Exacum bicolor Roxb. an Exquisite, Under Exploited Wild Ornamental

Abstract

Exacum bicolor an elegant flowering plant in the wild, is distributed in Peninsular India. Natural habitats of the plant are grasslands of both high and low altitudes, as well as scrub savannah. The unique feature of this plant is its restricted occurrence in small localized areas. Natural habitats are being exploited for tourism, the construction of highways, and as sites for agriculture and industry. Ex situ conservation is the best strategy for conservation in view of habitat destruction. The plant is an excellent ornamental suitable for regions of high humidity and heavy rainfall. Horticultural aspects, such as sturdy stems, a long flowering period, many flowers in a bunch, large flower size and extended life of the flowers under field conditions, result in excellent ornamental value of the plant for pot cultivation and bedding. Natural seed germination is very low and normally less than 5 %. Analysis of soil in regions where the plants occur shows the presence of mycorrhizae. Pollination is insect assisted; fruit is not set following selfing. Seedlings show wide variation in vegetative and floral characters. Consequently, there exists high potential for selection and improvement. There are many reports regarding the febrifuge, stomachic, and tonic properties of E. bicolor. Traditional healers in regions of India, such as Kerala and Karnataka, prescribe the plant for the treatment of fever, malaria, and blood purification. Identification tests have confirmed the presence of various compounds, including phenols, alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins and saponins in plant extracts. Thin layer chromatography for qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of these metabolites.