Haldwani (Uttarakhand), India, May 19 (ANI): Uttarakhand Forest Department has established the state's first Cycad Garden at Haldwani The garden houses thirty-one distinct types of cycads, with seventeen of these being considered endangered.
The garden was created across more than two acres thanks to support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Out of all these species, nine are indigenous to India. It’s worth noting that approximately fourteen cycad species have been documented within the nation. Among the notable native cycad varieties found here are Cycas andamanica, Cycas beddomei, Cycas zeylanica, Cycas pectinata, and Cycas circinalis.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Research), Sanjiv Chaturvedi, stated, "Cycads represent the most endangered category of plants globally and have existed on Earth since the Mesozoic period. The purpose behind establishing this garden is focused on preservation efforts as well as research into plant evolution and the effects of climate change."
Cycads, considered 'living fossils', have been used by humans for various purposes, including food, medicine, and cultural significance. They are also known for their ornamental value and have been heavily exploited for this reason.
These are an extraordinary collection of flora that have endured throughout history and still hold significant ecological, cultural, and visual importance.
Cycads are long-lasting plants known for their slow growth and low reproduction rate, making them highly susceptible to disruptions in their natural habitats.
They can also fix nitrogen via a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria living within their coralloid roots.
The cycad garden has been set up across approximately 0.75 hectares. Currently, it accommodates about 20 distinct species such as the endemic Cycas annaikalensis from Kerala, Cycas orixensis from the eastern Ghats of Odisha, and Cycas beddomei from Andhra Pradesh.
The main objective of establishing this cycad garden was further Research in these species and to create awareness among people.
The newly established cycad garden offers a window into the realm of this endangered species, underscoring the necessity to safeguard these age-old plants for coming generations. (ANI)
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