Biology and conservation of Coptis teeta Wall. - an endemic and endangered medicinal herb of Eastern Himalaya.

摘要

Extensive deforestation and over-exploitation in the Eastern Himalaya, India, has endangered many plants, including the important medicinal plant, C. teeta. Investigations on the distribution range, demography, ecology, cytology, reproductive biology and population genetic structure of C. teeta were carried out. C. teeta, endemic to a small area, occupies a very narrow habitat and is highly dispersed with very small population sizes. Edaphic factors play a vital role in ecological preference, natural distribution and evolutionary divergence. The species exhibits a 'K' strategy (high male sterility, low reproductive success and efficiency, inadequate seed dispersal and little genetic variability). A combination of these genetic hurdles and externalthreats in the form of habitat disturbance and over-exploitation for commercial purposes could result in its extinction. The species has highly specific microsite requirements that cannot be met in other habitats. In situ conservation measures are the best strategy for the continued survival of this species.