Why in the news?

Forest Department officials’ examination of an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park has showcased its remarkable water storage capability.
This discovery sheds light on the indigenous knowledge shared by the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the tree’s unique attributes.

Konda Reddi Tribe

The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Godavari riverbanks and the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm with some exceptions.
The Konda Reddis are primarily Hindus with folk customs, which involves local traditions and worship of community-level deities.
They have their own social control institution called ‘Kula Panchayat’.
Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose role is hereditary.
Their primary occupation is shifting cultivation, relying on forest flora and fauna for sustenance.
Jowar cultivation is prevalent, serving as their staple food.
They collect and sell non-timber forest products like tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks to supplement their income.

Papikonda NP is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
It was established as a national park in the year 2008.
It is characterized by hilly landscapes, dense moist deciduous forest.
The presence of the Godavari River cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.

	Description
Scientific Name	Terminalia tomentosa
Common Names	Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree
Habitat	Found in Deciduous forests
Bark	Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February)
Water Storage Ability	Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem
Water Storage Mechanism	Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence
Water Collection	4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing
Traditional Use	Used by tribal communities, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, as a water source during dry seasons
Adaptability	Thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought

2015:

In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

(b) Tropical rain forest

(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

The Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa) recently seen in news is famous for its:

(a) Ability to store water in its trunk

(b) Therapeutic use in the treatment of Cancer

(d) Pulp for paper industry