Rare Palm from Andaman replanted in Kerala: To prevent its Extinction

A rare palm from South Andaman Island has found its second home in Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) Kerala. The species has been brought to the Indian mainland to prevent its extinction.

Highlights

The rare palm is called Pinanga andamanensis and is a critically endangered species. There are only 600 specimens of the species at present. It is tiny and generally grows in evergreen forests.

The JNTBGRI has ensured to conserve the germplasm of the tree. This will help to prevent the species from wiping out. It is endangered due to natural calamity.

The palm resembles areca palm and is used in preparing palm oil.

About the palm

The palm requires 5 t 6 hours of sunshine, 80% of humidity. It thrives well in areas where the temperature is between 22 degree Celsius and 24 degree Celsius.

The name of the palm is derived from the modern Malaysian state called ‘Penang’. The species was thought to be extinct till 1992.

What is Germplasm?

Germplasm is the living resources like tissue and seeds that are preserved for plant breeding. They can also be used are genetic resources.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020