BIOLOGY PROJECT

TOPIC: HERBARIUM

NAME: Soumava Nath

CLASS: XII
SECTION: C
BOARD ROLL NO.:
SESSION: 2024-25
HEM SHEELA MODEL SCHOOL
(In partial fulfilment of
AISSCE-2025)

NAME: Soumava Nath

CLASS: XII
SECTION: C
BOARD ROLL NO.:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my thanks to our Principal madam Miss.
Anindita Home Choudhury, who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic
Herbarium, which also helped me to do a lot of research and I
came to know about so many new things.
The completion of this undertaking could have not been
possible without the assistance of Mrs. Mekhala Das madam
(HOD, Biology) and Dr. Mausumi Biswas madam. I extend my
gratefulness and thank our lab assistant sir Mr. Amalesh Manna,
who always made our practical classes hassle free with his
constant presence of mind and helpful attitude.
I thank my partner Kunjari Nayak. Working along with her has
inculcated values of cooperation, appreciation, adjustment, and
acceptance to mention a few.
I take this opportunity to thank my parents who helped me a lot
in finalizing this project with resources and lots of motivation.
Signature of student: _____________________
Signature of internal examiner: ________________________
Signature of external examiner: ________________________
 INDEX
Sl. No. Content Page No.
1 Introduction 1
2 Importance of a Herbarium 2
3 Rose Periwinkle 3
4 Tulsi/ Holy Basil 4
5 Neem 5
6 Togor/ Cape Jasmine/ Pinwheel Flower 6
7 Aparajita 7
8 Turmeric 8
9 Curry tree 9
10 Hygrophila/ Marsh Barber 10
11 Guava 11
12 Indian/ Asiatic Pennywort 12
13 Water Hyssop 13
14 Mint 14
15 Conclusion 15
16 Bibliography 16
 INTRODUCTION
The word ‘Herbaria’ is derived from ‘Herbar’ meaning plant specimens
and ‘arium’ meaning an artificial place. A herbarium is a collection of
carefully preserved, pressed plant specimens stored in special cabinets
in a climate-controlled room along with the associated data used for
scientific study. Herbarium is also the name for the building or facility in
which the collection is stored. Many natural history museums,
universities, and natural history surveys have herbaria.
Herbaria contain a wide range of plants from many different families. In
larger herbaria, plants ranging from fungi, lichens, mosses (bryophytes)
and ferns, to grasses, forms, and trees are represented. Plant specimens
are dried and mounted on large sheets of herbarium-quality paper and
placed in folders, which are organized alphabetically be on various basis
including taxonomic classification.
 IMPORTANCE of HERBARIUM
Herbaria collections can have great significance and value of science, and
have many uses.
• Herbaria have long been essential for the study of plant taxonomy,
the study of geographic distributions and stabilizing of
nomenclature.
• Specimens housed in herbaria may be used to catalogue or identify
the flora of an area. A large collection from a single area is used in
writing a field guide or manual to aid in the identification of plants
that grow there.
• It also helps us better understand the variability of form in the
plants and the natural distribution over which the plants grow.
• Herbaria also preserve a historical record of change in vegetation
over time.
• In cases when plants become extinct in an area, specimens
preserved in a herbaria van represent the only record of the plants
original distribution. Environmental scientists make use of such
data to track changes in climate and human impact.
• Herbaria has also proven very useful as a source of plant DNA for
use in taxonomy and molecular systematic for DNA bar-coding of
ancient samples.
ROSE PERIWINKLE
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CATHARANTHUs ROSEUS

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gontianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Species: Roseus
Catharanthus roseus is commonly known as Cape Periwinkle. It is a long-lived
(perennial) sub-shrub or herb, usually erect, 30-100 cm high and at least somewhat
woody at the base, sometimes sprawling.
It is a medicinal plant which produces monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) of
high medicinal importance. Among those alkaloids, two are very important
alkaloids, namely, vinblastine (VBR) and vincristine (VCR). These two alkaloids
are strong anticancer agents.
It is used as a herbal medicine for treatment of many types of diseases such as
• Cancer • Liver diseases
• Stomach disorders • Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Kidney diseases
TULSI/ Holy BASIL
SCIENTIFIC NAME: OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: Tenuiflorum
Tulsi is cultivated for religious and traditional medicinal purposes, and for its
essential oils. It is commonly used in Ayurveda. It is a source of Vitamin C,
Vitamin K and antioxidants such as eugenol. Following are the benefits & uses of
Tulsi/Holy Basil:
• Promotes Healthy Heart. • Cure kidney stones.
• Reduces Cholesterol levels. • Boosts immune system.
• Helps combat stress. • Helps cure common cold and
• Promotes Healthy liver seasonal flu.
function. • Relieves Headaches and
• Lowers blood glucose level. migraine pains.
• Treats fever. • Cures Respiratory Disorders
• Cures mouth ulcers, tartar, like bronchitis, influenza and
plaque, and other oral diseases. tuberculosis.
• Fights Acne and fights skin • Has anti-inflammatory
related disorders. properties.
NEEM
SCIENTIFIC NAME: AZADIRACHTA INDICA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindles
Family: Maliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species: Indica

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 meters (49-66 feet),
and rarely 35-40 meters (115-131 feet). Neem leaves has more than 100
compounds such as quercetin, zinc as well as Vitamins C, E and K. Following are
its medicinal benefits.

• Efficacious against a variety of • Helps treat leprosy and eye

skin diseases, septic sores, and disorders.
infected burns. • Removes intestinal worms.
• Neem oil is used for skin • Remedy for blood morbidity.
diseases such as scrofula, • Helps treat anorexia, epistaxis
indolent ulcers, and ringworm. and phlegm.
• Treats skin ulcers and eczema. • Insect and mosquito repellent.
• Treatment for psoriasis. • Increases immunity.
• Used for detoxification.
TOGOR/ CRAPE JASMINE/ PINWHEEL FLOWER
SCIENTIFIC NAME: TABERNAEMONTANA DIVARICATE

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus Tabernaemontana
Species: Divaricate

The plant generally grows to a height of 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) and is dichotomously
branched. They are used in Ayurveda and traditional medicines of South-East Asia,
the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and Ambon Island. Following are its medicinal
benefits:

• Works well in arthritis, • Used as natural remedy for

rheumatic disorders and gout. treating asthma, whooping
• Relaxes contracted muscles. cough and certain other
• Remedy for headache, chest respiratory infections.
and shoulder pain. • Treats sleeping disorders,
• Have antispasmodic action especially insomnia.
due to which it is used to treat • Has a calming and anti-anxiety
mild tremors, epilepsy, effect (calms the nervous
attention deficit-hyperactivity system).
disorder. • Treats indigestion,
• Beneficial in dysuria. constipation, diarrhoea and
• Enhances appetite and digestive ulcers.
digestion.
APARAJITA
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CLITORIA TERNATEA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fables
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Clitoria
Species: Ternatea
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It contains
antioxidants like anthocyanin, proanthocyanidins, and quercetin. It’s medicinal
importance are as follows:
• It treats the following diseases: • Reduce inflammation, redness,
▪ Fever stress.
▪ Diarrhoea • Prevent skin aging.
▪ Gastritis • Improves vision.
▪ Nausea • Relieves indigestion,
▪ Vomiting malabsorption.
▪ Bleeding from anus • Actively used in the Ayurvedic
• Helps strengthen the heart and management mania,
respiratory system. schizophrenia, neurological
disorders, etc.
TURMERIC
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CURCUMA LONGA

Kingdom: Magnoliophyte
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species: Longa

Turmeric is a flowering plant in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is a perennial,

rhizomatous and herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast
Asia. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and other antioxidants. In Ayurvedic
practices, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties including:

• Used as an antiseptic for cuts, • Relieving arthritis.

burns and bruises. • treatment for various
• Used as am antibacterial agent. respiratory conditions (e.g.,
• Used as an anti-inflammatory asthma, bronchial
agent. hyperactivity, and allergy).
• Purify blood. • Treats Anorexia.
• Remedy for skin. • Treats runny nose, cough, and
• Improves Liver function. sinusitis.
• Boosts immune system. • Used as a remedy for
• Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis gastrointestinal discomfort
and Osteoarthritis. associated with irritable bowel
syndrome and other digestive
• Prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
disorders.
• Dissolving gallstones.
• Dispelling worms.
CURRY TREE
SCIENTIFIC NAME: BERGERA KOENIGII

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Bergera
Species: B. koenigii
The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent. Commercial plantations have been
established in India, and more recently Australia. It grows best in well-drained soil
that does not dry out, in areas with full sun or partial shade, preferably away from the
wind. Growth is more robust when temperatures are at least 18 °C (64 °F).
Health Benefits of Curry Leaves:1
• Eliminates Bacteria and Cell-Damaging Free Radicals
• Heals Wounds, Skin Eruption, And Burns
• Encourages Weight Loss
• Keeps Diabetes In Check
• Treats Dysentery, Diarrhoea, And Constipation
• Stimulates Hair Growth, Prevents Premature Greying, And Cures Dandruff
• Relieves Morning Sickness And Nausea
HYGROPHILA/ MARSH BARBEL
SCIENTIFIC NAME: HYGROPHILA AURICULATA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Species: H. auriculata
Hygrophila or marsh barbel (English) It is commonly called in Bengali as kulekhara.
An annual herbal plant growing up to 60 cm in height. The stem of the plant is
tetragonal, hairy and stiff at the nodes. The bark is dark brown, although the leaves
are elliptic-lanceolate and herpid. The flowers are purple and to a lesser extent violet
blue. The fruit resembles a four-sided shape, linear, glabrous and about 1 cm long
with seeds that are hairy and brown in color.
Health Benefits of Marsh barbel:
• Rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds.
• Contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.
• Packed with vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and potassium.
• Effective against anaemia by boosting haemoglobin levels.
• Enhance immune function, support liver health, and aid in digestive and urinary
health.
• Supports Liver Health: It is known to have hepatoprotective properties, which
helps protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and promote liver health.
GUAVA
SCIENTIFIC NAME: PSIDIUM GUAJAVA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Psidium
Species: P. guajava
Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, guava fruits
can range in size from as small as an apricot to as large as a grapefruit. Various cultivars
have white, pink, or red flesh; a few varieties feature red (instead of green or yellow)
skin. Psidium guajava has been used in traditional medicine by many cultures
throughout Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
Health benefits of Guava:
• Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels • Used to treat
• Boost Heart and Lung Health ▪ Inflammation
• Help Relieve Painful Symptoms of ▪ Diabetes
Menstruation ▪ Hypertension
• Benefit Your Digestive System ▪ Diarrhoea
• Aid Weight Loss ▪ Rheumatism
▪ Fever
• Have an Anticancer Effect
▪ Ulcers
• Help Boost Your Immunity
INDIAN PENNYWORT
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CENTELLA ASIATICA

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Centella
Species: C. asiatica
Centella asiatica is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka),
Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and wetland regions of the Southeastern US.
Because the plant is aquatic, it is especially sensitive to biological and chemical
pollutants in the water, which may be absorbed into the plant. It can be cultivated in
drier soils, including sandy loam, [citation needed] as long as they are watered regularly
enough (such as in a home garden arrangement).

Health benefits of Indian pennywort:

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it improves blood circulation, reduces

inflammation, and detoxifies the body.
• Boosts immunity and aids digestion.
• Enhances liver function.
• Supports memory power.
• Helps cure fever, skin diseases, and fatigue.
• Improves Circulation & Reduce Swelling.
• Helps Ease Insomnia.
• Promotes Wound Healing & Minimize Scars
WATER HYSSOP
SCIENTIFIC NAME: BACOPA MONNIERI

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Bacopa
Species: B. monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is one of the most widespread Bacopa species. It commonly grows
in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, Taiwan,
Vietnam, tropical and southern Africa, on Madagascar, in Australia, in the Caribbean
as well as in Middle and South America.It is also found in Florida, Louisiana, Texas,
and Hawaii.
It used to be found growing wild in freshwater swamps of Singapore and nearby
regions known as Brahmhi.
Health benefits of Water Hyssop:
• Contains powerful antioxidants • Soothing the symptoms of
• May reduce inflammation premenstrual syndromes, such as
• May boost brain function mood swings and cramps
• May help reduce ADHD • Boosting immunity
symptoms • Lowering blood pressure to protect
• May prevent anxiety and stress against atherosclerosis and
• May help lower blood pressure coronary heart diseases
levels • Functioning as a diuretic to help
• May have anticancer properties speed the detoxifying process in the
body
MINT
SCEINTIFIC NAME: MENTHA SP.

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Tracheophytes
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Species: Mentha × piperita
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between
watermint and spearmint. Following are its medicinal benefits:
• Relieving menstrual pains, muscle and nerve pain, headaches, and migraines.
• Reducing spasms in the digestive tract and during endoscopy and colon
exams.
• Alleviating breast feeding discomfort, nausea, the common cold, and sinus
infections.
• Cooling and soothing the skin and relieving itching.
• Used in traditional medicine for minor ailments.
But, High oral doses of peppermint oil (500 mg) can cause mucosal irritation and
mimic heartburn.
 CONCLUSION

From this project I have concluded everything about what a project

originally means and what are the purposes of doing a project. An
herbarium is prepared to show some specified plant specimens in future.
In today’s aspect there are many species getting extinct, by preparing
herbarium we will be able to preserve and keep their data safe and
protected. Besides that , after doing this project now I an able to know about
the classifications, descriptions and uses of the plant specimens of which I
have prepared my herbarium sheet. As a fundamental tool for plant
taxonomy, herbaria play roles in plant conservation efforts as well. A
herbarium helps people gain the knowledge about the natural distribution
of flora in an area. Thus herbaria are really beneficial for both research
purposes and environmental development. I have gained knowledge about
the various medicinal herbs and trees and their importance while
performing this project.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
• NCERT Biology Class-XII
• Pradeep's a textbook for Biology
• www.Wikipedia.com
• www.PharmaEasy.com
• www.ncbi.nih.gov
• www.healthline.com
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• www.nccih.nih.gov