BREEDING OF SWEET FLAG

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus), a tall perennial wetland monocot plant from the Acoraceae
family, is a well-known drug in traditional medicine. Its scented leaves and rhizomes are
used as medicine. The plant exhibits significant chemical variations in essential oil and
chromosome numbers, with a chromosome number of 12 and four natural cytotypes:
diploid, triploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid.
The herb rarely produces seeds and is propagated by vegetative means. It is known for
its fragrant aroma and medicinal properties. The rhizome has a spicy taste when dried and
is an alternative to ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg due to its odor. The leaves are simple,
sword-shaped, and elongated, emerging from parallel to the ground rhizomes.
The genus Acorus includes approximately 40 different species, including Acorus
calamus. It is widely distributed across India, both cultivated and natural habitats, and has
been used for centuries. The invitro method of vegetative multiplication of Acorus calamus
could have significant benefits for the medicinal trade and germplasm conservation. The
rhizomes contain aromatic oil that has been used medicinally since ancient times and has
been harvested commercially.
Parts Used: the leaves, roots (rhizomes), and stem of a plant, with rhizomes being the
primary component in traditional medicine systems.