Populations of rare, endangered, and endemic plant species are declining under changing climatic conditions, largely due to poor germination and lack of effective propagation techniques. The present study focuses on Piliostigma foveolatum, a rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats, India, with a restricted distribution and meagre population. The species is dioecious, and field surveys revealed a marked gender imbalance, with fewer female plants, indicating potential reproductive constraints. A stiff seed coat was identified as a major barrier to germination, prompting detailed seed coat and germination studies using different pre-treatments. Among the treatments, mechanical scarification resulted in the highest germination percentage, followed by acid scarification. Successfully raised seedlings were restored to their natural habitat, along with public awareness initiatives. This work contributes to the conservation and restoration of P. foveolatum through enhanced propagation and population reinforcement.
Jadhav et al. (Mon,) studied this question.