Morphological Characterization and Distribution Survey of Endangered Adansonia digitata Linn. Tree Species in Ten Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Adansonia digitata, is an exquisite endangered tree species in India. This tree has been declared as heritage site (according to biodiversity board, U.P.) in many districts such as Sichora village Mahoba, Hamirpur, kintoor Barabanki, Jhusi Pryagraj, district Industrial center Sultanpur and Nawab Wajid Ali Shah zoological Garden Lucknow. According to the prevalent legend in Kintoor Barabanki Sichora, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Sultanpur, Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Prayagraj. Adansonia digitata trees are recognized as the sacred Parijat and kalpavriksha or wishing tree of Indian mythology. The unique shape and external structure of this tree's trunk have attracted environmentalists, botanists, research scholar and tourists over the past few years. The districts were selected based on the prevalence of Adansonia digitata species. This paper represent data on the number, age, included distribution Adansonia digitata trees, girth size, flowering and fruiting period; and recorded parameters such as fruit shape, fruit size, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, pulp weight, and seed weight, seed coloured and seed length from the 13 study sites. The survey was conducted from November 24, 2012 to December 15, 2025. A total of 27 (15 flowering and 12 non flowering) Adansonia digitata trees were recorded from 13 study sites across 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The 07 fruiting trees were recorded at 5 locations (study sites). The percentage of fruiting trees was very less 25.92%. Almost it was travelled over 5000 kilometres during this fieldwork. Approximately 50,000 photographs of Adansonia digitata were taken from the 13 study sites during the Survey period. The main centre of research work was I.P. (P.G.) College first campus, Bulandshahr and Panchvati, Numaish Ground Bulandshahr. Very limited populations of this valuable tree species were recorded in Uttar Pradesh. The survey conducted on this tree species at 13 study sites across 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh will provide accurate information in the future.