383-388Wild and underutilized plant species, particularly ornamental flowers and foliage, can be converted into value added products using the drying and dehydration techniques. The present study has been carried out to explore the potential of wild ornamental plants of Arunachal Pradesh for the purpose of dry flower making. The plant parts were collected from different places viz., Pasighat, Bodak, Renging, Menchuka, Bomdilla, Tenga Valley, Yingkiong, etc. A total of 14 potential plant species has been identified for drying and dehydration without any loss in quality and appearance. The species identified included viz., Pteridium aquilinum (Eagle Fern/Western Bracken Fern), Lycopodium clavatum (Stag‘s Horn Clubmoss/Ground pine), Nicandra physalodes (Apple of Peru), Scirpus cyperinus (Wool grass), Barleria cristata (Phillipine violet), Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass), Anaphilis busua (Tall pearly everlasting), Miscanthus spp. (Silver grass), lichens, Phragmites spp. (common reed grass), Davallia bullata (Rabbit foot fern), Tillandsia spp. (Spanish moss), Elsholtzia cristata (Crested late summer mint) and Setaria parviflora (Bristly foxtail). Maximum number of genera belongs to the family of Poaceae followed by Cyperaceae. Seed heads of Cortaderia selloana, Miscanthus spp., Phragmites spp., Erioscirpus comosus, Scirpus cyperinus, Setaria parviflora; leaves of Pteridium aquilinum, Lycopodium clavatum, Davallia bullata; fruits of Nicandra physalodes, Elsholtzia cristata; flower of Anaphilis busua; dried calyx of Barleria cristata and stem of Tillandsia spp. has also been used for drying and value addition. Value added products that were prepared included wall décor, greeting cards, photo frames, dried flower arrangements, table décor, bouquet, paper bags, buttoniere and corsage, etc. A cottage industry based on floral craft can become a new area for self-employment of rural youths and women through this creative occupation. The quest for searching new materials which can be utilized as dried flowers never ends and in fact is the demand of the hou
