Chenkurinji

In News

• Recently, a study said that there is a need to save Chenkurinji from climate change.

About Chenkurinji 

• Endemic
  • Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary: The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from Gluta travancorica, a species endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve known as ‘Chenkurinji’.
  • Aryankavu Pass: Belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, the tree was once abundant in the hills on the southern parts of Aryankavu Pass but its presence has been fast receding from the area over the years.
  • Shola forests: Though the tree is also seen inside the shola forests near Ponmudi.
• Issues
  • It is very susceptible to climate change.
  • Present condition of the species is quite bad with low regeneration performance.
  • Most are not productive, generating a negative trend in its population.
  • Majority of the trees are old with poor flowering and fruiting rates.
• Usage
  • It is reported to have medicinal properties and is used to lower blood pressure and treat arthritis.
• Suggestions for its regeneration
  • Emergency restocking: What we require now is an emergency restocking at the sanctuary since the present population is in a degrading state.
  • Young generation trees: If we plant some young trees now we will have flowering trees within the next 25 years.
  • 75 schools have been identified in the area where Chenkurinji will be grown with the support of students.  
  • Save Chenkurinji campaign to be implemented in various areas coming under the Achencoil Forest Division. 

Source: TH