Vanaspati

However, according to Charaka Samhitā and Sushruta Samhita medical texts and the Vaisesikas school of philosophy, "vanaspati" is limited to plants that bear fruits but no evident flowers.

The Vaisesikas school of philosophy classify plants under seven heads, e.g. Vrksa, Trna, Osadhi, Gulma, Lata, Avatana and Vanaspati.

Defining the characteristics of the various groups Udayana's Kiranavali, remarks that: Parasara, the author of Vrksayurveda, classifies plants into Dvimatrka (Dicotyledons) and Ekamatrka (Monocotyledons).

These are further classified into: Vanaspati or Banaspati is also a South Asian slang for Vanaspati/Banaspati ghee of which "Dalda" is the leading brand in Indian markets.

Vanaspati is a fully or partially hydrogenated vegetable cooking oil, often used as a cheaper substitute for ghee and butter.