Physochlaina praealta Miers.
Family Solanaceae.
Habitat Lahul valley (Punjab),
Ladakh, North Kashmir. Western
Tibbet at altitudes of 3,300—4,600 m. Folk Daturaa (Ladakh), Laangtaan;
Sholar, Bajarbang (Punjab).
Action Leaves—poisonous and narcotic.
The roots of the plant contain 0.64% alkaloids (calculated as hyoscyamine). The plant constitutes an excellent source of atropine.
Picea smithiana Boiss.
Synonym P morinda Link. Abies smithiana Lindi.
Family Pinaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from
Kashmir to Kumaon at altitudes of
1,500—3,500 m.
English West Himalayan Spruce.
Folk Roi, Rhai, Raghaa, Kathela, Kandre, Morindaa. Spruce (trade).
Action Essential oil—antiseptic. Used in bath salts, room sprays and deodorants.
Key applications Fir Needle Oil, obtained from Picea abies, synonym P. excelsa)—externally and internally, for catarrhal illness of the upper and lower respiratory tract; externally, for rheumatic and neuralgic pains. (German Commission E.)
The oil contains alpha-pinene, 1- alpha-phellandrene, dipentene, bornylacetate, cadinene, S-guaiazulene and a bicyclic sesquiterpene. The oil distilled from the leaves collected in Gulmarg had a ester content of 23.2% (as bornyl acetate). The bark contained 4.22% tannin.
Picea abies has been introduced at Manali (at 1,890 m). It yields an oleoresin which is used in plasters and ointments. The essential oil is used in
Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. 485
perfumes and cosmetics. The needles yielded dilignol glycosides.
Picrasma quassioides Bennett.
Family Simaroubaceae.
Habitat Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh and Kulu.
English Quassia (substitute for P excelsa Lindtl).
