Regeneration Status of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. in Forests of Central Western Ghats, India

Aim/Background: Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. constitutes one of the commercially significant tree species within the Indian subcontinent. Commonly referred to as Coromandel ebony or Tendu, the foliage of this species is extensively employed in the wrapping of ‘Bidi’, a cigarette variant prevalent in India. Moreover, the fruits produced by these trees are edible and possess significant nutritional value, thereby being utilized by the local community. Given their commercial relevance, it is imperative to frequently assess their status within forest ecosystems. Materials and Methods: Consequently, the current study is directed towards the examination of the regeneration status of these trees across six selected regions with belt transect method in the central Western Ghats of Karnataka state. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Gonibidu locality within the Shivamogga district exhibits a pronounced regeneration potential, with a ratio of regenerating individuals to adult trees being fivefold. The Tarikere locality in the Chikkamagaluru district also demonstrated a substantial presence of regenerating individuals. This study provides foundational knowledge regarding the regeneration and persistence of these trees within forest environments, which may prove beneficial for conservation strategies and sustainable resource utilization.