Distribution and population status of a critically endangered tree species Symplocos racemosa Roxb. in Eastern Ghats of Odisha

Symplocos racemosa (Roxb.) is a critically endangered medicinal tree found in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha. The present study was scientific data gathered on distribution, population biology along with reproductive capacity. Vegetation analysis was carried out by quadrat method and the density (D), frequency (PF), abundance (AB), basal area (BA), relative density (RD), relative basal area (RBA) and importance value index (IVI) and diversity index were evaluated. A total of 43 species were recorded, of which the maximum basal area was Shorea robusta (359.3153), followed by Symplocos racemosa (208.9172). Its flowering season is around November to January and the flowers come in medium, lush bunches. They are bright greenish-white in colour, turning brown before wilting. Inflorescence is terminal and axillary racemes. The highest percentage of floral buds of inflorescence was observed in P6-Thakurmunda (17.60) & P1-Patbil (16.80) population and the maximum reproductive capacity was observed in P2-Patbil population (72.31).