Jun 28, 2025

BY: ET Online

8 endangered plants in India you probably never heard of

Red Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana)

This rare orchid found in Northeast India is endangered due to over-collection and habitat loss. It's now protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act.

Image Source: iStock

Malabar Mahogany (Trichilia connaroides)

Native to the Western Ghats, this hardwood tree is threatened by deforestation and overuse in local timber industries.

Image Source: iStock

Hooker’s Fritillary (Fritillaria roylei)

This delicate Himalayan flower, known for its bell-shaped blooms, is rapidly disappearing due to unregulated harvesting for traditional medicine.

Image Source: iStock

Khasi Hills Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana)

A carnivorous plant found only in Meghalaya, it's endangered by poaching and shrinking wetlands. It’s India’s only native pitcher plant.

Image Source: iStock

Rheum nobile (Noble Rhubarb)

Found in high altitudes of the Himalayas, this giant translucent herb is threatened by climate change and reckless collection for its medicinal value.

Image Source: iStock

Ebony Tree (Diospyros celibica)

Highly valued for its dark wood, this species is being pushed toward extinction due to excessive logging and habitat degradation.

Image Source: iStock

Agasthiyamalai Glory Lily

An extremely rare lily found in the Agasthyamalai hills of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, now critically endangered due to its limited range and overharvesting.

Image Source: iStock

Javanese Ginger (Zingiber neesanum)

Endemic to the Eastern Himalayas, this rare ginger species is endangered due to habitat fragmentation and unregulated harvesting for traditional use.

Image Source: iStock

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