NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 1: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

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Which one of the following medicinal plants is endemic to India?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ANeem
BJamun
CSarpagandha
DKachnar

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Sarpagandha

Explanation

Endemism refers to the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, country, or other defined zone, or habitat type. In the context of Indian geography and natural vegetation, certain medicinal plants are highlighted for their restriction to the Indian territory.

Option Analysis:

Neem: While native to the Indian subcontinent, Neem is widely distributed and cultivated across many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is not endemic solely to India.
Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina): This medicinal plant is extensively used to treat blood pressure. It is explicitly described as being found only in India, qualifying it as the correct answer in this context.
Jamun: The Jamun tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia. Its distribution extends beyond India's political boundaries.
Kachnar: This plant is found across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, and is therefore not endemic to India.

Key Takeaway:
Sarpagandha is the medicinal plant specifically noted in Indian geography curricula as being endemic to India and is primarily used for treating blood pressure.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Consider the following statements regarding the medicinal uses of Jamun: 1. The juice from ripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar. 2. The vinegar is known to cause digestive issues. 3. The seed powder is used to increase blood sugar levels. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Which one of the following Biosphere Reserves is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh?

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Consider the following statements regarding Tropical Evergreen Forests: 1. These forests do not have a definite time for trees to shed their leaves. 2. The trees in these forests rarely exceed a height of 10 metres. 3. They are primarily found in the desert regions of Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following groups of trees represents the commercially important species of Tropical Evergreen Forests?

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With reference to Tropical Deciduous Forests in India, consider the following statements: 1. They are the most widespread forests of India. 2. They are also called monsoon forests. 3. They spread over regions receiving rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm. 4. Trees of this forest type do not shed their leaves at all during the year. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Sarpagandha

Explanation

Option Analysis:

Neem: While native to the Indian subcontinent, Neem is widely distributed and cultivated across many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is not endemic solely to India.
Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina): This medicinal plant is extensively used to treat blood pressure. It is explicitly described as being found only in India, qualifying it as the correct answer in this context.
Jamun: The Jamun tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia. Its distribution extends beyond India's political boundaries.
Kachnar: This plant is found across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, and is therefore not endemic to India.

Key Takeaway:
Sarpagandha is the medicinal plant specifically noted in Indian geography curricula as being endemic to India and is primarily used for treating blood pressure.