Using Wild Plant Species in Ornamental Horticulture: A Possible Future

The rich diversity of wild plant resources, particularly native wild ornamental plants (WOPs), holds significant potential for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of landscapes and promoting sustainable landscaping practices. Emphasizing the rich genetic diversity and resilience of wild plant resources, the study highlights their value as a significant asset for humanity. Despite their diverse attributes, these resources often lack comprehensive attention, leading to limited knowledge about their applications. Focusing on India’s diverse floral landscape, including angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, bryophytes, and lichens, this chapter advocates for the integration of native WOPs into domestication efforts. The objectives of this chapter include highlighting the significance of WOPs in enhancing landscape aesthetics, providing examples of successfully domesticated WOPs, emphasizing the potential of domesticating WOPs for various ornamental purposes, and underscoring the role of Botanic gardens in WOP conservation and integration into urban and rural landscapes. The domestication of WOPs not only contributes to environmental conservation and the preservation of native plant species but also advances the field of ornamental horticulture, presenting promising opportunities for sustainable landscaping and economic development.