Dr. M.C. Joshi, born in 1941 in Dwarahat (Uttaranchal). He obtained M.Sc. (Bot.) degree from the Agra University and Ph.D. from the M.S. University of Baroda. He served in C.C.R.A.S. for more than 30 years in various capacities at Ranikhet, Rajpipla and Junagadh in Survey of Medicinal Plants projects. For about 3 years he was than at Gujarat Agriculture University, Jamnagar. There he performed the duties as course co-ordinator and teacher of Medico-botany of P.G. classes in the Institute of Medicinal Plant Sceinces. Dr. Joshi has published quite a good number of papers related with Medicinal plants. Having an experience in medicinal plants survey, identification, teaching etc. for more than 35 years, he possesses good knowledge in this field. The present work is based on his experience which he has mainly prepared for students. Now he is retired and presently residing in Vadodara.