Assessment of floristic diversity of tree species and medicinal value in College Campus of Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Odisha, India

An assessment was conducted at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Takhatpur, Baripada (21º93’N; 86º76'E) in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India, from September 2024 to February 2025 to examine the diversity of tree species and their medicinal applications. Plant specimens were collected using random sampling methods and identified through standard floras and herbarium references. A total of 44 tree species with recognized medicinal value were recorded and classified based on their families, life forms and ecological attributes. These species were distributed among 24 plant families, with Fabaceae being the most dominant (7 species), followed by Arecaceae (5 species), Moraceae (4 species), and Myrtaceae (3 species). Families such as Rubiaceae, Sapotaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae and Rutaceae each contributed two species, while the remaining 15 families including Rosaceae, Rhamnaceae, Araucariaceae, Anacardiaceae, Cycadaceae, Caricaceae, Annonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Sapindaceae, Meliaceae, Malvaceae, Achariaceae, Simaroubaceae, Cornaceae and Oleaceae were represented by a single species each. Mangifera indica, Tectona grandis and Neolamarckia cadamba were identified as the most prevalent species in the campus, whereas Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Saraca asoca were noted as rare and in need of conservation efforts. Information on medicinal uses was obtained through literature review and informal consultations with local herbal practitioners and traditional healers. The study revealed that many of these species are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, skin diseases, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and inflammation. The diversity of tree species observed in the study area is likely shaped by a combination of environmental and biological factors such as local flora, soil conditions, topography, climate, and ecological dynamics.