Hyphaene dichotoma (Wight) Furtado (Indian Doum Palm/Ravan Tad): A Review

Hyphaene dichotoma (Wight) Furtado, commonly known as the Indian Doum Palm or Ravan Tad, is one of the most distinctive members of the family Arecaceae due to its unique dichotomous branching pattern, a rare morphological characteristic among palms. Although the species is believed to have originated in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it has become naturalized in several parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly along the western coastal belt and isolated inland locations. The species possesses considerable ecological, economic, cultural, and evolutionary significance. Its leaves are traditionally utilized for weaving mats, baskets, hats, and handicrafts, while the fruits are edible and the seeds are employed for ornamental purposes. Despite its importance, H. dichotoma is experiencing a continuous decline owing to habitat destruction, urbanization, road expansion, climate change, and poor natural regeneration. Field observations in Dhule district (Maharashtra) revealed the presence of a solitary surviving male tree, with no female individual in the vicinity, thereby preventing sexual reproduction and threatening local extinction. The absence of natural recruitment highlights the urgent need for both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, including germplasm conservation, tissue culture, assisted pollination, and reintroduction programmes. Recent germination experiments and conservation initiatives undertaken by researchers, including seed propagation studies and nationwide seed distribution programmes, represent promising steps toward safeguarding this rare palm. This review synthesizes available information on the taxonomy, distribution, morphology, reproductive biology, ecological importance, conservation status, and future management strategies of Hyphaene dichotoma in India, with particular emphasis on its conservation in Maharashtra.

Hyphaene dichotoma, Indian Doum Palm, Ravan Tad, Arecaceae, dichotomous branching

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