DEHRADUN: The research wing of the Uttarakhand forest department has established India's first Gymnosperm garden at the Radi Top region in Uttarkashi. Situated at an elevation of 8,000 feet and spanning approximately one hectare, this botanical haven hosts a diverse array of 27 crucial gymnosperm plant species, including endangered varieties such as Ginkgo and Thuner, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species.
The research wing has been making remarkable strides in botanical exploration, establishing unique centres across the state, from the Lichen garden in Pithoragarh to the Himalayan spice garden in Ranikhet. Adding to this series, the country's first Gymnosperm garden in Uttarkashi district is set to open its gates to the public by March 2024. Gymnosperms, a vital but often overlooked group in the plant kingdom, has 44 genera and 82 species in India, with the majority flourishing in the Himalayan region, desert areas, and southern hills. Sanjiv Chaturvedi, the chief conservator of forest research, highlighted the significance of Gymnosperms, saying, "Apart from being a good source of food for both wildlife and humans, these plants also have great medicinal, ornamental, and economic values."
The project, approved by the Research Advisory Committee in 2021, aims to showcase, conserve, and raise awareness about this essential plant group. Chaturvedi said, "In this garden, we have displayed 27 live samples of Gymnosperm plants, including rare species like Ginkgo, termed as the living fossil, present on Earth since the Jurassic era. Believed to be a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease, this endangered species has been successfully grown by our research team, focusing now on its propagation."
To enrich the visitor experience, an interpretation centre within the park showcases various types of cones and provides information on the history and facts of gymnosperm plants. Chaturvedi added, "This place will become a centre of knowledge for students and researchers interested in plants, attracting a large number of tourists. We are aiming to add many more species of gymnosperm plants in the garden soon."
Furthermore, the garden's doors will open to the public in March 2024, offering free entry for school students and a nominal fee for other visitors. This initiative promises to not only serve as a botanical marvel but also as an educational hub for plant enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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