Abstract
An extensive survey and population analysis of the endemic and endangered tree Kingiodendron pinnatum, was carried out in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats. The aim was to assess the pattern of distribution, population size and natural regeneration of the species. The fragmented and patchy populations of the species are distributed in evergreen/semi evergreen habitats within an altitudinal range of 176-680m elevation. The tree attained a first layer/canopy species with a height range from 24–30m. Altogether 17 populations were identified and mapped in 13 forest locations in the region. A total of 140 adult individuals of the species were enumerated within the 13 forest locations. Natural regeneration of the species recorded from three zones among the 13 forest locations covering 21,000m2 area representing the Kerala state. The flowering trees displayed a height and dbh range of 10-30m and 85-320cm, respectively. The individuals are spatially arranged in aggregation among patchy populations. The populations are well represented by reproductive individuals with 77% and pre reproductive with 23%. Seedlings of 35.9% attained a height below 1m and 64.01% of a height above 1m. Considering the extent of distribution in the state, increase in the number of mature individuals (in addition to the enumerated area), and fair count of seedlings suggests a healthier conservation status of the species in the region. The economic and medicinal values, occurrence of isolated and fragmented populations, irregularities in the flowering and fruiting period among populations, however, extends urgent concerns over the pollination biology, detection of diverse genotypes subsequent multiplication and restoration of dwindling populations for the effective conservation and management of the species in situ.
Highlights
The Western Ghats is home to both endemic and threatened plant species; the endemic legumes are of special interest as they include a number of economically important species that provide food, medicine and industrially important materials
Seventeen populations of K. pinnatum were identified in 13 forest locations of the Kerala area of Western Ghats
The populations of K. pinnatum are found fragmented in distribution in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats
Summary
The Western Ghats is home to both endemic and threatened plant species; the endemic legumes are of special interest as they include a number of economically important species that provide food, medicine and industrially important materials. Most of the legume trees such as Ormosia travancorica, Inga cynometroides, Humboldtia bourdillonii, and Cynometra beddomei are rediscovered after type collection and least studied on distribution and ecology (Sanjappa 1992). Considering the importance and paucity of studies, an extensive survey of the Kingiodendron pinnatum Ex DC.) Harms in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats was conducted to analyse the distribution pattern, population structure, regeneration potential and subsequent assessment on the population growth for developing appropriate strategies for the management of the species. Kingiodendron pinnatum is an endemic and endangered tree of the southern Western Ghats (CAMP Workshops 1998), belonging to the family Leguminosae and subfamily Detarioideae (LPWG 2017). The oleogum-resin present in the wood oil is used in treatments
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