A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand

1448 The Biobrio An International Quarterly Journal of Life Sciences Website: www.thebiobrio.in SJIF:8.259 ISSN : 2393-9508 e-ISSN: 2582-4902 12(3&4): 1448-1459, 2025 Pallavi Praveen1*, Indu2, Pawan Kumar Mallah2, Bhawesh Ranjan2 & Purnima Kumari2 1Department of Botany, B.S.City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand, India 2Department of Biotechnology, B.S.City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand, India Received : 13th September, 2025 ; Accepted : 13th October, 2025 DOI:- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17852091 A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand ABSTRACT The present study aims to assess the biodiversity of plant species in Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand with an objective to understand the richness and composition of local flora. A systematic biodiversity survey was conducted using direct observation and sampling techniques across different habitats within the campus. The primary objectives were the identification and documentation of plant species within the campus. The survey carried out weekly over the course of one year (September 2023-August 2024); identified approximately 93 plant species, including trees, herbs, shrubs and climbers. Several medicinal and native species were also recorded, indicating the ecological value of the area. This preliminary survey highlights the importance of local green spaces in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness. Most of these species are naturally grown and contribute in the maintenance of green and clean campus. Key Words - Biodiversity, Flora, Medicinal, Ecological *Corresponding author : pa[email protected] INTRODUCTION Floral biodiversity, often referred to as plant biodiversity, encompasses the vast and intricate variety of plant life found on the Earth. At its core, floral biodiversity refers to the diversity of plant species within a given region, ecosystem, or the entire planet. This includes all forms of plant life, from microscopic algae and fungi to towering trees, delicate wildflowers, robust shrubs, and various grasses. India is a mega-diverse country, holding a remarkable position in global biodiversity. When it comes to flora, India ranks among the top ten nations worldwide and fourth in Asia. According to the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), India is home to a total of 56,177 documented plant species, including angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, bryophytes, lichens, fungi and algae. Within this vast stretch of greenery in the Indian subcontinent there's a bright green speck in the Jharkhand state, located in the industrial city of BokaroBokaro Steel City College. It is situated in a region known for its dry deciduous forests. The College boasts a campus spread over 20 acres of lush, green surroundings. The college actively participates in "Clean & Green Campus" campaigns and organizes plantation drives regularly in and around the campus. The green spaces within the College offer a unique microcosm to study local flora biodiversity. These areas include gardens, lawns, tree-lined avenues, 1449 and many undisturbed and virgin patches that serve as habitats for various plant species. Jharkhand's flora is characterized by species adapted to semi-arid conditions, with a prevalence of trees like Sal (Shorea robusta), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and various bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris, Dendrocalamus strictus). The college campus, as an urbanized yet serving potentially green space, reflect elements of this regional flora, alongside introduced ornamental and cultivated species. Understanding the plant diversity on campus can contribute to ecological awareness among students and faculty, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the college, and potentially provide resources for botanical studies and conservation efforts. STUDY AREA The study was conducted within the campus of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand, which Fig. 1: Map of Bokaro Steel City College spans over 20 acres (approx. 8.09 hectares). The college's huge campus is home to several old trees as well as bushes, herbs, palm trees, climbers and a few exotic plants. The majority of the plants are naturally occurring; however, some are planted primarily for aesthetic reasons and to improve air quality in the campus. Therefore, it has been selected as an experimental area for studying the biodiversity of local flora. Fig. 2: Location of Bokaro Steel City College in the map of India A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand 1450 OBJECTIVES •To identify and document all plant species (trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, grasses) present within the college campus. •To assess the diversity of plant life, including native and introduced species. •To map the distribution of different plant communities or significant species. •To create a baseline inventory for future monitoring and conservation initiatives. METHODOLOGY The following steps were followed for the Biodiversity survey: 1. The flora in the college campus was surveyed in different areas of the campus over the course of one year (from September, 2023 to August, 2024). 2. Identification of plant species was done with the help of Google lens as well as with the help of literature available in college library. 3. Geo-tagged photographs were taken of plants using GPS Map Camera. 4. Information such as the Common name, Scientific name, Family, and medicinal use of the plants was documented. Plant species were visually identified, photographed, and classified into herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, and weeds. Local information was gathered where applicable. Plants were documented in tables with scientific and common names, and categorized by habit. Charts and graphs were created using MS Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis. RESULT & OBSERVATIONS The study identified a total of 93 plant species, including Herbs (17), Shrubs (13), Trees (42), Weeds (10), Vine(1), Grass(5), Sedge(1) and Fungi(1). Several medicinal and native species were also recorded. All trees, shrubs, herbs were taken into consideration for the biodiversity report. Interestingly, the study revealed a rich dominance of Angiosperms (flowering plants) in the whole of the college premises. Geo-tagged photographs of flora are given in Figure 3. List of plants prepared according to their Scientific names, Common names, Local names, Family and their medicinal properties are listed in Table 1. Pallavi Praveen, Indu, Pawan Kumar Mallah, Bhawesh Ranjan & Purnima Kumari 1451 Common name - carrot grass Scientific name - Parthenium hysterophorus Source: Pratima Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common nameheart-leaved moonseed Scientific nameTinospora cordifolia Source: Anchal Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - heart - leaved moonseed, amrita, gurbel or giloy. Scientific nameTinospora cordifolia Source: Sneha Pandey (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Carpet weed Scientific name -Alternanthera denticulata Source: Ashok Chouhan Common name: Kadi patta or sweet neem leaves Scientific name: Murraya koenigii Source: Bhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Common name - chicken gizzard plant and also called blood leaf Scientific nameIresine herbstii Source: Aanchal Kumari (Biotech) Sem I Common name - Hen's nettle Scientific nameLaportea interrupta Source: Sonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Gloden dewdrop Scientific nameDuranta erecta L. Source: Sonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand 1452 Common name: Cassod tree Scientific nameCassia siamea SourceC.K Barla Asst. Prof. Dept. of Zoology Common name - yellow oleander Scientific nameCascabela thevetia SourceC.K Barla Asst. Prof. Dept. of Zoology Common name - Devil’s tree Scientific nameAlstonia scholaris SourceBhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Baobab tree Scientific nameAdansonia SourceBhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Common name - kans grass Scientific nameSaccharum spontaneum Source: Aanchal Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - bitter vine, climbing hemp vine, or American rope. Scientific nameMikania micrantha Source: Aanchal Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - little bluestem Scientific nameSchizachyrium scoparium Source: Aanchal Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name: sickle senna or sickle wild sensitive-plant Scientific name: Senna tora Source: Ayushi Rani (Biotech Sem I) Common name: Ber or Indian jujube Scientific name: Ziziphus mauritiana Source: Ayushi Rani (Biotech Sem I) Common name - crown flower, Aak or Madar Scientific nameCalotropis gigantea Source: Aanchal Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - small balsam Scientific nameImpatiens parviflora Source: Sneha Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Commo n name - bindweed Scientific name-Evolvulus nummularius Source: Sneha Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name: Male fern Scientific name: Dryopteris filix-mas Source: Bhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Akra Scientific nameCalotropis procera Source: Sonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Aloe vera, gwar patha, ghrit kumari Scientific nameAloe barbadensis SourceSonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Skiped pepper Scientific namePiper aduncum SourceSonam Kumari (Biote ch Sem I) Pallavi Praveen, Indu, Pawan Kumar Mallah, Bhawesh Ranjan & Purnima Kumari 1453 Figure 3: Geo-tagged photographs of flora found inside the college campus. Sem I) Common name - Neem Scientific nameAzadirachta indica SourceSonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Royal Palm tree, Scientific nameRoystonea regia SourceSonam Kumari (Biotech Sem I) Common name - gale of the wind,quebra pedra Scientific name - Phyllanthus niruri SourceAntra sharma (Biotech Sem I) Common name: Hairy bracket fungus Scientific name: Trametes hirsute SourceBhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Mango tree Scientific nameMangifera indica Source: Ayushi Rani (Biotech Sem I) Common name - Touch me not plant Scientific nameMimosa pudica Source: Dev Hansda (Zoology Sem I) Common name - Maidenhair fern Scientific nameAdiantum Source: Dr. Pallavi Praveen, Asst. Prof. Dept. of Botany Common name - Orchid tree (Kanchnar) Scientific nameBauhinia acuminata Source: Bhawesh Ranjan (Biotech Sem I) Sl. No. Common Name Scientific Name Family Habit Medicinal Properties 1. Hairy bracket Trametes hirsute Polyporaceae Fungi Anti-microbial, Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant properties. 2. Nutgrass (Mutha) Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae Sedge Treat diarrhoea, malaria, inflammation, bowel disorders. 3. Bamboo (Bans) Dendrocalamus strictus Poaceae Grass Treat stomach disorders, menstrual irregularities, intestinal worm killing. 4. Bermuda grass (Doobh) Cyanodon dactylon Poaceae Grass Stops bleeding from cuts, treat skin issues, diabetes, inflammation. 5. Kans Grass Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae Grass Is a valuable medicinal herb used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory conditions, anti-inflammatory, wound healing etc. 6. Little bluestem/ beard grass Schizachyrium scoparium Poaceae Grass Stems burned and its ashes used to treat syphilitic sores. 7. Wild sugarcane (Kans grass) Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae Grass Useful in burning sensation, blood diseases, treat respiratory problems, constipation and piles. 8. Apple of Sodom (Madar) Calotropis procera Apocyanaceae Weed Dried leaves to treat rheumatic pain, migraine, wound healing. Flower to treat asthma, diarrhoea. 9. Big sage (Putus) Lantana camara Verbenaceae Weed Antibacterial, Antifertility, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant etc. 10. Bitter vine (Amar lata) Mikania micrantha Asteraceae Weed Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Antiinflammatory, Antimicrobial etc. Table 1: List of flora found in the college campus. A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand 1454 11. Carrot grass Parthenium hysterophorus Asteraceae Weed Anti-diabetic effect, Antimicrobial, Larvicidal. 12. Chamber bitter (Lal bhuinanwalah) Phyllanthus urinaria Phyllanthaceae Weed Antiviral, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. 13. Congress grass (Gajar ghas) Parthenium sp. Asteraceae Weed Pain relief, digestive issues, infections 14. Giant milkweed (Arka) Calotropis gigantea Apocyanaceae Weed Latex used for skin disease, flowers used for asthma, jaundice, intestinal worms, and leaves used for headaches, burns etc. 15. Round leaf bindweed (Vishnukranti) Evolyulus nummularius Convolvulaceae Weed Wound healing, Anti helminthic, treat cuts and burns, scorpion stings etc. 16. Sickle senna (Chakunda) Senna tora Fabaceae Weed Treatment of ringworm, itches, leprosy, liver disorders and heart disorders. 17. Water hyacinth (Jalkumbhi) Eichhornia sp. Pontederiaceae Weed Antimicrobial, wound healing, Anti - inflammatory properties 18. Aloe vera Aloe barbadensis Asphodelaceae Herb Skin healing, lower blood sugar level, laxative, treat inflammatory diseases. 19. Asian pigeonwings (Aparajita) Clitoria ternatea Fabaceae Herb Antistress, antidepressant, anticonvulsant and sedative agent. 20. Asthma weed (Doodhi) Euphorbia hirita Euphorbiaceae Herb Treat worm infestation in children, increase lactation, treat pimples, jaundice, boils. 21. Carpet weed (Gudrisag) Alternanthera denticulata Amaranthaceae Herb Used in herbal medicine. 22. Chaff flower (Chirchri) Achyranthus aspera Amaranthaceae Herb Treat scorpion and snake bite, earaches, skin disease, gastro intestinal disorders. 23. Crested cock’s comb (Lalmurga) Celosia cristata Amaranthaceae Herb Treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, pelvic inflammatory diseases etc. 24. Diamond flower (Daman pappar) Oldenlandia corymbosa Rubiaceae Herb Leaves used to treat stomach disorder, treat sores, Anthelmintic, treatment of jaundice, viral infections, acne, boils etc. 25. Gale of the wind (Bhumi amla) Phyllanthus niruri Phyllanthaceae Herb Treat jaundice, kidney stones, diabetes, constipation. Have antiviral properties. 26. Heart leaved moonseed Gulache) Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Herb Used in Ayurvedic medicine 27. Hen’s nettle (Dam Chorat) Laportea interrupta Urticaceae (Nettle family) Herb Whole plant is anthelmintic and expectorant, boiled and drunk to relieve whooping cough, rubbed on head to relieve headaches, 28. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Ocimum tenuiflorum Lamiaceae Herb Lowers blood glucose level, has antibacterial properties, promotes healthy liver function, boosts immune system, helps in cold and seasonal flu, lowers cholesterol. 29. Indian squill (Jungli pyaj) Urginea indica Liliaceae Herb Wound healing, antifungal, antidiabetic, antioxidant properties. 30. Japanese rose (10 o’clock plant) Portulaca grandiflora Portulacaceae Herb Fresh juice of leaves and stem used to treat snake and insect bites, burns, skin rashes etc. Rich in Vit A, C, B1, has antimicrobial properties. Pallavi Praveen, Indu, Pawan Kumar Mallah, Bhawesh Ranjan & Purnima Kumari 1455 31. Maidenhair fern Adiantum Pteridaceae Herb Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, treat respiratory problems, prevent hair loss and exhibit wound healing properties. 32. Male fern (Muzakkar) Dryopteris filixmas Dryopteridaceae Herb Treat tapeworm, gastro intestinal disease, inflammation, ulcers. 33. Sensitive plant (Lajwanti) Mimosa pudica Fabaceae Herb Treat diabetes, obesity, urinary infections etc. 34. Small balsam Impatiens parviflora Balsaminaceae Herb Treating warts, ringworm, itchy scalp, uterine ailments. Have insecticidal properties. 35. Wild eggplant (Rengni) Solanum xanthocarapum Solanaceae Herb Treat infectious diseases, fever, cough, piles, sore throats. 36. Nepal Trumpet flower (Swari phool) Beaumontia grandiflora Apocynaceae Vine Anti-inflammatory. Roots and leaves used in treatment of fractures, injury, backache and leg pain etc. 37. Aralia golden (Ming aralia) Polyscias fructicosa Araliaceae Shrub Antidepressant, antistress, improve memory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects 38. Blood leaf (Bishohari) Iresine herbstii Amaranthaceae Shrub Treat skin conditions like sores, pimples, Antipyretic, Post labour tonic, Antibacterial, Relaxant etc. 39. Cathedral bells (Patharchatta plant) Kalanchoe pinnata Crassulaceae Shrub Treatment of kidney stones, gastric ulcer, pain, diarrhoea 40. Garden croton (Kala bhangra) Codiaeum varieatum Euphorbiaceae Shrub Used in traditional medicine to treat amoebic dysentery and stomach ache, wounds, infections etc. 41. Golden dewdrop (Nilkanta) Duranta erecta Verbenaceae Shrub Antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal properties. 42. Indian plum (Pani amla) Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae Shrub Antioxidant, Antioxidant, Antiasthmatic, Antidiabetic, Antiinflammatory 43. Jujube (Dhatura) Zizyphus oenophlia Rhamnaceae Shrub Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, treat abdominal pain. 44. Jungle geranium (Rugmini) Ixora coccinea Rubiaceae Shurb Roots and flowers used in dysentery, leucorrhea, nausea, hiccup. Roots contain tannin, fatty acids, aromatic acrid oil used in treatment of sores, eczema etc. 45. Lily of the desert (Aloe) Aloe arborescens Asphodelaceae Shrub Treatment of skin infections, preparation of laxative medicines, 46. Nightshad (Makoi) Solanum nigrum Solanaceae Shrub Treat skin ulcer, fever, asthma dysentry 47. Orchid tree (Kanchnar) Bauhinia acuminata Fabaceae Shrub Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and detoxifying properties. 48. Periwinkle (Sadabahar) Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae Shrub Antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer properties. 49. Skiped pepper (Matico) Piper aduncum Piperaceae Shrub Antimicrobial, Antiinflammatory, wound healing, insect repellent, diarrhoea, antiseptic. 50. Velvet bean (Alkosi) Mucuna prurita Fabaceae Shrub Treat Parkinson’s disease, snakebite, neurological disorders, male infertility 51. Wild Orchid-Tree Bauhinia acuminata Fabaceae Shrub Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antifertility and pain relief properties. A survey on floral biodiversity of Bokaro Steel City College, Bokaro, Jharkhand 1456 52. Adina (Karma) Haldina cordifolia Rubiaceae Tree Leaves cure boils, cough and cold, bark cure skin disease and bacterial infections, roots cure dysentery and buds used as antidote to snake poison. 53. Arjuna Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae Tree Treat chest pain, asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. 54. Avaram or ra nawara (Tarwar) Senna auriculata Fabaceae Tree Antimicrobial, antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antipyretic, Antiviral properties. 55. Banyan (Bar) Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Tree Treat diabetes, wounds, seizures, burns, lung infections, blood purifier 56. Baobab (Kalptaru) Adansonia digitata Malvaceae Tree Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Anti-diabetic, Thrombolytic. 57. Benteak (Banab) Lagerstroemia indica Lythraceae Tree Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-cancer properties. 58. Blackboard Tree (Saptaparni) Astonished scholaris Apocynaceae Tree Treat intermittent fever, skin Diseases, leprosy, intestinal Worms, diarrhoea etc. 59. Bottle Palm Hyophorbe lagenicaulis Arecaceae Tree Used in cancer therapy, has cytotoxic potential. 60. Bridelia (Kajhi) Bridelia retusa Phyllanthaceae Tree Treatment of rheumatic pain, wounds, indigestion, used as laxative and insecticide. 61. Burflower tree (Kadamb) Neolamarkia cadamba Rubiaceae Tree Treat fever, skin disease, pain, swelling, gastro intestinal problems, wound healing etc. 62. Cassod tree Cassia siamea. Fabaceae Tree Used in traditional medicine to treat abdominal and skin infections. Ornamental tree 63. Cassod tree (Kassod) Cassia siamea Abaca Tree Used as laxative, lower blood sugar level, treat typhoid fever, menstrual pain, asthma etc. 64. Catechu (Khair) Acacia catechu Fabaceae Tree Cure asthma, sores, leprosy, bacterial infections, dysentery, lesions, cold. 65. Coralberry (Doca) Ardisia paniculata Myrsinaceae Tree Treatment of hypertension, irregular menstruation, gonorrhoea, earache. 66. Date palm (Khajur) Phoenix acaulis Areacaceae Tree Treat toothaches, used as laxative, treat gonorrhoea. 67. Dogwood (Dhela) Alangium salvifolium Cornaceae Tree Treat skin conditions, reduce blood pressure, inflammations, dengue, epilepsy, diarrhoea. 68. Forest flame (Palash) Butea monospermous Fabaceae Tree Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial. 69. Golden shower (Amaltas) Cassia fistula Fabaceae Tree Flowers show antifungal and antibacterial properties. Dried pulp has anti-inflammatory activity. 70. Indian beech (Karanj) Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae Tree Clean teeth and gums, antimicrobial, laxative, cure scabies, leukoderma. 71. Indian gooseberry (Amla) Emblica officinalis Phyllanthaceae Tree Help with digestion, inflammation, cholesterol level, inhibit tumour growth, has antioxidant property. 72. Indian plum (Ber) Casearia tomentosa Salicaceae Tree Used to treat wounds, diabetes, ringworm, snake bites, malaria, sprains etc. Pallavi Praveen, Indu, Pawan Kumar Mallah, Bhawesh Ranjan & Purnima Kumari