Makali Beru (Decalepis Hamiltonii) is an endemic keystone species that grows in the rocky outcrop of Bannerghatta National Park. Actually, the species is endemic to peninsular India and is present in the dry and moist deciduous forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. It is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ by International Union of Conservation by Nature (IUCN) with a decreasing population trend.
The medicinal roots (meaning ‘Beru’ in Kannada) are in high demand in the pickle industry. The roots are dug up before they reach reproductive maturity and has resulted in gradual decline of natural occurrence in the forests.
“Bangaloreans have extracted thousands of tonnes of Makali Beru for pickle and medicinal use” says Dr A.N Yellappa Reddy. The soft, pulpy roots penetrate vertically to about 22 to 30 feet and laterally to about 30 to 80 feet, boring the rock underneath. This paves way for rainwater to travel deep down into the underground aquifers. Besides the roots are food for wildlife. Over-exploitation of the plant has damaged the ecology and is changing the hydrology of the park. The relationship between the Lithosphere (rock), Hydrosphere(water) and Biosphere (terrestrial ecosystem i.e the tree, wildlife), has been continuously eroding due to human activities.
BET has raised more than 50,000 saplings, which has been distributed for planting around Makali Betta, Makl Durga and Bannerghatta National Forest.
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