Unveiling the Botanical Stories: Phytoetymological Exploration of Morni Hills and Its Ecotourism Potential
Description
In Morni Hills, Haryana, the Government collaborated with the Patanjali Research Foundation to create a world herbal forest. This initiative aimed at conserving phytodiversity and promoting ecotourism. Researchers explored the biodiversity of Morni Hills through floral analysis, uncovering 980 species across 571 genera and 143 families. Notably, 53 plant species were new records for the Flora of Haryana. Additionally, nine more plant species were added to Haryana’s flora. The herbal forest, comprising fifty-one patches, maintains the local microclimate and holds promise as an ecotourism destination. Phytoetymology—understanding plant names through word roots—fosters a connection between humans and plants and aids in plant identification. In the picturesque Morni Hills, not only do tourists find solace, but taxonomists have also been drawn here for decades. The current tally stands at 980 identified species, including lichens, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Delving deeper, phytoetymological analysis reveals fascinating connections: 741 species derive their names from meaningful roots. 38 species honor notable individuals. 115 species are linked to specific localities. 46 species bear vernacular names. 31 species share names with other genera. 2 species have mythological associations. 7 species fall into miscellaneous categories. Moreover, 53 new records from 29 families were first reported in Morni Hills. Subsequent visits by researchers yielded nine additional plant species, each with its own etymology. These findings enrich our understanding of this botanical haven.
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In crafting this database, the authors meticulously explored various literature sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Plants of the World, Tropicos, JSTOR Global Plants, and the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Their focus was on Morni Hills, using keywords like 'Flora,' 'Plant,' 'Vegetation,' 'etymology,' 'origin,' specific epithets, vernacular names, and local names. They compiled a comprehensive list of the region's floristic diversity. Before finalizing this list, each plant name underwent verification through IPNI (International Plant Names Index) and POWO (Plants of the World Online) to ensure accurate nomenclature. Additionally, the authors delved into phytoetymology, studying the origins of each plant name and conducting a comparative analysis.