Gulabi Bhuichakra (Iphigenia stellata Blatt.) Cultivation Studies

Iphigenia stellata (Blatt.) commonly known as star grass lily/ gulabi bhuichakra/ ranlasun is a perennial herb of family Liliaceae. Seeds of this wild herb possess colchicine. which has a pharmaceutical and medicinal value. The plant is found in discrete patches at a few locations in Maharashtra and has been listed as an endangered herb with global status. Natural propagation of I. stellata is negligible while the vegetative propagation takes place through the corms which are dormant during summer and sprout after first showers of monsoon in June. Influence of GA and IAA on germination of seeds, sprouting of corms and subsequent growth of plants is documented in the present book along with the seasonal effect on the physiology of plant. Scope and prospects of tissue culture technique are also discussed. Antimicrobial potential and C-mitotic activity are useful for the herbal formulations in future.