The possibilities of establishing Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) as Indoor ornamental plant

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Although in India, Chlorophytum species are considered as valuable medicinal herb but in many parts of the world, many Chlorophytum species are planted for its attractive flowers. Chlorophytum comosum is one of such species. I got idea of establishing Safed Musli species as ornamental herb when the visitors unaware of Safed Musli visit to my home garden and observe the white flowers of Safed Musli. They ask whether it is exotic species or it is relative to Rajnigandha (Tuberose). When I inform them, it is not an ornamental herb, it is wonder herb Safed Musli, they suggest me to gift some plants for their gardens also. When you see the Safed Musli flowers in hundreds of acres continuously in crop fields, you will feel that you are in heaven. During field visits to forests in rainy season, in Safed and Kali Musli (Curculigo orchoides) rich areas, I see the ground flora dominated by white and yellow flowers of both Musli plants.

Last year when I started working on Safed Musli as ornamental herb my horticulturists friends came forward to support me. Like Airplane lily (Chlorophytum comosum), they have developed hanging basket method for establishing indigenous species of Musli as indoor plant. As its duration is very short, it can be promoted as seasonal flowering plant. When I discussed this idea with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialized in use of Safed Musli as medicinal crop, they encouraged me to proceed in this direction. As Musli is a routine herb for them, and they observe this plant regularly, as ornamental herb they do not prefer it in their home gardens but they supported me because they believe that in the name of ornamental herb it will rich to every home of Chhattisgarh. They instructed me to aware the natives interested in planting Safed Musli species as ornamental herb about its medicinal properties and uses. And also aware them that how simply it can be used for whole family. The educated natives engaged in promotion of indigenous herbs as ornamental herb in home gardens are also welcoming Safed Musli. As it is spineless herb and free from latex, the natives have no problem to adopt it. On the basis of numbers of flowers and floral arrangements, Safed Musli species are differentiated.

I personally feel that there is a need for selection of attractive species and establishment of herbal nur series to fulfil the expected requirements of Safed Musli as ornamental herb. Many studies conducted in different parts of the world have revealed that Chlorophytum comosum if planted as indoor plant helps in purification of air. There is a strong need to evaluate the air purification capacities of Indian Chlorophytum species. Lotus is National Flower of India. We are trying to establish and promote Safed Musli flower as Chhattisgarh state flower because Chhattisgarh is only state in India where the commercial cultivation of Safed Musli is in practice in maximum area. Also, the natural forests of Chhattisgarh are rich source of Safed Musli species. In our initial experiments, we have noted many fungicidal and insecticidal properties of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilionum). In rainy season, many pest attack Rose plants. When in small trials, Safed Musli herbs were planted around the Rose plants, we have noted less insect infestation in Rose plants. Encouraged with this experiment, we are now conducting the field trials. We are confident that the presence of Safed Musli herb in home gardens will be of great help for the gardeners specially those engaged in organic gardening. One of the best ways we have found for its promotion as ornamental herb to gift this herb to newly wed couples. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, if this section of any society will understand the utility of this wonder herb, it will established automatically in home gardens. There is a strong need to popularize its use as sex tonic in urban areas. Every new work, I start on Safed Musli, I never miss a chance to inform the world community through the articles at Botanical.com because I feel that the herbs like Safed Musli is a boon for all and very limited information on this herb is available with common person. I am fortunate that the mother nature is disclosing these facts through me.

Thank you very much for reading the article.