Homalomena aromatica Schott. is a evergreen, perennial, terrestrial, evergreen aromatic herb distributed in America and sub-tropical part of Asia. H. aromatica commonly known as ‘scented arum’ is a rhizomatous herb categorised within the genus Homalomena of Araceae family (Kirtikar and Basu, 2004). A total of approximately 114 genus and 3750 species were reported in the family of Araceae (Christenhusz and Byng, 2016). About 140 species of Homalomena are distributed in South America and tropical Asia, with 23 species primarily in South Asian regions. Six species are distributed in the Indian boundaries and two species such as, H. aromatica Schott. and H. rubescens Roxb., are exclusively found in the Northeastern region of India. Within India, its distribution encompasses regions such as Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh (Ahmed, 2005). It is also found in Chittagong hills of Bangladesh (Kirtikar and Basu, 2004, Lalramnghinglova, 2003).

The name derived from the Greek words homalos means ‘smooth flate’ and meme means ‘The moon’. These names are mandatory for the ethnobotanical study of a particular tribe of an area. These names are generally based on the appearance, shape, size, habit, habitat, taste, smell, colour, utility therapist uses and other distinguish characteristic feature of the plant. The plant has got different names and identified by people in different Indian languages; viz, Gansena (Assamese), Gondhkochu (Bengali), Ancheeri (Mizo), Gondoi or Pankhokmanungshieieb (Manipur), Sugandhmantri (Hindi), (Khan, 2015). The Karbi name of the plant is Ok hi atehang (Kar and Borthakur, 2008). In Kokborok (native language of Tripura) the plant is known by Gandhrui (Debbarma et al., 2016). While in Bodo it is known as Bon channa (Brahma and Brahma, 2016).

Plants serve as crucial sources for therapeutic applications in both developed and developing nations. The utilisation of traditional medicinal plants and herbal remedies is on the rise all over the world (Khan, 2015). The rhizome is the economic part of H. aromatica bearing essential oil which is used for blending of most essential perfumes. The essential oil derived from the H. aromatica rhizome holds significant value in the perfumery and cosmetic industries. H. aromatica rhizome essential oil is commonly known as montria oil is typically utilised in the production of Dhup (incense) following the extraction process, where the remaining materials are predominantly employed (Khan, 2015).

Homalomena genus posses wide range of species diversity having medicinal and economic importance. Homalomena is the third-largest genus in the Araceae family, with more than 500 species primarily found in Asia, ranging from India and Southeast Asia to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (Boyce and Yeng, 2016). Homalomena niahensis P.C. Boyce is native to the Niah Caves in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It grows in lowland moist forests on Miocene Karst limestone at elevations of 30–50 m above sea level (Boyce, 2017). Homalomena truncate is native to South America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela), this ornamental plant thrives in tropical rainforests and montane forests. Often used in gardens, it features attractive foliage and serves as a ground cover or houseplant. Additionally, it acts as an air purifier, removing toxins from the environment (Hein and Naive, 2024). Homalomena rubescens (Roxb) Kunth is native to Tropical Asia, South America and Indian states of Mizoram, Myanmar, Sikkim, and Meghalaya. This compact indoor plant is known for its attractive glossy green leaves. With its elegant, naturally beautiful appearance, it features simple heart-shaped leaves that are shiny and clean, forming a mound of vibrant foliage (Irsyam et al., 2023). Homalomena hasei, Homalomena mobula, and Homalomena plicata are all native to Sumatera Barat, Indonesia, with their precise localities withheld for conservation purposes to protect these species from commercial exploitation. H. hasei thrives lithophytically at the base of perpetually wet limestone cliffs and karst stacks in lowland humid forests (Boyce and Wong, 2016). Its ornamental appeal has led to the decision to keep its exact location undisclosed. H. mobula is found lithophytically on moss-covered vertical granite riverbanks within humid hill forests. Its decorative qualities necessitate the withholding of its precise locality to prevent commercial misuse. H. plicata grows lithophytically on constantly wet granite bluffs under humid hill forests. To safeguard against potential commercial exploitation, the specific location is not revealed (Boyce and Wong, 2016).

The species is being exploited for various purposes from the wild without any conservation and cultivation measures. The indiscriminate use of this valuable plant at this rate will lead to extinction from its natural habitat. Therefore, development of agro-technology practices and sustainable harvesting of this valuable plant is the need of the hour (Khan, 2015). This review aims to provide readers with insights into not just the medicinal aromatic, and economic value of the plant but also the importance of this endangered medicinal herb which is gradually declining in the wild habitat and comes for the scientific conservation and cultivation of this plant. This review certainly will encourage the researchers, scientists, and people of related field to work on different aspects of this plant who are still not aware about its importance.