Aralia malabarica
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Aralia malabarica faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across the Western Ghats, where its specialized montane forest habitat is being converted for agriculture and development. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted range and slow growth rate, making population recovery difficult once local populations are lost. Over-collection for traditional medicinal uses has further reduced wild populations, especially in accessible areas near human settlements.
Habitat
Aralia malabarica is endemic to the montane evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in southern India, typically occurring at elevations between 1,000-2,000 meters. The species thrives in moist, shaded understory environments with rich, well-drained soils characteristic of these biodiversity hotspot forests.