Spectral and morphological discrimination of Ficus and Moringa species with medical and nutritional relevance: toward sustainable plant utilization

Introduction Hyperspectral remote sensing provides a powerful platform for identifying plant species with pharmacological relevance by capturing subtle variations in pigment content, physiological traits, and leaf structure. Methods This study employed spectral indices to evaluate and differentiate 10 Ficus and two Moringa spp. based on their reflectance characteristics and morphological features. Spectral data were collected using an ASD FieldSpec spectroradiometer, and vegetation indices such as NDVI, SR, PRI, ARI2, NDRE, and MCARI were calculated to infer photosynthetic performance and secondary metabolite potential. Descriptive morphological traits were recorded to aid in species-level discrimination. Results and Discussion Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), identified specific bands in the NIR and SWIR II regions as particularly effective for distinguishing among the studied taxa. Notably, Ficus benghalensis , Ficus racemosa , and Moringa oleifera exhibited superior spectral profiles, reflecting high pigment density and physiological vigor, which correspond with their well-documented pharmacological roles. Conversely, species like F. religiosa and M. peregrina showed relatively subdued spectral signatures. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and LDA) confirmed the discriminatory power of NIR and SWIR II regions across species. Morphological traits provided taxonomic support but were less distinctive than spectral indices. These findings demonstrate the value of hyperspectral indices as rapid, non-destructive tools to identify and prioritize medicinally potent species within Ficus and Moringa spp., offering insights for pharmacognosy, conservation, and phytochemical prospecting. Moreover, by enabling efficient identification of underutilized species with confirmed medical value, this approach may support efforts to sustainably manage native plant resources, particularly in regions where such species contribute to traditional healthcare systems, nutritional supplementation, and the resilience of local livelihoods.