BIODIVERSITY OF FAISALABAD

KAMAAD (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM)

(SUGAR CANE)

Species information Local name: kamaad Scientific name: saccharum

officinarum Common name: sugar cane Family:  Poaceae Habitat: hot humid tropical areas. Conservation status: widespread in

cultivation. Importance: providing around 70% of

the world’s sugar.

Diagnostic features A perennial tall grass, bamboo like,3-6 m

high with culms (stems). Leaves: Broad (up to 6 cm wide), borne

alternately on the stem, with leaf base encircling the stem.

Fruits: An oblong caryopsis ( one-seeded fruit), 1.5 mm long.

Species information

Distribution worldwide in distribution ,mostly grown in

southwestern Europe. Economical significance Medicinal uses, Constipation cough Treat skin problems Heart conditions Anemia As a food, Drinks Preserving fruits and meat.

MATAR (LATHYRUS ODORATUS)

(SWEET PEA)

Species informationTAXONOMY Local name: Matar Scientific name: Lathyrus odoratus Common name: sweet pea Family: leguminosae Habitat: cool humid climate. Conservation status: nearly Threatened. Importance: nitrogen-rich edible

seed,major source of dietary protein.

Diagnostic features Annual climbing plant, Flower: keeled flowers bloom in clusters. Inflorescence: Racemose, the flowers are clustered in heads. Stem: Herbaceous, Cylindrical, tendril climbers. Fruit: The fruit is a hairy pod about 5 cm long. Roots: Fibrous tap root often develops nodules in herbs,Nitrogen

Fixing bacteria live in these nodules.

Distribution The sweet pea is native to the

eastern Mediterranean region, but is widely cultivated worldwide .

Economic significance Medicinal uses, Use against snake bite. cough and cold. As food, Plants used for oils: The family contains many food

plants including pulses, grams and soybean.

Innab (Ziziphus jujuba) (jujube)

Species information Taxonomy Local name: Innab Scientific name: ziziphus jujuba Common name: jujube Habitat: dry climate locations. Conservation status: worldwide in

distribution. Importance:  jujube provides humans

with a rich source of vitamin C and is popular both fresh and dried.

Diagnostic features Fruit:1 inch long oval,skin smooth,

later becomes or wholly burnt red-brown or all-red.

Flower: The 5-petalled flowers,tiny yellow 2inch in the leaf axils.

Leaves: The leaves are alternate, ovate 1 to 2 inch.

Distribution It is widely distributed in milder climates to hot

deserts of Asia and Africa. Economical significance Medicinal uses, nausea, vomiting. cuts and ulcers, fevers. The leaves are used in liver troubles, asthma. antifungal. Astringent is needed, as on wounds. As a food, Cold drink. Seed are used in famine. Powder is prepared for out-of-season purposes..

Chuqandar (Betavulgaris) 

(Beet)

Species information Taxonomy Local name: Chuqandar Scientific name: Beta vulgaris  Common name: sugar beet Family: Amaranthaceae Habitat : Coastal Conservation status: Widespread in

cultivation.

Importance : provide nearly 30% of the world’s annual sugar.

Diagnostic features:

 A polymorphic biennial plant.  Inflorescences: Small, green, borne in

clusters. Fruits and seeds: ‘Seeds’ are actually fruits

enveloped in a woody covering (calyces).  Leaf of beet: leaf are oblanceolate to heart-

shaped.

Distribution: Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe.

Economical significance:

Medicinal uses, Today in cancer treatment.  It contains high (anti-oxidants), vitamin C. iron and folic acid. As a food,

Food and drinks. For salads. Sea beet leaves are cooked like spinach. Fodder purpose. 

 

Kaila (Musa acuminate)

(banana)

Species information Taxonomy Local name: Kaila Scientific name: Musa acuminata Common name: banana Family: Musacea Habitat: humid tropical and

subtropical climates. Conservation status: Widespread

in cultivation. Importance: rich source of minerals

like vitamin A,C potassium.

Diagnostic features:

Growth: up to 15 m tall largest perennial herb in the world.

Roots: cultivated vegetatively do not have one main taproot instead they have a root system that is fleshy and adventitious.

Leaves: Leaves are arranged spirally and are up to 2.7 metres long and 60 cm wide.

Inflorescence: both male and female flower are present in same flower.

Fruit: parthenocarpic (seedless) fruit.

Distribution: India and most of mainland Indochina.

Southeast Asia.

Economical significance: Medicinal uses,

Flowers for bronchitis and diabetes. Roots for digestive problems.

Anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. As a food, Fruit eaten, or sliced and served in salads,

cakes, custards and ice-cream jams. In Africa, ripe bananas are fermented into beer

and wine.