DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2018.v06i02.002

Pages: 146-150

The great Indian epic Ramayana is replete with references with Sanskrit plant names. These have been correlated with equivalent Latin botanical names. Their exotic status is decided after consulting relevant literature. The present author investigated 22 exotic plant species belonging to 22 genera and 21 families of angiosperms. Only two species belong to the monocotyledons, the rest others are the dicotyledonous ones. They are native to various parts of the world, whether Old or New Worlds. Maximum number of exotic species contributed is found under cultivation. Also, American taxa are found maximum in the said epic. Their pre-Columbian introduction or invasion is earmarked pertinently based on various evidences inclusive of hard data. These exotic floral elements are thought indicative of man-mediated transport even with the New World. The epic Ramayana being most popular and widely read text among secular societies besides religions ones, the varied spectrum of knowledge and information will be useful to the mankind even in modern period in several walks of life.