(a) the total number of plant varieties identified in the country ;
(b) whether Government has made any model for classification of plants ;
(c) if so, the details thereof ; and
(d) the importance given to ancient texts like Charaka Samhita in identifying and classifying medicinal plants in the country ?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) Botanical Survey of India (BSI), mandated for survey of floral diversity of the country and its documentation has so far, identified 47513 species comprising Virus/ Bacteria (1036), Algae (7284), Fungi (14883), Lichens (2401), Bryophytes (2523), Pteridophytes (1268), Gymnosperms (75) and Angiosperms (18043).
(b)& (c) BSI has been following different scientific systems accepted world-wide for classification of different groups of plants in the country. The details are as follows:
Type of plants System of Classification followed by BSI with certain modifications Flowering Plants Bentham & Hooker System of Classification Non Fern & Fern Allies Pichi – Sermolli’s System of Classification Flowering Bryophyta (Moss) Goffinet System of Classification Plants Marchantiophyta Crandall-Stotler et al System of Classification (Liverwort) Anthocerotophyta Renzaglia et al System of Classification (Hornworts) Fungi Hibbet et al System of Classification Algae Fritch et al System of Classification(d) The ancient texts of India’s heritage like Charakasamhita have information on medicinal plants nomenclature, classification systems and properties that have contributed substantially to the development of Ayurvedicmateriamedica.