BOTANY Higher Secondary Second Year - Textbooks Online

1. Food plants
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
The tuberous root of Manihot esculenta (tapioca) is rich in starch and
forms valuable food stuff. The fleshy fruits of Phyllanthus emblica
(Gooseberry) are rich in vitamin C. The fruit is edible and pickled.
2. Oil plants
Castor oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis (Castor) is
used as lubricant, vegetable oil and purgative. Jatropha oil obtained from
the seeds of Jatropha curcas (Kattamanakku) is used as purgative, to treat
skin diseases and to extract bio-diesel.
3. Medicinal plants
The entire shoot system of Phyllanthus amarus (Keezhanelli) is used
to treat jaundice. The leaves and roots of Jatropha gossypifolia are used
in the treatment of leprosy and snakebite.
4. Rubber plants
Over 98% of total natural rubber produced in the world is obtained
from the coagulated latex of Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber) and Manihot
glaziovii (manicoba rubber).
5. Ornamental plants
Euphorbia pulcherrima, Codiaeum variegatum (croton of gardens),
E. tirucalli (milk bush) are examples for ornamental plants.
Self evaluation
I . Choose and write the correct options.
1. Euphorbiaceae includes about
a. 82 genera. b. 90 genera
c. 300 genera d. 254 genera.
2. Ricinus communis is a
a. herb b. shrub
c. tree d. cladode.
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