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Plant Propagation as described
In Sanskrit Texts
Dhananjay Vasudeo Dwivedi
Plant propagation is directly related to the reproduction of plant life. The rich Sanskrit literature is replete with information regarding plant propagation. Various methods of propagation, such as by seeds (Vījaruha), by roots (Mūlaja), by cutting (Kāndāropya), by grafting (Skandhaja), by apical portions (Agravija), and by leaves (Parnyoni) are mentioned in ancient treatises.
According to Vrksāyurveda, plants grow from seed, stalk, or bulb. Thus planting is of three kinds. Jambu, Campaka, Punnāga, Nagakesara, Cincini, Kapittha, Badarī, Bilva, Kumbhakārī, Priyangu, Panasa, Āmra, Madhūka, Karmarda etc. grow from seeds -
बीजात्काण्डात्तथा कन्दात्तद्वपनं त्रिविधं मतम् ।। जम्बूचम्पकपुंनागनागकेशरचिञ्चिणी ॥ कपित्थबदरीबिल्वकुम्भकारीप्रियङ्गवः ।
पनसाम्रमधूकाद्याकरमश्चि बीजजा । Tambūlī, Sinduvāra, Tagara etc. grow from stalks
ताम्बूली सिन्दुवारश्च तगराधास्तु काण्डजाः । Patala, Dadimi, Plaksa, Karavira, Vata, Mallik, Udumbara, Kunda etc. grow from seeds as well as from stalks
पाटलादाडिमीप्लक्षकरवीरवटादयः । मल्लकोदुम्बरः कुन्दो बीजकाण्डोद्भवा मताः ॥