The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is taking urgent steps to conserve a rare Arara nut tree, a species native to Brazil and found only in this Kerala zoo. Expert interventions including tree surgery are planned to save the specimen.

  • A rare Arara nut (Joannesia princeps) tree has been identified in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo.
  • The tree is endemic to Brazil and is exceptionally rare within the state of Kerala.
  • Conservation measures include tree surgery and germplasm preservation to prevent the tree from toppling.

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has announced a dedicated conservation plan to protect a rare Arara nut tree located within its premises. Situated in the hog deer enclosure, this medium-to-tall tree with a wide canopy belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, making it a relative of the common rubber tree. This specimen, scientifically known as Joannesia princeps, is native to Brazil in South America.

From Misidentification to Scientific Discovery

For years, the true identity of this tree remained a mystery due to a lack of detailed records in the zoo and museum archives. Consequently, it was widely misidentified as a rubber tree. The ambiguity was cleared following a visit from the Rubber Board, which prompted a deeper investigation by Dr. P. Sujanapal, senior principal scientist at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI). Dr. Sujanapal confirmed that the tree is indeed an Arara nut tree, a species typically found in botanical gardens and research institutions globally after being introduced from Brazil.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the preservation of such exotic species within local ecosystems provides invaluable data for botanical research and global biodiversity mapping. Losing such a specimen would mean losing a unique genetic link to South American flora right here in India.

Dr. Sujanapal noted that the tree's softwood nature makes it vulnerable to toppling if the current bark damage is not addressed immediately.

The tree is currently facing health challenges. Inspections revealed cracks in the bark and damaged tissue near the soil level. Experts suggest that overnutrients in the soil within the hog deer enclosure might be contributing to the decay. To mitigate the risk of the tree falling and posing a threat to visitors and animals, a specialized 'tree surgery' has been recommended. This process will involve removing damaged bark, applying medicinal treatments, and pruning the heavy canopy to manage its weight.

Historical Background

The Arara nut tree is a hallmark of the Brazilian landscape. While it is grown as an avenue tree in a few select countries, its presence in Kerala is highly unusual. The discovery of a young Arara nut tree, approximately five to eight years old, growing near the parent tree, suggests a rare natural reproductive success within the zoo's ecosystem.

Did You Know?: Despite its exotic origins, the Arara nut tree does not exhibit invasive characteristics, such as excessive seed dispersal, making it safe for managed environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Where is the Arara nut tree originally from?
Answer: The Arara nut tree is endemic to Brazil, South America.

Question 2: What are the primary threats to this tree?
Answer: The tree faces bark decay and potential structural instability due to its softwood nature and soil nutrient imbalances.