Hortus Malabaricus Botanical Garden and Research Institute in Kerala’s Thrissur district is set to host an international workshop on the research potential of the 17th-century Hortus Malabaricus, the monumental botanical work commissioned by Dutch commander Hendrik van Rheede.
The workshop, scheduled for August 9 and 10, will explore the ethnobotany of the plants documented in Hortus Malabaricus and examine their role in Ayurveda.
The event is expected to ignite new movements and initiate fresh discussions in molecular phylogenetics, a field that uses molecular data—such as DNA or protein sequences—to study evolutionary relationships between organisms. There will also be discussions focused on scientific inquiry into bioactive compounds and the pharmacological applications of medicinal plants of Indian origin.
Notably, the Malabar flora documented by the Dutch, with the help of Indian medical experts and translators in the 17th century, remains a rich trove of unique medicinal plants that were already in traditional use. Sustainable extraction methods and plant-based innovations will also be key topics at the workshop, which will feature international dignitaries.
Located in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, the 27-acre Hortus Malabaricus garden was created by the “Genome Man of India,” Sam Santhosh, as a tribute to van Rheede’s book.
Dedicated to the conservation and study of Kerala’s native medicinal plants and the endemic flora of the Western Ghats, the garden features over 1,200 species, including 742 documented in van Rheede’s treatise.
