Andhra Pradesh has a rich floral diversity.  Out of a total number of 2586 species estimated about 1800 species are found to be medicinal plants in Andhra Pradesh. The Govt. of A.P, realizing the rich potential and diversity of Medicinal plants, have initiated efforts not only to conserve the gene pool of Medicinal Plants occurring the forests but also take up ex-situ cultivation with the following objectives (Page No.4). (Page No.4). 

1.To conserve and improve the   threatened / endangered / endemic species of Medicinal Plants in the wild through MPCAs route and by arresting illicit removals through unscrupulous collectors.

2.      To create awareness amongst the general public on the importance of medicinal plants

and the Indian Systems of Medicine.

 3.      To standardize the cultivation practices of economically viable species suitable to different agro-climatic zones and to cultivate them to meet the requirement of the local Pharmaceutical Industry as well as entering global market.

 4.      To create self-sustenance to V.S.S by generating additional source of income.

 5.      To make A.P. products internationally recognized as per western standards.

6.      To establish linkages/market tie-ups between the producer and the leading industry. 

7.      Afforestation of degraded forests and encroached forest lands.  

8.      To create a databank of existing medicinal plants in the wild by conducting systematic and regular assessment surveys.  

9.      To utilize information technology (IT) to improve the trade. 

In Situ Conservation

The FRLHT Bangalore through a UNDP ? GOI sponsored project has taken up field study and identified 8 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) in different agro-climatic zones covering a total area of 2015 ha constituting 0.03% of total forest area in the state.  The 8 MPCAs have captured about 700 plant species (632 medicinal plants) out of   a total number of 2586 plant species (1800 medicinal plants) in A.P. The Forest Department through reference No.22453/98/U2 dt.10.11.2000 declared MPCAs as no-harvest zone prohibiting all activities such as grazing, lopping, felling etc.    The following are the MPCAs identified.

The Forest Department made significant strides in the field of medicinal plants during the past 5 years.  The following are the highlights:   

a. 4 Ethno-botanical gardens with about 400 species were established in the 4 Regional Research Centers in the state located at Rajahmundry, Tirupathi, Mulugu near Hyderabad and Achuthapuram in Khammam District to create awareness on Medicinal Plants among the officials and staff of the department and the general public. Sample plots of different Medicinal plants are raised in these gardens.  The Ethno-botanical garden at Rajahmundry has an Arboretum too with various tree species collected and planted basing on Bentham and Hooker?s classification. The production of seed and seedlings of different species for utilization as planting material is also achieved in these gardens on a limited scale.  There is an enormous scope for increasing this activity.

b. The BIO-TRIM at Tirupathi has got fairly modern equipment to go in for a regular research work on various aspects including analysis of active principles and development of protocols for different species on production of tissue culture plants fairly in large number. 

c.  Field trials of different varieties have also been taken up to arrive at suitable variety for a given agro-climatic zone.    For these species which respond well for vegetative propagation CMA plots are raised in each of the Research Centers.    Already production of large number of Grafts and Clonal plants of tree species of medicinal value for planting throughout the state as a prelude to cultivation of herbs, shrubs and climbers of medicinal value, particularly by involving VSS is going on a large scale.

d. Small areas ranging from 0.5 ha to 2.00 ha were raised in many of the Forest Divisions of Andhra Pradesh with various species of medicinal plants on a trial basis.  Cultivation of such species has been successful and linkages with the local industries/traders had also been established for some species on a small scale. 

e. The Department has published a number brochures and books to popularize conservation of Medicinal Plants. Some of them are ?A field guide on medicinal plants?, ?A profile on dye yielding plants? and ?Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants?.

 f. The Department has conducted Rapid Assessment Surveys (RAS) on occurrence of medicinal plants in all the three regions of the state followed by workshops at  Warangal, Rajahmundry and Tirupati to discuss different medicinal plants identified and the ailments for which they are used and preparation of databank of Medicinal plants available in the state.  As a result of Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) data on The List of Medicinal Plants occurring in Nallamalai Hills in particular and in the entire State district-wise in general has been compiled.

              Improvement of Degraded Forest Lands:-

 These lands are having either sparse growth or totally no growth. Proper site preparation and adequate soil and moisture conservation works will be taken up for a better moisture regime and planting Medicinal plants is taken up. Grafts / Tall plants of tree species and herbs and shrubs are raised simultaneously. Mechanical supports will be given for the climbers planted.

Tree Species:-