Occurrence, phenology and traditional uses of Helminthostachys zeylanica in northeastern terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. is a terrestrial sciophyte fern growing on moist ground belonging to family Ophioglossaceae, commonly known as Kamraj (King of Potency). Extensive uses of the plants in form of rhizomes because of its ethnic, ayurvedic, food and medicinal value, it becomes rare flora of India. The present study includes distribution, description, phenology and uses of H. zeylanica in different forms. The occurrence is restricted to a few geographical locations and areas due to destruction of their true natural and potential habitat. The utilization of H. zeylanica as neurogenic tonic and potency enhancer in many formulations in Ayurvedic/Domestic medicine. Natural exploitation causes extinction and warrant us to protect and conserve the plant in different localities of their natural habitat as well as in ex-situ condition.