Buchanania lanzan Spreng (Chironji): An endangered socio-economic forest tree species of Central India

Buchanania lanzan Spreng (Chironji), is a member of the family Anacardiaceae. It exhibits an extensive therapeutic profile which has proven to be a socio-economic boon to the tribal community. Plant parts such as leaves, seeds, bark, and kernels have been shown to retain a variety of metabolites with great potential. Presently, B. lanzan is grouped as non-nationalized minor forest produce and widely distributed in the forest regions. Indiscriminate and improper harvesting, climate change, large-scale urbanization and developmental activities, lead to a very severe threat of its existence. It has been classified as a red-listed medicinal plant species of Indian origin, necessitating a comprehensive conservation strategy, as reported by many organisations. The major problem in the reforestation or domestication of this species is the low percentage of seed germination due to hard seed coats, recalcitrant in nature