Saving Chenkurinji from climate change

Tags: Popular National News

Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica) is a species endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Its numbers are continuously decreasing due to climate change.

• About Chenkurinji tree

• It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.

• This tree was once found in abundance in the hills of the southern parts of Aryankavu Pass, Kollam district (Kerala), but over the years its presence is rapidly decreasing from this area.

• It is susceptible to climate change and the current status of these species is poor due to low regeneration.

• There are sufficient numbers of these trees but most of them are not productive, thereby creating a negative trend in its population.

• Flowering and fruiting rates are very poor in most trees.

• Medicinal properties of the tree

• It has medicinal properties and is used to lower blood pressure and treat arthritis.

• The forest department has launched a 'Save Chenkurinji' campaign.