Abstract

The Western Ghats are the abode of 22 species (23 taxa. including 1 variety) of the genus Dalbergia L.f. Since, only 25 species of Dalbergia have been recorded in India, this region with 23 taxa is the largest habitat of the genus in the country. Within the Western Ghats region, Dalbergia species occur almost throughout from the evergreen forests in the mountain peaks to the mangrove formations along the 'Malabar'sea coast. The genus is economically very important for its two rosewood species. Dalbergia latifolia Roxb., distributed in South-east Asia and D. sissoides Grah ex Wt et Am. endemic to the Western Ghats. Excessive exploitation and habitat disturbances have endangered many species some of which are endemic to the region. It is therefore essential to conserve the genetic diversity of the genus in the Western Ghats region so as to tap it for future ecodevelopment programmes including genetic upgrading of the useful species