Lesser-known and under-utilized ornamentals for commercial cultivation

Floriculture is a dynamic industry. What sets it apart from other agricultural sectors is the
emphasis placed on novelty as a significant characteristic which can be achieved by introducing
new flower crops that are lesser known to mankind. Some of these new-generation crops are
proteas, gingers, curcumas, kangaroo paws, guzmanias, wax flowers etc. The Proteaceae of
Southern Africa are intriguing flowers that pose an interesting example of using an
undomesticated plant to an economically viable, cultivated fresh-cut flower. Among the tropical
floriculture products, ornamental ginger and curcuma species have considerable potential for
ornamental use, in landscaping, as cut, potted flowers and foliage with a potential for a wide range
of expansion in markets. A wide range of availability of colors in anigozanthos has increased the popularity of the genus in the international flower market. Apart from the crops which can be used
as cut flowers, there are some crops like bat lilies and guzmanias which have the potential to be
used as ornamental pot plants. Some of the crops, like wax flowers, have a great deal of promise
for use as fillers in floral arrangements. Inspite of having wide-varietal wealth in terms of unique-
form, vibrant-colours and long shelf-life, these plants have yet not been popularized out of their
indigenous niche areas. The diverse agro-climatic conditions of the Indian sub-continent offer
tremendous scope for diversification of novel, lesser-known ornamental crops. However, there is
still scope for further research and improvement for various characteristics of the new crops.