A CRITICAL REVIEW ON ANOGEISSUS PENDULA: AN IMPORTANT SPECIES OF ARID ZONE

Anogeissus pendula is a multipurpose tree species with immense ethno-ecological importance. The tree has ecological significance for the Aravallis and other hilly areas of the country. The tree of Anogeissus pendula is socially acceptable and economically viable to the farming community. It is valued for timber and regarded as the third toughest timber in the world. Also used as a source of fuel wood, fodder and gum. However, Anogeissus pendula has some constraint also such as seed germination capacity and seedling growth is very slow. Due to its very slow growing nature it forms bushy appearance which reduces the value of the timber. Alternatively, attempts have been made to propagate this tree through in vitro approaches. In this communication, we emphasize the research progress made with respect to Anogeissus pendula on various aspects, and suggest some future directions of research.