Commiphora wightii (Arnott.) Bhandari in the Indian Desert: Biology, Distribution and Threat Status

Abstract

Commiphora wightii (Arnt.) Bhandari is a highly important medicinal plant of Indian system of medicine i.e. Ayurveda. Due its high demand the plant is subjected to crude and destructive tapping methods resulting in drastic shrinkage of its natural populations. Lack of data on its distribution has lead International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to put it under Data Deficient (DD) category. We review here the entire body of knowledge relating to its morphology, distribution, propagation, tapping methods, economic importance, gum production and present status of population in Rajasthan. Our assessment of its distribution in Rajasthan has revealed its occurrence on 68 out of 604 sites visited. Of the 11 districts of its occurrence, its maximum density has been found in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts. Density, dominance, height and canopy cover of guggal were more at protected sites (39) than unprotected sites (29). Threats to guggal population have been identified as destructive tapping method, termite infestation, soil erosion, damage by shepherds and its removal for use as fuel. Finally, possible measures for its conservation have been emphasized.