Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Plants have been integral to human civilization, providing essential resources like timber for construction, insecticides for crop protection, and edible oils for nutrition. Economic botany, a branch of botany, studies the various uses of plants and their impact on human life. Understanding the botanical names and families of these economically important plants is crucial for their sustainable utilization and conservation. This answer will detail plants yielding timber, insecticides, and edible oils, along with their respective botanical classifications.
Plants Yielding Timber
Timber, derived from trees, is a vital resource for construction, furniture making, and various other industries. Several plant species are commercially exploited for their wood.
- Teak (Tectona grandis): Family – Lamiaceae. Known for its durability and resistance to decay, teak is highly valued for shipbuilding, furniture, and construction. It is native to South and Southeast Asia.
- Sal (Shorea robusta): Family – Dipterocarpaceae. A hardwood tree found in India and Nepal, Sal is used for construction, railway sleepers, and furniture.
- Deodar (Cedrus deodara): Family – Pinaceae. A coniferous tree native to the Himalayas, Deodar wood is lightweight, durable, and used for construction, especially in colder regions.
- Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo): Family – Fabaceae. Rosewood is a strong, durable wood used for furniture, musical instruments, and decorative purposes.
Plants Yielding Insecticides
Plants have long been a source of natural insecticides, offering alternatives to synthetic pesticides. These plant-derived compounds often have lower environmental impacts.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica): Family – Meliaceae. Neem seeds contain azadirachtin, a potent insecticide effective against a wide range of pests. It is widely used in organic farming.
- Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium): Family – Asteraceae. Pyrethrum flowers contain pyrethrins, natural insecticides that are biodegradable and relatively non-toxic to mammals.
- Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum): Family – Solanaceae. Nicotine, extracted from tobacco leaves, is a powerful insecticide, although its use is restricted due to its toxicity.
- Chinaberry (Melia azedarach): Family – Meliaceae. Seeds contain azadirachtin and other compounds with insecticidal properties.
Plants Yielding Edible Oil
Edible oils are essential components of the human diet, providing fatty acids and energy. Numerous plant species are cultivated for their oil-rich seeds or fruits.
- Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea): Family – Fabaceae. Groundnut oil is a widely consumed vegetable oil, rich in unsaturated fats.
- Rapeseed/Mustard (Brassica napus/Brassica juncea): Family – Brassicaceae. Rapeseed and mustard oils are popular in many parts of the world, known for their pungent flavor.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Family – Asteraceae. Sunflower oil is a light, healthy oil with a high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods.
- Olive (Olea europaea): Family – Oleaceae. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is highly valued for its health benefits and flavor.
- Coconut (Cocos nucifera): Family – Arecaceae. Coconut oil is used extensively in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.
The following table summarizes the information:
| Category | Botanical Name | Family |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | Tectona grandis | Lamiaceae |
| Timber | Shorea robusta | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Insecticide | Azadirachta indica | Meliaceae |
| Insecticide | Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium | Asteraceae |
| Edible Oil | Arachis hypogaea | Fabaceae |
| Edible Oil | Helianthus annuus | Asteraceae |
Conclusion
In conclusion, plants provide a diverse range of economically important products, including timber, insecticides, and edible oils. Understanding their botanical classifications is crucial for sustainable resource management and conservation efforts. Continued research into plant-derived compounds can lead to the development of more environmentally friendly insecticides and healthier edible oil options, contributing to both economic prosperity and ecological well-being.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.