Chlorophytum borivilianum
CR

Chlorophytum borivilianum

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophytum_borivilianum

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Chlorophytum borivilianum faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive commercial harvesting for its medicinal tubers, which are highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern pharmaceutical applications. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urbanization across its native range in western India has further fragmented remaining populations. Overexploitation combined with the species' slow reproductive rate and specific soil requirements has pushed this endemic herb to the brink of extinction in the wild.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic herb occurs in dry deciduous forests and grasslands of western India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat states. It thrives in well-drained, rocky soils with specific moisture and nutrient conditions typical of semi-arid tropical ecosystems.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area managementPolicies and regulationsLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chlorophytum borivilianum classified as Critically Endangered?
Chlorophytum borivilianum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Chlorophytum borivilianum faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive commercial harvesting for its medicinal tubers, which are highly valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern pharmaceutical applications. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urbanization across its native range in western India has further fragmented remaining populations. Overexploitation combined with the species' slow reproductive rate and specific soil requirements has pushed this endemic herb to the brink of extinction in the wild.
Where does Chlorophytum borivilianum live?
Chlorophytum borivilianum occurs in India, Pakistan, and Svalbard & Jan Mayen. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chlorophytum borivilianum?
The main threats to Chlorophytum borivilianum are 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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