Question

The botanical name of 'Sanjeevani' is
A. Selaginella utricularia
B. Selaginella bryopteris
C. Selaginella crotalaria
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: It is a lithophytic plant. It is also said to be spike-moss plants.

Complete answer: Sanjeevani is a medicinal herb which has the potential to heal serious problems of the nervous system. Medicines prepared from this herb is believed to be able to recover in any circumstances where death is definite.
The herb is described in the Ramayana, when a powerful weapon at Lakshmana was hurled by Ravana 's son Indrajit. Lakshmana was seriously injured, and Indrajita was nearly killed. Hanuman had been called upon to get this herb from the hills of Mount Dronagiri.

Now lets us find the solution from the given options-
1. Selaginella utricularia is not the botanical name of ‘Sanjeevani’.
2. A lithophytic plant is Selaginella bryopteris, commonly known as sanjeevini and sanjivini booti. In India it is used medicinally. The popular name of sanjeevani that translates as "one who infuses life" originates from the properties of the medicines.
It can be used to cure heat strokes, menstrual cycles that are irregular, minimise labour pains, treat jaundice, etc.
3. Selaginella crotalaria is not the botanical name of ‘Sanjeevani’.

Thus, the right answer is option B i.e., Selaginella bryopteris

Note: Although some references in scientific literature report as described in Hindu mythology as the Sanjeevani, so far a search of ancient texts has not identified any plant that can be certainly confirmed as Sanjeevani.