Only discovered in 2016 from the sacred forests of the Khasi Hills in North East India. It grows in dense subtropical forest in one of the wettest places on Earth. These scared forests of the region are traditionally protected by local people and act as a lifeline for several threatened tree species.
Erosion of traditional values has resulted in many sacred forests becoming degraded. Forest fires, cutting of trees for firewood, mining and construction of roads are rapidly contributing to the destruction of its habitat and the loss of the last remaining individuals.
This species has an attractive canopy and beautiful aromatic flowers which could be used for ornamental purposes. The leaves may also be suitable to be used as a tea, scientific research is however needed to confirm this.
A key component of this project will be to establish a conservation consortium, bringing together community-based indigenous organisations who are responsible for the management of the species’ habitat, and conservation researchers who hold the technical expertise to save the species.
Through this collaboration, community-friendly methods to counter threats will be developed and awareness of the ecological and economic importance of conserving the species will be raised through a number of activities.
A propagation and reintroduction programme will also be implemented through the consortium.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International’s work aims to promote and develop a more efficient, cost effective and rational approach to plant conservation in botanic gardens. We will do this by leading and advocating, leading innovative and strategic projects, building plant conservation capacity, and providing funding.
BGCI is an independent organisation registered in the United Kingdom as a charity (Charity Reg. No. 1098834) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 4673175).