Osmania University home to over 800 plant species

Osmania University’s CBCS has released Flora of Osmania University, documenting 839 plant species across the campus. The book highlights biodiversity, native and introduced species, and aims to raise awareness for conservation and sustainable campus management.

Hyderabad: Osmania University campus is home to more than 800 plant species. This diversity has been documented by the OU’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Studies (CBCS) scientists in a book – ‘Flora of Osmania University’, emphasising the campus’s importance in providing a place for biodiversity in expanding urbanisation.

The book, which was released by OU Vice Chancellor Prof Kumar Molugaram here on Tuesday, is the first comprehensive floristic account of the OU’s campus since its establishment in 1917.

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Based on intensive surveys conducted over three years (2022–2025), the book records 839 plant species belonging to 130 families, including 520 native and 319 introduced species, covering all landscapes such as gardens, academic zones, open spaces, and semi-natural habitats.

The book has been authored by Dr A Vijaya Bhasker Reddy, with Dr Paramesh Lingala and Pamu Usha Reddy of the Department of Botany as co-authors and CBCS director Prof Srinivasulu as the editor.

The book provides insights into the ecological richness and structural diversity of the campus vegetation. It highlights the need for conserving sensitive microhabitats and promoting biodiversity awareness. “Flora of Osmania University” is expected to serve as an important reference for researchers, students, and conservation planners.

“This work stands as a testament to OU’s vision for scientific documentation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable campus management,” said Prof Molugaram.