The recent rediscovery of the Madhuca diplostemon tree species, which has been unseen for over 180 years, is making news. Previously believed to have become extinct, the tree was found in a sacred grove within Kerala’s Kollam district. The tree, locally referred to as Kavilippa in Malayalam, serves as an incredible scientific, environmental, and conservation resource due to its rarity.
Identification and Rediscovery
Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode, Kerala, identified the Madhuca diplostemon tree. This tree species, which is threatened and endemic to the Western Ghats, was thought to have vanished completely. Its rediscovery is hailed as significant and valuable as only one mature specimen of this species has been located so far.
The history of its discovery goes back to 1835 when Robert Wight, a surgeon-botanist affiliated with the East India Company, found the first specimen. Post its initial collection, there were no reports about its existence; neither from its original locality nor from anywhere else. Several botanical explorations conducted in the Eastern and Western Ghats also failed to track down the tree species.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Madhuca diplostemon tree as an endangered species. However, considering that only one specimen is currently known to exist in a single location, it qualifies to be assigned the status of ‘Critically Endangered.’ This category indicates the highest level of threat and underscores the urgency required for implementing conservation measures.
Conservation Plan
The JNTBGRI has initiated plans for undertaking the ex-situ conservation of the Madhuca diplostemon. This method involves preserving and maintaining samples of living organisms in a location outside their natural habitat. The institute plans to achieve this through its species recovery programme, aimed at enhancing the numbers and ensuring the survival of this rare tree species for future generations.
The rediscovery of the Madhuca diplostemon tree is an important milestone in conservation efforts. The endeavor now is to ensure the survival and propagation of this species, to prevent it from disappearing once again into the annals of extinction.
(Source: TH)
