distribution: 

In Pakistan common in Sindh and occasionally found in 

Balochistan and N.W.F.P, also distributed in tropical 

Africa, South-Africa, Arabia, India, Sri Lanka and 

Madagascar. 

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180 

Malvaceae 

Hibiscus scindicus Stocks. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A 20 to 25 cm tall under-shrub with many branches. Leaves very variable in shape 

and size, attached with very short stalk, margins dentate. Flowers white to pale pink, 

axillary, solitary, pedicel short 2-7 mm. Fruit globose, seeds covered with soft long 

white hairs. 


February to May. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in stony and gravelly areas. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Balochistan and Sindh.

Malvaceae 

Pavonia arabica Hochst. & Steud. 

English name: 

Local name: Kapaas wal, Hanjo. 

Description: 

An under-shrub growing up to 30 cm tall with pubescent stem. Leaves hairy at 

both side usually broadly oblong. Flowers light pink, axillary solitary. Fruit subglobose, 

dark brown in colour. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in gravelly hill slopes, also in dry river 

beds. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed in Pakistan (Sindh and 

Balochistan), India, Arabia and Ethiopia. 

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182 

Malvaceae 

Senra incana Cav. 

English name: 

Local name: Jhang teer. 

Description: 

An erect or spreading, velvety shrub with many branches and soft hairy. Leaves 

slightly tri-lobed, sub-rounded attached with long stalk. Flowers pale purple to 

purple while dark purple in center. Fruit covered with three large cordate bracts, five 

chambered, seeds almost black, kidney-shaped. 


In most part of the year. 

Habitat: 

Common near sea coasts in moist sandy-loamy soil. 

Considerably salt tolerant 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Arabia, Ethiopia, and Nubia. In Pakistan it is 

found in Sindh and Balochistan.

Malvaceae 

Sida ovata Forssk. 

English name: 

Local name: Ball, Jangli methi. 

Description: 

An erect, perennial medium sized herb or under-shrub, up to 90 cm tall. All parts 

stellate pubescent. Leaves alternate, petiolate, and hairy with toothed margins. 

Flowers white, axillary, solitary or paired. Fruit globose, partially covered in sepals, 

mericarps more than five, each with a very short mucro. 



Habitat: 

Common in dry, gravelly and open plains. 

Uses: 

Seeds are used as a remedy for lumbago. 

Distribution: 

In Pakistan it is common in Sindh and Punjab. 

Distributed in drier parts of Africa, Arabia, India, 

Pakistan and Iran. 

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184 

Malvaceae 

Sida spinosa L. 

English name: Prickly sida, Mallow. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herb or under shrub 25-50 cm tall having prickle or spiny 

structure at the base of the leaf. Flowers small and pale yellow, fruit partially 

enclosed in calyx, mericarps 5, each with an awn. 


June to October. 

Habitat: 

Comm only found in waste grounds, cultivated fields 

and roadside. 

Distribution: 

Tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In 

Pakistan the species only reported for Sindh.

Menispermaceae 

Cocculus hirsutus (L.)Diels 

(Syn: Menispermum hirsutum Linn.) 

English name: Ink berry. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kursan, Vasanvel. Urdu- Jamti-ki-bel. Punjabi- 

Faridbuti. 

Description: 

A climbing or straggling shrub, often densely pubescent-tomentose with cylindrical 

branches. Leaves very variable in shape and size. Flowers minute, unisexual, 

greenish, and inconspicuous. Male and female flowers on separate plants, i.e. 

dioecious. Fruits globose. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in calcareous rocks. 

Uses: 

The plant is useful in fractures, urethral discharge, cures 

chronic rheumatism and venereal diseases. The juice 

is used for skin diseases. Stem is used for making 

basket-work, chairs and settees. 

Distribution: 

India, Pakistan, and tropical Africa. 

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186 

Menyanthaceae 

Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) O.Ktze. 

(Syn: Menyanthes cristata Roxb.) 

English name: Crested floating heart, white snow flake. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual hydrophytic herb with large floating stem and heart-shaped smooth and 

rounded broad leaves, rooting at the nodes. Flowers white. Reproduces by seeds 

and by vegetative means. 



Habitat: 

Found in lakes, stagnant water, ponds and marshy 

areas. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as a substitute for Chiretta in fevers 

and jaundice. Stalks and leaves are pounded with 

oil and applied to ulcers and insect bites and a 

decoction is used as a wash for parasitic skin 

affections. Seeds are considered anthelmintic. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Malaya and China.

187 

Mimosaceae 

Acacia jacquemontii Benth. 

English name: DesertAcacia. 

Local name: Sindhi-Bhawar, Urdu-Kikar. 

Description: 

Acommon gregarious species erect, 1.5-3 m tall, spiny, bushy shrub with profuse branching 

bearing yellow globose flowers-heads. The tiny corollas are red, but the exerted stamens 

are yellow. Pod papery and dehiscent, few- seeded.. Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Found commonly in sandy deserts and rocky areas. 

Uses: 

The wood is of high calorific value. Leaves are used as 

fodder. Gum has medicinal values. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India.

Mimosaceae 

Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Subsp. indica (Benth.) Brenan 

English name: 

Local name: Kikar, Babool, Babar 

Description: 

A medium sized tree but some time reaches up to18 m in height, bark variable in 

color grayish or sometime brownish. Crown flattish or umbrella shaped. It can 

easily be identified by its bright yellow, sweet scented flower heads. 


March - November 

Habitat: 

Found in agricultural lands, road sides and along canal 

banks. 

Uses: 

A good timber tree, Wood is sometimes also used as a 

fuelwood, charcoal, good for carving and turnery, widely 

used for furniture. The leaves and young pods are used as 

fodder. The bark and pods are used in leather Industry for 

tanning the leather. Gum is used as a substitute for the 

Gum Arabic, but inferior in quality than the leather. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India. In Pakistan the plant is commonly 

found in entire Sindh province. 

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189 

Mimosaceae 

Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. 

(Syn: Mimosa senegal Linn.) 

English name: Gum Arabic Tree. 

Local name: Khor, Kumbat, Khair. 

Description: 

A small tree up to 6 m high, branches with typical 3 short spines per node, two 

straight and the middle one hooked, bark grey to brown or blackish. Florets in 

dense,cylindrical spikes, white, pods papery, dehiscent, usually 4-seeded. Seeds 

thin, flattened, dispersal mostly through wind along with pod valves. 


June toAugust or September, depending upon rainfall. 

Habitat: 

Hilly and rocky slopes, sandy deserts. 

Uses: 

The precious res in “Gum Arabic” is widely used in 

pharmaceutical and food industries; also used in many 

other industries . The gum is also used in indigenous 

medicine. A good soil binder that could be planted to 

control erosion. However not properly utilized in Pakistan 

except for fuel wood. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sind, Balochistan); India, Arabia, widely 

distributed in Tropical Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and 

Tanzania.

Meliaceae 

Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. 

(Syn: Melia azadirachta L.) 

English name: Neem tree. 

Local name: Neem, Nim. 

Description: 

A fast growing evergreen tree with very dense crown. The tree height is about 15-20 

meters. Bark whitish-grey to reddish-brown. Branches glabrous. Leaves 

imparipinnate, leaflets alternate to opposite. Flowers white sweet scented. 


April- May. 

Habitat: 

Commonly cultivated in almost every type of habitats. 

Uses: 

The fruits are edible, all parts are medicinally valuable, the 

neem oil used in preparation of cosmetics. Leaves are used 

as pesticide; Neem gum is used as a bulking agent and for 

the preparation of special purpose food for diabetics. It is also 

a source of good timber. 

Distribution: 

Nativeof Burma,AnoldintroductiontoPakistan,Chinaand 

Malaysia. The plant is widely cultivated in Sindh province 

and other parts of the country. 

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191 

Meliaceae 

Melia azedarach L. 

(Syn: Melia orientalis M. Roem.) 

English name: Persian lilac, Bead tree. 

Local name: Bakain, Drek. 

Description: 

A moderate size deciduous tree growing up to 12 m tall with long shallow vertical 

fissures. Flowers small, fragrant arising in clusters. Fruit drupe, yellow and plump 

when ripe. It is a fast growing tree of the plains and foot hills. 


March -April. 

Habitat: 

Commonly cultivated as a shade tree within the houses, 

gardens and at roadsides. 

Uses: 

Leaves, barks and fruits are used internally and externally 

in leprosy and scrofula. Flowers and leaves are 

applied as poultice in headache. Juice of leaf is diuretic 

and anthelmintic. Seeds are used in rheumatism. Fruit 

contains a poisonous constituent, resin, tannin, 

meliotannic acid, benzoic acid and a bitter margosine and 

bakayanin. It is eaten by goats and sheep and the 

stony endocarps are used as beads. 

Distribution: 

Wild in West Himalaya, up to 1700m. Cultivated and 

naturalized in parts of Iran, China, Burma, Turkey, India 

and Pakistan.

Molluginaceae 

Glinus lotoides (L.) O. Kuntze 

(Syn: Mollugo lotoides (Linn.) O. Kuntze) 

English name: Damascisa. 

Local name: Sindhi- Kotak, Katok phatoukar, Kottruk, Punjabi- 

Gandi buti. 

Description: 

An annual procumbent herb, branches up to 40 cm long, branched from base, with woolly 

dense hairs. Leaves small sub-rounded attached with short stalk. Flowers greenish to offwhite 

in axillary clusters. 


Spring and Summer months. 

Habitat: 

Acommon species of river banks and dry stream beds, 

somewhat salt tolerant. 

Uses: 

Medicinally it is used in the treatment of diabetes and skin 

ailments as well as weakness in children. The species is 

also used as effective for tapeworm expulsion. 

Distribution: 

In most tropical parts of the world; Sri Lanka, Africa, India 

and Pakistan. 

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193 

Molluginaceae 

Mollugo cerviana (L.) Seringe 

(Syn: Pharnaceum cerviana Linn.) 

English name: 


Hazar dani, Padu, Iran-ro. 

Description: 

An annual up to 15 cm tall erect or prostrate delicate herb with ascending stem and 

glabrous wiry branches. Leaves linear. Flowers minute about 2 mm. across usually arise 

from the axils of upper leaves, greenish or creamy white. 


Spring season. 

Habitat: 

The species is commonly found in hot sandy and semidesert 

areas, after Winter/Spring rains. 

Uses: 

The herb is considered stomachic, aperient and antiseptic. 

Flowers and tender shoots are diaphoretic and given in 

fevers. An infusion of the plant is given to promote lochial 

discharge. Oil in which roots are boiled is used as an 

application for gout and rheumatism. An alcoholic extract of 

the plant shows antibacterial activity against Escherichia 

coli. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica,Australia, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.

Moraceae 

Ficus benghalensis L. 

(Syn: Ficus indica L.) 

English name: Banyan tree. 

Local name: Bargad, Bar. 

Description: 

A very large evergreen and fast growing tree, 20 (-25) m tall. It has many spreading 

branches with massive stilt roots giving support to the main plant. Trunk massive, 

fluted, bark grey, smooth, young softly white puberulous. It is often planted 

throughout the forest tract and commonly grown in gardens and as a roadside 

shade tree. 


April - July. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated as a shade tree in gardens and roadsides. 

Uses: 

Allpartsofplantsareeffectivelyusedinmedicines.Leafbud 

Is astringent; infusion is given in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Poultice of hot leaves is applied on abscesses. The bark is 

astringent and tonic used in diabetes and leucorrhoea. 

Seediscoolingandtonic.Rootfibreisusedingonorrhoea. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh introduced and widely 

cultivated in tropics and elsewhere. 

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Moraceae 

Ficus religiosa L. 

(Syn: Urostigma religiosum (L.) Gasp.) 

English name: Bo-tree Ficus. 

Local name: Pipal, Pipli. 

Description: 

A tall spreading much branched, deciduous or ever green tree, without aerial roots, 

about 12-20 meters tall. Leaves shiny, leathery with long gradually narrow apex. 

Bark grey, young twigs mostly with new pink leaves. 


February - March. 

Habitat: 

It is planted as an avenue or roadside tree. 

Uses: 

The fruits are commonly eaten by birds as food and in 

times of famine by human beings. The leaves and 

twigs are lopped for cattle and goats. The wood is used 

for packing cases and in sacrificial fires by Hindus. 

Leaves and tender shoots are used as purgative and in 

skin diseases. The fruit is laxative, alterative and cooling. 

Distribution: 

Native to TropicalAsia, introduced elsewhere. 

Drier parts ofAfrica,Arabia, India, Pakistan and Iran.

Moringaceae 

Moringa oleifera Lam. 

(Syn: Moringa edulis Medic.) 

English name: Horse-radish tree, Drum-Stick. 

Local name: Sohanjna, Sohanjro. 

Description: 

A large tree, with gummy bark, younger parts pubescent. Leaves alternate, 

tripinnately imparipinnate, up to 60 cm long, deciduous, rachis pubescent, 

slender, pulvinate and jointed at base. Flowers white with long pedicel, honey 

scented. It is a fast growing perennial softwood tree with timber of low quality. 

All parts of the Moringa tree are edible and have long been consumed by 

humans. 


January -April. 

Habitat: 

Cultivated in the fields, gardens, roadsides. 

Uses: 

Young fruits cooked as vegetable. According to Fuglie Many uses for Moringa include: 

alley cropping(biomass production), animal forage (leaves and treated 

seed-cake), biogas (from leaves), domestic cleaning agent 

(crushed leaves), blue dye (wood), fencing (living trees), 

fertilizer(seed-cake),foliar nutrient (juice expressed from 

the leaves), green manure (from leaves), gum (from tree 

trunks), honey- and sugarcanejuice-clarifier (powdered 

seeds), honey flower nectar), medicine(all plant parts), 

ornamental plantings, biopesticide (soil incorporation of leaves to 

prevent seedling damping off), pulp (wood), rope (bark), 

tannin for tanning hides (Bark and gum), water purification 

(powdered seeds). 

Distribution: 

The tree is indigenous of the sub-Himalayan tracts, it is 

commonly cultivated in the Punjab plains, Sindh, 

Baluchistan and N.W.F.P. as well as throughout India and 

many other tropical countries. In Sindh it is rarely found 

only on the embankment of canals. 

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197 

Myrsinaceae 

Aegiceras corniculatus (L.) Blanco 

English name: Dwarf Mangrove. 

Local name: Karri. 

Description: 

A low evergreen tree or shrub growing1.5-3.5 m high usually gregarious, glabrous. Leaves 

smooth shiny green attached with small reddish stalk. Flowers generally white, 

pentamerous, perfect and fragrant. Fruit cylindrical, slightly curved, pointed at the apex, 

arise in clusters. Seeds germinate in side the fruit. 


February and March. 

Habitat: 

A mangrove species, grows in creeks in the inter-tidal zone. 

Uses: 

Most of the mangrove species are rich in tannin. 

Distribution: 

Seashore of Pakistan, India, Africa, Australia and eastward.

Myrtaceae 

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeel 

(Syn: Eugenia jambolina Lam.) 

English name: Black berry, Jambal. 

Local name: Jaman, Jammo. 

Description: 

A large evergreen tropical tree usually 15-30 meters tall with light grey and slightly 

smooth bark. It has fragrant white flowers in branched clusters at stem tips and 

purplish black oval edible berries. 


March - May. 

Habitat: 

It is a fruit tree mostly cultivated in the edges of Mango 

orchards. 

Uses: 

All parts of the tree can be used medicinally. Its fruit and 

seed are used in bilious diarrhea and diabetes. Juice of 

ripe fruit made into vinegar is used as stomachic, 

carminative and diuretic. Bark is astringent; decoction 

is used as gargle and washes. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Afghanistan, Brazil 

and USA. It is found along the Sub-Himalayan tracts, often 

planted and self sown in plains of Punjab and 

Balochistan. 

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199 

Neuradaceae 

Neurada procumbens L. 

(Syn: Figaraea aegyptiaca Viv.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Kua dhal, Chattari, Mekhwal, Urdu- 

Chapari. 

Description: 

A 10-20 cm long, prostrate annual herb. Branches spreading from the base, stem covered 

with whitish hairs. Leaves fleshy hairy at both sides, margin wavy. Flowers white, small arise 

form the axil of the leaves. Fruit flat disc shaped, covered with small spines. 



Habitat: 

Usually found on compact sand-dunes covered with 

pebbles. 

Uses: 

Local people use leaves as tonic, extract increase blood 

pressure, those people who have cardiovascular disease, 

should be careful to use this plant species. 

Distribution: 

Northern Africa, Westward to Arabia and Pakistan.

Nelumbonaceae 

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. 

English name: Lotus. 

Local name: Sindhi-Babban, Urdu-Kanwal. 

Description: 

An aquatic, perennial freshwater herb growing in shallow water with rhizomes in mud. 

Leaves very broad and rounded usually wavy at the edges, floating or somewhat raised 

above the surface of water. Flower color varying from snow white to light pink to almost red. 

Fruit shower-head shaped, many seeded, seeds dark brown when ripe. Propagates by 

seeds or rhizomes. The species usually disappear during the winter season. 



Habitat: 

Common species of freshwater lakes and pond. 

Uses: 

The flowers, seeds, young leaves, and rhizomes (locally 

known as “Beh”) are all edible, various parts of it are also used 

in traditional Asian herbal medicine, flower is used for 

cholera, diarrhea, vomiting and intermittent fevers and the 

plant is also used for intra-uterine growth retardation, 

diarrhea, dysentery, and skin darkening. Cultivated as a crop 

in Sindh. 

Distribution: 

North Africa to Pakistan, India and Australia. 

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201 

Nyctaginaceae 

Boerhavia diandra L. 

(Syn: Boerhavia repens var. glabra Choisy) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi-Bhakro, Urdu- Bishkhopra, Bashkhira Et-sit, Punjabi-Att-sat. 

Description: 

Aslender, prostrate, herb with up to 1 m long branches, glabrous to sparsely puberulous and 

fleshy, stem woody at the base. Leaves narrow lanceolate with wavy margins. Flowers on 

axillary peduncle in a group of 1 to 3. 


Mostly after monsoon rains. 

Habitat: 

Found mostly in sandy areas with associated of other shrubby 

Plants. 

Uses: 

Apalatable species for livestock. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and India.

Nyctaginaceae 

Boerhavia procumbens Banks ex Roxb. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Nakbel, Bhakro, Urdu- 

Bashkhira. 

Description: 

A perennial diffuse prostrate, puberulous herb. Stem usually red, cylindrical. Leaves 

lanceolate, to ovate variable, Flowers minute in axillary peduncled clusters. Reproduces 

through seeds. Fruits slightly globose.Avariable species by shape and size. 



Habitat: 

Grows on sandy and sand loam soils in deserts. 

Uses: 

Juice of the plant is used as a diuretic, the leaves can also 

be used as a pot herb, favorite fodder for livestock, also 

browsed by sheep, used for the treatment of anemia, 

asthma, muscular pains, jaundice and scabies. 

Distribution: 

NorthAfrica to SouthAsia, India, and Pakistan. 

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203 

Nyctaginaceae 

Commicarpus boissieri (Heimerl) Cufod. 

(Syn: Boerhavia boissieri Heimerl apud Vierhapper) 

English name: 

Local name: Ruper, Sentori, Banwal. 

Description: 

A straggling or decumbent branched perennial herb. Leaves broadly ovate, smooth and 

fleshy. Inflorescence umbel shaped flowers 5 to 7 in each cluster, pink to purple trumpet 

shaped. 



Habitat: 

Found in sandy open places and low-hills, usually associated 

with other shrubby plants like Euphorbia caducifolia. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Pakistan, South Iran and India.

Nymphaeaceae 

Nymphaea nouchalli Willd. 

English name : Water Llily 

Local name : Nilofer, Kuum. 

Description : 

A perennial aquatic herb with rhizomatous stems. Leaves broad rounded, floating on the 

surface of water. Flowers white to lavender (5-) 8-15 (-20) cm across. A fairly common 

flowering species. 

Flowering Period : 


Habitat : 

Commonly found in brackish lakes, ponds, marshy areas 

and rice-fields 

Uses : 

The powdered root is prescribed for piles as a demulcent, 

also for dysentery and dyspepsia, the flowers are 

astringent and cardiotonic. Fruits are edible. 

Distribution : 

Throughout the warmer parts of Indian subcontinent, 

extending to Malaysia, South-East Asia to the Philippines 

and New Guinea. 

204

205 

Orobanchaceae 

Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Hook. f. 

(Syn: Phelypaea tublosa Schrenk) 

English name : Desert hyacinth. 

Local name : Kawar booti, kasi. 

Description : 

A stout fleshy perennial, parasitic herb with underground tubers, only the inflorescence 

comes above the ground surface, ranges from 20-80 cm high, main axis fleshy, purplish with 

dense spirally arranged, trumpet like flowers in variable colours, from bright yellow to 

yellowish white, yellow and violet. 



Habitat : 

Parasite on roots of a number of plant species. Mostly on 

Suaeda and Atriplex in coastal areas, more frequently on 

Calotropis in deserts. 

Uses : 

Medicinally used to stop diarrhoaea. 

Distribution : 

NorthAfrica, West and CentralAsia, Pakistan and India.

206 

Plumbaginaceae 

Limonium stocksii (Boiss.) O. Kuntze 

(Syn: Statice stocksii Boiss.) 

English name : 

Local name : 

Description: 

A perennial dwarf branched shrub. Stem more or less woody, long and strong straggling 

branched, older branches without leaves. Leaves fleshy spade shaped. Flowers minute, 

funnel shaped, light pink to purple, in apical branched cymes. 



Habitat : 

Sandy to clayey-sandy moist saline soils of sea shores and 

inland areas. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,Afghanistan and Iran.

Polygalaceae 

Polygala erioptera DC. 

English name: 

Local name: Visoni, Mondheer. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial herb with woody base, pubescent, 5-32 cm tall, very variable species 

in habit. Leaves narrow linear, sessile or with very short stalk. Flowers purple, yellowishviolet, 

in axillary racemes. Bracts without a prominent reticulate venation. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found in open sandy and stony, gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

Polygala species are used in the treatment of snake-bite, 

the plant is reportedly used as an expectorant and cough 

remedy. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,Arabia, TropicalAsia andAfrica. 

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208 

Polygalaceae 

Polygala irregularis Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Visoni, Mondheer. 

Description: 

An annual or short lived perennial, pubescent 17-40 cm tall with many branches arising 

from the base. Leaves variable in shape linear to lanceolate, pale green. Inflorescence 

terminal raceme. Bracts with prominent reticulate venation. Flowers mauve to purplish 

pink.. Fruit flat, sub-ovate. 



Habitat: 

Found in stable sand between low dunes. 

Uses: 

Used as a fodder, grazed by cattle. 

Distribution: 

Arabia, Pakistan (Sindh and Balochistan) Iran and India.

Polygonaceae 

Calligonum polygonoides L. 

English name: Calligonum. 

Local name: Sindhi- Phog, Punjabi- 

Phog, Phogalli. 

Description : 

A perennial, rigid, much branched, and leafless shrub growing 1.5-2.5 m in height. Leaves 

rudimentary giving a xerophytic character to the plant. Flowers minute white with red to pink 

anthers. Wings of fruit divided into extensive five branches. 


February to June. 

Habitat: 

Atypical species of sandy deserts. 

Uses: 

Fresh floral buds used as vegetable; the decoction of the plant 

is used as gargle for sore throat, leaf juice is used for 

washing eyes, also serve as a fodder. 

Distribution: 

Syria, Palestine,Arabia, Iraq, Iran,Afghanistan, Turkey, 

India and Pakistan. 

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210 

Polygonaceae 

Persicaria barbata (L.) Hara 

(Syn: Polygonum barbatum Linn.) 

English name: 

Local name: Naar. 

Description: 

An erect, 30-60 (-75) cm tall, sometimes decumbent or prostrate, branched annual herb. 

Leaves narrow linearusually sub-sessile stipules (ochreae) with long awns. Flowers white 

arranged in terminal spike. 


March to May. 

Habitat: 

Found in moist soil near lakes, reservoirs and water courses. 

Uses: 

Apoisonous herb used as fish poison. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Western Asia, Himalayas, India, Pakistan, China 

extending to Japan and Australia.

Polygonaceae 

Persicaria glabra (Willdenow) M. Gomez de la Maza. 

(Syn: Polygonum glabrum Willd.) 

English name: 

Local name: Naar. 

Description: 

A perennial tall erect, semiaquatic to aquatic herb, about 70 cm high, entirely glabrous 

except the leaves, which are often red-gland dotted. Stem usually red at the base. Leaves 

narrow linear. Flowers pinkish in dense spikes. Propagates by seeds. 


October to March. 

Habitat: 

Grows in ditches, river-banks and lakes. 

Uses: 

The plant is used to poison fish. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAsia, Pakistan, India extending up to Malaysia and 

Philippine;Africa. 

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Polygonaceae 

Polygonum effusum Meisn. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Aprofusely branched, prostrate annual herb with channeled or ribbed stem. Leaves linear to 

narrow oblong, sessile, glabrous, Inflorescence an axillary clusters of 1-3 flowers per 

clusters; flowers with short stalk, pink in colour. 



Habitat: 

Common on wet soils around lakes, cultivated fields. 

Distribution: 

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, andAfghanistan.

Polygonaceae 

Polygonum plebejum R. Br. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi-Kheer wal, Punjabi-Raniphal. 

Description: 

A prostrate, densely branched, annual herb, often with woody root stock. Flowers sunken 

between ochreae or hardly exserted, minute. The species is more or less same as P. 

effusum but can be distinguished by number of stemens (5) and flowers without stalk 

(sessile). 


February to June. 

Habitat: 

Found usually in gravelly, stony and moist soil near water 

bodies. 

Uses: 

Dried and powdered plant is used in the treatment of 

pneumonia. Root is used in bowel complaints. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tropical East Africa, 

Madagascar Bhutan extending to Australia through 

Indonesia and Malaysia. 

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214 

Polygonaceae 

Rumex dentatus L. subsp klotzschianus (Meisen.) Rech.f. 

English name: 

Local name: Maleero, Jangli Palak. 

Description: 

An erect, annual or biennial herb, up to 60 cm tall. Leaves fleshy soft and glabrous with wavy 

margins, lower leaves form rosette (larger than the upper leaves). Flowers green in 

verticillate clusters subtended by small leaves. 


February and March. 

Habitat: 

Grows mostly in moist areas and as a weed in agricultural 

fields. 

Uses: 

Leaves are consumed as cooked vegetable and are rich 

source of calcium, Beta-carotene and vitamin. 

Distribution: 

Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and East Asia. It is a highly 

polymorphic species; in Pakistan it is only represented by 

Subsp. klotzschianus.

Portulacaceae 

Portulaca oleracea L. 

English name: Common/edible purslane. 

Local name: Sindhi- Lunak, Khat khatani, Urdu- Kulfa, Punjabi- 

Lunak. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial, prostrate or erect, 25 cm tall, succulent, glabrous green or purplish 

green herb. It becomes reddish in dry condition. Leaves shiny green, smooth, spoon 

shaped. Flowers small, sessile, yellow, terminal, solitary or in small cluster. Flowers remain 

open till mid-day. 


January to December. 

Habitat: 

Common roadside plant, in gardens on damp and disturbed 

soils. Spontaneous as well as cultivated as a leafy vegetable. 

Uses: 

Used as a vegetable in diseases of liver, kidney and lungs, 

leaves used in salad and stems pickled; stem and leaves 

used in traditional medicine. Caterpillars of Great & Danaid 

Egg fly butterflies feed on this plant. 

Distribution: 

Found in all warmer parts of the world. 

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216 

Primulaceae 

Anagallis arvensis L. var. coerulea (L.) Gouan. 

English name: Blue pimpernel. 

Local name: Didir barseeng, Jonk mari, Billi booti. 

Description: 

An annual erect or sometime prostrate herb growing up to 20 cm tall. Leaves opposite, 

sessile. Stem quadrangular and much branched from the base. Flowers axillary solitary, 

deep blue with red centre. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found as a weed in agricultural fields, plantations and 

moist areas. 

Uses: 

In Vitro and animal tests showed the herb to have fungitoxic, 

antiviral, spermicidal, estrogenic, oxytocic and hemolytic 

effects. In Indian medicine it is employed as a treatment for 

menstruation disorders. In Chinese medicine the herb is used 

for snake bites, dog bites, joints ailments and edema. In 

Homeopathic medicine it is used in the treatment of skin 

rashes, warts and urinary tract infections. 

Distribution: 

Almost cosmopolitan.

Ranunculaceae 

Ranunculus sceleratus L. 

English name: Cursed buttercup. 

Local name: Kabikaj. 

Description: 

An annual (or biennial), stout, erect and fast growing soft and succulent herb up to 80 cm tall. 

Leaves with long hollow stalk, lamina segmented multi-lobed. Flowers yellow with green 

sub-rounded or cylindrical extended torus, terminal on short branches in upper part of plant. 



Habitat: 

Found in marshes and wet places. Rare in Sindh. 

Uses: 

The plant is poisonous. Leaves are vesicant and applied 

to the skin to raise blisters. 

Distribution: 

Nearly in all parts of Europe,Asia and NorthernAfrica. 

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218 

Resedaceae 

Ochradenus baccatus Delile 

English name: 

Local name: Balochi-kirmkush. 

Description: 

A straggling shrub to small tree about 2.5 to 3 m tall sometimes polygamous. A desert 

species with pretty greenish-yellow branches. Leaves very narrow and linear, without stalk. 

Flowers minute, yellow in dense terminal raceme. Fruit small about 5 mm. globose, white. 


During Spring and Summer months. 

Habitat: 

Grows in hot dry, rocky and sandy places. 

Uses: 

The fruitis sweet and edible.The whole plantdecoction is 

applied to wounds and sores to kill maggots. The plant is 

browsed by cattle 

Distribution: 

Libya to Egypt, Ethiopia, Somali land, Middle East to South 

Iran and Pakistan.

Rhamnaceae 

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. 

(Syn: Ziziphus jujuba Lam.) 

English name: Indian plum. 

Local name: Beri, Ber. 

Description: 

A medium sized evergreen much branched tree or large shrub about 9-15 m 

high with spreading and drooping branches. Young branches are softly 

tomentose having greenish yellow, flowers. Leaves ovate, oblong, ellipticovate, 

glabrous and dark green above, greyish pale-coloured and densely 

tomentose beneath. 


September - December. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found throughout the plains of Sindh. 

Uses: 

Its fruit is fleshy and juicy, sweet in taste and useful 

for the purification of blood and for digestion. Bark is 

used in diarrhea. Powdered root is applied on wounds 

and ulcers as poultice and also in fever. The wood is 

used for building purposes, railway sleepers, furniture, 

lacquered toys etc. 

Distribution: 

India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, China, 

Australia and Tropical Africa. 

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220 

Rhamnaceae 

Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wt. & Arn. 

(Syn: Rhamnus nummularia Burm.f.) 

English name: Ziziphus. 

Local name: Jangli beri, Mallah, Ber, Karkana. 

Description: 

A bushy large, much branched shrub with small spines. Leaves hairy, rounded, small, dark 

green above, greyish on undersurface. Flowers small, green, inconspicuous, 3-4 mm in 

diameter. Fruit rounded. Propagates naturally by root suckers as well as by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in slopes of hills, dry, stony and gravelly 

areas. 

Uses: 

Leaves are used in scabies and other skin diseases and as 

fodder for cattle preferred by goats. Stem is used for hedge 

purpose and as fuel wood species. Its fruit is used as a wild 

fruit. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed in Asian countries, Pakistan, India, 

Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine.

Rosaceae 

Potentilla heynii Roth. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Decumbent much hairy herb. Leaves compound leaflets deeply divided, soft, hairy. Stem is 

soft herbaceous covered with dense whitish hairs. Flowers minute, yellow. 



Habitat: 

On wet soils near water bodies. Rare in Sindh. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. 

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222 

Rubiaceae 

Kohautia retrorsa (Boiss.) Bremek 

(Syn: Oldeniandia retrorsa Boiss.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial much branched greyish-green erect herb, woody at the base, di-trichotomously 

branched. Leaves mostly found only at the base of plant. Flowers greenish white to 

brownish with long narrow basal tube. Fruit globose. 



Habitat: 

Common species of sandy areas and dry river beds. 

Distribution: 

Found in all dry part of the world.

Salicaceae 

Populus euphratica Olivier 

English name: Indian poplar, Euphrates poplar 

Local name: Bhan, Bahan. 

Description: 

A deciduous tree up to 15 meter tall, sucker formation common, bark grayish. Young 

branches yellowish brown, glabrous. Leaves leathery, glabrous, variable in size and 

shapes. The trees are dioecious i.e. male and female flowers are on separate trees 

and are pollinated by wind. 


February-March. 

Habitat: 

Along river banks and margins of lakes. 

Uses: 

Timber of the tree used for construction purposes. 

Leaves of the plant used as fodder for goats It is also used 

for fuel wood in Sindh. While in Punjab, it is used for well 

curbs and for ternery. The gum of bark has medicinal 

properties. 

Distribution: 

Globally the plant is distributed inAfghanistan; Iran; Iraq; 

Kazakstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, 

North Africa and Spain. In Pakistan along Indus River in 

Sindh, Keenjhar lake and Chotiari reservoir. 

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224 

Salvadoraceae 

Salvadora oleoides Decne. 

(Syn: Salvadora stocksii Wight) 

English name: Salvadora. 

Local name: Khabbar, Jhal, peelu. 

Description: 

A dwarf tree with drooping, stiff, rough, whitish branches, not exceeding a height of 

20 feet and a girth of 3 feet. Flowers greenish white, with round lobes and wavy 

margins. Fruit a drupe, orange to dull red on maturation. It produces new leaves 

during April, which on maturity become thick and leathery. The growth rate is very 

slow. 


March- June. 

Habitat: 

Common in the dry, arid, semi-arid areas of Sindh. 

Uses: 

The plant provides a dense shade. It is often lopped for 

camel and goat fodder. The fruits are edible. It forms one of 

the main grazing sources for livestock owned by locals. 

Wood is used as fuelwood and construction material. The 

seeds have medicinal value in the shape of green oil 

obtained form the seeds. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (especially in Sindh), India (Gujrat, Junagarh, 

Rajputana).

Salvadoraceae 

Salvadora persica L. 

(Syn: Salvadora wightiana Planch ex Thwaites) 

English name: Tooth brush tree. 

Local name: Khabbar, Pilu, Darakht-i-miswak 

Description: 

A small evergreen shrub to tree reaching a height of 2-6 m. Its trunk is erect, 

profusely branched, glabrous with drooping branches. Young branches green in 

color and bark slightly rough whitish yellow to almost white but on stem somewhat grey 

and rugose. Ripe fruits bright red. 


November - March. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found in saline areas. 

Uses: 

Its roots and branches are commonly used as tooth 

brush. Its fruit is sweet but slightly pungent and peppery 

in taste, eaten as raw, cooked, or dried and stored. Young 

branches are favorite fodder for camels. Decoction of 

leaves is used for mouth wash and masticated leaves for 

tooth and gum problems. Seeds are used as tonic and 

seed oil is used on the skin for rheumatism. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in drier parts of Pakistan, Arabia, 

Palestine, Syria and Africa. 

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226 

Scrophulariaceae 

Anticharis linearis (Bth.) Hochst. ex Aschers 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Small much branched erect densely glandular hairy herb, up to 20 cm tall. Leaves sessile, 

narrow, linear. Flowers small, pale pink to pale bluish. Fruit about 6 mmhairy having many 

minute oblong seeds. 



Habitat: 

Found in stony and sandy grounds. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica,Arabia and Pakistan.


Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettstein 

(Syn: Lysimachia monnieri L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Lonri, Beypitee wal, Bokhani. 

Description: 

A creeping perennial, prostrate branched fleshy herb reaching at the height of 30 cm. 

Rooting at the nodes. Leaves fleshy spade shaped, sessile. Flowers solitary, axillary 

lavender to bluish. Fruit oblong with minute many seeds. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in wet edges of ponds, lakes and marshy place, 

in brackish habitats. 

Uses: 

The plant is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and 

useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of 

spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, 

biliousness. It is also used for blood purification, diarrhea 

and fevers. The plant is also grazed by livestock but 

problematic. Considered as brain tonic. 

Distribution: 

A widely spread species, almost found in all warmer 

countries. 

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228 


Lindenbergia indica (L.) Vatke. 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu- Bhinta-chatti. 

Description: 

An annual, erect herb, often villous and woody at the base, reaches at a height of 8-30 cm. 

Leaves soft hairy sub-rounded (very variable in shape and size). Flowers small, bright 

yellow in terminal spikes. Fruit many seeded. 


February to October. 

Habitat: 

Prefers stony soil, hill slopes, also in dry stream beds. 

Uses: 

The juice of the plant is administered in chronic bronchitis, 

and mixed with coriander applied to skin eruptions. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed fromAbyssinia toAfghanistan, India 

and Pakistan.


Schweinfurthia papilionacea (Burm.f.) Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Sonpat, Urdu- 

Sanipat. 

Description: 

A decumbent, glabrous somewhat fleshy herb, branched from the base, erect or spreading 

about 30 cm long. Stem densely leafy. Leaves smooth. Flowers bi-labiate, light purple with 

yellow palate axillary sub-sessile. Fruit spherical capsule with typically unequal chambers. 



Habitat: 

Grows on stony and sandy grounds. 

Uses: 

Powdered herb is snuffed in nose bleeding. Fruit, leaves and 

stem are prescribed in typhoid fever. The leaves are useful 

for the cure of diabetes. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India andAfghanistan. 

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230 


Verbascum thapsus L. 

English name: Great mullein. 

Local name: Gider tambaku, Jangli Tambaku. 

Description: 

A hairy annual or perennial erect herb can grow to 2 m or more. Leaves and stem covered 

with dense tomemtum. Leaves large arranged radically. Flowers yellow in terminal spike. 

Fruit globose, many seeded. 



Habitat: 

It is usually found on slopes and rocky places. 

Uses: 

Seeds are narcotic. It has emollient and astringent properties 

and used in herbal remedies for cough and other related 

problems, topically applied for skin diseases. It is also used to 

make dyes and torches. 

Distribution: 

NorthAfrica, Europe,Asia, and Pakistan.

Solanaceae 

Datura fastuosa L. 

(Syn: Datura alba Rumphius ex Nees) 

English name: Thorn apple/double purple. 

Local name: Datror, Dhatura. 

Description: 

Large herb to subshrub, about 40-100 cm or more tall with glabrous branches. Leaves 

angular, dark green margin wavy or dentate. Flowers trumpet shaped, usually white or 

sometime pale violaceous, or purplish. Fruit globose covered with rigid prickles, many 

seeded. 


September toApril. 

Habitat: 

Mostly found near human settlements in sandy and gravelly 

somewhat moist soil. 

Uses: 

It is a highly poisonous species; seeds are used in different 

skin diseases and in the whooping cough asthma. Juice of 

leaves are used in body pain e.g. toothache, earache, gout 

pain. 

Distribution: 

Native to TropicalAmerica, now widespread in Tropical and 

Subtropical countries all over the World. 

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232 

Solanaceae 

Datura stramonium L. 

(Syn: Datura tatula L.) 

English name: Thorn apple. 

Local name: Datror. 

Description: 

A tall pubescent, much branched, herbaceous plant of 60 to 200 cm or more in height. 

Leaves ovate to broadly cordate, sinuately dentate, margin dentate, 8 - 17 cm long, 4 - 13 cm 

broad. Flower white, pentamerous, corolla tubular, 7-10 cm long. Fruit erect, 3- 4 cm long, 

ovoid, spiny but spine length shorter than the spines of D. fastuosa. Seeds black, 3 mm long. 


June to July. 

Habitat: 

Found in waste lands, roadsides. 

Uses: 

Whole plant is highly poisonous, particularly the seeds. The plant 

has high medicinal value, used in fevers, for worms, skin 

diseases, boils and indigestion. All part of the plant contain 

alkaloids as Hyoscyamine, which have a powerful narcotic 

effect. 

Distribution: 

Temperate and subtropical regions of the world. A native of 

tropical America, naturalized in most of the warm countries 

world over.

Solanaceae 

Lycium edgeworthii Dunal 

(Syn: Lycium europeum auctt.) 

English name: 

Local name: Khandheri, Marari, Takar. 

Description: 

A much branched large, thorny, glabrous large shrub with the height range from 50-100 cm 

tall. Leaves small narrow elliptic to obovate in clusters of 3 to 5. Flowers white, solitary 

axillary or in group of 3 flowers between the whorled leaves. Fruit globose, fleshy, red, 

many seeded. 


Spring and summer. 

Habitat: 

It is common and gregarious in open dry and hot places in 

the plains. 

Uses: 

The dried stem is usually used as fuel by locals. 

Distribution: 

Southern Iran, Pakistan and India. 

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234 

Solanaceae 

Lycium ruthenicum Murray. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi-Khandheri, Garai, Marari, Balochi-Jarak. 

Description: 

Athorny, glabrous shrub up to 180 cm tall. Leaves linear and fleshy. The species can readily 

be distinguished by the narrow leaves. Flowers white. Fruit black. 



Habitat: 

It grows on a variety of soils, sandy, loamy and clayey soil. 

Uses: 

Fruit can be eaten as raw or cooked. It is a rich source of 

vitamins and minerals (Vit A,C and E). Medicinally used 

to reduce the incidence of cancer and opthalmic diseases. 

The juice is used as an ointment for camel. 

Distribution: 

South-East Russia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and 

Afghanistan.

Solanaceae 

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. 

English name: 

Tex-mex tobacco/sweet scented tobacco. 

Local name: Jhang tambaku. 

Description: 

An erect-viscid-pubescent annual to perennial herb usually 40-60 cm tall with white or pale 

pink, nocturnal, fragrant flowers. Leaves variable lower large and upper linear and small 

without stalk. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist places usually near cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

All parts of plants are poisonous. 

Distribution: 

Native to Mexico and the West Indies. Distributed in Tropical 

America, widely naturalized elsewhere. 

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236 

Solanaceae 

Physalis divaricata D. Don. 

(Syn: Physalis minima Auctt.) 

English name: Cape-gooseberry, Lesser ground-cherry. 

Local name: Sindhi-Khar tot, Urdu-Aknaj, Punjabi- 

Tulati-pati, Kaknaj. 

Description: 

An erect or sub-erect, herbaceous, annual plant grows 15-40 cm tall. Leaves angular, 

dentate at the margins. Flowers pale yellow funnel shaped about 6 mm across, solitary. Fruit 

globose, yellowish orange when ripe, many seeded, enclosed in enlarged calyx. 



Habitat: 

Acommon field weed; found in moist soil near water bodies. 

Uses: 

The plant is recommended in cases of inflammations, 

urinary disorders, fever, earache, headache and diabetes. 

Decoction of the root is taken to cure diabetes; the plant is 

made in to a paste with rice water and applied to restore 

flaccid breasts, fruit is edible and also used for gonorrhea. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,Afghanistan and eastward to Nepal.

Solanaceae 

Physalis peruviana L. 

English name: cape- gooseberry. 

Local name: Khar tot, Rasbhary. 

Description: 

A pubescent-villous herb with the height ranges from 30-60 cm. The plant resembles with P. 

divaricata but more hairy. Leaves sub-rounded, margin dentate. Flowers yellow axillary 

solitary. Fruit globose, many seeded, enclosed in enlarged calyx. 



Habitat: 

It is both cultivated and found as an escape. 

Uses: 

It has bright yellow berries sweet when ripe, edible and used for 

making jams, pies and snacks. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAmerica, cultivated or naturalized everywhere. 

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238 

Solanaceae 

Solanum cordatum Forssk. 

(Syn: Solanum gracilipes Decne) 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu- Halum. 

Description: 

A woody, prickly-scrambling under-shrub, with slender branches and sub-cordate to round 

leaves growing up to 1 m tall. Flowers purple with yellow erect central showy anthers. Fruits 

globose, orange, many seeded. 


Starts after monsoon rains sometime also after Spring rain. 

Habitat: 

It is found in dry rocky and gravelly soils. 

Uses: 

Juice from the fruit and leaves are used in ostitis. 

Distribution: 

Distributed inArabia, Pakistan and India.

Solanaceae 

Solanum nigrum L. 

English name: Black night shade 

Local name: Paat-peron, Kach mach, makoh, Kaabherun, 

Description: 

An annual, erect herb about 30 to 60 cm tall branched herb. Leaves petiolate, ovate to 

lanceolante, generally sinuate-toothed. Inflorescence extra-axillary, subumbellate cyme, 3 

to 8 flowered. Flowers white 6 to 10 mm across. Fruit berry, 6 mm across. Variable in colour, 

generally black when ripe. 

Flowering Period; 

Occurs almost all the year round. 

Habitat: 

A common plant found in moist and shady areas around 

agricultural fields, gardens and near settlements. 

Uses: 

Leaves are cooked as vegetable as used during the 

pregnancy and as an herbal treatment for dizziness and 

morning sickness; juice of the leaves is used for jaundice 

and inflammation of the liver; decoction of berries and flowers 

is used in cough. Ripened fruits are effective for treating 

heart, eye, piles and asthma diseases. Fruit widely used in 

Unani Tibb. Unripe fruit is poisonous. 

Distribution: 

Cosmopolitan in distribution. 

239

Solanaceae 

Solanum surattense Burm.F. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Aderi, Kori, Kanderi, Urdu- Bhakka-tiya, Punjabi- 

Kandiari. 

Description: 

A prostrate much branched spreading herb with dark green spiny leaves. Flowers 2-4, 

purple; on pedunculate cymes. Stem and branches glabrous to stellate pubescent, spiny. 

Fruit berry, rounded about 2 cm across, yellow when ripe. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found near settlements, waste places, near 

agricultural field, dry river beds. 

Uses: 

The herb can be used to treat constipation, and flatulence, 

especially useful in throat disorders. Fruit is also considered 

medicinally important, used in cough, asthma, fever and 

different pains. 

Distribution: 

NorthernAfrica, South and South-EastAsia,Australia, and 

Polynesia. 

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241 

Solanaceae 

Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal 

(Syn: Puneeria coagulans Stocks, J. Roy) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Panirband, Panir, Urdu- 

Habbul. 

Description: 

A rigid grayish green, much branched ascending shrub up to 1 m tall, stellate-tomentose 

with greenish yellow unisexual flowers. Leaves usually elongated attached with very short 

petiole. Fruit globose, dark yellow when ripe, many seeded. Male and female flower 

separate but on same plant. 



Habitat: 

It is fairly common in dry hot and stony places. 

Uses: 

The fruit is emetic and diuretic and also has milk coagulating 

properties. They are useful in chronic complaints of liver. 

In the dried form they are employed in dyspepsia, flatulent 

colic and other intestinal affections. The fruits are also used 

for the treatment of asthma, biliousness and strangury. 

Powdered dry fruits used for coagulating milk. 

Distribution: 

Iran,Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Solanaceae 

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal 

(Syn: Physalis somnifera L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi-Aksan, 

Jangli lyaar, Asgand 

Description: 

Asuffruticose evergreen low shrub with the height range of 60-75 cm tall. Leaves thin ovate, 

usually two at each node. Flowers sub-sessile, greenish-yello, in clusters in leaf axils. Fruit 

globose, red when ripe, enclosed in enlarged calyx. 


Mostly throughout the year. 

Habitat: 

Common throughout in waste places. 

Uses: 

The plant parts have alkaloids with sedative properties; 

the root is used in rheumatism and debility. The leaves are 

used in fevers; a concoction of roots is useful for ulcers, 

boils. The fruit’s poisonous, may be lethal for children. 

Roots are reported to be effective in treating leucoderma, 

constipation, tissue building, and nervous breakdown. 

The herb helps to cure female sterility. Powder of the 

root in 6 gm doses can be taken with milk for 5-6 successive 

nights after menstruation. The leaves of the plant are 

beneficial in treating several skin diseases. 

Distribution: 

Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Africa, Iraq, Southern Iran, 

Syria, Turkey, Palestine, Arabia, Pakistan and India. 

242

243 

Sphenocleaceae 

Sphenoclea zeylanica Gaertn 

English name: Chickenspike, Gooseweed. 

Local name: Aiker. 

Description: 

Asemi-aquatic annual erect glabrous herb. Branches somewhat succulent with more or less 

hollow stem. Flowers minute white or greenish yellow, arranged in compact terminal spikes, 

only a few opening at a time. 



Habitat: 

Found near water bodies or in moist soil of cultivated fields. 

Frequent in rice fields. 

Description: 

Trop.Africa,Asia andAmerica, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, 

Indonesia, Malaysia Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, 

Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Sterculiaceae 

Melhania denhamii R. Br. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A small hairy under-shrub, up to 60 cm tall. Leaves oblong, hairy, pale green with dentate 

margins. Inflorescence 2-5 flowered, pseudoumbellate cyme. Flowers pale yellow, solitary, 

peduncle up to 1 cm long. Fruit enclosed in persisting bracts. 



Habitat: 

The species is found in rocky, hilly and hot sandy deserts. 

Uses: 

The leaves and flowers are used as cooling agents and as blood 

purifiers. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica,Arabia, Pakistan (Balochistan, Sindh). 

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245 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst 

(Syn: Thuja aphylla L.) 

English name: Desert Palm, Salt Ceder, Tamarisk. 

Local name: Lawa. 

Description: 

Tree up to 12 meters tall. It is a salt tolerant plant usually grows in saline soil. The bark 

of young branches is smooth and reddish-brown. As the plants age, the bark 

becomes brownish-purple, ridged and furrowed. Leaves vaginate. Tiny seeds 

dispersed by wind. 


June- October. 

Habitat: 

Generally grows in sandy soil in hot open places or 

between sand-dunes. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as ornamental and shade plant, wood 

is used as fuel wood, the bark and irregularly rounded 

galls (Sakun hi Sindhi) are used for tanning. 

Distribution: 

Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Senegal, 

Sudan, Abyssinia, Somaliland, Kenya), Middle East 

(Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, 

Iran) Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix alii Qaiser 

English name: Tamarisk. 

Local name: Lai. 

Description: 

Alarge woody shrub, 1-2.5(-3) m tall, with reddish brown bark. Leaves minute, vaginate with 

pointed tips. Flowers pale pink with usually reflexed petals, arranged in spikes usually in 

large terminal, inflorescence. 



Habitat: 

Found around water bodies in slightly saline soil. 

Uses: 

The plant is used in basket making, cages preparation, as a 

fuel wood and in construction purposes. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Pakistan (Sindh and Southern Balochistan). 

246

247 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix dioica Roxb. ex Roth. 


Local name: Farash, Lai, Lawi. 

Description: 

A large branched shrub or under-sized tree with entirely glabrous, reddish bark. Leaves 

vaginate. Flowers purple or dark pink, sub-sessile. The only species of genus Tamarix 

having unisexual flowers, both the sexes on separate trees. 


May to November. 

Habitat: 

Found around water bodies or in marshy areas. 

Uses: 

Gallsand twigs are used asan astringent, in Pakistan, the leaves 

form an ingredient of an herbal drug, used against jaundice, 

the drug found to be effective, safe and well tolerated by 

patients. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran, andAfghanistan to Burma.

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix indica Willd. 

English name: Tamarisk 


Description: 

A tall shrub or small sized tree, 2-6(-8) m high with reddish brown glabrous bark. Leaves 

psuedo-vaginate. Flowers small and pale or dark pink in color, petals deciduous. Fruit about 

6 mm long. 



Habitat: 

It is found in sandy, saline areas ; abundant on river 

banks;also found in water logged areas, usually growing in 

association with Salvadora persica. 

Uses: 

Wood is used as a fuel, used for making baskets, young 

shoots are grazed by goats. 

Distribution: 

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan andAfghanistan. 

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249 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix kermanensis Baum. 

English name: Tamarix. 

Local name: Lawa, Lai. 

Description: 

Up to 10m tall tree with somewhat brownish black glabrous bark. Racemes aestival, 

flowers bracteates, pentamerous, pink to purplish pink. 


July-September. 

Habitat: 

Generally found in gravelly and dry areas. 

Uses: 

Used in basket making, wood is used for fuel and 

construction purposes. 

Distribution: 

Distributed in South Western Iran and Pakistan.

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix pakistanica Qaiser 

English name: 


Description: 

An erect tall shrub, growing 2-3 m in height. Branches sub-glabrous to hairy bearing pale or 

dark pink flowers, stamens 5, flowers always pentamerous. Fruits pyramidal in shape. 



Habitat: 

The species is very common in saline sandy grounds and 

edges of slightly saline water bodies. 

Uses: 

Used for fuel wood, basket making and as a fodder for 

goats. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan and adjacent part of India (Rajhastan). 

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251 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix passerinoides var. macrocarpa Del. ex Desv. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A medium size shrub about 1-3 m tall, with dense amplexicaul leaves, younger parts 

pubescent, with grayish brown to blackish brown bark. Flowers pentamerous, with 7 to 10 

stamens larger than all other species of Tamarix, pinkish to purplish pink. Fruit pyramid 

shaped. 


February to March and again in August to October. 

Habitat: 

Sandy-clayey saline moist soils in water logged areas, 

brackish lakes margins, coastal areas near intertidal zones. 

Distribution: 

Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Algeria 

and Pakistan.

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix sarenensis Qaiser 


Local name: Lawa, Lai. 

Description: 

A branched shrub, 1-1.5 m tall, entirely glabrous with reddish brown bark. Leaves very 

minute, vaginate. Flowers pinkish, stamens more than 5. 


January to October. 

Habitat: 

Found around the edges of water bodies and marshy areas. 

Uses: 

Used as a fuel wood. 

Distribution: 

Found only in Sindh (Pakistan). 

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253 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix sultanii Qaiser. 



Description: 

Ashrub or small tree, 1.5-3 m in height with brownish glabrous bark. Leaves vaginate ending 

abruptly in a short spine, flowers pink, Stamens 5. 



Habitat: 

Found in saline and fine soil. 

Uses: 

Used as a fuel-wood, in construction by locals, basket making. 

Distribution: 

Only known from lower Sindh.

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix szovitsiana Bunge. 



Description: 

An entirely glabrous shrub with grayish brown bark. Leaves with narrow base. Flowers 

tetramerous, pink or pale pink. Spike dense and comparatively broader. Stamens 4, style 4. 



Habitat: 

Found in slightly saline and moist habitat. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as fuel wood and grazed by goats when 

young. 

Distribution: 

Russia, Iran and Pakistan. 

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255 

Tiliaceae 

Corchorus aestuans L. 

English name: White Jute. 

Local name: Mandhiri, Chonch. 

Description: 

An erect or spreading, annual much branch herb, 20-60 cm tall. Stem and branches purple 

with golden yellow flowers. Fruit elongated, three chambered, angular three winged. 

Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found on uncultivated lands and on moist soils. 

Uses: 

Tender shoots and leaves are cooked as vegetable. The 

roots and the leaves are said to cure gonorrhoea and used 

in making an injection for urethral discharge. The juice of the 

root is valued in treating malarial fever. Seeds are 

stomachiac and used in pneumonia. 

Distribution: 

Throughout Pakistan, also distributed in India, Sri Lanka, 

Bangladesh, Burma, Malaya, Indo-China, Australia, 

Tropical Africa, West Indies, and Central America.

Tiliaceae 

Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks 

(Syn: Antichorus depressus Linn.) 

English name: Wild-jute. 

Local name: Sindhi- Mundheri, Urdu- Bahu-phali, Punjabi- 

Babuna. 

Description: 

Amat-forming, prostrate, much branched woody perennial herb. Branches up to 40 cm long 

bearing minute, yellow flowers. 



Habitat: 

Commonin sandyclayor gravellyareas in arid and semiregions. 

Uses: 

The decoction of seed is used as tonic; mucilage is used as 

tonic; also used in gonorrhoea. Decoction of seeds and 

leaves with milk and sugar is a good tonic, seeds are 

boiled to use for cooling effects. 

Distribution: 

Central and north west India and Pakistan to north and 

tropical Africa, and Cape Verde Islands. 

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257 

Tiliaceae 

Corchorus olitorius L. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Tossa jute. 

Description: 

A thick, erect annual or biennial and sub-glabrous herb. Stem is basally woody and 

branched. Flowers yellow, peduncles 2-3 flowered. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist shady places and edges of agricultural lands 

in Banana orchards. 

Uses: 

In India and Bangladesh it is cultivated as commercial jute 

fiber, up to 3 m. High in cultivation. Seeds are used as a 

purgative and infusion of leaves is used as tonics, its 

fruit contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Also used as leafy 

vegetable. 

Distribution: 

Tropics, India and Pakistan.

Tiliaceae 

Corchorus tridens L. 

English name: Wild jute. 

Local name: Datro. 

Description: 

An erect or sub-erect annual herb about 30-60 cm tall. Stem and branches glabrous with 

sub-sessile yellow flowers. Fruit elongated capsule, apex divided into three projections. 



Habitat: 

Common in cultivated fields and waste lands on sandy alluvial 

moist soils, particularly after rains. 

Uses: 

The younger leaves and shoots are used as pot herb; used as 

fodder for camels and goats. Stem yields a good fiber which is 

used in north Nigeria and elsewhere for fishing lines. 

Distribution: 

widespread in tropical and sub-tropical countries ofAfrica, 

Asia, and in northAustralia. 

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259 

Tiliaceae 

Corchorus trilocularis L. 

English name: Malta/Wild jute. 

Local name: Sindhi- Datro, Urud- Kadu-kast, Punjabi- Kaunti, Balochi-Diatra. 

Description: 

An erect or sub-erect annual or rarely perennial under shrub with the height range from30- 

60 cm tall, having bright yellow flowers. Stem profusely branched from the base. Fruit 

elongated capsule, apex undivided. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in plains and low hills in moist shady places 

and sandy to silty clay loam soils of barren land. 

Uses: 

Seeds are used in fever and obstruction of the abdominal 

viscera, mucilage demulcent. The coarse fiber is employed in 

manufacturing cordage. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Australia, 

tropical and northAfrica.

Tiliaceae 

Grewia erythraea Schweinf. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Aperennial, woody dense shrub with the height up to 150 cm. Leaves ovate to rounded with 

dentate margins attached with small stalk. Flowers usually single, white about 2 cm across. 

Fruit 2-4 lobed drupe, dark yellow to red, glabrous. 


August to February. 

Habitat: 

Found in gravelly and hilly slopes. 

Uses: 

Fruit is edible and medicinally used as tranquillizer to treat 

headache. 

Distribution: 

Arabia and tropicalAsia. 

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261 

Tiliaceae 

Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori. 

(Syn: Chadara tenax Forssk.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Gango, Gangi. Urdu- Gondri, Chabeni, Punjabi- 

Khircha, Gangu, 

Kanger. 

Description: 

An erect to sub-erect woody shrub about 3 m tall. Stem is ash-grey and young twigs stellate 

hairy. Highly variable species. Flowers white , solitary or rarely paired. Ripe fruit yellowish 

orange, 2-4 lobed, hairy. 



Habitat: 

A xerophytic shrub, common in arid and semi-arid plains and 

hills 

Uses: 

Browsed by camels, goats and sheep, fruit is edible; 

decoction of wood is given to cure cough and pains in the 

sides. Local people use mucilage of bark for the treatment 

of tuberculosis. 

Distribution: 

Tropical & Northern Africa to Iran, Pakistan, India, and 

Sri Lanka.

Tiliaceae 

Grewia villosa Willd. 

English name: Mallow-raisin, Mallow-leaved ross berry. 

Local name: Sindhi-Lanski, Urdu- Tamthar, Dhohan, Gangeti, Lonkes, Punjabi- 

Jalidar. 

Description: 

A dome shaped much branched shrub, 1-1.5 m tall with pale-yellow or brownish yellow 

flowers. Stem with ash-grey bark and young twigs are covered with dense fine stellate 

tomentum. 



Habitat: 

Usually found in dry hot plains and low-hills. 

Uses: 

The fruit is delicious and is eaten in Punjab and Sindh. The 

root is used as remedy for diarrhea, the juice of bark is used 

in urinary troubles, irritation in the bladder and gonorrhea. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, West and South India, TropAfrica,Arabia, Egypt, 

Cape Verde Isles and East Indies. 

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263 

Verbenaceae 

Clerodendrum phlomidis L. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Irni, Arni, Tankaro, Gharayat, Urdu- 

Arni, Aran. 

Description: 

A1.5-3 (-4) m tall Shrub to small tree with ashy grey stem and pubescent branches. Leaves 

usually tri-angular, dark green with wavy or dentate margins. Flowers creamy white, 1.5 cm 

acros s, frequently attacked by insects inducing malformations. Fruit 8 to 12 mm broad, 4lobed. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in arid plains, low hills, and deserts of Sindh, 

Punjab and Balochistan. 

Uses: 

The root is given as a demulcent in gonorrhoea, and decoction 

of the plant is considered as an alterative. It helps cure 

stomach troubles and swellings in cattle. The stem bark is 

given in dysentery and with other plants for unconsciousness 

after child birth. The leaves are also used in fever due 

sunstroke and malaria. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Burma.

Verbenaceae 

Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene 

(Syn: Verbena nodiflora Linn.) 

English name: Frog fruit, Turkey tangle. 

Local name: Mukan, Wakan, Jal-nim, Bukkan. 

Description: 

A semi-aquatic to aquatic, perennial, creeping, much branched herb with somewhat woody 

root stalk. Leaves dark green attached with very short stalk, lamina toothed, spade shaped. 

Flowers small white, rarely pinkish in globose or oblong head like inflorescence. Propagates 

by seeds or by nodal rooting of the stems. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found on moist places, often in gregarious 

patches. 

Uses: 

The plant is used as a cooling drug. Juice of the plant is 

given to treat fever. Juice of the root is given for gastric 

troubles, the species also grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Throughout tropical region. 

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265 

Violaceae 

Viola stocksii Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial, much branched, densely leafy herb to under-shrub. Leaves ovate to ovateelliptic 

with entire margin. Flowers bluish white with blue stripes, about 5 mm across. Fruit 3 

to 6 mm long opening by 3 valves, 12 seeded. 



Habitat: 

Found in calcareous, stony and rocky moist and shady area. 

Uses: 

Flowers are used medicinally; Syrup made from flowers is 

useful in fever, an infusion of the flowers acts as mild 

purgative in cases of fever and hepatic disturbances. An 

infusion of the plant is an excellent diaphoretic and diuretic. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India,Afghanistan and Iran.

Zygophyllaceae 

Fagonia indica Burm.f. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Dhumia, Damahw, Kris barseeng, Kandira. 

Description: 

An annual to perennial prickly branched prostrate spiny herb or sub-shrub. Flowers solitary 

axillary, purple to pale pink. Fruit segmented (usually 5). Leaves linear, opposite. The 

variety indica has all unifoliate leaves, while variety 

lower part of plant or sometimes all leaves trifoliate. 


Almost all the year round. 

Habitat: 

schweinfurthii has trifoliate leaves in 

Amuch branched spiny desert plant, widespread in dry places. 

Uses: 

Used as a remedy for tumors at early stages. 

Distribution: 

Indo-Pakistan sub-continent westwards to North and East 

tropical africa in arid and semi-arid regions. 

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Tribulus longipetalus Viv. 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Latak, Khori kandi, Gokhru, Borar, Urdu- 

Gokhru desi, Bakda, 

Hasak, Bakhra, Punjabi- 

Kurkundai, Hasak, Bakhra. 

Description: 

An annual or biennial much branched herb, prostrate, green to grayish-green, with 5-20 cm 

long branches, pilose to densely villous. Leaves pinnately compound, Flowers yellow in 

colour. Fruit discoid and segmented, segments winged. Propagates by seeds. 



Habitat: 

Frequently found on stabilized sand-dunes and inter-dunal flats. 

Uses: 

Leaves are used as vegetable, used for the treatment 

of spermatorrhoea, dysuria, gonorrhea, cough, kidney and 

heart-troubles. The fruit is diuretic and tonic and is prescribed 

in geneito-urinary disorders, impotence, cough, heart 

diseases and micturition. 

Distribution: 

Afghanistan, South-West Asia, Arabia, Sudan, Somalia and 

North Africa.


Tribulus terrestris L. 

English name: Puncture vine. 

Local name: Sindhi- Bhurt, Khori kandi, Urdu- Gokhru, Punjabi- 

Bakhra. 

Distribution: 

A prostrate to sub-erect hairy annual or biennial branched herb growing to 5-20 cm long. 

Leaves pinnately compound leaflets in even number (paired), with yellow flowers. Fruit 

discoid, segmented, spiny and hairy. An extremely variable species in flower and leave size 

and fruit characters. 



Habitat: 

Usually found on stabilized sand dunes, sandy and gravely 

soils, along roadsides, along cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

The decoction of the seed is given in sexual weaknesses. 

The plant is used in headache, tuberculosis and weak 

nervous system; also used for the treatment of anemia, 

asthma, cough, scabies, bleeding from the nose and 

urinary disorders. 

Distribution: 

Cosmopolitan in distribution. 

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Zygophyllum propinquum Decne. 

English name: 

Local name: Aaderi. 

Description: 

A perennial much branched erect dull green or pinkish purple herb. Leaves fleshy rounded 

and elongated, sub-cylindrical, usually bi-foliate. Stem much branched bearing pale yellow 

flowers. Fruit narrow and oblong. 



Habitat: 

Most commonly found on sandy and gravelly soils. 

Uses: 

The seeds are said to be anthelmintic used as diuretic, 

antipyretic and local anesthetic. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, 

Jordan and Saudi Arabia.


Zygophyllum simplex L. 

(Syn: Zygophyllum portulacoides Forssk.) 

English name: 

Local name: Sindhi- Patlani, Punjabi- Alethi, Urdu- 

lani, Aaderi. 

Description: 

A delicate annual prostrate herb with many branches and succulent bright green leaves. 

Leaves are simple, fleshy, cylindrical and oblong. Flowers 4 to 5 mm minute, bright yellow to 

greenish yellow, solitary axillary, stamens 10. Fruit globose and segmented. 


August to May. 

Habitat: 

Common in sandy or rocky and saline habitats. 

Uses: 

In leukemia and ophthalmia, the infusion of the seeds and 

leaves is prescribed. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Iran, tropical & North Africa, Cape Verde 

Islands and West Asia. 

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Araceae 

Pistia stratioites L. 

English name: Water Lettuce. 


Description: 

A floating perennial, stoloniferous, aquatic herb. Leaves in rosettes. Flowering 

during the hot season, the species has appearance of half-grown lettuce plants. 


Summer. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Found floating in the tanks, ponds, water courses etc. 

Uses: 

The leaves are demulcent and anthelmintic while the roots 

are used as a laxative and diuretic. The plant is considered 

antiseptic, antitubercular and antidysenteric. The leaves 

are also used in eczema, leprosy, ulcers, piles, syphilis 

and haemorrhoids. The juice of the leaves boiled in 

coconut oil is used externally in skin diseases. 

Special remarks: 

It totally covers the surface of water bodies due to its 

extensive growth, thus out-competing native plant species. 

Distribution: 

Native home exactly not known, but now widespread 

in tropical and subtropical countries.

Arecaceae / Palmae 

Cocos nucifera L. 

English name: Coconut tree. 

Local name: Naryal, Narel. 

Description: 

A large palm tree growing up to 30 m tall with pinnate leaves and smooth grayish un 

branched, bark thick at the base, prominent with rings. Old leaves remain on the top 

of stem. 



Habitat: 

It preferably grows inareas withabundant sunlight andregular 

rainfall, generally found near sea sides. 

Uses: 

Almost allpartsareusefulandhave significanteconomic values. 

Its fruit is sweet andeatenas rawandused freshor dried incooking. 

It is filled with water which contains vitamins, minerals, sugar 

and proteins. It yields oil,milk, fiber and toddy. The outerwood 

ofthe stem isused as an astringent gargle in cases of sore throat, 

the oilisusedinpreparingointmentstocurecoughandasavermifuge. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (cultivated), India, Bangladesh, Thailand, SaudiArabia 

and throughout the tropical world. In Pakistan it is scattered 

near sea shore. 

206


Nannorrhops ritchiana (Griff.) Aitchison 

English name: Mazali Palm, Dwarf Palm. 


Patha, Mazri, Pish. 

Description: 

Gregarious, usually small tufted palm,with fan shaped leaves from a much branched 

underground rhizome, inflorescence erect, flowers white, it is confined to hilly place. 


July to November, fruiting in summer. 

Habitat: 

Xerophyte, found in gravel and rocky areas, also in dry 

stream beds. 

Uses: 

Leaves are used for making various kinds of mats, baskets, 

fansandbrushes;alsousedmedicinallyasacureof dysentry 

and diarrhoea. Inflorescence and fruits are used as food. 

Special remarks: 

Fruits relished by the Black bear of Balochistan. 

Distribution: 

West Punjab and Balochistan, Khirther range, Peshawar 

valley, Kohat trans Indus territory, Afghanistan and Iran. 

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Phoenix dactylifera L. 

English name: Date Palm. 

Local name: Khajoor, Aseel, Khurma, Khajji. 

Description: 

A tall palm solitary tree reaching a height of 30 m or more. It is usually surrounded 

at the base by root suckers and covered at a considerable distance by bases of 

fallen leaves. Inflorescence covered by a hard, boat-like bract. Flowers rounded, 

green, distant. Male flower white, sessile, sweet scented, much larger than the 

female flower.. 


March -April. 

Habitat: 

Common in open hot dry plains. 

Uses: 

Fruit is edible and contains vitamin A, B and C. It has 

demulcent, nutrient, aphrodisiac, expectorant and 

laxative properties and used in cough, chest 

complaints, asthma, fever and gonorrhea. It produces 

gum, effective in diarrhea and diseases of urino-genital 

system. Fresh juice is laxative and cooling. Seeds are 

soaked and ground up for animal feed. 

Distribution: 

Probably native to WestAsia and NorthAfrica. Widely 

domesticated in Punjab and Sindh and also cultivated for 

their valuable fruits


Phoenix sylvestris L. 

(Syn: Elate sylvestris L.) 

English name: Wild date palm. 

Local name: Khajji, Kathal. 

Description: 

The tree with moderate growth rate without root suckers, having long green or blue 

green leaves reached 8 to 12 meter in height. Leaves smaller than Phoenix 

dactylifera grayish green, quite glabrous, pinnately divided into numerous leaflets. 

The plant is found in the warmer region of the province. 


March-April andAugust- October. 

Habitat: 

The tree occurs in wild as well as cultivated throughout 

Sindh. 

Uses: 

It is a good source of sugar that is obtained by refining the 

“gur” or treacle an toddy or “tari”. This raw fluid is 

extracted from the cuts made in the trunk from which 

the juice exudes. The leaves are used for making bags, 

brooms and mats. The fruit is eaten as a food and also 

having medicinal values. 

Distribution: 

According toAitchison this wild date palm is indigenous in 

the Indus basin. It is also cultivated in Sindh and Punjab. 

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275 

Asparagaceae 

Asparagus dumosus Baker 

English name: Asparagus. 

Local name: Sindhi- Achhi Musli, Urdu- 

Safed Musli. 

Description: 

An erect, intricately branched, spiny shrub up to 1m high. Leaves very small, scaly, 

bearing short, needle-like ternate cladodes in their axils. Flowers 5-6 mm in 

diameter. Ripe berries red in color, 1-3 seeded. The plant reproduces both by seeds 

and rhizomes. 


April to September depending upon moisture availability. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic, found in sandy and rocky places. 

Uses: 

Roots are used as alterative, antidiarrhoeatic, 

antispasmodic, antidysyntric, diuretic, demulcent and 

refrigerant. Root is used chiefly as a demulcent in 

veterinary medicine. 

Distribution: 

Endemic to Pakistan.

Asphodelaceae 

Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. 

(Syn: Asphodelus fistulosus Linn. Var. tenuiflius) 

English name: Narrow-leaved Asphodel 

Local name: Piazi, Pimaluk, Busri ghaa. 

Description: 

An annual non- bulbous herb, 15-50 cm tall with basal long and narrow leaves 

scape, flowers white to pale pink. 


November to April. 

Habitat: 

Mesophytic. During winter season common in moist 


Uses: 

The seeds are considered to be diuretic. The plant is eaten 

Raw as well as in cooked form, particularly during famine. 

They applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts. 

Distribution: 

North Africa, South West Europe, South West Asia, 


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Cyperaceae 

Bolboschoenus affinis (Roth.) Drobov. 

(Syn: Scripus affinis Roth.) 

English name: Tuberous bulrushes, Saltmarsh bulrushes. 

Local name: Cheho. 

Description: 

A perennial hydrophyte 60-70 cm in height; rhizome creeping or with stolons ending 

in a tuber, inflorescence mostly a group of sessile spikes often yellow in colour. 



Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Found in shallow water, rivers, lack-shores, 

Irrigation channels, waste land pools and rice-fields. 

Uses: 

Use as fodder for livestock. 

Distribution: 

Europe to India and Pakistan.

Cyperaceae 

Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) S. G. Smith 

(Syn: Scripus glaucus Lam.) 

English name: Tuberous bulrushes. 


Description: 

A perennial erect semiaquatic herb of about 20-30 cm in height, rhizomes creeping 

or with stolons ending with tubers, inflorescence mostly branched multiple spikes, 

dark brown to pale yellow in color. 


(February-) September (-October). 

Habitat: 

Semiaquatic, found mostly near fresh to brackish water 

bodies. 

Uses: 

Use as fodder for livestock. 

Distribution: 

Senegal and SouthAfrica to Pakistan. 

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279 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. 

English name: Foxtail, Flat sedge. 

Local name: Wado Cheho. 

Description: 

Caespitose perennial non woody erect , 70-120 cm tall, with glabrous stem and 

leaves. 



Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Commonly found in swampy, riparian and alluvial areas. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder for livestock. 

Distribution: 

North and tropicalAfrica, West Indies, Pakistan, India, 

Malaysia and North. EastAustralia.

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus articulatus L. 

English name: Jointed flat Sedge. 


Description: 

Perennial tall and glabrous erect sedge, 1-2 m tall with stolons, stem lush green with 

transverse joint like markings, leafless, non woody, round and soft, inflorescence 

dense, brown in color. 


July. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Found in shallow fresh water, in pods, 

channels, marshy grounds. 

Uses: 

Stem is used to make mats. 

Distribution: 

Tropical and Sub tropical regions from Bangladesh, 

Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Africa and America. 

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281 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus aucheri Jaub. & Spach 

(Syn: Cyperus conglomeratus Rottb. Var. aucheri (Jaub. & Spach) Kuk)) 

English name: 

Local name: Vinjal. 

Description: 

Atufted, perennial, 15-35 cm high, rhizome short, with tillers and short stolons roots, 

dense, rigid covering with short hairs, pale or yellowish basal sheaths. Inflorescence 

cluster of spikes, sometimes reduced to single cluster. 


March to May. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Grows in silt and stony sand in deserts and 

semi-desert areas. 

Distribution: 

Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus bulbosus Vahl. 

English name: Bush Onion, Wild Onion. 

Local name: Nandro Cheho, Kal. 

Description: 

A perennial herb with angular stem, about 10-30 cm. high, often forming small tufts. 

Stolons thin, perennating by underground parts, emerging above ground mostly 

after monsoon rains. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Commonly found on damp sandy soil in arid regions. 

Uses: 

The husk can also be eaten. It is eaten raw or cooked in 

the hot earth by the fire, also used as fodder. 

Distribution: 

Cape Verde Islands, West Africa, Sahara and Africa, 

North of Sahara, East Africa from Ethiopia to Egypt, Iran, 

Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and to Vietnam, Malaysia and 

Australia. 

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283 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus difformis L. 

English name: Rice sedge, one armed sedge, Small flower-umbrella sedge. 

Local name: Mono gaah, Kal. 

Description: 

An annual, 25-60 cm Roots reddish brown, partial inflorescences 7-15 mm. 

diameter, with 5-20 flowers. 


July to August. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. It is commonly found in rice fields, ditches, 

irrigation channels, grassy swamps. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan; Kashmir; Iran, Afghanistan; Russia, Turkey, Iraq, 

Syria, Palestine, Cyprus, NorthAfrica.

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus exaltatus Retz. 

English name: Giant Sedge, Umbrella sedge. 

Local name: 

Cheho. 

Description: 

An perennial herb up to 1 meter tall . Inflorescence large, much branched. 

Plant body 

soft and fleshy. 


September. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic.Commonly foundinditches,irrigationchannels, rice fields. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder plant and raw material for packing. They 

are applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts. 

Distribution: 

Tropical Africa, in South East Asia from India to Japan 

and southwards to Southern Australia and Pakistan. 

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285 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus laevigatus L. 

English name: Smooth flat sedge. 

Local name: Kehaar. 

Description: 

A perennial rhizomatous leafless herb, densely branched with soft round glabrous 

stem, about 60-100 cm in length, rhizome strong, with short stolons, stem leafless, 

2-3mm in diameter, spikes white, in lateral clusters. 



Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Found on wet meadows; marsh-lands and 

shallow slow running water. Considerably salt tolerant. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Central & Southern Europe, North East and WestAfrica, in 

east as far as eastern Kazakhstan, Pakistan and 

North-West India.

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus longus L. 

English name: Sweet galingale. 

Local name: 

Nandro Cheho, Kal. 

Description: 

A perennial dark green sedge species leaves mostly shorter than the stem, 80-100 

cm. Spikes normally dark brown in colour, It is reminiscent of tall plants of 

Cyperus rotundus. 



Habitat: 

Found on wet meadows; marsh-lands and rice-fields. 

Uses: 

Used as a fodder. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed throughout the world. 

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287 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus pangorei Rottb. 

English name: Cyperus. 

Local name: 

Nandro Cheho. 

Description: 

Perennial, upto 120 cm tall, rhizome short, with short stolons, leaf blade almost 

straight about 15 cm long. Inflorescence large, much branched. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Usually found on marshy grounds, 

margins of water channel. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and China.

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus pygmaeus Rottb. 

English name: Dwarf Flat-Sadge. 

Local name: 

Nandro Cheho. 

Description: 

A tufted, annual dwarf herb, 3-6 cm in height, roots fibrous, stem 0.7-1.2 mm 

diameter, leaves as long as stem, inflorescence globose about 1 to 1.5 cm across, 

green and white in colour. 


Juneto September. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found on moist soil around the edge of water in 

wetland habitats. Typically on the soil exposed by receding 

water. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed from Greece, Turkey, and Israel 

to Egypt, Algeria, Tropical Africa, Mauritius, 

Madagascar, Namibia, Azerbyjan, Pakistan, India, 

Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia and Philippines. 

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289 

Cyperaceae 

Cyperus rotundus L. 

English name: Nut-grass, Coco grass. 

Local name: 

Sindhi- Kabbah, Kal, Urdu- Nagur motha, Punjabi- 

Motha. 

Description: 

A perennial, erect herb usually 20-60 cm high, stolons numerous. Flowers in 

spikelets in umbels; brown, Sometimes called the “Worlds Worst Weed”. 

Propagates by seeds or by tuberous rhizomes. 


June to November. 

Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Commonly found in wet meadows, ditches, 

rice-fields, moist roadsides and waste places. 

Uses: 

The tubers are used to treat stomachaches; it 

produces significant reduction in body weight and 

lowers blood pressure in hypertensive obese 

patients. An infusion is effective in fevers, loss of 

appetite, vomiting and cholera. 

Distribution: 

Tropical and subtropical areas of all continents.

Cyperaceae 

Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roemer & Schult. 

(Syn: Scripus geniculatus L.) 

English name: Spike rush. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A tufted leafless annual, 12-25 cm roots white, fibrous, spikes globose brown in 

colour, many flowered. 


April to June. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in water margins, rice fields, 

marshlands, wet meadows. 

Distribution: 

Pantropical extending into subtropics; Europe (Italy), 

Africa, Madagascar, Egypt, from Iraq to Pakistan, 

India, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, North and 

South America. 

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291 

Cyperaceae 

Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult. Subsp. Iranica Kukkonen 

English name: Spike-rush. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A perennial semi-aquatic herb with dark green colour, about 20-40 cm in height. 

Stem green soft and cylindrica. Flowers in terminal spikes, brown in 

colour, conical. 


June. 

Habitat: 

The plant usually found along river shores, wet meadows 

in partially shady places. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Eastern Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Cyperaceae 

Fimbristylis bisumbellata (Forssk.) Bubani 

(Syn: Scripus bisumbellatus Forssk.) 

English name: Fimbry. 

Local name: 

Description: 

Agrayish-green small erect or ascending annual herb, forming small tufts annual, 

(3- ) 10-35 cm. 


July to October but may flower almost throughout the year. 

Habitat: 

Found in moist, marshy places along rivers, ditches, 

irrigation channels, around lakes. 

Distribution: 

Western tropical and South East Africa to Southern 

Europe and eastwards to Madagascar, Pakistan, India, 

Malaysia, Tropical Australia and New Zealand. 

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293 

Cyperaceae 

Pycreus dwarkensis (Sahni & Naithani) Hooper 

(Syn: Cyperus dwarkensis Sahni & Naithani) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An erect tufted small dark green annual herb, up to 20 cm. The plant is very similar to 

Cyperus genus, inflorescence globose about 1.5 to 2 cm across. 


January to October. 

Habitat: 

Emergent. Found in standing water along margins of lakes, etc. 

Distribution: 

The plant is distributed in Somalia, Oman, Pakistan and 

India. Mostly in coastal areas, rare in Pakistan.

Cyperaceae 

Schoenoplectus litoralis subsp . thermalis (Trabut) S. Hooper 

(Syn: Scripus thermalis Trabut.) 

English name: Bulrush. 


Description: 

A tall cylindrical leafless or with submerged leaves herb, Stem 3-6 mm diameter, 

rounded, green and glabrous, inflorescence brown to reddish brown in colour. 


February to July. 

Habitat: 

Emergent hydrophytic. Found in slightly saline and 

shallow water, in ditches and rivers. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Madagascar, Italy, Arabia, from Iran to Pakistan, 

India, Australia, New Guinea, also reported from Japan 

(Okinawa). 

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295 

Hydrocharitaceae 

Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle 

English Name: Hydrilla. 

Local name: Urdu- Jhangi, Kureli, Jhanjh. 

Description: 

A branched fresh water green herb with 5-50 mm long internodes, each node with 

whorled leaves, male and female flowers separate but on same plant (monoecious) 

or some time at separate plant (dioecious). 



Habitat: 

Submerged hydrophytic. Gregarious in ditches, pools, lakes, 

ponds, rice fields, and slow running water streams. 

Uses: 

The plant provides food to herbivorous fresh - water fish 

species and may be used as manure wherever it 

occurs in large quantities. The plant is suitable for indoor 

and outdoor aquaria and is considered to be a good 

oxygenator. It is also used in the process of sugar refining. 

A dense mass of the plant some time alter water quality 

by increasing temperature decrease oxygen in the water 

or may be change pH and also provide breeding ground 

for mosquitoes. 

Distribution: 

South East Europe,Africa,Asia andAustralia.


Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers. 

(Syn: Stratiotes alismoides L.) 

English name: Duck lettuce, Water plantain ottelia. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual hydrophytic herb. Leaves thin, light green in color. Flowers white, fruit 

winged. 



Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Mostlyfound in rice fields, nearto water courses. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Asia, Australia and Solomon Islands. 

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297 


Vallisneria spiralis L. 

English name: Tape grass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A soft submerged aquatic fast growing herb, highly variable in size. Leaves radical, 

ribbon-shaped, up to 50 cm long, 1-1.5 (-2) cm broad. Flowers unisexual, male and 

female flowers on same plant. Female flower solitary, minute on long pedicel, which 

spirally coils after fertilization. Fruit up to 20 cm long, greenish-yellow, manyseeded. 


Mostly from October to March. 

Habitat: 

Hydrophytic. Grows in stagnant water near tube wells, 

small water courses, fresh water ponds and lakes. 

Distribution: 

Almost cosmopolitan.

Najadaceae 

Najas marina L. 

English name: Brittle Waternymph. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual herbaceous submerged hydrophytic species, male and female flowers 

are separate but on same plant ( monoecious). Stem and leaves, dark green in color, 

sometimes reddish. Stem highly branched, 25-30 cm long. The plant only grows in 

shallow water. Propagated by vegetative parts as well as by seeds. 



Habitat: 

A submerged aquatic species found in ponds, shallow 

parts of lakes, etc. 

Distribution: 

A widespread species distributed in Europe toAsia 

throughout Africa,America. 

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Poaceae / Gramineae 

Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw. 

(Syn: Dactylis lagopoides Linn.) 

English name: mamoncilo. 


Description: 

Small stoloniferous perennial grass species, flowering stem up to 15 cm high, erect 

or creeping at the base, the species can tolerate high salt concentration, can excrete 

access amount of salt by special mechanism through trichomes and leaf surface. 

Inflorescence globose. 



Habitat: 

Halophytic. Mostly found in coastal areas and highly saline 

inland areas. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan & Punjab); northern Africa 

from Morocco to Somalia & Cyprus through the 

Middle-East to central Asia and India.


Aristida adscensionis L. 

English name: Three Awn. 

Local name: Lanbh gaa h. 

Description: 

An annual or short-lived perennial grass, very variable in appearance depending on 

environmental conditions, forming erect or sprawling tufts 10-100 cm high, fruiting 

spikelets with 3 persistent awns. 


March to December. 

Habitat: 

Found in dry stony, gravely, and sandy areas. 

Uses: 

Mostly grazed by cattle, but nothing more definite about its 

economic value in Pakistan to be known. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, KPK, Gilgit, 

and Kashmir) and throughout the tropics. 

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301 


Aristida funiculata Trin. & Rupr. 

(Syn: Aristida royleana Trin. & Rupr.) 

English name: 

Local name: Lanbh gaa h. 

Description: 

Asmall erect tufted and cylindrical, annual grass species, with wiry culms, 15-30 cm 

high. It can be distinguished by its keeled glumes and presence of few long hairs in 

leaf axils and on the pedicels.Awns long, breaking at the base of column. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Grows in dry lands, desert areas in 

extensive patches of dull grey colour almost 

throughout the area. 

Uses: 

Grazed by livestock in young stage. 

Distribution: 

Hottest and driest parts of North Africa, Arabia, 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan) and India.


Aristida mutabilis Trin. & Rupr. 

English name: Aristida. 

Local name: Lanbh gaah. 

Description: 

An annual grass; culms (10- ) 30-70 cm high. Inflorescence panicle spikelets 

grey or pallid. The habitat and appearance has close resemblance with A. 

adscensionis but can be differentiated by the presence of an articulation 

between the lemma and awns situated at the top of the column. 



Habitat: 

Grows on open stony and sandy soil. 

Uses: 

The species provide very good nutrition to livestock in 

young stage. It is not palatable after fruiting due to their 

stiff awns and spiny fruit. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Mauritiana to India andAfrica. 

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Avena fatua Linn. 

English name: Wild oat. 

Local name: Jangli Jai. 

Description: 

A common weed of wheat crop. It is a green erect grass up to 1.5 m in height, with 

hollow stem. 


July andAugust while fruiting in October. 

Habitat: 

Extensively found in wheat crop. 

Uses: 

Seed of this plant can be sued as s staple food crop. 

Seeds has some medicinal properties, used as diuretic, 

emollient, straw can used as fiber, mulch, paper making. 

Distribution: 

Europe, Central and WesternAsia. 

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304 


Brachiaria ovalis Stapf 

English name: 

Local name: Sattii. 

Description: 

A tufted, annual grass, 10-50 (-150) cm with smooth shiny inflorescence. Spikelets 

larger than B. ramosa. 



Habitat: 

Xerophytic. It's a grass of very arid regions. 

Uses: 

Considered to be an excellent fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Dry areas of Pakistan especially in Sindh region; 

Kenya and Sudan to southern Arabia.

305 


Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf 

(Syn: Panicum ramosum L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Urdu-Jhanda, Sawari ; Sindhi- 

Murat, Madhiaro. 

Description: 

An annual grass about 60 cm high, spikelets in branched spikes. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Commonly found in open, rocky places, also around cultivated 

areas. 

Uses: 

Commonly used for fodder. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, and Senegal to Yemen and Southwards 

to Malawi, Rhodesia & South Africa. In Pakistan it is 

most commonly found in Sindh, Baluchistan, KPK and 

Kashmir.


Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gardner & Hubbard 

(Syn: Panicum reptans L.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kandeeri. 

Description: 

A decumbent annual grass of moist areas, rooting from the nodes, about 15-60 cm 

high, spikes racemose, green to deep purple. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found in moist areas, agricultural fields and near 

water courses. 

Uses: 

A good fodder grass whose grain has been used as food 

in times of famine. 

Distribution: 

All over Pakistan; Tropical Asia, introduced throughout 

the tropics. 

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307 


Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. 

(Syn: Cenchrus barbatus Schumach.) 

English name: Indian sandbur. 

Local name: 

Sindhi- Dhaman gah, Bhorut; Urdu- 

Dhaman. 

Description: 

An ascending annual grass, about 5-90 cm high, spikes pale green in flowering, 

straw colored in fruiting. The fruiting spikelets become troublesome prickly due to 

the stiffening of straight and retrorse barbs. 


January to April and again September to November. 

Habitat: 

Grows on wide range of soil and climate, a weed of 

cultivated fields, fallow and waste land, open, sandy and 

stony grounds, this grass is acceptable to stocks when young, 

but it is commonly a very noxious weed, especially in the 

plains. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropicalAfrica, extending throughArabia to India.


Cenchrus ciliaris L. 

(Syn: Pennisetum cenchroides Rich.) 

English name: Buffelgrass, African foxtail. 

Local name: 

Sindhi- Bhurt, Coori, Urdu- 

Dhaman, Dhamanio. 

Description: 

A tufted perennial grass, from a woody root stock. Leaves linear tapering to a fine 

point, glabrous often forming mats or tussocks. Flowering stem reached 10-150 cm 

high, ascending, wiry or sometimes almost woody, spikes pale green to straw 

colored. 


Most of summer season. 

Habitat: 

Found in sandy, gravelly soil and ditches. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder for sheep, cattle and horses. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica, Pakistan, India,Australia andAmerica. 

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309 


Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst & Steud. ex Steud. 

(Syn: Cenchrus echinoids Wight ex Steud.) 

English name: Buffel Grass, Lidder. 

Local name: Dhaman gaa h, 

Sitti. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial (short-lived) tufted, ascending drought tolerant grass 

species. Flowering stem 10-40 cm high, spikes pale green, straw colored or 

purplish. 


February to April and again August to October. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic. It favors sub-desert conditions. 

Uses: 

It is an extremely valuable fodder grass as it remains 

green during the dry season. Cattle are very fond of it. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Arabia, Pakistan and India (hotter and drier 

parts).


Cenchrus prieurii (Kunth.)Maire 

(Syn: Pennisetum prieurii Kunth.) 

English name: Buffelgrass. 

Local name: Dhaman gaa h. 

Description: 

An annual erect or ascending tufted herb. Flowering stem 12-35 cm high, it is also 

consider as good soil binder species in the semi-arid zone. 



Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Found in desert areas. 

Uses: 

An excellent fodder grass in desert regions, grains of the 

grass eaten raw, mix with millet and use for making bread. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh), NorthernAfrica,Arabia and India. 

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311 


Cenchrus setigerus Vahl 

(Syn: Pennisetum vahlii Kunth.) 

English name: Birdwood or Mode dhaman grass. 

Local name: Dhaman gaa h, 

Anjan. 

Description: 

A tufted perennial. Flowering stem is very variable, about 5-80 cm high, geniculately 

ascending, racemes straw colored, pale green or purple, solitary, cylindric, spikelets 

in a cluster of 2-3, 4mm long, sessile, ovate and acute. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. This species is very common throughout the 

plains and the lowerhillsoftengregariousandgrowingintufts. 

Uses: 

It is considered a very fine fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Africa,Arabia, India and Pakistan.


Chloris barbata Sw. 

(Syn: Adropogon barbatus L.) 

English name: Swollen finger grass. 

Local name: Janio gaa h, 

Phuliaro. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial ascending or erect aggressive grass species of 

comparatively dryer areas, up to 1 m high, loosely tufted, stoloniferous, glabrous, 

spikes purplish, digitate, 4-several together, feathery. 



Habitat: 

Common near agricultural fields, lawns, water courses, 

tolerant to brackish conditions. 

Uses: 

Used as a fodder grass when young. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh); widespread throughout the tropics. 

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313 


Chrysopogon aucheri (Boiss) Stapf 

(Syn: Andropogon aucheri Boiss) 

English name: Aucher's grass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A tufted-glaucous, perennial, about 60 cm tall erect or ascending grass, 

inflorescence a loose panicle, typically with golden yellow tinge. 


February to May and again September to November. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic.Awiry desert species growing in the most 

inhospitable habitats such as rocky slopes and rock 

fissures. 

Uses: 

Awelcome fodder plant in these places. 

Distribution: 

Iran,Afghanistan,Arabia, Pakistan, East Africa and India.


Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones.) Schult 

(Syn: Andropogon jwarancusa Jones.) 

English Name: Oilgrass, Jwarancusa grass, Rusa grass, Squinauch. 

Local name: Sindhi-Khavi, Kitran, Urdu- 

Buraro, Khawi, Lamjak, Ganni. 

Description: 

Perennial erect tufted grass, culms erect or geniculately ascending, up to 150 cm 

high, spikes typically subtended by boat-shaped bracts, usually red-tinged. 


February to September. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Grows on loamy, sandy and stony grounds. 

Uses: 

Lemon scented grass, not good fodder but grazed in 

young stage. It is useful for the treatment of fever, 

vomiting, blood and skin diseases. The plant is also 

administered in cases of cough, chronic rheumatism, 

and cholera. The plant bears antiseptic properties. 

The flowers are used as a haemostatic. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, China, Bangladesh, whole North-eastern 

Africa, and Nepal. 

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315 


Cynodon dactylon (L.) Persoon 

(Syn: Panicum dactylon Linn.) 

English name: Lawn-grass, Bermudagrass. 

Local name: Sindhi- Chabbar, Sanhee Chabbar, Urdu- Chabbar, Punjabi- 

Khabbal, Talla, Daurva. 

Description: 

A prostrate, perennial grass. Culms slender with many nodes. Inflorescence 

green digitate. Propagates by splitting of the rooting nodes. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Common along trails, or on uncultivated land, 

grasslands, lawns, widely grown as turf grass. 

Uses: 

Juice of the plant is taken to relieve indigestion; a paste 

of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds. The plant has 

good fodder value; leaves are deemed to be auspicious, 

playing a role in many rituals .Widely grown as turf 

grass. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan, N.W.F.P. & Kashmir), 

tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the 

world.


Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.)Willd. 

(Syn: Cynosurus aegyptius Linn.) 

English name: Egyptian grass, four finger grass. 

Local name: Mudhani gaa h. 

Description: 

An annual or perennial ascending grass, 20-40 cm height; culms erect. Stem 

stoloniferous, rooting from nodes, glabrous, spikes digitate, 2-5 together, straight, 

pale green or red tinged. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic. Common in and around cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

Verynutritivefoddergrassforcattle,beingbothfatteningand 

milk producing. Leaves and stem are applied externally 

to treat ulcers. 

Distribution: 

Widespread in tropical and temperate parts of the world. 

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317 


Dactyloctenium aristatum Link. 

(Syn: Dactyloctenium semipunctatum Courb.) 

English name: Comb fringe grass, Crowfoot grass. 

Local name: Kirtio gaa h. 

Description: 

Arambling; tufted annual decumbent grass resembling D. scindicum but distinguish 

by its straight spikes and needle like appendages on tip of each spikelet; culms 

slender 4-38 cm high. 


August and September. 

Habitat: 

In sandy, gravelly and rocky places, also in dry streams 

beds. 

Uses: 

The plant is very valuable and nutrient for cattle. 

Distribution: 

The species is distributed in East ofAfrica,Arabia and 

SouthAsia.


Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss. 

(Syn: Dactyloctenium glaucophyllum Courb . ) 

English name: 

Local name: Kirtio, Madaro gaa h. 

Description: 

A perennial stoloniferous extensively spreading mat forming grass of bush land and 

sandy habitat. Flowering stem is slender with swollen bases, 7-45 cm high, erect, 

widely spreading, and rooting at distant, thickened, woody nodes. A common gravel 

grass throughout the area, often covering large patches of land with woody stolons, 

spikes digitate, usually 4 together, thick, short, characteristically 

curved downwards. Spikelets unarmed. 


September to May. 

Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Found in bushlands and sandy areas. 

Uses: 

Considered as a good fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Hottest part of Middle East to Pakistan and India. 

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319 


Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf 

(Syn: Briza bipinnata Linn.) 

English name: Deep root grass. 

Local name: Sindhi- Drabh gaa h, 

Urdu- Dab, Punjabi- 

Dab, Drubh. 

Description: 

A tufted, perennial salt tolerant grass, culms up to 120 cm. Propagates by seeds or 

by splitting the roots. 



Habitat: 

Halophytic. Common in fallow fields and on un-used grounds. 

Uses: 

Grazed by livestock.The juice of the root is given for 

indigestion a paste of the root is for treating dental caries, 

culms are diuretic and used for dysentery. The plant is 

used in religious ceremonies such as Shraddha, that is, 

rituals and offerings to the dead. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Egypt and Syria, etc.


Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf 

(Syn: Andropogon annulatus Forssk.) 

English name: Ringed dichanthium, Angleton grass. 

Local name: Sindhi- Palwan, Marvel, Dinahee gaa h. 

Description: 

Perennial, 25-100 cm high, geniculately ascending, nodes with typical ring of hairs, 

spikes sub-digitate,4-5 or more together, golden brown spikes, sessile spikelets 

about 4mm long. It is morphologically and cytologically very variable. 


March to November. 

Habitat: 

Mexophytic. Often grows in sheltered hedges or on road side. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Senegal, through the 

Middle East to Indonesia; introduced to Southern Africa, 

Tropical America and Australia. 

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321 


Dichanthium foveolatum (Del.) Roberty 

(Syn: Andropogon foveolatum Del.) 

English name: Curly blue grass. 

Local name: Ghandel. 

Description: 

A tufted perennial grass with silky hairy basal sheaths; erect or ascending, 15-80 

cmhigh, spikes single, red-tinged. 


March to September or December. 

Habitat: 

Atough xerophyte. Grows in open dry gravely and rocky places. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kenya, Mali and North Africa, eastwards 

through the Middle East and Somalia to India and 

Sri Lanka.


Digitaria bicornis (Lam.) Roem. & Schult. 

English name: Southern Crabgrass, Asian crabgrass. 

Local name: Pachar gaa h. 

Description: 

Annual erect grass of moist soil, culms decumbent, rooting at lower nodes, 30-60 cm 

tall. Inflorescence digitate or subdigitate, racemes 2-5, spikelets paired. 



Habitat: 

Grows in waste grounds, often on sand. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, 

Africa,Australia, introduced inAmerica and Pakistan. 

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323 


Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel. 

(Syn: Panicum ciliare Retz.) 

English name: Crabgrass. 

Local name: Pachar gaa h. 

Description: 

A tall erect, annual, 20-100 cm high, decumbent at the base and geniculately 

ascending, inflorescence digitate or sub digitate, composed of 2-12 racemes, 

spikelets oblong, acute, bearded. 



Habitat: 

Mesophytic.Acommon grass in open fields and wayside 

places. 

Uses: 

The species have of great fodder value, the cattle savor to 

graze the plant. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, KPK and Kashmir), common 

Throughout much of the tropics.


Diplachne fusca (L.) P. Beauv. .ex Roem. & Schult. 

(Syn: Festuca fusca Linn.) 

English name: Kallar grass. 

Local name: Jhang sari, Lowandi. 

Description: 

An aquatic or semi-aquatic rhizomatous perennial salt tolerant plant; flowering stem 

about 60-150 cm high, rooting and branching from the lower nodes, spikes green or 

grey-tinged. 


March to November. 

Habitat: 

Halophytic. Common in saline and waterlogged areas. 

Uses: 

Buffaloes are very fond of this grass. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan; Tropical and Sub-tropical regions of the old 

world and Australia. 

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325 


Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. 

(Syn: Panicum colonum (L.) Link.) 

English name: Jungle rice, water grass. 

Local name: Sanwak, Naanglee. 

Description: 

An annual tufted decumbent or sub-ascending grass; 10-100 cm high, leaves 

sometimes with transverse purple-red markings, stem shortly creeping below, 

smooth, dull green or partly purplish, spikes green or purple-tinged. 


May to September. 

Habitat: 

Grows on the margins of water channels in cultivated fields 

and other water-logged places. 

Uses: 

One of the finest fodder grasses and is eagerly eaten by 

cattle both before and after flowering. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab, KPK & Kashmir); 

throughout the tropics and subtropics.


Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. 

(Syn: Panicum crus-galli L.) 

English name: Japanese millet, Barnyard grass. 

Local name: Burut gaa h. 

Description: 

A common annual grass of cultivated beds and adapted nearly all types of wet 

places; 25-100 cm high, erect or ascending. Inflorescence linear to ovate, 6-22 cm 

long, the racemes untidily 2-several-rowed, the longest 2-10 cm long, usually with 

short secondary branchlets at the base. Spikelets ovate-elliptic, mostly 3-4 mm 

long, distinctly awned. 



Habitat: 

Common in marshy places and rice fields. 

Uses: 

It is a good fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK, Gilgit and 

Kashmir); warm temperate and subtropical regions of the 

World, extending into the tropics (but scarcely so inAfrica). 

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327 


Echinochloa frumentacea Link. 

(Syn: Panicum frumentaceum Roxb.) 

English name: Japanese Millet, White Millet. 

Local name: Sanwak, Bajhar. 

Description: 

A robust annual herb 30-150 cm high, erect, spikes dense, greenish. Spikelets 

unawned or shortly awned. 


Mostly from September to October but also sporadically earlier in the year. 

Habitat: 

Acommon grass species of cultivated beds and moist soil. 

Uses: 

The grains are sweet, acrid, oleaginous, cooling and 

digestible. They are said to be useful in biliousness and 

constipation. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropical East Africa Southwards to Rhodesia, 

India; Australia. Sometimes cultivated for grains in Asia 

and Africa.


Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. 

(Syn: Cynosurus indicus L.) 

English name: Indian millet, Crab or Crowfoot grass. 

Local name: Mandhano. 

Description: 

A tufted annual grass of all disturbed places. Flowering stem15-85 cm high, erect or 

geniculately ascending, spikes digitate, green, 4-5 arising from one point, spikelets 

3-9 flowered. 


June toAugust. 

Habitat: 

Usually found in moist soils in the plains. 

Uses: 

Crab or Crowfoot grass is considered in some regions to 

be a good fodder grass. The grass is considered 

diuretic, laxative, stomachic, depurative and good for 

liver. It is also used against influenza, hypertension, 

oliguria and retention of urine. It is highly esteemed as a 

pasture grass in Australia and North America. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Central and East 

Africa, Australia and North America. 

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329 


Elionurus royleanus Nees. ex A. Rich. 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual, erect grass; 5-30 cm tall; forming cluster of erect branches. Inflorescence 

composed of racemes, single 2-6 cm long, terminal and axillary, spikelets sessile, 

fertile, pedicels linear, flattened and glabrous. 



Habitat: 

Tough xerophyte. Common in stony, gravelly and hilly habitat. 

Uses: 

Apalatable species. 

Distribution: 

Africa, Asia-temperate tropical and Arabia.


Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Lut. ex F. T. Hubbard 

(Syn: Briza eragrostis Linn.) 

English name: Grey love grass, Stink grass. 

Local name: Puchhir ghaa. 

Description: 

A loosely-tufted slender annual or short-lived perennial grass; 10-90 cm high, erect 

or ascending, glabrous, shining, spikelets linear to ovate or oblong, compressed pale 

green rarely purplish at base. 



Habitat: 

In moist places, in and around cultivated areas, also in dry 

stream beds. 

Uses: 

Occasionally used as a fodder. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK & Kashmir); 

tropical and warm temperate regions of the old world; 

introduced to the new world. 

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331 


Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br. 

(Syn: Poa ciliaris L.) 

English name: Gophertail lovegrass. 

Local name: Bubrio ghaa, Puchhir ghaa. 

Description: 

A tufted annual or short-lived perennial herb, flowering stem 5-60 cm high, erect, 

slender, glabrous, smooth. Spikelets 6-12 flowered, crowded, strongly compressed. 


Most of the year except winter. 

Habitat: 

Grows in wide range of soil and habitat. 

Uses: 

In sufficient quantity this grass affords good grazing. 

Distribution: 

TropicalAfrica,America,Arabia, India and Pakistan.


Eragrostis minor Host. 

English name: Little lovegrass, Small stinkgrass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

A loosely tufted annual; flowering stem, 6-60 cm high, ascending. Inflorescence a 

panicle, open, ovate, dense or loose 4-20 cm long, spikelets solitary, comprising 6- 

10 (-40) fertile florets. 


May to September. 

Habitat: 

Found irrigated fields and ditches. 

Uses: 

Use as a fodder, occurs as a weed in gardens, Little 

Lovegrass has no known economic value. 

Distribution: 

America,Australia,Africa,Arabia, Brazil, India, Pakistan, 

China and Malaysia. 

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333 


Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. 

(Syn: Poa pilosa L.) 

English name: Soft lovegrass. 

Local name: Nika Sanwak, Bekahoon. 

Description: 

A loosely tufted annual 8-70 cm high, erect or ascending, spikelets 4-14 flowered, 

Inflorescence a panicle, fertile spikelet pedicellate, pedicels glandular. 



Habitat: 

Abundant after monsoon rains on a variety of soils ranging from gravelly, sandy to 

clayey soils. 

Uses: 

Hairy or India Lovegrass is considered to be good 

fodder. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Tropical and warm temperate regions of the 

old world, introduced to the new world.


Eragrostis tenella (L.) P. Beauv ex Roem & Schult. 

(Syn: Poa tenella Linn.) 

English name: Bug's egg grass. 

Local name: Bharbhuri. 

Description: 

Fragile tufted annual grass, 6-50 cm tall, erect or geniculately ascending, 

Inflorescence a panicle, spikelets minute, green to purple, in dense panicles. 



Habitat: 

Moist and shady places, mostly near cultivated areas. 

Uses: 

It is eaten by cattle both fresh and dry. The grain is said 

to be very nutritious. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Tropical Africa, throughout 

the Tropics. 

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335 


Eragrostis viscosa (Retz.) Trin. 

(Syn: Poa viscosa Retz.) 

English name: Sticky love grass. 

Local name: Bhurbhuri. 

Description: 

Tufted annual grass of moist habitat, culms 10-40 cm high, erect, spikelets yellowish 

to purplish. Closely resembles E. Tenella, but inflorescence sticky glandular. 



Habitat: 

Grows in moist areas near to water bodies. 

Uses: 

It is eaten by cattle both fresh and dry. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Kashmir; Eastwards from Nigeria through 

India to Thailand and the Philippines, and Southwards to 

South Africa. A few records from tropical America.


Eriochloa procera (Retz.) C.E. Hubbard 

(Syn: Agrostis procera Retz.) 

English name: Tropical cupgrass, Spring grass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual tufted grass, culms 20-100 cm high, erect or geniculately ascending, 

Inflorescence composed of racemes, spikelets in pairs, pedicles free or fused, 

oblong, glabrous. 


May and again inAugust to October. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in gardens roadsides, pathways. It favors 

Damp places, ditches and the edge of the paddy fields. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Widely distributed but nowhere very common. 

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337 


Hemarthria compressa (L. f.) R. Br. 

(Syn: Hemarthria coromandelina Steud.) 

English name: 

Local name: Baika. 

Description: 

Stoloniferous perennial grass of moist agricultural fields, flowering stem is up to 1 m 

long or more, prostrate and rooting at the nodes below, spikes solitary or paired, 

cylindrical, green or purple-tinged. 



Habitat: 

Commonly found in agricultural fields. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan throughout India to 

China, Taiwan, Indo-China and Thailand.

338 


Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel 

(Syn: Imperata allang Jungh.) 

English name: Cogongrass, Satintail, Blady grass. 

Local name: Siru, Ulu, Dabhori. 

Description: 

A common perennial grass of cultivated fields, forming tufts of leaves from a 

scaly rhizome; about 10-120 cm high; erect, when mature the inflorescence 

appear in shiny white colour. 



Habitat: 

Very common with banks of water courses. 

Uses: 

The root is used as emollient in Cambodia, mostly as a 

fumigant for piles. In China it is reputed as retorative, 

haemostatic and antifebrile. The plant is excellent for 

thatching, can be made into paper, and is also relished 

by grazing animals after the annual fires when the young 

shoots appear. It is seldom eaten when old. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, throughout the Old World tropics, extending 

to Mediterranean and the Middle East, also in Chile.


Lasiurus scindicus Henr. 

English name: 

Local name: Gorkah, Sain. 

Description: 

Tufted perennial sand binder grass of arid and semi-arid regions. Flowering stem 

often woody below, up to 90 cm high, simple or suffruticose, erect from a thick woody 

rhizome, Inflorescence cylindrical spike silvery white, spikelets in pairs. 


March to May and September to October. 

Habitat: 

Common in dry, stony, gravelly areas. 

Uses: 

A valuable fodder grass said to be relished by camels, 

sheep and cattle. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Tropical North West, North East Arabia and 

India. 

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340 


Leptochloa panacea (Retz.) Ohwi 

(Syn: Poa panacea Retz.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual ascending grass species, 25 -110 cm in height, inflorescence 20-30 cm 

long and branched. 



Habitat: 

Found in cultivated fields. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in Sindh, Punjab and KPK, West- 

Africa to tropical Asia and America.


Leptothrium senegalense (Kunth.) W. D. Clayton 

(Syn: Latipes senegalensis Kunth.) 

English name: Hook grass. 

Local name: Paperi gaa h. 

Description: 

Short-lived tufted perennial herb, the plant forming tough bunches; flowering stem 

10-60 cm in height, thin, wiry, ascending, Inflorescence composed of racemes, 

spikelets in pairs, sessile, 2 in cluster, It forms cushions in hot desert areas where it 

is grazed by cattle. 



Habitat: 

Xerophtic. Common in sandy to stony soil of arid and 

semi-arid regions. 

Uses: 

Used as a fodder plant. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropical East Africa and Senegal. 

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342 


Melanocenchrus abyssinica (R. Br. ex Fresen.) Hochst. 

(Syn: Eutriana abyssinica R. Br. ex Fresen.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Annual slender grass species up to 20 cm high. Leaves very narrow spikelets 

silvery, without pedicel. It is a procumbent species, spread over gravel surface of dry 

land. 



Habitat: 

Mostly found in stony and gravely dry habitat and 

semi-deserted areas. 

Uses: 

Palatable grass species, mostly grazed by sheep in 

immature stage. 

Distribution: 

In Pakistan it is commonly found in Sindh, Balochistan 

and Punjab, while distributed range is fromArabia to 

TropicalAfrica


Ochthochloa compressa (Forssk.) Hilu. 

(Syn: Panicum compressum Forssk.) 

English name: Ochthochloa. 

Local name: Madaro, Ghander. 

Description: 

An extensive, stoloniferous perennial plant; culms prostrate or geniculately 

ascending up to 30 cm high rarely forming clumps up to 90 cm high, Inflorescence 

composed of 3-5 digitate spikes, spiklets solitary, fertile, sessile, red-tinged. 



Habitat: 

Xerophytic. Very common species of dry stony, gravely, 

desert and semi-desert areas. 

Uses: 

Good fodder for cattle & horses. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan,Afghanistan,IranandNorthwestIndiatoNorthAfrica. 

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344 


Oryza coarctata Roxb. 

English name: 

Local name: Sohan gaa h. 

Description: 

A perennial grass species of deltaic areas, with extensive creeping rhizomes, culms 

smooth, hard and polished. 



Habitat: 

Coastal plant common in the Indus Delta. Mostly in intertidal zones and on mudflats. 

Uses: 

Formerly used for edible grain.Also grazed by livestock. 

Distribution: 

Distributed in southernAsia, Pakistan (Indus Delta), India 

and Burma.


Panicum antidotale Retz. 

English Name: Blue Panicum, Blue Panicgrass. 

Local name: Sindhi- Gharam, Urdu- 

Gunara, Garmano, Ghirano. 

Description: 

A tall Perennial grass with creeping woody rootstock; flowering stem 90-180 cm 

high, woody, erect or ascending, inflorescence a loose panicle, green. 



Habitat: 

Usually grows in clumps or in shelter of bushes and hedges on sandy, sandy loam 

soils,infloodplainsandriverbedmargins. 

Uses: 

It is an excellent sand binder, but of doubtful value as 

fodder. The smoke of the burning plant is said to be 

used to fumigate wounds and as disinfectant in small 

pox. It is said to be employed in throat affections and as 

antidote for hydrophobia. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropical Africa, Arabia, throughout Iran and 

Afghanistan to India. 

345

346 


Panicum turgidum Forssk. 

English name: Desertgrass. 

Local name: Sindhi- Munt, Urdu- 

Murtio-ghas. 

Description: 

Tufted Perennial grass, an excellent sand binder species, forming bushes, 40- 

100(-200) cm high, flowering stem erect or ascending, woody, the plant form low 

rounded bushes. 


April to May. 

Habitat: 

Tough xerophyte. Most common in desert habitat. 

Uses: 

Plant is palatable and heavily grazed particularly 

relished by cattle and camels, an excellent fodder and 

soil binder plant of desert areas. 

Distribution: 

Spread in arid and semi-arid areas of Asia and Africa 

especially in Morocco, Sudan, Arabia, Somalia, Jordan 

and Pakistan.


Paspalidium flavidum (Retz.) A.Camus 

(Syn: Panicum flavidum Retz.) 

English name: 

Local name: Kangna. 

Description: 

Tufted annual or perennial grass of moist habitat; 10-120 cm high, erect or 

ascending from a prostrate base. 



Habitat: 

It is a shade-loving species found in forest undergrowth, 

roadside, ditches near to water courses and damp hollow 

places. 

Uses: 

It is eaten by horses and cattle and it produces a large 

quantity of grain that has been eaten by man in times of 

want. 

Distribution: 

EastAfrica, TropicalAsia and Australia. 

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348 


Paspalidium geminatum (Forssk.) Stapf 

(Syn: Panicum geminatum Forssk.) 

English name: Egyptian Paspalidium, Water Pasplidium, Alligator grass. 

Local name: Sawani gaa h. 

Description: 

A perennial ascending plant, with creeping or floating, culms 10-60 cm high, the 

plant has rooting at its lower nodes. 


Mostly in October to January but sometimes as early as August or as 

March. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found around water ponds, irrigation channels 

or marshy soil. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, widely spread over tropical countries of the old 

world. 

late as


Paspalum paspaloides (Michx.) Scribner 

English name: Knotgrass, Water grass. 

Local name: 

Koda. 

Description: 

A hydrophytes creeping stoloniferous perennial grass of moist areas; a dwarf grass 

culms 6-35 cm high. 


April to May and August to September. 

Habitat: 

It occurs as a garden weed, along ditches and irrigation 

channels, in rice fields, and is gregarious in swampy places. 

Uses: 

It provides good pasturage, especially on alluvial flats 

known as Knot-grass having high nutritional values. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropics and Sub-tropics throughout the world. 

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350 


Paspalum scrobiculatum L. 

English name: Rice grass, Koda millet. 

Local name: Koda. 

Description 

Perennial loosely tufted; flowering stem 10-15 cm high, highly polymorphic species, 

propagation by seeds. 


April to May and October to December. 

Habitat: 

Found in ditches, near to water bodies, irrigation canals, water courses. 

Uses: 

The grains are astringent, cooling, constipating, diuretic, 

and sedative. They are useful in ulcers, flatulence, diarrhea, 

inflammation and burning sensation. The stem is useful 

for corneal opacity. The crude extracts and the pure 

isolates were reported to have nutritive, antifungal, 

tranquilizing and food poisoning properties. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Mauritiana to India andAfrica.


Paspalum vaginatum Swartz 

English name: Biscuit grass, Knot grass. 

Local name: 

Dinahee gaa h. 

Description: 

A warm season extensive turf grass, perennial grass, creeping and rooting from 

lower nodes. Stem, glabrous. Inflorescence composed of racemes, shortly 

pedunculate, bearing solitary spikelets; oblong, acute and dorsally flattened 3 mm 

long. 


July-October. 

Habitat: 

Semiaquatic grass, common near to water bodies. 

Uses: 

A very good pastures species, provide healthy fodder, 

the plant is also use in preparation of golf grounds. 

Distribution: 

Tropics and sub-tropics of the world. 

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352 


Pennisetum purpureum K. Schum, Beskr 

English name: Elephant grass, Cane grass, Napier grass. 

Local name: 

Haati gaa h, Kamaandi gaa h. 

Description: 

Tall erect perennial rhizomatous grass with thick stem, 2-4.5 m high, widely grown 

for fodder under the names Elephant and Napier grass. The involucres are sessile 

or shortly pedicellate, it grows very rapidly and if cut before full grown it yields 

excellent hay. When mature the leaves are razor-sharp on the margins and 

therefore unpopular with cattle at this stage. 



Habitat: 

The grass is found in moist soil near to water courses. 

Uses: 

A very good fodder species, it is also a favorite food 

for elephants, the plant have potential for bio-fuel 

preparation. 

Distribution: 

SouthAmerica, Philippine Islands, Hawaii, India, Pakistan 

and China.


Phalaris minor Retz. 

English name: Littleseed canarygrass. 

Local name: 

Dombhisity, Kangai gaah. 

Description: 

A common weed grass of wheat crop, annual erect up to 100 cm tall, it is considered 

as potential contaminant of wheat crop. 


March to May. 

Habitat: 

Common in wheat agriculture field. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Throughout the world. 

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354 


Phragmites australis (Cay.) Trin. ex Steud. 

(Syn: Arundo australis Cay.) 

English name: Common reed. 

Local name: 

Dila, Naar. 

Description: 

A perennial tall grass with round hollow stem and creeping rhizomes, flowering 

stem erect, 1.5-3 (-6) m high. Leaves flat hard but as compare to Phragmites karka 

tip of leaves are soft. 



Habitat: 

Margins of lakes and ponds and in shallow water in the 

plains. 

Uses: 

Rhizomes and roots possess anti-emetic, diuretic and 

diaphoretic properties and are used in diabetes. The 

plant is reported to be employed in rheumatic complaints. 

Use in construction of houses by the locals. The plant is 

also providing habitat to honey bees. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, temperate regions of both hemispheres in the 

Old World and the New.


Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. 

(Syn: Arundo karka Retz.) 

English name: Tall reed. 

Local name: 

Naar, Nalu. 

Description: 

A perennial tall grass, with creeping rhizomes, culms erect, up to 10 m high. Leaves 

flat hard with stiff tip. 


April to November. 

Habitat: 

Commonly occurs in swamps and banks of streams. 

Uses: 

It is said to be poisonous to cattle, but in any case it is far 

too coarse for fodder. Decoction of the root is orally given 

acts as diuretic and used in kidney, gall bladder's stones 

and bleeding piles. 

Distribution: 

AlloverPakistan,TropicalAfrica,Polynesia,NorthernAustralia 

and tropicalAsia. 

355

356 


Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. 

(Syn: Alopecurus monspeliensis L.) 

English name: Beardgrass. 

Local name: 

Poochar. 

Description: 

A tufted annual grass, 6-8 cm high, erect or geniculately ascending, glabrous, 

Panicle narrow, very dense, pale green or yellowish. Spikelets 2-3 mm long, very 

common throughout Pakistan from the plains to 4000 m. 


Throughout the year, but mostly between March-July. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found in gardens, damp places, near to water 

courses, irrigation canals. 

Uses: 

Grown as an ornamental but often becoming a weed, little 

value for fodder. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan(Sindh,Baluchistan,Punjab,KPK,Gilgit&Kashmir); 

northeast tropical and SouthAfrica; Mediterranean region 

northwards to the British Isles and eastwards to India and 

China; introduced and naturalized in most warm 

temperate countries.

357 


Saccharum bengalense Retz. 

English name: Sweetcane. 

Local name: Kano-Sar, Sarkanda, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

Atall, caespitose perennial; culms up to 4 m high; large tufted grass, spikelets slightly 

heteromorphous, acute or very shortly awned, the awn not visible beyond the 

glumes. 



Habitat: 

Near water bodies, in moist soil. 

Uses: 

stem is used for making roof called “Patar” sitting chair is 

made from the stem called “Booro.” It is of little account 

as a fodder since cattle and buffaloes will only eat the 

tender young leaves. A valuable fiber can be extracted 

from the upper leaf-sheaths of the flowering culm. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, KPK), North & North West 

India and Afghanistan.


Saccharum griffithii Munro. ex Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Daab, Sankanda, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

A tall erect hollow stem perennial rhizomatous grass with thick stem; flowering stem 

up to 2 m high, S. griffithii shorter than in S. bengalense and cream or yellow rather 

than silver or grayish. It grows very rapidly and if cut before full grown it yields 

excellent hay. When mature the leaves are razor-sharp on the margins and therefore 

unpopular with cattle at this stage. 



Habitat: 

The grass is found in moist places near water courses. 

Uses: 

A very good fodder species, it is also a favorite food for 

elephants, the plant have potential for bio-fuel 

preparation. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, South America, Philippine Islands, Hawaii, 

India and China. 

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359 


Saccharum ravennae (L.) Murr. 

(Syn: Andropogon ravennae L.) 

English name: Ravenna grass, Plume grass. 

Local name: Dholu. 

Description: 

Tall caespitose perennial grass; flowering stem up to 4.5 m high. Leaf-blades up to 

100 cm long, 3-20 mm wide, flat. Panicle 25-70 cm long, dense, the axis markedly 

angular (usually 6-angled), peduncle glabrous; racemes 1.5-3 cm long, much 

shorter than the supporting branches, the internodes and pedicels hirsute with hairs 

3-6 mm. long. Spikelets slightly heteromorphous, 3-6 mm long, glumes equal, 

membranous, upper lemma narrow, lower lemma lanceolate, glabrous. 



Habitat: 

Found in dry as well as near to agricultural fields. 

Uses: 

Avaluable fodder species. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Northern India and South West Asia 

Westwards to the Mediterranean region.


Saccharum spontaneum L. 

English name: Wild sugarcane, Thatch grass. 

Local name: Sacho Sar. 

Description: 

A tall, erect, perennial grass up to 6 m in height with slender culms, leaves are long 

with stiff margins, generally taper towards the base, peduncle mostly hairy. 



Habitat: 

Common in moist areas. 

Uses: 

Thepantisusedinblooddiseases; thedecoctionof thebark 

of stem is used as mouth gargle; outer scales of leaves 

are effective in cough. The root-system is extremely 

extensive and the grass acts as an effective soil-binder. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in the warmer regions of the world. 

360

361 


Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv. 

(Syn: Panicum verticillatum L.) 

English name: Hooked bristlegrass. 

Local name: Krangh gaa h, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

Aloosely tufted annual, erect, 10-100 cm high or more, ascending, glabrous, angular 

often rough below the inflorescence. Panicle spiciform, spikelets oblong or ellipsoid, 

pale green. Spikelets awns with retrorse barbs. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist soils of road sides, near to tube wells, irrigation 

canals, water courses. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder, eaten by cattle before the appearance of 

spikes. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK and Kashmir), 

Tropical and warm temperate regions generally.


Sporobolus arabicus Boiss. 

(Syn: Vilfa Arabica (Boiss.) Steud.) 

English name: 

Local name: Deer gaa h. 

Description: 

Atussocky, perennial grass, flowering stem up to 60 cm high. Leaves narrowly linear 

to acuminate up to 25 cm long and 2 to 3 mm broad. Panicle up to 20 cm long, 

elliptical or pyramidal. Lower branches verticillate. Seeds 0.8 to 1.2 mm long. The 

species can be distinguished from S. kentrophyllus by its stiff, pungent, inrolled 

glaucous leaves. 



Habitat: 

Arid and semi-arid areas.Atypical desert species. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, SaudiArabia, Iran and India. 

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Sporobolus helvolus (Trin.) Dur. & Schinz 

(Syn: Vilfa helvola Trin.) 

English name: Okrich, Sporobolus grass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

Tufted perennial erect plant with long slender stolons; flowering stem wiry 15-60 cm 

high, spikelets greenish brown 


March to May and October. 

Habitat: 

Dry areas, slightly saline habitats. 

Uses: 

Adesert grass species making good fodder for livestock 

especially for camels. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropicalAfrica,Arabia and India.


Sporobolus kentrophyllus (K. Schum.)W. D. Clayton 

(Syn: Agrostis kentrophyllus K. Schum.) 

English name: Sporobolus grass. 


Description: 

A tussocky perennial erect grass, the tufts often connected by stolons; leaves 

usually short and stiff; flowering stem 15-80 cm high. 



Habitat: 

It is a plant of saline or alkaline grass-lands, sea-shore sands and sandy patches in 

mangrove swamps rarely observed on stony soil. 

Uses: 

Grazed by livestock at early stage but occasionally. 

Distribution: 

Sandy areas of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Central and 

East Africa to Sri Lanka. 

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365 


Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth. 

(Syn: Agrostis virginicus L.) 

English name: Salt couch, Crab-grass, Marsh-grass, Coastal rat-tail grass. 


Description: 

Aperennial grass, that creeps along the ground or tends erect, up to 40 cm high. 



Habitat: 

Common on mud flats in intertidal zones and river estuaries, 

rarely on saline soils inland. 

Uses: 

Used as nutritious forage for cattle and is readily grazed; 

also used medicinally to relieve urinary irritation and as 

a gargle. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh); tropics and subtropics throughout the 

world.


Tetrapogon tenellus (Koen. ex Roxb.) Chiov. 

(Syn: Chloris tenella Koen. ex Roxb.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual or short-lived perennial geniculately erect grass, loosely tufted, with 4-6 

nodes flowering stem up to 60 cm high. 



Habitat: 

This grass is found in desert areas and sometimes on limestone. 

Uses: 

Good fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab); Tropical Africa, eastwards to 

India and Southwards to Rhodesia and Angola. 

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367 


Tragus roxburghii Panigrahi 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Aradiantly spreading annual, culms 3-20 cm long, ascending from a prostrate base, 

a sporadic xerophytic species. 



Habitat: 

Found in dry, stony and open areas as well as on dry soil of roadsides. 

Uses: 

Grazed during the rains and said to be nutritious. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, South-eastAsia and EastAfrica.


Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C. E. Hubbard 

(Syn: Villa setulosa Trin.) 

English name: 

Local name: Budhala. 

Description: 

Densely tufted perennial with short rhizomes. Highly salt tolerant grass species of 

coastal belt, flowering stem erect or geniculately ascending, stout, 15-90 cm high, 

densely pubescent below the inflorescence. Leaves stiff and narrow most dense in 

the lower part of the plant. 



Habitat: 

Common species of dune-slacks, banks of salt water 

creeks and saline flats. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Morocco to Somalia (Northern Africa), India and Pakistan 

and Arabia. 

368

369 

Pontederiaceae 

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solma. 

(Syn: Pontederia crassipes Mart.) 

English name: Water Hyacinth. 

Local name: Naagin wal. 

Description: 

A 30-50 cm high aquatic herb, with short stem and many long fibrous roots, the lilac 

flowers are a beautiful sight during the flowering season, difficult to eradicate due to 

its quick growth. It has become troublesome weed in Sindh and Punjab, propagates 

by stolons and multiplying very fast. 


May to July. 

Habitat: 

Found in lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams and canals. 

Uses: 

Plant is rich in potash. The plant have excellent potential 

for bio-fuel. One hectare of standing crop can thus 

3 

produce more than 70,000 m biogas. It is a best water 

treatment plant can absorb pollutant form the polluted 

water. The flowers are used to medicate skin of horses. 

Distribution: 

Native to Brazil. Introduced and naturalized in many 

tropical countries. A notorious invasive species in water 

bodies of many tropical and subtropical countries.

Potamogetonaceae 

Potamogeton lucens L. 

English name: Shining pondweed. 

Local name: Gidar Ponch. 

Description: 

Perennial, rhizomatous partially submerged aquatic herb of ponds, lakes and slow 

moving streams which is now very rare, leaves with short talk and wavy edges, stem 

branched. 


July toAugust. 

Habitat: 

Found in fresh water lakes, ponds. 

Uses: 

The plant is used for manuringmam and in pisciculture. 

Distribution: 

Europe, NorthAfrica and temperateAsia. 

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371 


Potamogeton natans L. 

English name: Floating pondweed. 


Description: 

Perennial, rhizomatous partially submerged leaves are smooth 8 cm long and about 

3-4 cm broad with long stalk, a rare species. 



Habitat: 

An aquatic partially submerged herb of slow flowing fresh water habitats. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Temperate and arctic regions of Europe, Asia and 

Northern America.


Potamogeton perfoliatus L. 

English name: Pondweed. 


Description: 

A rhizomatous, aquatic submerged common herb of fresh water, stem branched or 

simple, fruit-let polymorphism has been noticed in this species. 


November to March. 

Habitat: 

Common aquatic submerged herb of stagnant or slow moving fresh water habitats. 

Uses: 

Plants are generally used in manuring and the root-stocks are 

used as food for animals. 

Distribution: 

Europe, Asia,Africa, Northern America andAustralia. 

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373 

Typhaceae 

Typha dominghensis Pers. 

(Syn: Typha angustata Bory & Chaub.) 

English name: Narrow leaved Cat-tail. 

Local name: Phan, Pan. 

Description: 

A robust plant 1.5-3.0 m or more tall. Leaves narrow about 12 mm broad, equal or 

longer than the flowering stem. Stem somewhat stout, male and female flowers 

separated on the same stalk. 


Flowering most of the year. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found at the edges of ponds, lakes, slow moving 

canals and marshes. 

Uses: 

Dry inflorescence is used for cooling effects, a local dish 

called “Bhorani” prepared form the pollen of the plant. 

Leaves used for making mats and as packing material. 

Distribution: 

Pantropical.

Typhaceae 

Typha elephantina Roxb. 

English name: Bulursh, Indian reedmace. 


Description: 

Perennial 1.5-4.0 m tall. Leaves linear or broadly linear; trigonous above the sheath, 

angular keeled dorsally three angled; lamina 25-40 mm broad; male and female 

parts separate; axis of the male spike covered with hairs; female spike cylindrical, 

blackish brown or brown; female flowers having bracts with laceolate stigma. 



Habitat: 

Common on borders of pond, marsh canals and slow streams. 

Uses: 

Young shoots and roots are sometimes eaten. 

Silsosangami, a traditional Korean medicine consisting of 

the pollens of Typha elephantiana. 

Bhorani is a local dish 

prepared by the pollens of the same plant. Leaves are used 

in mat making. Roots are used as diuretic and astringent. 

Distribution: 

Africa, South and Central Asia, Pakistan, India, Nepal 

and Iran. 

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357 


Saccharum bengalense Retz. 

English name: Sweetcane. 

Local name: Kano-Sar, Sarkanda, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

Atall, caespitose perennial; culms up to 4 m high; large tufted grass, spikelets slightly 

heteromorphous, acute or very shortly awned, the awn not visible beyond the 

glumes. 



Habitat: 

Near water bodies, in moist soil. 

Uses: 

stem is used for making roof called “Patar” sitting chair is 

made from the stem called “Booro.” It is of little account 

as a fodder since cattle and buffaloes will only eat the 

tender young leaves. A valuable fiber can be extracted 

from the upper leaf-sheaths of the flowering culm. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, KPK), North & North West 

India and Afghanistan.


Saccharum griffithii Munro. ex Boiss. 

English name: 

Local name: Daab, Sankanda, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

A tall erect hollow stem perennial rhizomatous grass with thick stem; flowering stem 

up to 2 m high, S. griffithii shorter than in S. bengalense and cream or yellow rather 

than silver or grayish. It grows very rapidly and if cut before full grown it yields 

excellent hay. When mature the leaves are razor-sharp on the margins and therefore 

unpopular with cattle at this stage. 



Habitat: 

The grass is found in moist places near water courses. 

Uses: 

A very good fodder species, it is also a favorite food for 

elephants, the plant have potential for bio-fuel 

preparation. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, South America, Philippine Islands, Hawaii, 

India and China. 

358

359 


Saccharum ravennae (L.) Murr. 

(Syn: Andropogon ravennae L.) 

English name: Ravenna grass, Plume grass. 

Local name: Dholu. 

Description: 

Tall caespitose perennial grass; flowering stem up to 4.5 m high. Leaf-blades up to 

100 cm long, 3-20 mm wide, flat. Panicle 25-70 cm long, dense, the axis markedly 

angular (usually 6-angled), peduncle glabrous; racemes 1.5-3 cm long, much 

shorter than the supporting branches, the internodes and pedicels hirsute with hairs 

3-6 mm. long. Spikelets slightly heteromorphous, 3-6 mm long, glumes equal, 

membranous, upper lemma narrow, lower lemma lanceolate, glabrous. 



Habitat: 

Found in dry as well as near to agricultural fields. 

Uses: 

Avaluable fodder species. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, Northern India and South West Asia 

Westwards to the Mediterranean region.


Saccharum spontaneum L. 

English name: Wild sugarcane, Thatch grass. 

Local name: Sacho Sar. 

Description: 

A tall, erect, perennial grass up to 6 m in height with slender culms, leaves are long 

with stiff margins, generally taper towards the base, peduncle mostly hairy. 



Habitat: 

Common in moist areas. 

Uses: 

Thepantisusedinblooddiseases; thedecoctionof thebark 

of stem is used as mouth gargle; outer scales of leaves 

are effective in cough. The root-system is extremely 

extensive and the grass acts as an effective soil-binder. 

Distribution: 

Widely distributed in the warmer regions of the world. 

360

361 


Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv. 

(Syn: Panicum verticillatum L.) 

English name: Hooked bristlegrass. 

Local name: Krangh gaa h, Dangri gaa h. 

Description: 

Aloosely tufted annual, erect, 10-100 cm high or more, ascending, glabrous, angular 

often rough below the inflorescence. Panicle spiciform, spikelets oblong or ellipsoid, 

pale green. Spikelets awns with retrorse barbs. 



Habitat: 

Found in moist soils of road sides, near to tube wells, irrigation 

canals, water courses. 

Uses: 

Used as fodder, eaten by cattle before the appearance of 

spikes. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK and Kashmir), 

Tropical and warm temperate regions generally.



(Syn: Vilfa Arabica (Boiss.) Steud.) 

English name: 


Description: 

Atussocky, perennial grass, flowering stem up to 60 cm high. Leaves narrowly linear 

to acuminate up to 25 cm long and 2 to 3 mm broad. Panicle up to 20 cm long, 

elliptical or pyramidal. Lower branches verticillate. Seeds 0.8 to 1.2 mm long. The 

species can be distinguished from S. kentrophyllus by its stiff, pungent, inrolled 

glaucous leaves. 



Habitat: 

Arid and semi-arid areas.Atypical desert species. 

Uses: 


Distribution: 

Pakistan, SaudiArabia, Iran and India. 

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363 


Sporobolus helvolus (Trin.) Dur. & Schinz 

(Syn: Vilfa helvola Trin.) 

English name: Okrich, Sporobolus grass. 

Local name: 

Description: 

Tufted perennial erect plant with long slender stolons; flowering stem wiry 15-60 cm 

high, spikelets greenish brown 


March to May and October. 

Habitat: 

Dry areas, slightly saline habitats. 

Uses: 

Adesert grass species making good fodder for livestock 

especially for camels. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, tropicalAfrica,Arabia and India.


Sporobolus kentrophyllus (K. Schum.)W. D. Clayton 

(Syn: Agrostis kentrophyllus K. Schum.) 

English name: Sporobolus grass. 


Description: 

A tussocky perennial erect grass, the tufts often connected by stolons; leaves 

usually short and stiff; flowering stem 15-80 cm high. 



Habitat: 

It is a plant of saline or alkaline grass-lands, sea-shore sands and sandy patches in 

mangrove swamps rarely observed on stony soil. 

Uses: 

Grazed by livestock at early stage but occasionally. 

Distribution: 

Sandy areas of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Central and 

East Africa to Sri Lanka. 

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365 


Sporobolus virginicus (L.) Kunth. 

(Syn: Agrostis virginicus L.) 

English name: Salt couch, Crab-grass, Marsh-grass, Coastal rat-tail grass. 


Description: 

Aperennial grass, that creeps along the ground or tends erect, up to 40 cm high. 



Habitat: 

Common on mud flats in intertidal zones and river estuaries, 

rarely on saline soils inland. 

Uses: 

Used as nutritious forage for cattle and is readily grazed; 

also used medicinally to relieve urinary irritation and as 

a gargle. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh); tropics and subtropics throughout the 

world.


Tetrapogon tenellus (Koen. ex Roxb.) Chiov. 

(Syn: Chloris tenella Koen. ex Roxb.) 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

An annual or short-lived perennial geniculately erect grass, loosely tufted, with 4-6 

nodes flowering stem up to 60 cm high. 



Habitat: 

This grass is found in desert areas and sometimes on limestone. 

Uses: 

Good fodder grass. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab); Tropical Africa, eastwards to 

India and Southwards to Rhodesia and Angola. 

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367 


Tragus roxburghii Panigrahi 

English name: 

Local name: 

Description: 

Aradiantly spreading annual, culms 3-20 cm long, ascending from a prostrate base, 

a sporadic xerophytic species. 



Habitat: 

Found in dry, stony and open areas as well as on dry soil of roadsides. 

Uses: 

Grazed during the rains and said to be nutritious. 

Distribution: 

Pakistan, South-eastAsia and EastAfrica.


Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) C. E. Hubbard 

(Syn: Villa setulosa Trin.) 

English name: 

Local name: Budhala. 

Description: 

Densely tufted perennial with short rhizomes. Highly salt tolerant grass species of 

coastal belt, flowering stem erect or geniculately ascending, stout, 15-90 cm high, 

densely pubescent below the inflorescence. Leaves stiff and narrow most dense in 

the lower part of the plant. 



Habitat: 

Common species of dune-slacks, banks of salt water 

creeks and saline flats. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Morocco to Somalia (Northern Africa), India and Pakistan 

and Arabia. 

368

369 


Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solma. 

(Syn: Pontederia crassipes Mart.) 

English name: Water Hyacinth. 

Local name: Naagin wal. 

Description: 

A 30-50 cm high aquatic herb, with short stem and many long fibrous roots, the lilac 

flowers are a beautiful sight during the flowering season, difficult to eradicate due to 

its quick growth. It has become troublesome weed in Sindh and Punjab, propagates 

by stolons and multiplying very fast. 


May to July. 

Habitat: 

Found in lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams and canals. 

Uses: 

Plant is rich in potash. The plant have excellent potential 

for bio-fuel. One hectare of standing crop can thus 

3 

produce more than 70,000 m biogas. It is a best water 

treatment plant can absorb pollutant form the polluted 

water. The flowers are used to medicate skin of horses. 

Distribution: 

Native to Brazil. Introduced and naturalized in many 

tropical countries. A notorious invasive species in water 

bodies of many tropical and subtropical countries.



English name: Shining pondweed. 


Description: 

Perennial, rhizomatous partially submerged aquatic herb of ponds, lakes and slow 

moving streams which is now very rare, leaves with short talk and wavy edges, stem 

branched. 


July toAugust. 

Habitat: 

Found in fresh water lakes, ponds. 

Uses: 

The plant is used for manuringmam and in pisciculture. 

Distribution: 

Europe, NorthAfrica and temperateAsia. 

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371 



English name: Floating pondweed. 


Description: 

Perennial, rhizomatous partially submerged leaves are smooth 8 cm long and about 

3-4 cm broad with long stalk, a rare species. 



Habitat: 

An aquatic partially submerged herb of slow flowing fresh water habitats. 

Uses: 

Distribution: 

Temperate and arctic regions of Europe, Asia and 

Northern America.



English name: Pondweed. 


Description: 

A rhizomatous, aquatic submerged common herb of fresh water, stem branched or 

simple, fruit-let polymorphism has been noticed in this species. 


November to March. 

Habitat: 

Common aquatic submerged herb of stagnant or slow moving fresh water habitats. 

Uses: 

Plants are generally used in manuring and the root-stocks are 

used as food for animals. 

Distribution: 

Europe, Asia,Africa, Northern America andAustralia. 

372

373 

Typhaceae 

Typha dominghensis Pers. 

(Syn: Typha angustata Bory & Chaub.) 

English name: Narrow leaved Cat-tail. 


Description: 

A robust plant 1.5-3.0 m or more tall. Leaves narrow about 12 mm broad, equal or 

longer than the flowering stem. Stem somewhat stout, male and female flowers 

separated on the same stalk. 


Flowering most of the year. 

Habitat: 

Commonly found at the edges of ponds, lakes, slow moving 

canals and marshes. 

Uses: 

Dry inflorescence is used for cooling effects, a local dish 

called “Bhorani” prepared form the pollen of the plant. 

Leaves used for making mats and as packing material. 

Distribution: 

Pantropical.

Typhaceae 

Typha elephantina Roxb. 

English name: Bulursh, Indian reedmace. 


Description: 

Perennial 1.5-4.0 m tall. Leaves linear or broadly linear; trigonous above the sheath, 

angular keeled dorsally three angled; lamina 25-40 mm broad; male and female 

parts separate; axis of the male spike covered with hairs; female spike cylindrical, 

blackish brown or brown; female flowers having bracts with laceolate stigma. 



Habitat: 

Common on borders of pond, marsh canals and slow streams. 

Uses: 

Young shoots and roots are sometimes eaten. 

Silsosangami, a traditional Korean medicine consisting of 

the pollens of Typha elephantiana. 

Bhorani is a local dish 

prepared by the pollens of the same plant. Leaves are used 

in mat making. Roots are used as diuretic and astringent. 

Distribution: 

Africa, South and Central Asia, Pakistan, India, Nepal 

and Iran. 

374

375 

S# 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

List of Endemic Species 

Plant Family & Species Distribution Conservation 

Status 

Acanthaceae subsp. Malik & Ghafoor 

Justicia vahlii Scindica 

Asparagaceae 

Asparagus deltae Blatter 

Asparagaceae 

Asparagus gharoensis Blatter 

Asparagaceae 


Burseraceae 

Commiphora stocksiana(Engl.) 



Compositae 

Pulicaria boisseri Hook.f. 


Convolvulus scindicus Stocks 

Malvaceae 

Abutilon alii Abedin 

Malvaceae 

Abutilon karachianum Husain& Baquar 

Malvaceae 

Abutilon sepalum Husain &Baquar 

Malvaceae 

Hibiscus scindicus Stocks 

Malvaceae 

Pavonia glechomaefolia f.karachiensis Abedin 

Malvaceae 

Sida spinosa var. kazmii Abedin 

Mimosaceae 

Acacia nilotica subsp. hemispherica Ali &Faruqi 

Tamaricaceea 


Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix salina Dyer 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix sarenensis Qaiser 

Tamaricaceae 

Tamarix sultanii Qaiser 

Karachi and Dadu Distt Rare 

Thatta 

Southern Sindh 

Coastal areas of Sindh 

Lasbela District, Karachi Division, 

Thatta and Sangarh Districts. 

Coastal areas of Sindh and 

Balochistan. 

Sindh, southern Balochistan, 

Punjab 

Balochistan (Sibi) and Sindh 

(Dadu and Thatta Districts) 

Karachi Division and Lasbela 

District 

Karachi Division and Lasbela 

District 

Karachi Division and Thatta 

District 

Sindh and southern Balochistan 

Karachi 

Sindh and souterhn Punjab 

Extinct 

Probably extinct 

Vulnerable 

Rare 

Fairly common 

Fairly common 

Rare 

Critically Endangered 

Critically Endangered 

On the brink of extinction 

Rare 

Rare 

Rare 

Karachi 

Southern Sindh (Karachi,Thatta 

Vulnerable 

Dist. Nagar Parker) Coastal parts 

of Balochistan. 

Fairly Common 

Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur 

and Karachi 

Rare 

Tharparkar district, Keti bunder 

and Keenjhar 

Rare 

Southern Sindh 

Rare

Glossary of Botany Terms 

A 

Achene Small dry indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall, 

the term usually apply for the fruits of family Asteraceae/compositae. 

Acicular Needle-shaped. 

Adventitious Roots that arise from any part of the plant as in many grasses from 

internodes. 

Aerial Growing above the ground or water. 

Aestival Appearing during the summer season. 

Alternate Leaves arranged singly at each node on the stem. 

Amplexicaul Clasping the stem, as some leaves do at their base. 

Angiospermae Group of plants producing seeds protected by carpel. 

Annual Plants that flower and fruit in one year. 

Anther Part of the stamen that bears pollen. 

Apical Term refer to tip or distal end. 

Aquatic Growing in water. 

Aromatic Agreeable, usually spicy, odor. 

Ascending Generally pertaining to plant habit, where the stem and branches 

are produced upward obliquely. 

Auriculate Leaf base with small rounded lobes. 

Awns Bristle like appendages. 

Axil Upper angle that a petiole or peduncle makes with the stem that 

bears it. 

Axillary In the axil. 

B 

Basal Refers to position, base of an organ like leaves borne at the base of 

stem. 

Bi-labiate A flower petals with two lips. 

Bisexual Having both sexes. 

Bract Usually a small leaf like structure present at the base of a flower 

stalk. 

Bracteole Secondary bract, generally present on the flower stalk. 

Bulb An underground reduced stem, in which the inner leaves are fleshy 

and outer ones scaly, as in onion. 

Buttress A tree trunk with a widening base. 

C 

Caespitose Growing in tufts. 

Calyx Outermost whorl of a flower, made up of individual parts, the sepals. 

Canescent Bearing a hoary, grayish pubescence 

Carpel Seed producing part of a flower. 

Caulescent Having a manifest stem above ground 

Ciliate Bearing hairs on the margin. 

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377 


Cladode A leaf-like stem, e.g. Asparagus 

Cluster A number of similar flowers or fruits growing closely together. 

Compound A structure made up of several similar parts as compound leaf and 

compound flower. 

Cone A fruiting body comprising of bracts arranged on an elongated axis, 

in the axil of which lie the male or female flowers, e.g. Ephedra. 

Cordate Heart shaped. Pertaining to leaf shape. 

Corolla The second whorl of a flower. Individual parts are the petals 

Corona A cup-like or crown-like process from the throat of the corolla. 

Cosmopolitan Growing in most parts of the world. 

Creeping Spreading over the ground or other surface. 

Crenate Margin of leaf that is lobed. The lobes being rounded. 

Culms Refers to peculiar hollow, jointed stem of grasses. 

Cuneate 

apex. 

Margin of leaf or petal narrowing or tapering towards the base or 

Cupressiform A cone shaped appearance of tree. 

Cyathia A cup shaped Inflorescence, characteristic feature of the genus 

Euphorbia. 

Cylindrical Having the form of a cylinder. 

Cyme An inflorescence in which the primary axis bears a single central or 

terminal flower that blooms first. 

D 

Deciduous 

decidua. 

Plants shedding leaves during unfavorable seasons, e.g. Capparis 

Decumbent Trailing along the ground with the end ascending. 

Dentate Generally pertaining to leaf margin in which teeth are at more or 

less right angles to the mid-vein of the leaf. 

Dichotomous Branch of stem is forked once or twice. 

Digitate Palm or hand-like. e.g, the leaves of Merremia. 

Dimorphous Generally a leaf with two forms, e.g. Cocculus. 

Dioecious Male and female flowers borne on the different plants, e.g. Phoenix 

sylvestris (Palm), Populus euphratica and Ephedra. 

Divaricate Forked branches, spreading apart. 

Dormant Resting or non-vegetative stage, usually during winter. 

Drupe A fleshy or pulpy fruit. 

E 

Elliptic Leaf shape in the form of ellipse. 

Endemic Generally plants or animals of localized or restricted distribution. 

Epicalyx A whorl of bract-like structures below the calyx, e.g. Pavonia. 

Erect Upright in position, vertical throughout. 

Evergreen Plants having persistent leaves and remain green throughout the 

year, e.g. Salvadora.


F 

Family 

species. 

A unit of conventional classification composed by related genera and 

Fascicle Clustered together in groups. 

Fastigiate Refers to branches clustered, parallel and erect. 

Fern Group of plants without flowers (stamen and carpels). 

Filament The stalk of stamen. 

Fissure A long, narrow crack or opening. 

Frond Term applies to leaf-like structures of ferns. 

Funnel form Funnel-shaped: calyx/corolla tube gradually widening upwards. e.g. 

Convolvulus spp. 

G 

Geniculate Bent abruptly like a knee. 

Genus Unit of classification consisting of a group of species exhibiting 

similar characteristics. 

Glabrous Smooth, without any hairs. 

Glandular Bearing secreting glands or hairs. 

Globose Nearly spherical. 

Glume One of the two chaffy basal bracts of a grass spikelet. 

Gregarious Growing in open clusters or colonies; not matted together. 

Gynoecium A collective term for the carpels, i.e, the female part of the 

flower. 

H 

Habitat Particular location where plant usually grows. 

Halophytic Growing in saline habitat. 

Head A short dense aggregate. As a collection of flowers in sunflower 

family. 

Herb A plant that is not woody. 

Hirsute With rough or coarse hairs. 

Hispid Having stiff or bristly hairs. 

Hydrophytic Growing near and in the water. 

I 

Imparipinnate A term applied to compound leaf when petiole is terminated by a 

single leaflet e.g, Neem or tendril as in Pea. 

Indehiscent Not splitting or not opening at all. 

Inferior Term applied to flower when ovary is borne below the sepals, petals 

and stamens. 

Inflorescence Arrangement of flowers on the plant. 

Internode The interval between two nodes. 

378


Introduced A plant brought into a region where it is not native. 

Involucre A collection of bracts usually present near the flower base, e.g. 

Vernonia. 

L 

Lacticiferous Latex producing 

Lamina 

Expanded or green portion of a leaf. 

Lanceolate 

apex. 

Leaf shape that widens above the base and tapers towards the 

Lateral Occurring on a side. 

Latex The milky juice of plants such as the Calotropis procera and 

Euphorbia caducifolia. 

Leaflet A leaf-like unit of compound leaf, e.g. Acacia. 

Lemma Term used for part of grass flowers. 

Ligulate A strap-shaped leaf or petal. 

Linear Long and narrow as in grass leaf. 

M 

Mericarp A carpel with one seed. 

Mesophytic Plants growing to moderate moisture. 

Midrib A central leaf vein. 

Monoecious A species having male and female reproductive part on a same 

plant. 

Mucilage A viscous slimy material exuded by certain plants. 

Muricate Rough with short hard points. 

N 

Native Naturally occurring in a region, not introduced. 

Naturalized A species introduced from another region, now fully established and 

reproducing naturally. 

Nocturnal Flowers that open during the night. 

Node Part of a stem where leaf arises. 

Nut A hard indehiscent one-seeded fruit, resulting from a compound 

ovary. 

O 

Ochreae A pair of stipules united about a stem. 

Oblong Two or three times as long as broad. 

Ob-ovate Egg shaped leaf shape in outline, with the broader end towards 

apex and narrower towards the base. 

Obtuse Blunt or rounded at the apex. 

Operculum 

379 

A part serving as a lid or cover, as a covering flap on a seed vessel.


Ovate Egg shaped outline. 

P 

Palmate Lobed or divided in a palm-like manner, i.e. like the extended fingers 

of an open hand. 

Panicle Any loose, diversely branching flower cluster. 

Papillose Small pimple-like projections on the surface. 

Pappus Refers to ring of hairs of some fruits as in members of Sunflower 

family as in Vernonia. 

Paripinnate Term used for pinnate leaf when number of leaflets is even and 

rachis not terminated by leaflet or tendril. 

Pedicel The stalk of a flower. 

Peduncle A primary flower stalk, supporting either a cluster or a solitary 

flower. 

Pentamerous Floral parts: sepals, petals, stamens, etc. each whorl having 5 parts 

Perennial Plants with three or more season's duration. 

Perianth A term used for both sepals and petals collectively. 

Petal The individual part(s) of a corolla. 

Petiole Stalk of a leaf. 

Pilose Covered with short weak thin hairs. 

Pinnate Compound leaf with leaflets arranged on either side of rachis. 

feather-like. 

Pistil Female part of a flower consisting of ovary, style and stigma. 

Pod Dry many-seeded fruit, opening at maturity, as in Acacia and 

Prosopis. 

Polygamo A plant group which has bisexual male flower on some plants and 

bisexual female flowers on others. 

Polymorphic Having different shape and forms. 

Posterior Term applied to that portion (i.e. sepal or petal) of an axillary or 

lateral flower that faces towards the axis of inflorescence. 

Prostrate Lying flat on ground. 

Procumbent Near to prostrate, having stems that trail along the ground without 

putting down roots. 

Pteridophyta Containing all the vascular plants that do not bear seeds: ferns, 

horsetails, club mosses, and whisk ferns. 

Pubescent A plant covered with small soft hairs. 

Pulvinate A swelling at the base. Used of a leafstalk 

Pyriform Pear shaped. 

R 

Raceme Inflorescence having elongated central axis and stalked flowers with 

younger ones present towards the top. 

Rachis The term used for the axis of compound leaf bearing leaflets; or axis 

of compound inflorescence bearing flowers; or axis of fern fronds. 

380

381 


Radical Leaves that arise from the base of the stem. 

Reticulate Forming a net or network, as the veins of some leaves. 

Rhizome A root-like underground stem, having leaves and roots. 

Rosettes A circular cluster of leaves that radiate from a center at or close to the 

ground. 

Rugose A rough, wrinkled surface, as in certain prominently veined leaves. 

Runner An elongated lateral shoot, rooting at regular intervals, e.g. the 

grass 

Ochthochloa. 

S 

Saprophytic Feeding on dead and decaying organic material 

Scabrid Term applied to rough or hardish surface. 

Scandent Climbing with support of other trees or rocks or walls etc. 

Scape A leafless peduncle rising from the ground. 

Schizocarp A dry, dehiscent fruit that at maturity splits into two or more oneseeded 

carpels. 

Sedge Refers to grass-like plants with jointless, 3-angled stem, usually 

growing around water. Members of family Cyperaceae are 

referred 

as Sedge. e.g. Cyperus. 

Sepal Individual member of a calyx. 

Sessile Without a stalk, e.g. leaf of Calotropis procera (Akk). 

Shrub Perennial plant with woody stems, and branching from the base. 

Simple Term used for a single leaf or flower, as opposed to compound. 

Species Basic unit of classification, member of a genus. 

Spiciform Spike-like 

Spike Flowers borne on central axis without any stalk, e.g. 

Typha. 

Stamen Individual part of the androecium or male part of the flower. 

Stellate Star-like, branches radiating from center like rays of star. 

Stigma Part of the pistil that receives the pollen. 

Stipule Appendages present at the base of a leaf. 

Stolon A branch lying on the ground, rooting and producing shoot(s) at 

regular intervals. 

Stoloniferous Producing stolon. 

Style Portion of the pistil which lies above the ovary and bears the stigma. 

Subspecies A sub-unit of a species. 

Succulent Thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves or stems. 

Suffruticose Very low and woody. 

Symbiosis Relation of two different species of organisms that is 

interdependent.


T 

Tendril A slender process serving as a holdfast or for climbing. 

Terminal End of stem or branches. 

Ternate Consisting of three leaflets, as a compound leaf. 

Thallose A cellular expansion of stem and foliage. 

Tomentose Term applied to surface covered with dense, rigid hairs perceptible 

by touch as in Abutilon and Sida. 

Trailing Drag along the ground. 

Trifoliate With three leaflets. 

Trigonous Three angled. 

Tussocky A tuft or clump of growing grass or the like. 

Tuber A swollen underground stem as in potato. 

U 

Umbel Type of inflorescence in which the pedicels radiate from the top of a 

common peduncle and are of nearly the same length. 

Unarmed Without spines. 

Undulate Wavy margin, e.g. leaf of Glossonema. 

Uni-foliate Compound leaf with one leaflet. 

V 

Vaginate Having a vagina or sheath; sheathed. 

Variety A sub-unit of a species below the rank of a sub-species. 

Villous A part of plant body coved with long shaggy hairs. 

Verticillate Disposed in or forming whorls, as flowers or hairs. 

Vexillum The large upper petal of the flower. 

W 

Whorl Ring of leaves or flowers around stem. 

X 

Xerophytes Plant species growing in very hot and dry condition. 

382

377 

383 

GLOSSARY OF PHARMACOLOGICAL 

A 

Abortifacient A substance or device used to induce abortion. 

Abscess An inflamed area in the body tissues that is filled with pus. 

Agalactia Absence of secretion of milk following childbirth. 

Alexipharmic An internal antidote. 

Allergenic Produces allergy. 

Amenorrhoea Absence or abnormal suppression of menstruation. 

Amylaceous Resembling or having starch. 

Anemia Blood disorder, deficiency of red blood cells. 

Anesthetic A substance that reduce sensitivity to any pain. 

Anodyne Relieves or quiets pain. 

Anorexia Loss of appetite and inability to eat. 

Antacid Neutralizes excess acidity in the alimentary canal. 

Anthelmintic Capable of expelling or destroying intestinal worms. 

Antiasthmatic Relaxes bronchial muscles and relieves labored breathing. 

Antidiarrheal Counteracts diarrhea. 

Antidote Counteracts the action of poison. 

Antiemetic Lessens the tendency to vomit. 

Anti-infective Prevents or inhibits infection. 

Anti-inflammatory Reduces inflammation and swelling. 

Antipruritic Prevents or relieves itching. 

Antipyretic Reduces fever. 

Antirheumatic Reduces pain in the joint. 

Antiseptic Checks or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. 

Antispasmodic Reduces spasm or prevents convulsion. 

Aperient A laxative or milk purgative. 

Aphrodisiac A drug or medicine, stimulates sexual desires. 

Arthralgia Pain in the joints. 

Ascites Abnormal accumulation of fluid in abdominal cavity. 

Asthma Allergic disorder of respiration. 

Astringent Causes the contraction of tissue. 

B 

Bilious Characterized by excess secretion of bile. 

Blepharitis Inflammation of the eyelid. 

Boils Red, pus-filled lumps on the skin that are warm and tender to the 

touch. 

Bronchiti Inflammation of the membranes lining in bronchial tubes.


C 

Carcinogenic Causing cancer. 

Cardio Pertaining to heart. 

Carminative Used to relieve gas and colic. 

Catarrhal Related to inflammation of the respiratory tract. 

Cathartic Causes an evacuation of the bowel. 

Caustic Destroys tissue. 

Cytotoxic Poisonous to cell. 

D 

Debility General weakness. 

Demulcent Substance used to protect or soothe the mucous membrane. 

Depurative Removes impurities and waste materials and purifies the blood. 

Diaphoretic Used to increase perspiration. 

Digestant Aids in the digestion of foods. 

Disinfectant Destroys or inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms. 

Diuretic Increases the volume of urine. 

Dropsy Edema, swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in 

cells and tissues. 

Dyspepsia A disturbed digestive condition characterized by nausea, gas and 

heartburn. 

Dysentery A disease characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus 

and blood and usually caused by infection 

Dysuria Painful or burning on urination. 

E 

Eczema Inflammatory conditions of the skin. 

Emetic An agent that causes vomiting. 

Emmenagogue An agent that induces menstrual flow. 

Emmolient Used externally to soften the skin and protect it. 

Eruption A rash or blemish on skin. 

Estrogenic Relating to or caused by estrogen. 

Expectorant An agent that causes expulsion of mucous from respiratory tract. 

384

385 


F 

Febrifuge Reduces fever (antipyretic). 

Febrile eruption Highly infectious disease, common among children like measles 

etc. 

Fistula An abnormal opening into the soft parts with a constant discharge. 

Flaccid Not firm or stiff. 

Flatulence Stomach discomfort caused by gas. 

Fungicide An agent that destroys fungi. 

Furuncles Boil, painful sore with a hard core filled with pus. 

G 

Gonorrhea Sexually transmitted infection (STI) can exist in the back of the 

throat and rectum. 

Gout Joint pain and swelling due to uric acid accumulation. 

H 

Haemostatic An agent used to stop internal hemorrhage. 

Hemorrhoids A disease causing the swelling of blood vessels in the anal region. 

Homeostasis Metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex 

biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous 

system to offset disrupting changes. 

Hyperhidrosis Abnormal excessive sweating. 

I 

Insecticide An agent that kills insects. 

Intoxicant An agent that produces mental confusion with subsequent loss of 

muscular control. 

Irritant Causes inflammation of, or stimulation to, the tissues. 

L 

Lathyrism A neurological disorder in humans and livestock, causes by beating 

some type of legumes, the infected one lose ability to move. 

Laxative A cathartic that causes a more or less normal evacuation of the 

bowel without griping or irritation.


M 

N 

O 

P 

R 

386

387 


Resolvant An agent capable of absorbing or dispersing inflammatory products. 

Rheumatic Causes joint inflammation and destruction of connective tissues and 

other organs. 

Rubifacient Causes reddening and mild irritation of the skin. 

S 

Scabies A skin disease caused by a mite, marked by itching. 

Scrofula A disease common in children due to lack of resistance, making 

them Susceptible to tuberculosis and other diseases. 

Sedative Used to quiet the individual. 

Soporific Tending to cause sleep. 

Spermicidal An agent that kills spermatozoa. 

Stimulant A substance which increases general function activity. 

Stomachic Stimulates appetite and increases secretion of digestive juice. 

Strangury Painful urination. 

Syphilis A chronic infectious disease affecting almost any organ or tissue in 

the body. 

T 

Tonic Stimulates the restoration of tone to the muscles. 

Tubercular Characterized by the presence of tuberculosis lesions or tubercles. 

Tuberculosis Infection transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of tubercle bacilli and 

manifested in fever and small lesions (usually in the lungs but in 

various other parts of the body in acute stages). 

U 

Ulcer A sore on the skin or a mucous membrane. 

Urinogenitary Involving both urinary and genital functions or structures. 

V 

Vermicide An agent that destroys worms. 

Vermifuge A medicine that expels intestinal worms. 

Viscera The organs in the cavities of the body like intestines, bowels. 

Vulnerary An agent that promotes healing of open wounds.

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Wikipedia.org/sindh. 

390

Acanthaceae 

Adiantaceae 

Aizoaceae 

Amaranthaceae 

Apocynacaea 

Araceae 

Arecaceae/ Palmae 



Asparagaceae 

Asphodelaceae 

Asteraceae 

Avicenniaceae 

Azollaceae 

Bignoniaceae 

Bombacaceae 

Boraginaceae 

Brassicaceae 

Burseraceae 


Capparidaceae 



Combretaceae 


Cucurbitaceae 

Cuscutaceae 

Cyperaceae 

Ephedraceae 

Equisetaceae 

Elatinaceae 

Euphorbiaceae 

Fabaceae/ Papilionaceae 

Fumeraceae 

Gentianaceae 


Illecebraceae 

Lamiaceae/ Labiatae 

Malvaceae 

Marsiliaceae 

Meliaceae 

Menispermaceae 

Menyanthaceae 

Mimosaceae 

Molluginaceae 

Moraceae 

Moringaceae 

Myrsinaceae 

Myrtaceae 

Najadaceae 

Neuradaceae 

Nelumbonaceae 

Nyctaginaceae 

Nymphaeaceae 

Orobanchaceae 

Plumbaginaceae 

Polygalaceae 

Polygonaceae 


Portulacaceae 


Primulaceae 

Ranunculaceae 

Resedaceae 

Rhamnaceae 

Rosaceae 

Rubiaceae 

Salicaceae 

Salvadoraceae 

Salviniaceae 


Solanaceae 

Sphenocleaceae 

Sterculiaceae 

Tamaricaceae 

Tiliaceae 

Typhaceae 

Verbenaceae 

Violaceae 


Poaceae/ Gramineae 

Index of Families 

7-13 

1 

14-20 

21-27 

28 

271 

272-274 

29 

30-36 

275 

276 

37-54 

55 

2 

56-57 

58-59 

60-70 

71 

72-73 

74-78 

79-87 

88-89 

102 

115-120 

121 

277-294 

6 

3 

122-123 

124-134 

135-169 

170 

171 

295-297 

172 

173 

174-184 

4 

190-191 

185 

186 

90-101 

103-114 

187-189 

192-193 

194-195 

196 

197 

198 

298 

199 

200 

201-203 

204 

205 

206 

299-368 

207-208 

209-214 

369 

215 

370-372 

216 

217 

218 

219-220 

221 

222 

223 

224-225 

5 

226-230 

231-242 

243 

244 

245-255 

255-262 

373-374 

263-264 

265 

266-270

Index of Scientific Names 

Abutilon bidentatum A. Rich. 

Abutilon fruticosum Guill.& Per s. 

174 

Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet 

175 

Abutilon muticum (Del.ex DC.) Sweet 176 

Acacia jacquemontii Benth. 

177 

. Acaccia nilotica (L.) Subsp. Indica 187 

Acacia senegal (L.) Willd (Benth.) Brenan 188 

Achyranthes aspera L. 

189 

Adiantum capillus-veneris L. 

21 

Aegiceras corniculatus (L.) Blanco 1 

Aeluropus lagopoides (L.)Trin.ex Thw. 197 

Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex J. A. 299 

Schult. 

22 

Alhagi maurorum Medic. 

Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DeCandolle 135 

Alysicarpus longifolius ( Rottl.ex Spreng.) 23 

Wight & Arnott. 

Amaranthus graecizans L. Amaranthus 136 

viridis L. 

24 

Anagallis arvensis L. 

Anticharis linearis (Benth.) Hochst.ex 25 

Aschers. 

226 

Argyrolobium roseum (Camb.) Jaub .& 229 

Spach. 

219 

Aristida adscensionis L. 

Aristida funiculata Trin. & Rupr. 301 

Aristida mutabilis Trin. & Rupr. 

302 


303 

Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. 29 

Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C. 90 

Koch 

91 


276 

Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. 

277 

Astragalus fatmensis Hochst ex Blatter 138 


Avena fatua (Linn . ) 

92 

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. 304 

Azolla pinnata R. Br. 

55 

Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. 

2 

190 

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettestein 

227 

Brachiaria ovalis Stapf 

304 

Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf 

Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gardner & 

305 

Hubbard. 

Barleria acanthoides Vahl 

Barleria hochstetteri Nees 

305 

7 

8 

Barleria prionitis L. 

9 

Bauhinia retusa Roxb. 

74 

Bauhinia variegata L. 

75 

Bergia aestivosa Wight & Arn. 122 

Bergia suffruticosa (Delile) Fenzl. 

Blepharis sindica Stocks ex T. 

123 

Anders. 

10 

Boerhavia diandra L. 

Boerhavia procumbens Banks ex 

201 

Roxb. 

Bolboschoenus affinis (Roth.) 

202 

Drobov 

Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) 

278 

S.G. Smith 

279 

Bombax ceiba L. 

58 

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taubert 

Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce 

139 

79 

Calligonum polygonoides L. 

Capparis cartilaginea Decne. 

209 

80 

Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. 81 

Calotropis procera (Aiton.) Aiton .f. 

Subsp . hamiltonii (Wight) Ali 

81 

30 

Caralluma edulis (Edgew.) Hook 31 

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. 59 

Celosia argentea Linn. 

Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. 

Cenchrus ciliaris L. 

26 

308 

Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. 

& Steud.ex Steud. 

310 

Cenchrus prieurii (Kunth) A. Maire 

Cenchrus setigerus Vahl 

311 

312 

Chenopodium album L. 

93 

Chenopodium atripiliciforme Murr. 

Chenopodium murale L. 

Chloris barbata Sw 

Chrysopogon aucheri (Boiss.) Stapf 

94 

Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) Hook. f. 205 

Citrullus colocynthis Schred 115 

Cleome brachycarpa Vahl ex DC. 82


Cleome scaposa DC. 83 

Cleome viscosa L. 84 

Clerodendrum phlomidis L. 263 

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt 116 

Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels 185 

Cocos nucifera L 206 

Coldenia procumbens L. 60 

Cometes surattensis L. 172 

Commicarpus boissieri (Heimerl) Cufod. 

203 

Commiphora stocksiana (Engl.) Engl. 

72 

Commiphora wightii (Arn.) 73 

Convolvulus arvensis L. 103 

Convolvulus glomeratus Choisy. 104 

Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. 105 

Convolvulus rhyniospermus Hochst. ex 

Choisy. 

106 

Convolvulus scindicus Boiss. 107 

Conyza aegyptiaca Ait. 

Corbichonia decumbens 

37 

(Forssk.)Exell 

14 

Corchorus aestuans L. 255 

Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks 256 

Corchorus olitorius L. 257 

Corchorus tridens L. 

258 

Corchorus trilocularis L. 

Cressa cretica L. 

Crotalaria burhia Bush-Ham. 259 

ex Benth 

140 

Crotalaria medicaginea Lamk. 141 

Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin. 117 

Cucumis prophetarum L. 

118 

Cuscuta hyalina Roth. 

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) 

121 

Taubert. 

Cymbopogon jawarancusa (Jones) 

142 

Schult. 315 

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Persoon. 316 

Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb 280 

Cyperus articulatus L. 281 

Cyperus aucheri Jaub. & Spach 282 

Cyperus bulbosus Vahl. 

283 

Cyperus difformis L. 

284 

Cyperus exaltatus L. 

285 

Cyperus laevigatus L. 

286 

Cyperus longus L. 

287 

Cyperus pangorei Rottb. 

288 

Cyperus pygmaeus Rottb. 289 

Cyperus rotundus L. 

290 

Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.)Willd. 317 

Dactyloctenium aristatum Link 318 

Dactylocteniumscindicum Boiss. 319 

Dalbergia sisso Roxb. 

143 

Datura fastuosa L. 

231 

Datura stramonium L. 

232 

Desmostachya bipinnata (L.)Stapf 320 

Dicanthium annulatum (Forssk.) 

Stapf 

321 

Dicanthium foveolatum (Del.) 

Roberty 

322 

Digera muricata (L.) Mart. 

27 

Digitaria bicornis (Lam.) Roem .ex 

Schult 

323 

Digitaria ciliaris (Retz) Koel. 

324 

Diplachne fusca (L.) P. Beauv. ex 

Roem. & Schult. 

325 

Dipterygium glaucum Decne 85 

Echinochloa colona (L.) Link 326 

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. 327 

Echinochloa frumentacea Link 328 

Echinops echinatus Roxb. 

38 

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. 

39 

Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roemer & 291 

Schult. 

Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roemer & 292 

Schult. Subsp. Iranica Kukkonen 

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solma 370 

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn 329 

Elionurus royleanus Neees ex A. 

Rich. 

Enicostemma hyssopilfolium (Willd.) 

330 

Verdoon 

Ephedra ciliata Fisch. & Mey. ex C. 

171 

A. Mey 

6 

Equisetum debile Roxb. 

Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Lut.ex F. 

3 

T. Hubbard 

331 

Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R. Br. 332 

Eragrostis minor Host 

333 

Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. 334


335 

336 

337 

124 

125 

126 

127 

128 

129 

130 

131 

266 

71 

194 

195 

293 

170 

15 

192 

32 

40 

41 

260 

261 

262 

86 

96 

97 

98 

61 

62 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

338 

Hibiscus lobatus (J. A. Murray.) O. 

Ktze 

178 

Hibiscus micranthus L.f. 

179 

Hibiscus scindicus Stocks 180 

Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.)Royle 296 

Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. 339 

Indigofera argentea Burm.f 144 

Indigofera caerulea Roxb. 145 

Indigofera cordifolia Heyne ex Roth 146 

Indigofera hochestetteri Baker. 147 

Indigofera linifolia (Linn .f.) Retz 148 

Indigofera oblongifolia Forssk. 149 

Indigofera sessiliflora DC. 150 

Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. 109 

Ipomoea carnea Jacquin. 110 

Ipomoea sindica Stapf 

111 

Iphiona grantioides (Boiss . ) Anderb. 42 

Kohautia retrorsa (Boiss.) Bremek. 222 

Lasiurus scindicus Henr. 

340 

Lathyrus aphaca L. 

151 

Lathyrus sativus L. 

152 

Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) 

Rammaya & Rajagopal. 

43 

Launaea remotiflora (DC.) 44 

Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) 

Decne. 

33 

Leptochloa panacea (Rezz) Ohwi 341 

Leptothrium senegalensis (Kunth) 

W. D. Clayton 

342 

Limeum indicum Stocks ex T. And. 

Limonium stocksii (Boiss.) O. 

16 

Kuntze 

206 

Lindenbergia indica (L.) Vatke 228 

Lotus krylovii Schischk. & Serg. 153 

Luffa echinata Roxb. 

120 

Lycium edgeworthii Dunal 233 

Lycium ruthenicum Murray 234 

Maerua arenaria (DC.) Hook.f. & 

Thom. 

87 

Marsilia minuta L. 

Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. var. 

4 

laciniata Linn. 

154 

Medicago lupulina L. 

Melanocenchris abyssinica (R. Br 

155 

ex Fresen) Hochst 

343


Melia azedarach L. 

Melhania denhamii R. Br. 

Melilotus alba Desr. 

Melilotus indica (L.) All. 

Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urban. 

Merremia hederacea (Burm.f.) Hall.f. 

Millingtonia hortensis L. 

Mollugo cerviana (L.) Seringe. 

Moringa oleifera Lam. 

Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. J. 

Roemer. 

Najas marina L. 

Nannorrhops ritchieana (Griffith) 

Aitchison. 

Neurada procumbens L. 

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. 

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. 

Nymphaea nouchalli Willd. 

Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) O. 

Kuntze 

Ochradenus baccatus Delile 

Ochthochloa compressa ( Forssk.) 

Hilu 

Oryza coarctata Roxb 

Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers 

Oxystelma esculentum (L.f.) R. 

Br. 

Panicum antidotale Retz 

Panicum turgidum Forssk. 

Paspalidium flavidum (Retz) A. 

Camus 

Paspalidium geminatum (Forssk.) 

Stapf 

Paspalum pasaloides (Michx.) 

Scribner 

Paspalum scorbiculatum L. 

Paspalum vaginatum Swartz 

Pavonia arabica Hochst. & 

Steud. 

Pennisetum purpureum Schum. 

Pentatropis nivalis (J. F. Gmel.) Field 

& J.R.I. Wood 

Peristrophe paniculata (Forssk.) 

Brummit 

Persicaria barbata (L.) Hara 

Persicaria glabra (Willd.) Gomes de 

la Maza 

Phalaris minor Retz. 

Phoenix dactylifera L. 

Phoenix sylvestris L. 

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex 

Steud 

Phragmites karka (Retz) Trin.ex 

Steud 

Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene 

Phyllanthus fraternus Webster 

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis 

L. 

Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. 

Physalis divaricata D. Don 

Physalis peruviana L. 

Pistia stratioites L. 

Pluchea arguta Boiss. 

Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C.B. 

Clarke 

Pluchea wallichiana DC. 

Polycarpaea spicata Wight. & Arn. 

Polygala erioptera DC. 

Polygala irregularis Boiss 

Polygonum effusum Meisn 

Polygonum plebejum R. Br 

Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. 

Populus euphratica Olivier. 

Portulaca oleracea L. 




Potentilla henyii Roth. 

Pulicaria angustifolia DC. 

Pulicaria boissieri Hook. f. 

Pulicaria undulata (L.) C. A. 

Mey. 

Pycreus dwarkensis (Sahni & 

Naithani) Hooper 

Ranunculus sceleratus L. 

Rhazya stricta Decne. 

Rhynchosia capitata (Heyne ex 

Roth.) DC. 

Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. 

Rhynchosia schimperi Hochst.ex 

Boiss.


Ruellia patula Jacq. 

Ruellia linearibracteolata 

12 

Lindau. 

13 

Rumex dentatus L. 

214 

Saccharum benghalense Retz 358 

Saccharum griffithii Munro ex 

Boiss. 

359 

Saccharum ravennae (L.) Murr. 360 

Saccharum spontaneum L. 361 

Salsola imbricata Forssk. 

99 

Salvadora oleoides Decne. 224 

Salvadora persica L. 

225 

Salvia santolinaefolia Boiss 173 

Salvinia molesta Mitchelle 

Sarcostemma viminale Subsp. 

5 

Stocksii (Hook.f.) Ali 

36 

Schoenoplectus litoralis subsp. 

thermalis (Trabut) S. Hooper 

Schweinfurthia papilionacea (Burm. 

295 

f.) Boiss 

Seddera latifolia Hochst. & 

232 

Steud. 

114 

Senna holosericea (Fresen) Greuter 76 

Senna italica Mill. 

77 

Senra incana Cav. 

Sericostoma pauciflorum Stocks ex 

182 

Wight 

69 

Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. 161 

Sesuvium sesuvioides (Fens) Verdi. 17 

Setaria verticillata (L.) Beauv. 362 

Sida ovata Forssk 

183 

Sida spinosa (Linn.) 

184 

Solanum cordatum Forssk 

238 

Solanum nigrum L. 

239 

Solanum surattense Burm. f. 240 

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill 

51 

Sonchus oleraceus DC. 

52 

Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. 89 

Sphenoclea zeylanica (Gaertn.) 243 


Sporobolus helvolus (Trin.) Dur. & 

363 

Schinz 

Sporobolus kentrophyllus (K. Schum.) 

364 

W. D. Clayton 

Sporobolus virginicus (L.) 

365 

Kunth 

366 

Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J.F 

Gmelin. 

Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J. F 

100 

Gmelin. 

101 

Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeel. 198 

Tamarindus indica L. 

78 

Tamarix aphylla (L.) 

245 


246 

Tamarix dioica Roxb. Ex Roth. 247 

Tamarix indica Willd 

248 

Tamarix kermanensis Baum. 249 

Tamarix pakistanica Qaiser 

Tamarix passerinoides Del.ex 

250 

Desv. 

254 

Tamarix sarenensis Qaiser 255 

Tamarix sultanii Qaiser 

256 

Tamarix szovitsiana Bunge 

Taverniera cuneifolia 

257 

(Roth.)Arnott 

Tecomella undulata (Roxb.) 

162 

Seeman. 

56 

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. 

Tephrosia strigosa (Dalz.) Sant. & 

163 

Maheshw. 

Tephrosia uniflora Pers. 

164 

Terminalia catappa L. 

165 

Tetrapogon tenellus (Koen.exRoxb.) 102 

Chiov. 

367 

Tragus roxburghii Panigrahi 368 

Trianthema portulacastrum L. 

Trianthema triquetra Rottl. & 

18 

Willd. 

19 

Tribulus longipetalus Viv. 

267 

Tribulus terrestris L. 

Trichodesma indicum (L.) R. 

268 

Brown. 

70 

Trifolium alexanderianum L. 166 

Trifolium fragiferum L. 

167 

Typha dominghensis Pers 374 

Typha elphentiana (Roxb.) 

Urochondra setulosa (Trin.) 

375 

C.E.Hubbard 

369 

Vallisneria spiralis L. 

298 

Verbascum thapsus L. 

Vernonia cinerascens Schultz- 

230 

Bip. 

53


Vicia sativa L. 

Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc 

Viola stocksii Boiss. 

Withania coagulans (Stocks) 

Dunal 

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal 

Xanthium strumarium L 

Zaleya pentandra (L.) Jeffery. 

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. 

Ziziphus nummularia 

(Burm.f.)Wt.&A. 

Zygophyllum propinquum 

Decne. 

Zygophyllum simplex L. 

168 

169 

265 

241 

242 

54 

20 

219 

220 

269 

270

The Floral Guide is a first of its kind document, compiled specifically on Indus Ecoregion. 

The inventory of flora in this book includes key information on each taxon. 

The Guide confirms the ecological and biological diversity of the region. It will not only be 

valuable for botanists or plant related scientists, but will also be important for social 

scientists such as geographers, anthropologists, sociologists and plant lovers. 

Additionally, this Guide is useful as a reference book for organizations such as herbarium. 

Illustrations and photographs of plant species will be a great help for identification of plant 

species. 

The book is certainly a benchmark work on floral diversity of this region. A number of 

research projects can be launched based on the information in the Guide, such as 

faunastic biodiversity profile, integrating floral composition of Indus Ecoregion, ethnopharmacological 

survey and seed bank. 

It is a great effort by Indus for All Programme WWF - Pakistan. 

Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti 

PhD (University of London), Presidential Award (Izaz-i-Fazeelat) 

Director (Botanical Gardens and Herbarium), Professor (Botany) 

Shah Latif University 

Khairpur 

The general introduction setting out of scope of the work together with a historical 

background of Sindh is really good. It provides brief but comprehensive information on 

climate, Physiography, demographic profile, historical sites of Sindh and details of 

different ecosystem. 

The need for a comprehensive floral guide has been felt since long, and here at least it is 

the beginning to appear. 

The Floral Guide Indus Ecoregion, developed under the Indus for All Programme, WWF – 

Pakistan provides brief description of species, distribution, flowering period, uses, habitat, 

local and English names and distribution maps are also given. 

Most of the species are clearly illustrated except in a few cases. Appropriate synonymy is 

also listed; there is a glossary of botanical terms used in the text. 

The book has reasonable scientific value, with a good practical outlook. In some cases 

the description of species is very short. My criticism is of very minor importance, in 

comparison with the excellence of the Floral Guide. 

Floral Guide is prepared under the guidance of Dr. Ghulam Akbar a leading ecologist, 

Team Leader of the Indus for All Programme, WWF – Pakistan for whom I have great 

respect and admiration. This book will prove to be vital for ecologists, botanists and the 

conservationists concerned with study of plants and conservation of the Indus Ecoregion. 

Professor Muhammad Tahir Rajput 

Dean, 

Faculty of Natural Sciences, 

University of Sindh, Jamshooro

Dr. Ghulam Akbar 

A passionate environmentalist, Dr. Ghulam Akbar has to his credit conservation projects 

across Pakistan. In addition to programme management, he has extensive experience in 

developing and conducting resource monitoring surveys, environmental education and 

awareness, capacity building and technically coordinating policy formulation for various 

components of biodiversity. He also holds 30 years experience in application of 

participatory learning approaches. Dr. Akbar has served as referee, examiner and 

member of numerous scientific institutions and societies. Envisaging an environmental 

career, he completed MSc (Forestry) from Peshawar University followed by a PhD 

(Rangeland Ecology) from Utah State University, USA. Due to his distinguished work, he 

has been conferred positions and awards by his universities and other development 

institutions. He has authored over 50 research papers in refereed journals, popular 

articles and over a dozen books especially on environmental education and biodiversity of 

Pakistan. He has remained a prolific writer with credible knowledge. Dr. Akbar is currently 

based in Islamabad and is working as Senior Director Programmes at WWF – Pakistan. 

Dr. Surayya Khatoon 

Among the few women in Pakistan who contribute meaningfully to scientific work and 

work incessantly in the field, Dr. Surriaya Khatoon stands high as an ardent scholar. Dr. 

Khatoon gained recognition as a researcher in the field of biological sciences and is 

currently working as a Professor in the Department of Botany at University of Karachi, 

where she plays a key role in designing courses and administrative functions. A first 

position holder student herself, she also supervises the research work of PhD students. 

Dr. Khatoon has presented her research papers and delivered lectures in innumerable 

national and international conferences. She has extensive knowledge on the flora of 

Pakistan and has contributed to reputable research journals, with several publications to 

her credit. She has contributed to Biodiversity Action Plan of Pakistan, as well as WWF 

publications including those on Indus Ecoregion. She is a member of national and 

international bodies on botany and taxonomy. Her areas of interest include: (a) plant 

taxonomy with particular reference to cytotaxonomy, plant reproductive biology etc. (b) 

biodiversity -inventorying, monitoring, conservation etc. 

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most experienced independent 

conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network 

active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of 

the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in 

harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring 

that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the 

reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

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