Saurauia Punduana

About Saurauia Punduana

• It is a plant species belonging to Actinidiaceae family.
• Flowers of Saurauia Punduana turn white to pink on maturity. Petals are pink, ovate to obovate curled at the tip.
• Its fruits are spherical, shining white, and are used in veterinary medicine.
• Habitat: In subtropical forests, altitude 600-1800 m.
• Its flowers are complete, bisexual, i.e., with functional male (androecium) and female (gynoecium),
• It is a critically endangered species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• Global Distribution: Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar.
• In India it is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
• Threats: Saurauia species are susceptible to various insect pests, virus and fungi, affecting leaves, fruits and roots.

Q1) What is the International Union for Conservation of Nature?

It is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Its experts are organised into six Commissions dedicated to species survival, environmental law, protected areas, social and economic policy, ecosystem management, and education and communication.

Source: A Critically endangered plant species recorded for the first time in Manipur.