Indian Journal of Ecology

Dalbergia lanceolaria is an underutilised tree species having anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties being used in the ayurvedic system. The present study is framed to study the community structure of the species in the Northern western ghats region by laying out 20m × 20m plots in the identified patches of D. lanceolaria and regeneration pattern was studied by plotting 1m × 1m plots around the selected trees. D. lanceolaria occupied the upper storey of the deciduous forests, the close associates for the species were found to be Tectona grandis , Terminalia tomentosa, Madhuca longifolia and Garuga pinnata in the study area. Most of D. lanceolaria's population was concentrated in the vicinity of streamlets or other water sources. The population showed a negatively skewed distribution of individuals, with maximum individuals in the 160-190 cm girth class while not even a single pole-stage individual was recorded. D. lanceolaria was observed regenerating by root suckers like other Dalbergia species. Its regeneration was observed to be more near the base and reduced later without any pattern. The study reveals threat to D. lanceolaria survivability in the future hence urgent attention should be paid towards the protection of natural regeneration and creating awareness among the local people.