First records of Ruan, Carapa guianensis Aublet., from Barda Hill, Porbandar - Gujarat, India, using DNA barcoding

There are several hot spots of plant biodiversity, many of them are well explored; identification of taxa becomes important when the species of plant are in demand for their different properties. We came across one such taxon, which is being used by the local healers, Rabari and Maldhari communities of Barda Hill, Gujarat, in the district of Porbandar. The DNA barcoding approach for the identification of genera and species was performed. The rbcL gene of the taxon ‘X’, locally known as Ruan, was amplified and the amplicon was used for the sequence analysis using the bioinformatics identification tools. Sequence analysis revealing 100 % identity with the taxa not yet reported from India – the Carapa guianensis Aublet. The morphology of the plant is matching with the Carapa guianensis of Meliaceae (Mahogany family). The plant is commonly known as Andiroba, is native to the Amazon. Ruan is used for the fastest relief from swelling & inflammation, wound healing, diabetes and high blood pressure.