The Himalayan Soap Pod Tree (Gymnocladus Assamicus): An Ecologically and Economically Important Tree on the Brink of Extinction

The book contains detailed information about G. assamicus and discusses its current distribution, population status, ethnobotanical uses and other ecological parameters. Gymnocladus assamicus is an archaic tree endemic to the Eastern Himalayan region of Northeast India. Locally known as ‘Menangmanba-shi’ by the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh (India), mature G. assamicus pods contain high saponin and are used traditionally for cleansing purposes and rituals. Major intrinsic and extrinsic factors that might be responsible for population decline are described. More importantly, the book highlights a very rare mating system known as ‘androdioecy’ in which male and hermaphrodite individuals co-exist in the natural population. Overall, the book highlights the story of a critically endangered tree species with a unique biological and socio-cultural importance and will serve as a case study and reference for other similar species both locally and globally. Key Features – Comprehensive case study of an attempt to bring a tree species back from the brink of extinction – Serves as a reference and guide for similar future conservation programs