Rare medicinal plant found in Bannerghatta

The State Forest department has found a rare plant that is believed to have medicinal properties in the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP).

Tephrosia Calophyllum, a rare species with thick roots and a leafy structure, is used locally to cure insect bites and skin diseases. Interestingly, no traces of this plant has been  found in Karnataka.

The plant is reported to be seen growing at the Kadappa Hills in Andhra Pradesh. Officials from the Medicinal Plant Board and Unani Centre too say that they have not seen this plant growing in the Karnataka region, said UV Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka Medicinal Plants Authority.

This plant is used by locals and tribals and is commonly known as ‘fish poison’. It has high alkaline properties and if is used in large quantities, it can be dangerous to health.  Singh added.

During the course of the study many young sandalwood plants were also found, most of which is less than 10 years old, he added.

The State Forest department, along with various forestry colleges in the district, is preparing a comprehensive database of all medicinal plants found in Karnataka.

A map to indicate the location where the medicinal plants are found along with details of each species and their numbers is being put together as part of the all-India exercise being undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

This data will be shared with customs, forensics, crime and other departments because there have been many cases when valuable medicinal plants were smuggled in the guise of kitchen herbs.

The study has been completed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya and Hunsur. It is ongoing in Tumakuru, Kanakapura and Chikkaballapur districts.

There are around 250 rare medicinal plant species in and around Bengaluru. Also, around 60 species have been found in Honnavar.

Some of these plants are listed extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).