Chapter 1 Habitat and distribution of medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of herbal medicine recognized globally. Medicinal plants are a source of new drug molecules and widely distributed throughout the world ranging from forest, desert, polar region, ocean, and fresh water ecosystems. Around 1,000 BC, the knowledge of habitat of medicinal plants and its application in various ailments of disease have been reported by the Indian saint Charak in Charak Samhita and Shusruta in Shusruta Samhita. Around 197 different plant species have been mentioned in Ayurveda along with its distribution and use. A total of 34 global “Biodiversity Hotspots” have been recognized on the basis of specific criteria which also includes medicinal plants. The article focuses on the habitat and distribution of medicinal plants with specific emphasis on Biodiversity Hotspots. Remote sensing and geographical information system-based approaches for distribution studies and additionally socioeconomic importance of traditional practices pertaining to medicinal plants are further discussed.