Gardenia Gummifera

In the course of my study of human and natural systems in India, I'm looking at the dependence on a particular tree species - Gardenia Gummifera or Bikki, its common name in Telugu. Endemic to India, it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, although it is sparsely distributed. It occurs as a shrub or small tree in dry, deciduous woodlands. Bikki produces a small, sweet fruit, which is collected by villagers in our study area to sell and for personal consumption. The wood is sometimes harvested for fuelwood, although less so than other species. Non-human fruit predators include slothbears, goats and sheep, and wild boars. Other threats include the extract of gum. It flowers in March and produces fruit between April and August. Like other trees in local forests, it is susceptible to seasonal fires, which pose a threat to regeneration.

Photo: Tiffany Knight