In vitro micropropagation of Caralluma edulis (Edgew.) Benth. & Hook. f. – A rare edible plant species of Indian desert

An in vitro micropropagation protocol was developed using shoot segment explant of Caralluma edulis - a very rare and endangered edible plant of the Thar desert. Four to six multiple shoots were initiated from nodal explant on MS medium containing 0.25 mg l⁻¹ IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) and 2.5 mg l⁻¹ BAP (benzylamino purine). The shoots elongated and multiplied on a medium supplemented with 0.25 mg l⁻¹ IAA + 2.5 mg l⁻¹ BAP and 2.5 mg l⁻¹ GA₃ (Gibberellic acid). In vitro produced shoots rooted on half strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg l⁻¹ IBA (Indolebutyric acid) within three weeks. Plantlets were transplanted to pots and grown to maturity.