Medicinal plant genetic resources of Bangladesh – genera represented by single species and their conservation needs

Abstract

Medicinal plant genetic resources are one of the most important elements of biodiversity which support life system on earth. A total of 280 genera of 88 families of medicinal plants are represented by single species in the flora of Bangladesh. Among the genera represented by single species, 45 families are represented only by single genus; 22 genera are monotypic, represented by only the “type species”. Hitherto, 19 taxa are threatened as per IUCN Red list category; 31 taxa are classified as either near threatened or conservation dependent. Although 65 taxa are not evaluated (NE), has not yet been assessed against the IUCN Red list criteria, 15 taxa within the NE category have been found rare or very rare and/or already extinct from the wild. Therefore, proper attention should be given to conserve these medicinal plant genetic resources of Bangladesh for the welfare of human being and animal health.