Gyrinops walla
Gyrinops walla[2] is a species of plant in the family Thymelaeaceae. It was described by Joseph Gaertner. The tree grows up to 15 m high. Its bark is thin and brownish-grey color. Leaves are 1–6 mm long and yellowish-white flower's pedicels are 3–4 mm long.[3]
Gyrinops walla | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malvales |
Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
Genus: | Gyrinops |
Species: | G. walla |
Binomial name | |
Gyrinops walla | |
Synonyms | |
Aquilaria walla H.Hallier |
Gyrinops walla is found in wet zone of Sri Lanka and very rarely in southwest India. It is harvested for agarwood and agarwood resin.[4] The tree has commercial value that resulted to smuggling. In Sri Lanka, it is known as "Walla patta".[5] Due to the demand of the tree, Sadaharitha Plantations Limited released a study on growing Gyrinops walla in home gardens. Some organizations conducted the research with the support of the Sri Lankan government.[6]
Gyrinops walla has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, due to its harvesting for agarwood. The species does occur in one protected area of Sri Lanka: Sinharaja Forest Reserve.[1]
References
- Oldfield, S. & Ediriweera, S. (2022). "Gyrinops walla". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T173914536A173914568. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
- Gaertn., 1791 In: Fruct. 2: 276. I. 140
- "Gyrinops walla". Retrieved 21 February 2016.
- "Agarwood resin production and resin quality of Gyrinops walla Gaertn". Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- "Walla patta (Gyrinops walla): The tree to preserve". Department of Wildlife Conservation. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- "Walla Patta Receives New Lease Of Life". The Sunday Leader. Retrieved 26 February 2016.