- Forest Department experts examined an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park and discovered its extraordinary water storage capacity.
- This discovery gives information on the Konda Reddi tribe’s indigenous understanding of the tree’s distinctive characteristics.
Konda Reddi Tribe.
- The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh’s Godavari and Khammam districts, where they live along the Godavari River and in mountainous forest areas.
- The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy being the norm with few exceptions.
- The Konda Reddis are predominantly Hindus, with folk practices that include local traditions and the worship of community-level deities.
- They have their own social control institution, the ‘Kula Panchayat’.
- Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose position is hereditary.
- Their principal profession is shifting farming, with nourishment provided by forest plants and fauna.
- Jowar farming is widespread, and it serves as the people’s basic diet.
- They supplement their income by collecting and selling non-timber forest products like as tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks.
About Papikonda National Park
- The Papikonda National Park is located in Andhra Pradesh’s East and West Godavari districts.
- It was designated a national park in the year 2008.
- It is distinguished by steep scenery and abundant damp deciduous forests.
- The Godavari River runs through the Papikonda hill range in the Eastern Ghats.
About Indian Laurel Tree
| Description | |
| Scientific Name | Terminalia tomentosa |
| Common Names | Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree |
| Habitat | Found in Deciduous forests |
| Bark | Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February) |
| Water Storage Ability | Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem |
| Water Storage Mechanism | Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence |
| Water Collection | 4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing |
| Traditional Use | Tribal populations, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, use it as a water supply during the dry season. |
| Adaptability | Thrives in a variety of environments, including extreme weather and drought. |
Source: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68657-Terminalia-tomentosa