UPSC occasionally asks questions on endangered plants and trees which face threat and have been in the news. Here we provide a list of all such plants and tress with description in bullet points.
Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana)
- Produces taxol, a critical drug for treating cancer.
- Found in the Himalayan region, from Afghanistan to Southwest China.
- Prefers cool temperate climates and high altitudes.
- Slow-growing and long-lived species.
Nilgiri Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Known for its fragrant wood and oil.
- Native to South India, particularly in the Nilgiri Hills, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Grows in dry deciduous to wet forest habitats.
- Has a high economic value which leads to illegal harvesting.
Indian Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana)
- Carnivorous plant with modified leaves to trap and digest insects.
- Endemic to the Khasi hills in Meghalaya, Northeast India.
- Thrives in cool, moist conditions on high-altitude grasslands.
Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)
- Rich in Vitamin C, with several health benefits.
- Found across India, particularly in deciduous forests and hilly areas.
- Cultivated in tropical Southeast Asia.
Manipur Tree Quinine (Dichroa febrifuga)
- Produces febrifugine, used to treat malaria.
- Native to the Northeastern states like Manipur.
- Prefers subtropical to temperate climates.
Wild Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides)
- Produces beautiful pink flowers.
- Distributed in the Himalayan region across India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
- Grows in temperate forests.
Khasi Pine (Pinus kesiya)
- One of the most important pines in Southeast Asia for timber production.
- Native to the Khasi hills of Meghalaya, India.
- Prefers higher altitudes and open forests.
Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata)
- Known for its vivid blue flowers.
- Found in the Himalayas, from Uttarakhand, India to Tibet.
- Grows in alpine habitats, often on damp ground.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium cordigerum)
- Part of the orchid family with distinctive slipper-shaped pouches.
- Found in the Himalayas, from Pakistan to Northeast India.
- Thrives in cool, humid, and high-altitude environments.
Nilgiri Tree Fern (Cyathea nilgirensis)
- A large fern species endemic to the Nilgiri Hills in South India.
- Prefers evergreen forest habitat.
Indian Ghost Tree (Davidia involucrata)
- Also called the “Dove Tree” for its white bracts resembling handkerchiefs or doves.
- Native to the Northeastern states and other subtropical regions of India.
Sangai Lily (Lilium mackliniae)
- Delicate and rare lily named after the endangered Sangai deer.
- Found in the Manipur state of India, especially in the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
- Known for its sweet-smelling leaves and rhizomes.
- Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, North America, and India, including marshy areas.
Indian Wild Fig (Ficus racemosa)
- Has a religious significance in India and produces a fruit that supports wildlife.
- Grows across India, from the Himalayan foothills to Sri Lanka.
Rameshwaram Wild Betelvine (Piper hymenophyllum)
- A climbing plant with cultural importance, used in traditional Tamil medicine.
- Found in the tropical forests of Rameshwaram and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
Manipur Tree (Phoebe hainesiana)
- Aromatic tree used for timber and traditional medicine.
- Endemic to the Northeastern parts of India, including Manipur.
Indigenous Palm Groove Species (Areca, Cocos nucifera)
- Includes the Areca palm, known for its nuts, and the Coconut palm.
- Found in coastal and tropical regions of India, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
- Cultivated for their fruits which have diverse uses in food, industry, and agriculture.
