Consider the following statements: 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. The Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. 3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. 5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 3, 4 and 5. Leguminous plants have small pockets or nodules in their roots that host a specific type of bacteria known as nitro- gen-fixing bacteria. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: Moringa is a rapidly grow- ing, drought-tolerant tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is found naturally in the sub-Himalayan regions of Northern India and is now cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical climates. Unlike leguminous plants, Moringa is not a legume and is deciduous, shedding its leaves seasonally. On the other hand, tamarind, a leguminous tree known for its edible fruit, is native to tropical Africa, not South Asia. Statements 3 and 4 are correct: In India most of the Tamarind is collected as Minor Forest Produce with Minimum Support Price. Tamarind is also actively exported from India. Statement 5 is correct: Biodiesel is derived from the tamarind seed through the transesterification process as potential alter- native feedstock for the diesel engine. Seeds of Moringa too can be used for biodiesel production. 207

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