Status of Sterculia Urens Roxb. Trees in Madhya Pradesh, India

Destructive and unsustainable harvesting practices led to a decline of Sterculia urens (Gum karaya) trees from some of the forest areas of Madhya Pradesh. Therefore to assess the current status of S.urens trees, seven districts of the state were surveyed. Results revealed that gum karaya collection is done by inflicting multiple blazes on Sterculia trees. The intensity of harvesting was found progressively high in Sheopur district, followed by Umaria and Damoh districts. Percentage of healthy trees is declining. Methods adopted by local gum collectors are unsustainable and of serious concern leading to tree damage or even mortality. Gum collection is usually carried out throughout the year by locals until gum oozing stops. Post harvesting practices are not properly followed leading to increased chances of contamination and poor economic returns.