Divine botany: a glimpse and future prospects.

摘要

The study of all relationships between man and plant based on faith, belief and tradition can be called Divine Botany. There are three aspects: (1) the knowledge and information contained in the ancient religious books and epics of various faiths; (2) the beliefs and practices as presently observed or performed among various ethnic groups; and (3) future prospects and possibility in this area of botany. A brief account is provided of faith related to plants in epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharat, in religious scriptures such as the Bible, Koran and plants associated with planets, stars, Vastushastra, practices relating to plants in worship, decoration of deities, taboos and plants in various ceremonies, festivals and rites from birth to death. It is suggested that such faiths, beliefs and practices have a scientific basis and are good for health and preservation of biodiversity. It is also stressed that the subject is not static and that due to changes in biodiversity, human attitude to tradition and introduction of many exotics in various parts of the world, there is dynamism in this relationship. The future prospects and immense possibility of the subject are also discussed..