Diversity, distribution and horticultural potential of Cordia myxa L.: a promising underutilized fruit species of arid and semi arid regions of India

Cordia myxa L. locally known as Gonda, Lasora or lehsua belongs to family Boraginaceae. It grows throughout India except in high hills and temperate climates. This is a perennial, medium sized tree with crooked stem. It bears small sized fruits in bunches, used as traditional vegetable and pickles. Besides, it has number of other uses including medicine, fuel wood and ornamental wood work. Due to its drought tolerance ability, it is abundantly found in arid and semi arid regions of North and North West India. Its cultivation as planned orchards is limited and only scanty information about various aspects of the species is available. This paper therefore, deals with synthesised information on its distribution, taxonomy, traditional knowledge and experimental findings on diversity, propagation, improvement and utilization. The information on production and consumption may open new vistas in dietary supplement, thus opening a new window of commercial opportunity in arid and semi arid regions of India and isoclimatic regions of the world.