Scientists conserve the germplasm of Pinanga Andamanensis 

Scientists conserve the germplasm of Pinanga Andamanensis 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment

In News:

• The scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram, 2019 are conserving the germplasm (genetic material of germ cells) of  Pinanga Andamanensis. 
• This would ensure its continued survival of its original home gets wiped out by a natural calamity.

Important value additions 

Pinanga Andamanensis

• It is a critically endangered species. 
• It is one of the least known among the endemic palms of the Andaman Islands.
• Its entire population consists of some 600 specimens only. 
• It naturally occurs only in a tiny, evergreen forest pocket in South Andaman’s Mount Harriet National Park.
• This elegant palm can be used as an avenue tree for gardens, pavements and homesteads.

Image source: The Hindu