BP Singh

Promising Introductions in Horticultural Plants and Oil Seeds 79(1970-1992) has introduced 1250 accessions of different ornamentalplants from over 23 countries of the world under phytosanitaryconditions. Some of the notable introductions have been highlightedearlier (Rathore, 1981, 1985, 1986; Singh, 1986; Singh and Rana,1990; Singh et al., 1993; Swaroop, 1987; Shane, 1986; Srivastava andRana, 1988). These ornamentals fall under following groups.iiiiiiivvviviiOrnamental treesOrnamental shrubsBulbous ornamentalsFlowering annuals and herbaceous perennialsOrchidsFoliage plantsMiscellaneous plantsSome of the significant introductions of ornam~ntal plants arelisted briefly below.(a)Ornamental trees(i) Chaenomeles sinensis : It is known as flowering qUince. Anintroduction EC 24520 was introduced from USSR in 1963 at Shimlastation. It is a small size tree, which attains a height of 6 lU, bearspink flowers in spring (in the month of April). The bright yellowfruits persist on the plant for a long period; giving an ornamentallook to it.(ii) Ceratonia siliqua: One cultivar Be 36084 has been introducedfrom Spain in 1965 and grown at Shimla Station. It is handsome,slow growing, evergreen tree which may attain a height of about10 m. It bears shining dark green, oval, beautifulleaflets.(iii) Camellia sasanqua : An ornamental tree, native of tropicalAsia, China and Japan. NBPGR has recently introduced rootedplants of three improved cultivars, Polar Ice PI 546367, NA 61950(EC 322327), Snow Flurry PI 546367, NA 61951 (EC 322328) andWinter Rose PI 546368, NA 61952 (EC 3223290) from USA, Whichare under evaluation at Delhi.(iv) Colvillee racemosa : A native of Madagascar. One cultivarEC 164651 had been introduced from USA in 1984. It is a deciduoustree.