A refugium for Cordia subcordata (Boraginaceae), a very rare and endangered plant in Sri Lanka and strategies for its conservation

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, Cordia subcordata Lam. was known only from three locations in the vicinity of Trincomalee Bay, the first collected in 1885, the second in 1939 and the third in 1974. This tree is presently found in an unprotected coastal forest bordering the Dutch Bay, north of Puttalam Lagoon which is the only known location elsewhere in Sri Lanka, and the first recorded on the western coast. As all original habitats in Trincomalee are now highly disturbed, the coastal forests in Aruwakkalu in the west coast are considered a refugium for this very rare and endangered plant. As only a Tamil name (“Lakshikottay”) has been recorded in Sri Lanka, the Sinhala name “Moodulolu” is proposed for this tree. Some strategies for conservation of this species and associated ecosystems and habitats are proposed. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 44 (1) : 67-70, 2015