Early Times Report Jammu, Mar 6: As part of Biodiversity awareness initiative, SFRI in collaboration with Botany department, University of Jammu today organized Floral ID Quiz based on spring foliage and flowers for the MSc Botany students, PG Department of Botany, University of Jammu. More than 50 students participated, students were provided following woody, herbaceous medicinal, ornamental, edible, aromatic & decorative taxa for on spot identification with local folk as well as Linnaean Nomenclature, mentioning uses and threat status of Spermadictyon Suaveolens, Anagallis Arvensis, Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, Bombax Ceiba, Withania Somnifera, Erythrina indica, Capsella Bursa Pastori, .Reinwardtia Indica, Fumaria Indica, Pyrus Pashia, Jasminum Mesneyi, Justicia Adhatoda, Stellaria Media, Aloe Vera, Camellia japonica, Berberis Aristata, Jasminum Multiflorum, Buddleja Sciatica, Pogostemon Benghalense, Solanum Villosum. After the Quiz contest, Director State Forest Research Institute shared inputs on field identification of foliage and flowers highlighting diagnostic features of each displayed taxa, mentioning vernacular as well as Botanical names, folk & ayurvedic uses, ascertaining threats, threat status and other ecological concerns to boost field Taxonomy ,appreciating folk knowledge ,need for ex-situ conservation and potential for edible cum medicinal or aromatic plant value addition. HoD Department of Botany, Prof Namrata Sharma, Dr Yashpal Sharma, Dr Veenu Kaul ,Dr Harish Dutt extended logistic support and conducted quiz contest for the Botany students, top scoring participants will be awarded certificate during proposed Forest Flower Festival in the Botanical Garden on 16th March. |