Kerala: Endangered tree species rediscovered after 180 yrs

Madhuca neriifolia tree species, which was believed to be extinct, has been rediscovered in Kollam district after 180 years. The researchers said that the tree is known for its medicinal properties and grows up to a height of 20 metres.

Kollam:Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode have rediscovered an endangered tree species which was believed to be extinct. Researches have rediscovered the tree species after a period of 180 years from a grove in Kollam district. Groves are worship places installed with Hindu deities and snakes in Kerala.

The tree identified as Madhuca neriifolia, species of plant in the family Sapotaceae, was found in front of Koonayil Ayiravilli Siva temple at Paravur. The tree is locally known as Irippa Maram and is believed to be 300 years of age.

The Indian Butter tree has been listed among the trees which are on the verge of becoming extinct. 'Irippa' tree is genetically related to the Sapota family, the researchers said.

According to Dr Shailaja Kumari, Technical Officer with the Palode Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, the Butter tree was discovered in a study conducted by a research team. She was also a part of the extensive research which was carried out in more than 1200 sacred groves. In 1835, a British Botanist named Robert Wight had identified this tree species and recorded it for the first time.

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Meanwhile, in the Ayiravalli temple, the Butter tree is being considered very divine. The deities of Goddess Puttingal Devi and Goddess Parvathy Devi have been installed under the Irippa tree in the Temple. The conservation of this tree in the Temple premises was handed over to the Temple Administrative Committee many years ago. The tree is being conserved by constructing a retaining wall like a tree ring around it.

The Irippa tree which is said to have many medicinal properties grows only up to a height of around 20 metres. The tree used to be used as a medicine for arthritis-related diseases. Irippa branches out into many branches and sub-branches.

Today, the temple premises located in Kollam is rich with very rare trees. One can see small waterfalls cascading amid the groves here. Many people visit the temple premises to experience the rich and rare vegetation, beyond it being a place of worship.

Ayiravalli Temple premises can be considered as a great biodiversity centre which must be conserved.

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